With the first draft of the book complete, she took a couple of days off to gather her strength for the first round of editing. She spent some time walking around her property enjoying the peace and beauty nature provided. As she walked under the trees she realized that while she needed the publicity of a traditional publisher to get this book noticed, she didn't have the time. She knew she was going to have to put some thought into how she could get this book out to those that needed its message most. With a sigh she pushed off the trunk of the tree and headed back indoors to begin editing.
While the editing of the book didn't take as long as writing it did, it was just as painful. The emotional toll was nearly devastating. The nightmares that started after Nikki left still haunted her and became worse as time went on, causing her to get little sleep. She worked on the book all hours of the day and night until it was finally complete. She self-published, and ordered several copies of the book.
After hitting the submit button, Alex sat back with a sigh. Not allowing herself time to relax, she reached for the computer and began to look up the names of some people from her past that just might be able to help her get the book noticed.
Chapter Fourteen
Alex returned home from her trip to Hollywood, after filming several interviews, and was disappointed to find she still had no messages from Nikki. 'Face it, Alex. She's not coming back,' she thought as she placed her suitcase on the bed and began to unpack. Once the small case was empty, she reached for the phone, and couldn't help but smile when Emily answered.
"Hey, Alex. How's it going?"
"Great, Em. How about you?"
"I'm just wonderful. It's good to finally hear from you. It's been a long time," Emily said.
"Yes, it has. How would you guys like to get an early dinner at The Bluffs about five? I really need to see you." After working out the details, Alex hung up the phone. She looked around her bedroom and realized again how empty it was without Nikki. Everywhere she looked she saw something that reminded her of what she lost. Shrugging off her despair, she headed for the shower to clean off the residue of her travels before meeting her friends for dinner.
She pulled up in front of The Bluffs, placed a copy of her book in her purse, and climbed out of the car. She took a ticket from the valet, and walked into the restaurant. She turned when she heard her name, and saw Sarah waving at her from the bar. She gave them both a quick hug before ordering a diet coke. "So, what's the occasion?" Emily asked as she waved her hand around the opulent bar.
Alex smiled and shook her head. "I'm not allowed to invite a couple of friends out to dinner?"
"Not to a place like this, unless it is a special occasion. So what gives?" Emily wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Are you getting hitched to that chick we met the night you gave me the boot or what?" Sarah saw Alex flinch at Emily's words and squeezed her knee under the table.
She looked down at her drink for a moment as she tried to control the sudden surge of emotions Emily's comment caused. "No, nothing that exciting I'm afraid." She pulled her book from her purse and pushed it across the table. "I just wanted you to hear it from me first. This will be hitting the stores in a couple of days."
Emily looked at the book and smiled. "Good for you, but what's the big deal?"
"There are things in there that I never told you, and I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me." As a loud group of people walked in, laughter caught Alex's attention. She looked towards the door and saw Nikki walk in with her arm around a pretty redhead, laughing at something the woman had said. She watched as Nikki leaned over and whispered in the woman's ear, causing her to blush.
"Hey Alex, isn't that…" Emily's voice trailed off as she saw the look of anguish on her friend's face.
Alex quickly looked away before she was caught staring. She cleared her throat and swallowed, trying to keep from choking on her emotions. "As I said, I'm sorry I never told you, and I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me." She pulled out her wallet and placed two one hundred dollar bills on the table. "Please stay and enjoy your dinner. I've got to go. I've suddenly lost my appetite." She stood and looked down at Emily and said, "I'll be doing a lot of traveling in the coming months, and will be unreachable. If you need me, send me an email." She took a step towards the door, stopped, and turned back, her pain clearly visible. "I love you both and always will. Thank you for everything." Before they could respond, she was gone.
The next couple of days were a whirlwind of activity. Alex met with her lawyer several times as she made arrangements and finalized paperwork. She sat down with Maria and Ilario and explained that she was leaving, and asked them to keep an eye on the house. She refused to tell them where she was going, just that she was leaving and didn't know when, or if, she'd return but promised to keep in touch. She called Kelly and told her that she would be on the road and could only be reached by email. She sent a copy of her book to Kelly and Natalie with a letter apologizing for not giving
