Only the clatter of the fork could be heard when Callea dropped it on the saucer. She didn't answer right away and kept on eating. She drank the juice while she observed the expectation in her boss' eyes as he watched her. "I am afraid it is a no, boss."
"But many fans are looking for you. These are loyal followers, Callea. You know, engagement is a big deal nowadays. They are hungry for your presence. I am sure your sales will go up the roof once you attend the event."
Her lips pressed together. They already agreed to maintain her air of mystery. But her boss wanted her to join the bandwagon that writers must engage with readers either online or in person. "I want to remain incognito. I am sorry, boss."
She bowed her head and she watched as her hand trembled on her lap. She didn't want to face people. She didn't know how to face tons of people without being afraid. In a book signing, she must look normal and interact like a normal person. She heard stories of how her boss makeover his writers to look the celebrity part. It means showing her face to the public. Looking pretty again.
No way. She won't do that anymore.
He smiled sadly. "You can't blame a man for trying. I hope you will think about it, Callea. This incognito is starting to get old. Without engagement or presence in public, it would be a matter of time before your readers look for someone with a reachable branding. Someone they could talk to. Someone…. real."
Her head was still bowed down until Mattheu said his goodbyes. Marina showed her out. She didn't know who long she had been looking at her shaking hands while pondering the prospect of meeting people and her career on the line.
Where was her sense of gratitude to those people who appreciated her? Maybe if she was a normal person, she could attend that event. A part of her wanted to. But how would she do that if she was scared?
She heard footsteps and it stopped in front of her. "Who is that? Is that your suitor?"
She lifted her head and Deive was standing in front of her. He arrived from her Kuya Torque's farm. His skin looked beet red from staying from the sun. His face looked thunderous. "Ha?" she asked when she didn't get what he was saying at first.
"Who is that guy who just left in his flashy SUV? Is he your suitor?" he sneered. "What is his business coming here in his suit. Is he the one who brought the cake?" And he looked at the cake as if it was a gift from the devil.
He thought her boss was an admirer and his face was fifty shades of jealousy. She couldn't blame him because her boss was really dashing. He had a nice physique and almost as tall as Deive. He was successful and oozing with confidence even if he was only in his early thirties. And he was also a member of the exclusive Stallion Island Riding and Leisure Club that only the elites could join.
And Deive might revolt once he learned about her boss' portfolio. He might divert his jealousy on her precious cake. She didn't want to it go to waste.
"He's my publisher. He wants me to attend the book signing."
He calmed down and sat beside her. "Ah, I see. When is it?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "I am not interested. I am not going."
"That's too bad. Sidney showed me your Facebook page and blog reviews of your stories. Fans are clamoring for you. I mean, it is okay that you have this mysterious aura. But you know, you missed several book signings. Even a solo book signing would be fine for them. I am sure they will be happy if you will personally sign your books and you will get to talk to them. They really love you. If you will show up at the book signing, you can personally thank them. Can't you do it for your fans?"
She whined and closed her eyes. "Deive, you know I am not used to interacting with people especially to strangers."
"Why don't you try?"
She opened her eyes. "No. I don't want to be with a lot of people. I feel bare and vulnerable." She shooked her head and stood up. "I won't go. They should be satisfied to see my works. That's all I can share with them."
When she met Deieve's eyes, there was a challenge there. In the end, he just sighed. "Okay. I won't force you if you don't want to." He pecks a kiss on her forehead. "What else food did your publisher bring?"
She just smiled and called for Marina. But she didn't miss the sadness in Deive's eyes. Maybe he was frustrated that she wanted to hide from the world. She hoped that he would be patient with her and won't let her go.