Chapter 1
CHAPTER WRITTEN BY NIMARIE:
I grab my overpriced latte before placing the tip in the jar.
“Thanks, Gary!” I yell over my shoulder at the barista and run out the door.
Coffee is the only thing that keeps me going. Most think that my body will forcibly make me rest, but until that day comes, I will continue working nights at the club, some mornings at the library, weekends at a clothing store, and any free moment, writing my books. Yes, I’m an author, who thought I would get somewhere by now, but no, here I am, still needing three jobs to survive in New York.
Whatever. Enough about my sad single life. Yeah, I didn’t forget to mention that I was still single, I decided to omit that depressing truth. I mean, who wants to admit to be 30 years old and dickless. Not me, that’s for sure.
I run up the stairs to my apartment wanna be penthouse. I prefer the stairs since the elevator is past due from crashing down from how old and beat up it is and I am not going to be on that death list when it decides to finally fall.
I push my key into the door knob before accidentally spilling some of my latte on my shirt. “Fūck my life.” I sigh, deciding to ignore the stain on the shirt and push my door fully open.
I walk inside of my apartment, kicking the door closed only for it to open up again with pressure. “Jesus!” I yelp, spilling more latte on my shirt.
“I think the coffee is meant to drink not whatever you have going on there.” My roommate laughs, pointing at my shirt.
“Bītch.” I mutter before turning to my desk and placing the latte on it. “Why are you here so early?” I ask her over my shoulder as I turned on my laptop.
“Covid outbreak at work again.” She shrugs, handing me a donut.
“We really need to get in shape pronto.” I comment as I take a bite of the glazed donut, making her laugh.
“Maybe Monday.” She replies before throwing herself on the couch. “So? Are we rich yet?”
“I have told you a million times that once I get through to my editor, maybe I’ll have my chance at being the next best selling author.” I mumble as I click on my email. “And still no emails from her.” I pout, shoving the rest of my donut into my mouth before licking my fingers. “She really hates me.”
“What happened this time?” Christina asks me, making me turn to her.
“She said that I should consider reading popular stories on the app if I wanted to get famous.” I shrug, making Christina sit up on her elbows.
“Oh no that bītch didn’t!” She glares as I roll my eyes in return.
“Why are you still surprised? You know how she is.” I sigh, reaching for my latte. “Maybe being original isn’t worth it.”
“Oh no you don’t!” Christina yells, standing up and walking over to me. “Your stories are great!”
“You haven’t read them.” I interject, making her laugh.
“Well, I didn’t finish high school because I couldn’t read for shīt, but I’m here for the moral support.” She says as she shakes my shoulders. “Why don’t you move your books over to that Badnovel app?
“Same shīt, different country.” I mumble. “And I’m under an exclusive contract.”
“Well, I’ll be damned. You are fūcked.” She says, making me gasp. “I’m just kidding.” She says, rolling her eyes.
“I really hate you.” I declare.
“You always say that.” She laughs, releasing my shoulders. “Where is this lady at?”
“China.” I inform her, making her smirk back.
“Oh no. I know that look.” I say with wide eyes.
“You always think the worse, Letrace.” She rolls her eyes. “But you may want to sit when you hear the new idea running through this head of mine.”
“I am sitting.” I groan, pointing at my chair.
“How about I get you a ticket to China—Let’s say Thursday?” She asks me, wiggling her brows.
