Untitled chapter
One
“Another successful book signing I would say,” Eon said coming to stand next to me as we watched Ivan continue to take pictures with the book cover and all the amazing fans of the series that turned out.
“The only hitch is the same one I say at every book signing, I wish we had got a different character cover actor.” I said watching him play up for the cameras and people and tell them how he was the main man in the stories and all the ideas had to be approved by him.
“Not our fault Charlie, the author, you know him, wanted to stay anonymous and we had to have someone for the publicity draws so who better than an actor with a good looking face?” Eon countered.
“I just wish it had been a different actor now,” I said watching him in between two women and getting a little handsy as he did so.
“Well if it was up to me the Author would be doing his own book signing’s.”
“We’ve been through this. The author is a three max. Ivan, while a total asshole, is still a solid nine and that’s what fuels the fantasy for most of those here today. I hate to say it, but we need the jerk.”
“Well, I need to get back to the office. The holidays are coming and we have a lot to do.” Eon said reaching out and shaking my hand before he left. “Try not to let him get to you,” he said walking away after that.
“Fat chance,” I mumbled taking another box of the books over to the table for purchase. The hardcover signing was going well but it always did in the city and it looked like we had another best seller on our hands. I was excited about that. I just wasn’t excited with putting up with Ivan’s growing ego.
“Assistant man, come take a picture.” He called to me.
I smiled and walked over so I could take the camera from a young lady who laughed as she got into the picture so Ivan’s arms were now wrapped around three women. I took the picture quickly and walked back over to set up more books for purchase.
We finally got a lull about a half hour later and I was sent on a food run. Ivan had very specific tastes. I got his sushi for him and I grabbed a burger and headed back to the book store on Third Street and walked in to see Ivan being bombarded with questions. He looked frazzled and I was tempted to let him sink, the pompous ass, but it wouldn’t be good for the series so I quickly walked over.
“Excuse me folks, I have Mr. Shemeskov’s meal. While he eats I will be happy to answer any questions.” I announced to the growing mob.
“Yeah, Charlie is writing assistant and reader, he help you.” Ivan said grabbing his bag of food and heading to the back as quickly as possible.
“Why did it take so long for Kim and Mike to get together, we knew it was going to happen?” One lady asked.
“We as readers could see it, but as the leads in the story they fought against it. She didn’t think she was good enough for him and his fine good looks, and he didn’t think she would be interested in a man with no future. They had to work through their own insecurities to come together and blossom.” I responded.
“When is the next book coming out from B.T.?”
I loved how the fans thought they were on a first name basis with the author. Obviously he had never met any of these people before so I smiled as I answered knowing they would not exactly be happy with what I said.
“The author has decided to take a break and concentrate on a new series. Once he gets the first book done he has promised to go back and continue the next book in this series but he wanted to try a different angle, and we are all looking forward to it.”
“Who are you and what do you do?” A man asked skeptically.
“My name is Charlie Shaughnessy, I am an editorial assistant and have published a few short stories myself, so I understand the nuances of the finer writing that B.T. tries to use. I have been employed or worked through Sonleitner Publishing now pushing ten years and am familiar with most if not all the staff and ownership.”
No one really seemed to care about my resume as they were still waiting for Ivan to come back but the man who asked quickly scanned his phone. He must have found what he was looking for because he seemed upset and walked out of the building without buying a book.
We continued the question and answer portion to the point people were asking the same questions over and over. I knew it was time to get Ivan back out here. He had been gone too long as it was and I went looking for him to get the day finished up.
I found him. I found him alright. He was in a backroom with one of the girls that worked at the book store. I grabbed my phone and quickly began taking pictures. He jumped like he was on fire. “You might as well finish, I have everything I need and I already sent them out.”
I left him still fumbling with his clothes. He came out a little later and we didn’t speak the rest of the day. We got through the rest of the book signing and I helped the store manager stock the remaining books she wanted and loaded the rest in the company van for the warehouse. Ivan didn’t help with that, he never did, so when he came around the corner I had a feeling it wasn’t for anything good.
“You think you smart but you not.” He said slipping back into his rough dialog. English wasn’t his first language but it was impressive how well he did with it. “Book publisher man needs me. I sell the books, not you.”
“True, but book publisher man doesn’t need lawsuits either.” I said still stocking the van. “You can talk to him. He is the one I sent the pictures to. Good bye Ivan,” I said slamming the back of the van door.
I jumped in and started the engine and headed for the office. I wasn’t in the mood to continue our little charade of friendship anymore. I really didn’t care what Eon did, but I did care if he tarnished the name of B.T. Reddy.
