Page 72

“And Ariana knows when we don’t?”
I put my hands in the air. “Hey, I told him to tell you.” I bite my bottom lip. “I mean, if that’s what he’s going to tell you.”
“It is. And she’s the reason I’m telling you now. She made some pretty good points.” He takes a breath. “I’m a published author.”
“What are you talking about?” Kaison’s dad slides back into the seat he’d been sitting in. “You wrote a book and never told us?” I can see the hurt crossing his features, but then he smiles. “Well, that’s beside the point,” Mr. Keith says. “Do you have a copy? I’d like to see it for myself.”
“Yes”—Kaison unzips his laptop bag and pulls out a paperback copy of the book I’d just finished. “This is my top selling book.”
“You mean, you’ve written more than one?” his voice sounds incredulous.
“Well… yes.”
I’ve looked him up. He’s written twenty books.
He hands the book to his dad, and Mr. Keith’s brow furrows. “This can’t be it.”
“I can assure you, it is,” Kaison says.
“But, no. I’ve read this book,” Mr. Kaison goes on. “I read it on the trip I took with your mom last summer to the island we were looking at buying.”
“You’ve read it?” I ask. “It’s good, isn’t it?”
“I read the entire series. It hooked me from the first page, and I had to read everything the author wrote.” He points to his son in disbelief. “That was you? You’re David Edwardson?”
“Yes, sir. That’s my penname.”
His dad shakes his head. “I even got your mom to read them, too. All along, we had no idea it was our son.” His brow furrows for a moment like he’s thought of something. “Wait a second. That dish you describe with the apples and onions fried in butter. That’s what Lidia cooks for us from time to time.”
Kaison chuckles. “Yeah.”
“I thought that was a little strange. I’ve never talked to anyone else who’s tried apples and onions together.” He shakes his head. “I can’t believe it. How could you have hidden something like this from us? You’re incredibly famous!”
“I’m sorry, Dad. I’ve been so overshadowed by our family success. I felt like I needed to prove to myself that I can make a name for myself without riding on our family coattails.”
“Well, you’ve certainly done that.”
“I stuck to a small budget. I haven’t wanted anyone to think I bought my success.”
“No, no. Your writing speaks for itself. It’s very, very good. You know it is when your mom picks up something that isn’t a romance and then reads the entire series.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I’m a romance writer too, and I loved his first book. I only just finished it, and I keep thinking about it. What’s that called again?” I think for a minute. “A book hangover?”
Kaison laughs. “Yeah, I’ve heard that term before. I think a few people have mentioned that in their reviews.”
“So what’s your next step? Your series is finished, right?” Mr. Keith asks.
“Yeah, I’m hoping to hit a bestseller list with this next book I’m writing. It’s not easy to do, so I’m putting my all into it.”
“Well, that’s just great. I’m so proud of you, son. I only wish you’d told us earlier. Do you need us to keep it a secret, or can I tell your mom? You know she won’t keep it quiet.”
I laugh. “Isn’t that the truth. She’s going to want to post all about it on social media.”
“You know my wife well,” Mr. Keith says. He turns to Kaison. “So how do you feel about us telling people?”
“I never thought I’d say this, but I’m finally ready to go public. I think I’m over the idea of having to prove myself. I’ve learned by having Ariana in my life that I’m great just as I am without proving my worth to the world. It’s quite the freeing feeling.”
Mr. Keith’s smile is wide and proud, and he stands, pulling Kaison into a hug. “You are worth more than you know. I can see it, and it looks like Ariana sees it, too.”