Page 105 of Family Bonds- Emma & Warren

That she put her blood, sweat, and tears into her characters. They lived in her head and controlled her every moment while she wrote their worlds and gave them the life she felt they deserved and that her readers would enjoy.

People weren’t perfect and neither were her characters, but it amazed her how many people felt her characters shouldn’t be flawed.

At least from reviews she read of some of her titles.

“Just like life,” Roark said. “I’m sure things will slow down in a few weeks. Are you going to go to all his games?”

“No,” she said. “He doesn’t need that distraction, and I don’t want him spending the money for the suite all the time. Nor do I want to sit in the stands either.”

“I’m sure money isn’t the reason,” Roark said. “You could pay for it.”

“I could and I will. We’ll get another one when you and Dad can go. Maybe Mom too, but I’d like to do that before her announcement. Then it will be a zoo.”

“That’s what you’re worried about, aren’t you?” Roark asked. “That Mom’s announcement is going to be big news and get tied to Warren?”

“Yes,” she said. “You and I always knew this day could come. We’ve been telling her for a long time. Even our family will be prepared for it, but no one is going to mind much.”

“No,” Roark said. “For anyone other than Mom and you, it will blow by fast.”

Her shoulders dropped. “I know. I’m going to be known as Steve Spencer’s daughter now.”

“Will you stop laughing? You areherdaughter.”

“I know,” she said, giggling. “I’m looking forward to it just for the reaction of the world. Which is an exaggeration.”

“No,” Roark said. “It’s not really. Mom is one of the top-selling authors in the world. She’s had several movies and a few mini-series done on her books.”

Most of the movies and TV shows were on older books, not necessarily ones released in the past few years.

Things took time and audiences and sales were always gauged first.

“She is,” Emma said. “Maybe I’m a little anxious about it all. I can hide here, but what if people find out where I am? I’ve got my address listed as Boston for my readers.”

She had a PO box there at the docks. She’d never want anyone to know where she lived or that she was on the island even though it was common knowledge of her family background.

“If you’re worried for your safety then we’ve got to do something about that,” Roark said. “More than just your security alarms.”

“I’m not,” she said. “I’m more worried about my peace of mind. I don’t like people.”

“You can’t have it both ways,” Roark said. “Not when you’re dating Warren.”

“Sometimes reality bites,” she said, crossing her arms and pouting.

“Get over yourself,” her brother said. “Just laugh to the bank like you told dickhead Hayden you did.”

“It’s easy for you to say,” she said. “I don’t want anyone to think Warren is being used for that.”

Roark’s jaw dropped. “Emma. Come on. No one will think that. You’re very successful. You’ve never doubted yourself like this.”

“Yes,” she said. “I have. When my first book was published and I worried it’d flop.”

“It didn’t and you’re still going strong,” Roark said. “It’s no different than me at my first trial. Everyone feels those things.”

“I’m having a pity party and I shouldn’t be. Maybe I’m just hormonal.”

Roark rolled his eyes. “I’ll ignore that statement.”

She laughed. She always said that to him when she wanted to be left alone.