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I imagine they somehow leave the rights with family members who, in turn, use them for further

income."

"As long as the book isgood, I don't mind. Some aren't. This one is."

Alec grabbed a couple of candy bars and put them on the counter. Buddy began bagging his

purchases as they spoke.

"Well, that's the important thing," Alec said. "And if you like the ghostwriter, you could always research his name. Then, you could lookhimup and see what else he's written."

Buddy stopped bagging and looked at Alec, wide-eyed. "Gee, I hadn't thought of that. I'll have to do that next time I'm at the library."

When Buddy finished, he handed the slip over for Alec to sign. Alec pushed it back to him.

"Total me up, Buddy. I'm settling."

"You're not leaving are, you?" Buddy asked, his disappointment apparent.

"No," said Alec. "But you're a small business in the off-season. You need to generate income every bit as much as a dead author."

"Thank, you kind sir, for being so observant."

"My ab-so-lute pleasure." Alec gave him a big grin.

"OK, I'll bite. What's got you so happy?"

Alec, who would normallyneverjinx a project by talking about it, opened up: "I had a great day writing today. First, since I've been here. Finally, the dam has burst… and, Buddy, I am so grateful."

"That's good to hear. Why do you think today made a difference?"

"I let go of an anchor …chucked the idea I had when I came here and started writing something else."

"Is it any good?"

"Yeah. I think so."

"Would I like it?"

"Maybe. It's fiction. Not espionage, or a thriller like Sanford or Ludlum… more along the lines of—"

He found it difficult to say the word. Buddy stared, waiting.

"—romance," Alec concluded, blushing a little.

Buddy didn't miss a beat. "Nothing wrong with that. There's lots of them out there. Someone has to write them. I've picked up Nicholas Sparks a time or two."

"Well, then maybe youwilllike it. It might be a little racier though, and— " he added. "—it's about men."

Alec waited for a reproachful look and received none. If anything, Buddy looked slightly taken

aback that Alec would think less of him. "I can handle it, Alec. I readBrokeback Mountain, you know."

"Of course you have. You never cease to surprise me, Buddy. It won't be as tragic Ms. Proulx

though. I prefer a happy ending."

"Nothing wrong with that. If you don't mind me saying, Alec… you should write what makes you