CHAPTER 5

Raquel’s POV

"Hey, what the hell happened here?" Claire stated

"What the hell?!" I yelled startled at her.

"Sorry. Are you okay?" Claire started laughing at me. “You looked like you’ve seen a ghost. You look awful by the way.”

"I was so consumed with writing that I didn't realize you guys were here." I smiled seeing Claire with her boyfriend, James. "Hey, James."

"Hey, darling. Are we expecting another best seller?" James teased me. 

"Looks like you are in need of a shower. When the hell was the last time you even did that?" Claire glared at me.

"I have no idea. And as I was saying I was too focused on my book that I might have zoned out and forgotten time." I replied.

"You do realize that that is not healthy. Your place is a mess. You should fix yourself and I'll call a housekeeper to clean up." Claire offered,

"You don't have to. I am going to call my housekeeper later. Besides, I am actually stuck on how to end my book so I don't want anyone touching my notes." I admitted. “Everything is right where I need them to be.

"Well, you always end your stories with the leads ending up together." James pointed out. “What is so difficult with this ending?”

"I know. I just want to do something different with this book. What if the ending would be different compared with my other novels? I am thinking of giving the readers the choice of how the story ends. Like ending it with a total cliffhanger." 

"Well, you are the writer you can do whatever you want. But if this novel ends similarly with your first book that raise all kind of interest then you are on the right track. I mean, I am your agent and I would say that would that would increase your audience and fan base. However, you should really consider getting an editor to help you if you feel stuck." Claire replied.

"I worked with editors for my first three books and you know that I rather do things on my own after just arguing with them." I admitted. 

"Well, get ready and let's eat out. Don't tell me that you have been here since the press conference?" Claire looked at me frustrated.

"You know me to well." I replied laughing. "I am just going to shower and please don't touch my notes."

I am an old soul despite having my laptop to type my stories I still have my notebooks where I write my drafts and also my journal. So my living room has scattered papers on the floor, table and sofa. I went out with Claire and James and we went to the restaurant we regularly go to.

"Are you really serious to have this novel be your last?" Claire asked as we were eating.

"I want to try a different genre. I mean, I am a romance novelist and I want to be more than that. I did study to be a writer and I want to write something else." 

"What are you planning to be a journalist or something?"

"I don't know yet but I want to branch out. I am thinking of considering my writing methods and be known for more than just writing cheesy romance novels."

"Well, not all of them were cheesy. Some were very dramatic and it shows love conquers all." Claire smiled sweetly.

"Does it? I am having doubts regarding that." I replied.

"You need to go on a blind date with my buddy. He was my roommate back in law school and he is moving back here. He can use someone to be with." 

"James, I hate blind dates and if he is such a great guy why is he still single?"

"For someone who writes about love you are so fucking stubborn. You need a boyfriend or even just fucking get laid. How can you write graphically vivid sex scenes when you aren't getting any?" Claire pointed out.

"Porn..." I replied seriously. "It's can easily be accessed."

"You need someone to make you happy, someone who makes you special." Claire insisted.

"You already do that. I am just not interested to meet someone right now. I am all good for now. I don’t need a boyfriend to complicate my life." 

"Fine. Anyways, let’s talk about business. I have the list of the publications we can check and we can visit them tomorrow. I already set up the meetings."

"Great." 

"I also drafted the NDA for the publication that you'll choose. I mean, they would have to agree that they keep your real identity a secret which is really stupid. Don't you want the world to know that it's you Raquel. That you are Cassandra Ellis the bestselling author."

"James, thank you. I hope that everything would turn out well tomorrow. I need this final book published soon." I smiled at him sweetly. 

"Well, you need to make up your mind about the ending then." Claire reminded. "I don't think any publications would like to print an unfinished book."

"I already have the idea of what I can do. I just need a little push. A little motivation as per say." I exclaimed and we all laughed.

I spend the entire afternoon cleaning up the mess in my living room. I can call someone to clean up but I wanted to keep myself busy. I was stuck in reminiscing my life with Sacha. He was gone for several days after we first had sex. I remembered trying to be positive the first few days but on the fourth day he was gone I found myself crying myself to sleep. I blamed myself for being inexperienced that might have drove him away. I remembered that he gave me pleasure and perhaps I didn't give him pleasure. Maybe I suck in bed. I was really upset and I didn't have the same drive in me. I felt lazy going to school and going to my part time job. I felt lost without him.

"Honey, are you okay? You seem off lately." My mom asked.

"Just have a lot of stuff to do at school. It's our graduation in a few weeks so I have so many projects and papers to submit."

"I see don't stress yourself too much. By the way I haven't been seeing Sacha for a week now. Did he tell you anything? I wanted to talk to him but I couldn't get in touch with him." My mom stated.

"I don't know. I haven't seen him as well." I replied. "Maybe he is just busy."

"Probably. I found someone who can help him look for a house. He said he wanted to buy a house." 

"Oh, so he plans to leave." I tried to ask surprise even though I already knew his plans.

"Yes, but he said he wanted somewhere close. I am going to miss him. He is such a nice guy." My mom said as she was getting ready to leave. "Get the door honey." She ordered when we heard a knock.

"Oh, it's you." I stared at Sacha when I saw him after I opened the door.

"Hey, kid, I hope I am not interrupting anything. I just got back and I need my keys." He replied. 

"Your keys?" I glared at him.

"Who is it honey?" My mom asked.

"Hello, Margie." Sacha walked past me and entered our apartment. "I missed you. I had to be out of town for work and things got a bit out of hand. We partied more than we should." He laughed with my mom while they were in a tight embrace.

"I found a realtor who can help you with finding a new house. I can give you her number or would you like me to give your number to her?" My mom responded. 

"Whatever is easier for you. I am really beat. I have just got back from the very exhausting party week of my life." He said smiling.

"I have to go. Honey, why don't you give Sacha something to eat or drink. He looks like he can use it." 

"Sure, thing mom." She kissed me before heading out.