Excerpt from NaNoWriMo

“This has been wonderful,” Gracie sighed as she leaned back against the slick leather of the booth. She dabbed at her mouth with a napkin and stared across the table. Graham nodded in agreement, his eyes shining with purpose.

“It has been. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better these past few months.”

“So have I,” She reciprocated cheerfully.

“Then, will you go out with me again? Any time you’re free, I’d love to have dinner, or see a movie.” The words tumbled out in a rush, but not an undignified rush. He was eager, not nervous. Gracie nodded, feeling eagerness bubble up inside of her as well.

“I’d love to.” She said warmly, adding, “After all, you’re my publisher, not my boss.”

Graham laughed. “One would be more likely to guess that you were my boss.” Gracie nodded, combing her fingers through her hair. Graham extracted his phone from his pocket and started flipping through his calendar.

“Well then, Gracie Allen, what about next Saturday? I’ve got a business dinner that night, but I’m free for lunch.”

Gracie opened her mouth to reply, but felt a sudden tap on her shoulder. Turning, she glanced back to see the man sitting on the other side of the booth staring at her intently.

“I’m sorry, did you say Gracie Allen?” He asked. Gracie flushed and lowered her eyes, grinning foolishly. Her success had become more widely recognized every week, but she was unused to being approached. There was an undeniable sense of satisfaction in it though, and she secretly enjoyed the furtive stares and whispering.

“That’s right.” Graham replied proudly. “You’ve probably heard of her book, over one million copies sold. In fact, we’re having a celebration.” He beamed at her and Gracie blushed even more pinkly.

“Yes, so I’ve heard.” The man replied dryly. Standing, he straightened his collar and came around to join them. He was tall, dark-haired, and well dressed. The subtle lines about his eyes and mouth made her guess that he had a pleasant smile, but he was very stern looking now with his lips set in a grim frown. Looking up at him with sudden interest, a spark of recognition filled Gracie. His face was unfamiliar, but his eyes somehow spoke to her, even in silence. Their intensity and sharp blue color hinted at the familiar, but she couldn’t place him.

“You’re the author of this book, yes?” The stranger held out a somewhat dog-eared copy of Road to Rosshill, an unusual sight what with the book being so freshly in print. Gracie nodded, her smile fading slightly, for something in his tone was ominous. But she thought she understood the reason for his seeming so familiar. He spoke with a thick Irish accent, and in spite of his tone Gracie couldn’t help but feel a warm, comfortable pleasure in hearing that lovely twang again. Aside from the accent, his voice was deep and gravely and again, she felt herself become queerly curious.

“Yes I am,” She answered. “You’re from Galway I think. Have we met?” She smiled pleasantly again, glowing over the memories of her stay across the sea. She was anxious to make friends with any native from the place she had come to love so much.

“No, not that I’m aware of. I do seem familiar to you though?” He replied, raising a dark brow.

“Yes, but I’m not sure why. Unless, I guess it’s possible I saw you while I was there.” She replied brightly.

“Unlikely.” He answered with stiff gruffness.

“Sorry, who are you?” Graham questioned, smiling with an overly patient air, irritated at having his date disrupted by this strange man whom Gracie was looking up at with such unveiled interest.

The only reply was, “I wonder if I might have a word alone with your companion?”

Gracie was taken aback.

“What? Why?” Graham asked, disliking the newcomer even more.

“Because, according to Miss Allen, she and I are old friends.” Those blue eyes drilled into Gracie like piercing knives.  She couldn’t resist staring back, the intrigue of this shocking contradiction was too alluring for her to pass up. “Maybe you wouldn’t mind waiting in the lobby.” He added, glancing at Graham.

“But she just said she didn’t know you.” Graham said sharply, blinking in confusion.

“I don’t,” Gracie said, at the same moment that the stranger answered, “She does.”
Irate, Graham replied hastily, "Well I don't care what you want, I'm not going anywhere." 
"Then maybe Miss Allen would like some air?" The man asked her. The hostility in his voice slipped out more and more each time he said her name. Still unable to identify him, Gracie couldn't guess the reason for it. 

Her curiosity grew too great and she stood.

“Wait here Graham, I’ll just be a minute.” She pulled up her coat and purse and slipped out of the booth.

“But Gracie,” Graham protested.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be alright.” She assured him, turning to follow the stranger out into the lobby.