Contents
Chapter 10
Overview
Nora seeks Wi‑Fi and stumbles into Charlie at his family’s failing bookstore, learning he secretly runs it while editing remotely. When Dusty’s editor gives birth early, Loggia taps Charlie to handle Frigid. Nora agrees to pitch Dusty on the switch—with Charlie’s editorial notes funneled through her—while Libby vows to help save the store.
Summary
Hunting for Wi‑Fi, Nora leaves a café that refuses to offer it and heads to the town bookstore. Inside, she unexpectedly finds Charlie behind the register. They trade barbs, and he reveals the store—Goode Books—belongs to his parents and he’s been secretly running it while editing remotely for Loggia.
Charlie asks if Nora has heard from Sharon, Dusty’s editor. Soon after, Nora receives Sharon’s email: the baby arrived early, she’ll be out, and Loggia wants their editor-at-large, Charlie, to take the first major pass on Dusty’s Frigid. The professional collision mortifies Nora, given their charged kiss the night before.
Libby arrives, delighted by the dusty shop and dismayed by its emptiness, and proposes tackling her list item “save a local business” by helping Goode Books. Nora focuses on work, compartmentalizing, while noting the store’s disorganization and Charlie’s gruff customer service.
Determined to control the situation, Nora confronts Charlie. He wants the project and insists he can meet the schedule. Nora agrees to try to get Dusty onboard—but sets a condition: all of Charlie’s editorial notes must go through her to protect Dusty’s confidence. After tense consideration, Charlie accepts the stipulation, pending Nora’s conversation with Dusty.
Who Appears
- Nora StephensSeeking Wi‑Fi, runs into Charlie at his family bookstore; negotiates terms for him to edit Dusty’s novel with notes routed through her.
- Charlie LastraEditing remotely while running his parents’ failing Goode Books; pushes to edit Frigid and accepts Nora’s condition.
- LibbyEnthused by the bookstore; proposes ‘save a local business’ by helping Goode Books; reads and supports Nora.
- SharonDusty’s editor; gives birth early and recommends Charlie to handle first-round edits on Frigid.
- DustyAuthor of Frigid; needs a new editor during Sharon’s leave; Nora will convince her, with buffered feedback.
- Principal SchroederLocal patron in the café; becomes fodder for Nora and Charlie’s teasing exchange.
- Mug + Shot BaristaCheerfully reveals the town’s scarce Wi‑Fi options, sending Nora to the bookstore.