Contents
Chapter 11
Overview
Nora persuades Dusty to let Charlie edit Frigid, insisting all editorial notes funnel through Nora. As Nora and Libby establish a peaceful routine, Nora and Charlie’s professional rivalry sharpens into flirtation. Meeting Charlie’s mother at the bookstore sparks teasing texts, deepening the personal connection while the project moves forward.
Summary
Nora calls Dusty to discuss editorial plans for Frigid. Dusty is anxious about timing and changing editors, but Nora promises support, two sets of notes, and careful mediation. After time to consider, Dusty emails Nora to accept Charlie as editor, contingent on Nora staying involved and channeling the edits.
During the week, Nora juggles multiple client crises while honoring Libby’s request to be present after five. She and Libby settle into a daily rhythm: runs, elaborate breakfasts, family FaceTimes, and evening walks and games. Nora works at Goode Books each day, trading jabs with Charlie, who pointedly prepares her coffee and declares he doesn’t give up when he wants something. When Dusty’s “I’m in” arrives, Nora informs Charlie and asserts her gatekeeping role over his edits.
Libby visits the café, where her noisy reactions to a novel earn grumpy attention from Charlie, who offers pillows in grudging hospitality. Despite Libby’s visible rejuvenation, Nora and Charlie both show signs of sleeplessness. Evenings bring small-town wanderings, home-cooked meals, and Nora’s late-night restlessness and solitude in the quiet cottage.
On Saturday, Nora meets Sally Goode at the bookstore, buys a Charlie-edited title, and politely declines Sally’s insistence on sending Charlie with firewood. Sally later texts Charlie about Nora, prompting a playful text exchange between Nora and Charlie. They tease about Sally’s matchmaking, “bringing wood,” and outlandish Bigfoot erotica, cementing a warmer, flirtatious rapport as the professional partnership on Frigid begins.
Who Appears
- Nora StephensLiterary agent; secures Dusty’s agreement with Charlie editing and mediates notes; develops routine with Libby; flirty, competitive banter with Charlie; meets his mother.
- Charlie LastraEditor running Goode Books; eager to edit Frigid; trades barbs and flirtation with Nora; shows tiredness; texts sparked by his mother’s comments.
- LibbyNora’s pregnant sister; thrives in Sunshine Falls routine; visits café, banters with Charlie; cooks nightly and reconnects with herself.
- DustyAuthor of Frigid; anxious about editor change and timing; ultimately agrees to Charlie editing with Nora overseeing notes.
- Sally GoodeCharlie’s mother and bookstore owner; meets Nora, insists on sending firewood; texts Charlie admiring Nora, sparking his banter with Nora.