I quit.
Officially.
Not that there’s much left to the day, but something came up with my mother and I have to leave town for a little while. She’s not sick or anything, she just needs my help.
And to be honest, I think this is probably for the best.
We’ve been really hot and heavy for the last few days and we need—okay, I need—a minute to think. I can’t do that around you.
I finished up the bulk of the records room project anyway. April can work on the last of it, I’m sure. She’s super smart.
I really did like working with you. Never doubt that.
Ryan
I edited it and rewrote the end part about three times. I couldn’t even figure out a way to sign off the note. Everything was so mixed up in my head.
I pressed send and then checked my messages on Instagram. I found a direct message from Penn Masterson buried in the non-follower section.
Ms. Moon,
I really was impressed with your drawings. I’ve been looking into signing some indie comics under my imprint. I’d really like to talk to you.
I know DMs are totally unprofessional and can sound scammy, but here is my phone number and my personal email. We can talk on Zoom or FaceTime so you know I’m not just talking out of my ass. Hope to hear from you.
Penn Masterson
My hands shook and I read it three times before I put my phone face down on my table.
No friggin’ way.
I pushed away from my chaotic table full of Rainbow shrapnel and my own scattered things from the day before to pace around the room.
“Alexa, call Luna.”
“Calling Luna.”
“Hello?” I heard a voice, but it sounded far away and out of breath.
I turned around and stared at my Alexa speaker. “Lu?”
“Yeah. Just a second.” I heard a muffled curse and then Luna’s voice came closer to the unit. “Hey. What’s up?”
“Did I interrupt something?”
“What? No. Nothing. I was just dancing.”
“Oh. Sorry. I’d call back, but it’s kind of important.”
“Yeah. Totally no problem.” Something was muffled, and then I heard
a door close. “Okay, you have my undivided attention.”
“Was someone there? Oh, man, were you…”
“Nope. All good. Nothing to see here. Was just my neighbor.”
“I thought you were dancing.” I curled into the drafting chair right beside my speaker.