21. “Tuesday’s Gone”

21

"TUESDAY'S GONE"

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

T he next week at ladies' league, I was paired with Grace again. I had a sneaky suspicion that it was by design. Her design. Cat and Elyse had prior obligations, so Grace and I were on our own.

She wasted no time getting to the point as soon as my clubs were strapped into our cart. "Have you given any thought to what we talked about at book club?"

"I have, but I don't know where to even start. I'd have to run it past my uncle and I'm certain I would need some kind of licensing, insurance, zoning. I mean, it's a little overwhelming."

Grace rolled up to the first tee box and pulled to the side so the rest of the carts could pass us. "Here's some good news for you, my dear. I'm retired and have all the time in the world to help you figure out your first steps. If you want my help, I would be more than happy to jump in wherever I'm needed. Come to think of it, Elyse has a friend who has helped out numerous local small businesses with their marketing. If you'd like, I bet she could set up a meeting for you once you figure out if this is something you can and want to do. She'd also have a lot of the market information you'd need to get started. "

"That would be good. I'd do fine writing the marketing pieces, but the design side of things isn't my strength."

"Totally understandable. You're only one person. Elyse and Cat also know quite a few members of the Economic Development Committee. They could probably talk to them without giving any details and try to get an idea of what this whole endeavor would entail from their standpoint. But take a few more days and give this some thought while I start asking around. Take the first step and reach out to your uncle. See what he says."

As we watched the last of the carts make its way down the cart path in front of us, I got out and put my glove on and pulled three golf balls from the front pouch of my bag. Grace straightened up beside me. "OK, fine. Take all the time you need, but hurry up, would you?" Grace teased with a wink. She put her ball on the tee and swung, then walked to the back of the tee box. "I was talking to Elyse and Jenna. Both are pretty excited about this and have tons of ideas. Would it be okay if we all met at your house and brainstormed with you?"

I stepped into the space she left and repeated her actions, sending my ball into the rough on the left side of the fairway. "That would be great, but give me a chance to talk to my uncle first."

"Oh, I'm so excited. Let me know what he says. If he's on board, you can count on us to come prepared to plan. I love a project to work on, plus, I think it could really benefit a lot of newer writers as well as those of us who already have an established career but need a change of scenery. There are quite a few of us who like having other people around; it boosts creativity. Speaking of which, how is your book coming along? I haven't wanted to ask in case you're still struggling, but you haven't mentioned it lately."

"Ugh. I have not written a single word since I've been here. I've moved my office into a different room. I've sat down and tried to force the words. I've tried to not think about it. I've basically tried everything. But, there is actually some hope for me. My dad called last week and gave me the number of a former colleague of his who is living in Tampa. He said he might be interested in mentoring me, and I'm at the point where I think I'm going to reach out to him and see if he's equipped to take me on."

"I think that would be a great idea. Sometimes, getting somebody else's perspective, especially somebody who has been there and has a few books under their belt, can help get you moving. He might even have some resources to help you break through this block.

"It would be a good idea to at least meet with him. Just be open to anything he has to say. And don't forget, I'm always here for you, too. If you need some advice or want me to read something over?—"

"If there was something to read over, I would definitely give it to you. But right now, it's just a whole bunch of blank paper."

"I've been there, girl. Don't worry. Between your dad's friend and your new friends here in town, I have a feeling you're going to have quite a bit of inspiration headed your way."

I laughed. "From your lips to God's ear."

We finished our round and left for the parking lot together.

"I'm going to put us all in a group text if you don't mind. Once you get the green light from your uncle, we can come up with a day and time that works best for us to get together for a chat," said Grace as she swung her clubs into the back of her SUV like they weighed less than a pound.

"See you later, Grace."

"Not if I see you first, sugar."

We parted ways, and I put my golf clubs in the back of my Jeep and drove home with my mind racing, wondering if the retreat concept was a possibility .

Being surrounded by writers for days at a time—I couldn't help but be inspired, right?

Before I reached my driveway, I decided that before I talked to my uncle, my first step should really be reaching out to Caleb to see if he was willing to mentor me.

His advice couldn't possibly make it any worse.

As if the universe heard my thoughts, I unplugged my phone from the charging cord before I got out of the Jeep, and it began to ring in my hand. I didn't recognize the number, but the area code was local, and I decided to save the caller from the endless abyss of my voicemail inbox.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Paige?" asked a voice I didn't recognize.

"Um, yes, this is Paige. May I ask who's calling?"

"Hi Paige, it's Caleb. I used to work with your dad at the University of Wisconsin. He gave me your number and a little bit of information about what's been going on with your work in progress."

"Hi, Caleb. My dad gave me your contact information, but I have yet to call. I appreciate you taking the initiative. And let's call it what it is, a lot of work and no progress."

"Believe me, I understand. I've been at this for years, and while it does get easier, I still face some struggles with each book. I think I can help you get unstuck. So what do you think? Do you have some time next week to get together?"

"I will make time."

"Great. Do you mind if I text you some dates and times I have available? You can pick whichever one works best for you. Your Dad told me you're working full time, so my schedule is a little bit more flexible than yours."

"That would be wonderful. Should we meet at one of the libraries in Dunedin? And thanks a lot for agreeing to do this. I really appreciate it."

"First, yes, the library works for me. I'll reserve a meeting room at the one downtown. And, honestly, your dad helped me so much when I was getting started at the university. Even though I was only a couple years behind him, he gave me the lay of the land and mentored me until I was settled. I would love to repay his kindness by helping you."

"Yeah, that sounds like my dad. I feel like if this was something he could help me with, he would do it in a heartbeat."

"That's for sure. Ok, I'll send you a text within the hour with some possible days and times, and we'll talk soon."

Less than five minutes after we hung up, a text came through from Caleb. I stored his number in my phone and, after checking my calendar, replied back confirming a time for the following Wednesday at noon.

Next, it was time to call my uncle.