Dr. Temperance Brennan silently cursed under her breath. Pulling up to the bookstore, she pulled her sunglasses down and rested her head back against her seat. Looking at her cell phone, it was almost time for her to walk in. The line wrapped around the building, as her excited fans huddled together in the cold December air.
She didn't really want to do these book signings, but under her contract from her publisher, she had to make some public appearances.
Normally taking time off wouldn't be an option with her work, but lately work is the last thing she wanted to think about. Ever since her partner, Seeley Booth, had come back from Afghanistan, their working relationship had changed.
Things weren't suppose to change.
Taking ten days off from the Jeffersonian was a big deal, but nothing her student interns couldn't handle. Brennan would be in constant contact and only be a train ride away if her talents were needed.
It was day seven and she had not heard from them even once.
Well, hadn't heard from him…
Brennan looked out her window and looked at the snow threatening sky. Pulling herself together she pulled into the reserved spot that she knew would be waiting for her. There was a young, attractive salesman standing by the curb.
Brennan put the car into park and slowly stepped out of her car.
"Dr. Brennan?" The young man smiled.
"Yes." She forced a smile.
"It is a pleasure to meet you! I am Samuel Havety, co-owner of Busy City Books." He held out his hand. "Won't you follow me please?"
Brennan shook his hand and walked next to him towards the entrance. The crowd noticed her arrival and began to wave and cheer. Hearing Booth's voice in her head she was pleasant and waved at the fans standing outside.
"Hello and thank you for coming!" Brennan said sweetly as Samuel escorted her inside.
Most of these book signings were the same. A table was set up with her latest book piled around the ends. Pens were scattered all along the table and a fresh bottle of water was carefully placed in the center. The bookstore was small and quaint, having a home warming feeling inside.
Brennan sat and placed her things neatly next to her feet. Dozens of people eagerly stood in line, waiting for their chance to talk to the famous author. She hated this, but she knew it made people feel happy, so the book signing didn't bother her very much.
Samuel asked her for the tenth time if she was all set. Brennan politely smiled and said she was ready to 'get this show on the street.' Samuel looked at her for a moment with confusion. He went and began letting the fans greet her, one by one.
An hour later, Brennan's face hurt. She smiled at her fans and tried to be polite and strike up simple conversations. Samuel came over to her and whispered in her ear.
"Would you like a break?"
Brennan nodded and stood, stretching her stiff muscles. Walking to the back room, she was stopped before she could make it to the restroom.
"Dr. Brennan?"
"Yes, Samuel?"
"There is someone who would like to meet you in private. I usually do not allow this, but for him, I will make an exception." Samuel lead her towards the backroom.
Peeking around the corner, she saw two people standing looking at the employee bulletin board. Samuel smiled and cleared his throat.
"Well hello Dr. Brennan!" The charming man walked over to her and shook her hand.
"Hello." Brennan faked smiled and shook his hand.
"You don't have to do that you know." He smiled.
"Do what?" Brennan took a step back.
"The fake smile, the 'I don't really want to smile, but my publisher said it would better for my image' smile." He spoke with his hands, quite animated.
"Dad, enough!" The teenage girl spoke up. She turned towards Brennan. "I knew I should have just waited in line and left him at home, but I think he secretly wanted to meet you as well," She paused. "even though you are technically his greatest competition."
Brennan looked confused for a moment and then turned her head. "I know who you are. You are Richard Castle."
"The one and only." He smiled and extended his hand.
Brennan shook it and she examined his face more closely. "You look different from your publicity pictures."
Castle wiggled his eyebrows. "I know. I'm more ruggedly handsome in person."
Brennan smiled and scrunched her nose. "No, you look older."
Castle dropped his hand and his face fell. The young girl giggled and spoke up.
"Hello Dr. Brennan, my name is Alexis Castle. I'm this old guys daughter and a huge fan of yours!" Alexis shook her hand. "Will you sign my book?"
Brennan smiled and grabbed her pen. She began signing as Alexis spoke. "I am really interested in forensic anthropology. Your books have inspired me!"
"She never says that about my books." Castle mumbled under his breath.
"Don't worry Dad, you are still number one on my list." Alexis gave her father a shoulder bump.
Brennan loved watching the two interact. She smiled as Castle and Alexis shared a smile.
"I am happy to hear my books have sparked your interest in forensic anthropology." Brennan handed Alexis her book.
"Yeah, between my Dad working with Beckett and your books, I really am interested in solving crimes." Alexis smiled.
"Don't let her fool you Dr. Brennan, she reads your books because she is in love with Andy-" Castle was stopped by a hand over his mouth.
Alexis furrowed her eyebrows and gave Castle an angry look. "Dad, Dr. Brennan is the world's best forensic anthropologist! I told you not to be yourself today."
"She is correct." Brennan smiled and crossed her arms.
Castle walked over to Brennan and smiled. "So, is it true you based your books on you and your partner?"
Brennan's smile faded as she heard the word partner. Castle turned his head and raised his eyebrows. "Ah, I know that look."
"What look?" Brennan was intrigued.
"Oh, the look of a tortured, yet deeply repressed soul." Castle walked towards her. "The look of lost love and an eagerness to-"
"Dad!" Alexis interrupted him.
Both Brennan and Castle turned towards Alexis. The was a moment of awkward silence and Brennan broke the ice.
"The character of Andy is based on my partner, Seeley Booth." Brennan turned towards Castle. "Assuming you use your connections with the NYPD, I guess you based your character on your partner as well, Richard."
Castle smiled. "Yeah, Nikki Heat is loosely based on Kate."
Alexis snorted. "Loosely Dad? Come on…"
The three of them were having a shared laugh when Castle phone rang. "Speaking of partners…Hello?"
Brennan's face saddened for a moment. She realized she had been on the road for a week and had not heard anything from her partner. One word brought her back to reality.
"Murder?" Castle smiled. "I'll be right there."
Castle shut his phone and sighed. "I'm sorry ladies, but I have to go. Duty calls!"
Alexis turned to Brennan. "It was a pleasure meeting you Dr. Brennan."
Brennan placed a hand on Alexis's shoulder. "It was really nice meeting you as well." Brennan paused and took out her pen. "If you have any questions about forensic anthropology, please feel free to e-mail me." She scratched out her e-mail address and gave it to the red-headed teen.
"Oh! Thank you Dr. Brennan." Alexis beamed.
"You can call me Temperance." She smiled.
Castle walked over and shook Brennan's hand. "That is awful kind of you, Temperance."
Brennan shook his hand. "You can call me Dr. Brennan." She said with a serious face.
Alexis laughed and Brennan broke a smile. "I was just kidding, of course."
"Of course." Castle half smiled as he escorted his daughter towards the door. "Thank-you."
Brennan watched as the small family walked out the door. Part of her heart sank as she realized she was still at a book signing. She would give anything to be in Castles shoes right now.
With his partner…
…solving murders.