A/N: This one's a little shorter than most of the chapters, but we're about to get to the fun stuff. ;) Also, friendly alternate universe reminder.
I would like to thank those of you who have reviewed - I do appreciate that you take a few moments to drop me a line!
Chapter Four
The book release party was going well. Really well. So far, Rick had signed at least five chests and received numbers from two very hot women. Two very hot women who, had he met them a few weeks ago, would have received a call from him in the coming day or so. But, he couldn't chance that anymore... not with way things had changed about him.
He also had too much on his mind about finding something to write about to get the first chapter together. Storm was finished, and he had to find some other character to delve into and dazzle the world with.
Rick found an empty seat at the bar, when Gina slipped into the seat beside him. "Richard, I still think killing off Storm is the worst idea," she huffed, again, "I hope you have something in mind for the next two books you still owe Black Pawn."
"Hi, Gina. Nice to see you as well." He smiled and raised the glass the bartender just handed him.
She stared at him for a second, then smiled. "I'm sorry, it's been a long day, and with that deadline coming up..."
"I'll take care of it," he said, then knocked back the drink. "You know me."
Gina ordered a water and shook her head at Castle. "Yes, I do. I'll have it at least four days late. Just about the time when the guys in charge will decide to start breathing down my neck." She accepted the glass of water the bartender handed her and took a long drink. "I have to emphasize this again - You do know you're on thin ice after Storm Fall, right? Three weeks past due date and you killed off a favorite character. You really need to think about that, Richard."
He set his empty glass down harder than he intended. She was beginning to really irritate him, and he was concerned he might do something he didn't want to do. "I said I will take care of it. Will you please allow me to enjoy the rest of the party?"
"I will," she answered and stood. "Listen, I know the past few years have been rough, but you need to pull out of whatever it is. I heard one of my bosses talking last week, and it didn't sound good for you. At all. You really need to come through this time."
His fingers clenched hard around the glass. "Is that some sort of threat?"
"No," Gina said as she turned away. The napkins to the side of her glass scattered across the bar as she said, "It's the truth."
He cleared his throat and smiled, hoping Gina didn't notice anything unusual. "I'll have a chapter written and in on time. Don't sweat it."
She nodded, and Rick watched her leave, then walked back onto the balcony. He wanted so badly to... but that time would come. He felt the pent-up anger trying to come forth - a short burst of wind that fluttered through his hair - but he somehow managed to stop it before it manifested into something more.
It took some time, but he finally calmed down. Once he was sure things were under control, he decided to once again lose himself in the throng of crazy fangirls, and for a little while, forget about everything, including the non-existent book hanging over his head.