Chapter 512: The First Story

Saturday, February 18th, Morning

After arriving back at Beaulieu manor, she walked up to the room she was staying in. She threw her bags on the bed and went to the bathroom. After a quick shower, she dressed, grabbed the keys to the car she used, and headed out to the East Range Parking Area.

Ellie drove into town and parked in a municipal lot. She sighed and looked across the street. Ellie smiled at the name on the sign; it read The First Story. Many days she spent working or reading here. She even thought of working here and purchasing a share of the business at one point.

The smell of books hit Ellie's nose as she walked inside the building, and she beamed. Ever since she was little, she loved books and the printed word and would spend hours in Leighton's Library. Some of her favorite authors were Jane Austen, George Elliott, and The Bronte Sisters; she even dabbled in Virginia Woolf. By head and shoulders, Austen was her favorite, and by the time she was in high school, she was on her third set of novels.

Ellie looked over and saw the owner of the bookstore walk over to her. The woman looked at Ellie; they were almost the same age. The Owner ran her fingers through her hair and looked at Ellie.

"I thought I'd not be seeing you this soon," Jolie Morgan said.

"I have an assignment to finish," Ellie said.

"But you're returning to New York," Jolie said.

"Eventually, the opportunities there are too good to turn down," Ellie said.

"What about Wilmington?" Jolie asked.

"Wilmington is not New York," Ellie said.

"So, what brings you here," Jolie said.

"I just got into town this morning," Ellie said.

"And you rushed over here; why?" Jolie asked.

"I wanted to see my best friend," Ellie said.

"Trin is in town?" Jolie asked.

"No, she's in New York. Trin is family; you're my best friend," Ellie said.

Jolie sighed, "Okay, I'll buy you a coffee," she said.

"Sure," Ellie said.

"Beggars can't be choosers," Jolie said.

"Of course not," Ellie said.

The two women walked over to the cafe. Jolie ordered two coffees. Ellie took a seat at a table. Jolie came over, carrying the coffees. Sitting across from Ellie, Jolie pushed a cup of coffee over to Ellie.

"So, welcome back," Jolie said.

"Thank you," Ellie said.

"You're welcome," Jolie said.

Ellie just smiled.

"So, what does bring you to my little corner of paradise?" Jolie asked.

"I've many great memories here," Ellie said.

"That we did, and how many conquests have you met here?" Jolie asked.

"What is with the slut shaming? My body count is not as high as most people think it is," Ellie said.

"Never said it was," Jolie said.

"Why are you so salty?" Ellie asked.

"I didn't expect to see you back here. You Scotts like to disappear," Jolie said.

"I always planned on returning to Tree Hill," Ellie said.

"Under pain of Brooke Davis?" Jolie asked.

"Yes," Ellie said.

"That's not what Insta was showing me." Jolie said, "It looked like you were having a good time."

"You mean that picture with Finley. She's just using me as clickbait," Ellie said.

"Finley?" Jolie asked.

Ellie pulled out her smartphone and opened Instagram. Moving across the screen, her fingers brought up Finley's Instagram.

"Finley Graham, the influencer, we run with the same crew in New York," Ellie said.

"Running in the same crew, who are you?" Jolie asked.

"Just someone that is going through the city and is trying to write about it," Ellie said.

"Trying to be Carrie Bradshaw?" Jolie asked.

"I've been compared to Candace Bushnell," Ellie said.

"You mean Anna Becca has been compared to Candace Bushnell," Jolie said.

Ellie sighed, "I wish I had her success," she said.

"You will; I've read those pages for your second book, it's worthy, and people still want Anna Becca's next book," Jolie said.

"Yeah, that's complicated," Ellie said.

"You've turned down an offer?" Jolie asked.

"Yeah, from Stafford and Strauss," Ellie said.

"Are you being a stubborn Scott?" Jolie asked.

"Stafford and Strauss publish my dad," Ellie said.

"So?" Jolie asked.

"Fallon Stafford owns half of the company, and Candi's mom owns the other half," Ellie said.

Jolie sighed, "Just talk to them and get the book published," she said.

"Why are you pushing?" Ellie asked.

"You're too good of a writer to be working on Sex and the City-style articles," Jolie said.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Ellie said.

"Call your agent and get that damn book published," Jolie said.

"Okay," Ellie said.

"What is your agent's name, again?" Jolie asked.

"Ellery," Ellie said.

Jolie looked at Ellie's phone again. She flipped through the pictures, then looked up at Ellie. "I'm not sure about this New York Crew of yours," Jolie said.

"What aren't you sure about?" Ellie asked.

"They don't; I don't know; it's a feeling," Jolie said.

"Trin doesn't like them either," Ellie said.

Jolie chuckled a bit, "Finally, something Trin and I agree upon," she said.

Ellie nodded and put her coffee down. She retrieved her smartphone. Ellie sent off a text message and put it down.

"I'll talk with Ellery," Ellie said.

Jolie nodded, "Good," she said and took a sip of her coffee.