AN: Hi Reader! We are back and on the second to last chapter of this story. Once more thank you Henya Blackstar for being my Beta Reader! Happy Reading!

Recap: Lizzie finished reading the infamous letter from Darcy.


Bark and Bite: A Tale of Two Authors

Chapter 5

"Ma'am, are you okay?" the barista asked. I nodded my head unable to speak. Paralyzed and utterly confused I felt like all my blood had been drained out of my body. I read the letter again. Twice. Actually don't know how many times.

The sound of the bustling cafe seemed to slow around me. My mind was filled with jumbled-up half-formed ideas and conflicting emotions. Winston must have gotten up at some point, for I felt his warm body heat on my leg; as if his medium frame could ground me. Focusing on his weight, I hurriedly packed my stuff and stormed off with him.

"He's such a jerk," I said to no one. How dare he think he was better or assume that I'd jump at the opportunity to date him. I looked at Winston as if he could respond, his adorable doggy expression calming me down and helping me to find my inner peace. Instead of focusing on how angry he made me, I'd focus on me, not him.

I buried myself in my writing, Winston, and my day job, so that I couldn't think of the email. And it worked. I did get my manuscript polished to a finish point and I'd convinced my agent to believe it too. It wasn't easy and I was so nervous, but it paid off to work with her than search for a new agent. By the time I had sent off the revised manuscript, summer was over and the leaves were changing colors; the chill autumn air smelled of pumpkins and nutmeg.

When I was alone late at night, and had nothing to focus on, my mind wandered to Darcy. Under the moonlight, I'd reflect on his words; I could see how his position would've hardened anyone. He even admitted he could've been nicer. I tried not to think about how ashamed I was for the second half; where I'd accuse him of benign unscrupulous.

But the thoughts that scared me the most were the direct thoughts about him. What was he doing? Where was he? Did he and Luna have fun on the road? Did he miss our debates? What was he thinking at that moment?

At some point, it would come crashing down. When would our paths ever cross again? Next year at the writer's conference? I doubt it. This was his first appearance at it and there were no indications that he would show up again.

At some point, I noticed I began taking Winston more often to the dog trails than the park. It was the last time we were together. I'd catch myself pointing things out on the trail, wondering what he would think of it. The brief moments when I allowed my thoughts to flow freely, were the remnants of peace I could have.

My agent submitted my works to Pemberly Publishing, I hadn't wanted it to be submitted to them, but I couldn't tell her why not without divulging my past with its owner. In the end, I'm glad she pushed for it because they accepted my manuscript, and then I began working with my editor, Catherine

I nervously sat across from her desk, fidgeting with the hem of my cardigan. Catherine looked like a formidable woman, with a sharp gaze and dressed impeccably in a tailored blazer and pencil skirt.

"I have to say, Lizzie, I'm not impressed." Setting the pages down on her desk. "It just passes the bar for our standard but needs a lot of work."

I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment and my heart race, but I wouldn't let this woman stop me now. I've come too far. Sitting straighter and taking a deep breath, I would defend myself this time. I wouldn't let them walk over me.

"I believe it's good, and I'd like to work on perfecting it."

"It's not good enough," she said bluntly. "It lacks depth, emotion and quite frankly I find it boring."

"I don't think it's boring. It's real and honest, -"

"And unremarkable," she interrupted. "Look Lizzie, I want this to succeed and I've been told you have great talent. I can see what they mean, but this needs work and you need to push yourself. You need to take risks and explore new territory, even if it's uncomfortable."

"Okay, but I want to stay true to the direction. It needs to be real. To captivate the reader. Can you agree to that?" I wouldn't just blindly follow this time. I'd consider their advice and if it meets my direction then I'd follow.

She leaned back in her seat, studying me with a critical eye, and I held her harsh gaze unwavering. After a moment, she smiled. "I can agree to that. Let's work on perfecting your vision."

We got to work on my book, I dedicated it to Winston, and soon enough, it graced the shelves of bookstores across the city.

Charlotte and I celebrated by meeting at the dog park where the noisy chaos surrounded us. Winston and Bailey had decided to chase each other around, and this got the other dogs into chasing as well, taking turns with the other dogs, the park was crazier than usual. Even the younger children had to be told to move to the perimeter because of how wild the dogs were running. They sprinted so fast I bet they could knock out an adult if they wanted to.

"I demand that you tell me if it's true," the interrupter said.

Charlotte and I were in the middle of a private conversation when the intruder interrupted us. She looked familiar, I think she was the rude lady at the writers' conference.

"What are you talking about?"

"About Darcy and you. I heard rumors that you're dating and that he sent you a present recently."

"Who do you think you are-," Charlotte cut in.

"It's okay, I've got this." I didn't want her to fight my battles. Plus, when she gets involved it gets messy. The lady stood defensively in front of where Charlotte and I sat, her back to the dogs.

"If you believed them, why did you go searching for me?" I asked, confidently. "We have never been directly introduced, so how do you know I'm the right woman?"

"Darcy kept talking about you and your eyes. Plus you rudely eavesdropped on a private conversation at the Writers Conference. Are you and Darcy together?"

"What would it matter to you if we were?"

"It would be a shame if you were with him." She brought her left hand up showing it off, the large stone on her fourth finger impossible to miss. "You see, we're engaged. And have been for months, so it's impossible. Plus you and him are from different worlds. It would never work out. He and I are from the same world."

At that moment, my heart plummeted. If that was true, then we would never have worked out. He was engaged to a woman I didn't like, not because of the engagement, but because she was just a mean person.

I mean it was true, she stood right in front of me showing off her sparkling engagement ring. I was an idiot for thinking about him for so long after he left. He clearly had moved on. Leaving me behind.

"Then you shouldn't worry about the rumors. Anyway, he and I are both writers, so we are from a similar profession. Are you a writer as well, if so you and I are equals."

She scoffed at that idea. Once more showing her annoying superior views.

"Just because your published doesn't mean you're the same level as he is. He surpasses you," she said, completely ignoring my question.

"That's for him to determine. I see that he and I are equals," I said. "We share a passion for writing."

"Tell me, are you dating Darcy?"

"No." Yet, part of me wished so. Even if I could never admit it to anyone, the realization brought peace. Maybe that peace came from thinking that at least through writing we had a connection. That at some point we could have been a team. And I like it. The idea of him and I.

"Will you promise to never reach out to him?"

I could feel my anger building up inside me, and I just wanted this to be over. "You know what, I can't stand people like you. People who look down on others, and demand others to bend to your will. Well, you know what, you can't force people to bend for you. It's best if you left."

She had no time to respond, for as soon as I finished, I was brought back to my surroundings. Winston was leading a pack of dogs straight at us. They were running straight for her, and she realized too late as well. The pack of dogs rushed past her. Spinning her around making her lose her balance. Her designer heel caught in the crack between turf and cement. and it broke. Angry, she unevenly stormed out of the dog park.

I looked over to Winston, who was now panting, and he looked extra pleased with himself. At that moment I was proud of him, and I wouldn't scold him for running into her.

After my interaction with Caroline, I decided to avoid the dog park again for a few days. I was about to head out to the dog trails when I saw a brown package on my doorstep. Pausing in my direction, I went back inside to open up the mysterious package, unfortunately ignoring Winston's whimpers to go out. Sitting down on my sofa, I opened it up. And there in front of me, in nice neat script was a handwritten note from Darcy on top of my most recent book.

Dear Ms. Bennet,

Well done on this book. It's well written and I can see how much you've improved as a writer and author. Your words inspired me to reach out, and I'm inspired by your growth and hope we can be colleagues moving forward.

Best Wishes,

William Darcy

Did he just friend-zone me? I could feel my heart shattering at that idea and I didn't want that. But I guess it had to be. He was engaged to Caroline, and as much as I wanted William that wouldn't change his decision to marry her. I would respect his wishes.

But I desperately wished to be a part of him. Not the famous author Fitzwilliam Darcy, but the kind man behind the multi-million successful book author person. The one that took care of me, the one that I could debate, the one that I had a feeling was very misunderstood.

I doubt someone so cruelly rejected would ever offer again. I'd have to ask if I ever saw them again. But would I ever see him again? And was he really engaged to Caroline? He implied once they weren't a thing, but things change.

Looking up, Winston was patiently lying in the same spot with puppy eyes on me. Putting the book down, I got up and continued on my plan to take him out to the trails.

Winston headed off once more for the river embarkment. He spent some time splashing in the river when the weight of a dog refocused my attention away from Winston. It was Luna, she walked up from behind and leaned her body weight into me. She must have caught sight of Winston as she soon bolted for him.

I kept my gaze on the pair, though I got goosebumps from the feeling of someone watching me. I didn't turn around. What if it wasn't William but someone else watching Luna? What if he looked displeased to see me? I couldn't bare the thought of that. I'd just stay rooted to my stop, even if it meant for eternity.

All my senses focused on this new figure behind me. I didn't care about being surrounded by happy dogs, or the peaceful scene of running water with the forest backdrop. I could hear my heart racing louder with each footstep the figure took. The sound of the gravel crunching under their weight. The breeze carried the faint scent of citrus and sandalwood. Their shadow getting closer and closer, growing in size. Then it stopped moving, every nerve in my body wanted to look over. But with steel resilience, I glued my eyes straight ahead of me.

"It looks like Luna found Winston again."

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. We stood in silence.

"Well, I won't intrude upon your time." The male figure began to walk away down to the dogs playing. Taking with them the warmth that the brief exchange provided.

"Wait." I dashed to him. Stopping just short of his looming frame, he stood taller and took a deep breath before he turned around. It was William. I missed looking into his eyes. They stared back at me; in a confused and pained expression. I wondered what made him look pained, was it because of me? I wanted him to smile at me, one of his real smiles where his dimples showed.

"Would you join us on our walk? I mean Winston and Luna are playing. I'd hate to end it so soon," I stumbled out.

He nodded and we commanded our dogs back to the trail. We walked under the forest canopy, hues of gold, yellow, orange, and red surrounded us. The dogs trotted up ahead, pleased to be back in each other companion. The only sound was the occasional rustling of leaves and the quiet sound of steps on the forest floor.

"I wanted to thank you for the package," I said breaking the unnerving silence. "It was very thoughtful for you to have done so. I appreciated the note and would enjoy being colleagues."

"I didn't send it for gratitude," he said stopping in his tracks. "I sent it because I admired your writing, and I admire you. You are too kind to play games with people. Tell me if your feelings are the same last time we spoke." His intense gaze found my nervous eyes, holding me captive. His face was still filled with pain and uncertainty. But I had the power to give him peace. "My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this forever."

"I love you, William," I blurted.

I hadn't meant to confess that right away, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the sudden declaration. "I mean, let's go out on a date."

I tore my gaze away, the ground was really interesting. I hadn't realized how much bigger his feet were than mine. His warm long fingers brought my chin back up, the touch sending a shiver down my spine, forcing my eyes to meet his.

"I'd like that very much," he said.

His gaze settled on my parted lips. Reaching up, and closing the short distance, our lips touched. At first hesitant but soon we melted into the kiss. Sealing our fate and future to one another. The bark from Winston and Luna broke it up, William and I laughed as if our dogs didn't like the attention not on them.

He whispered to me, before he continued, "I love you too, Lizzie."


AN - Story Notes: Well, we've made it to the finish line! Next will be the epilogue! I can't wait to finally finish my first short novella. I've already plotted out the next story and it will be a Regency piece. I'm behind my ideal schedule for getting it out, so it might be quiet for a week or two until I've gotten enough of it figured out. As always, constructive criticism is always welcomed!

AN - Comment Responses: Guest from Norway - Thank you for your comment and I promise some sweet moments in the next chapter! Valerie1950 - I love the letter as well and trying to do it justice was so hard. I wanted to keep the main points in there, but it needed to fit my modern storyline and still have the story move forward. Levenez - I'm glad you're delighted to get more story and what a great question you proposed. Heyna Blackstar - I'll keep that in mind as we move forward!

AN - Personal Notes: I'm posting this earlier in the day because my husband is taking me out on a dinner cruise tonight. Plus I've got a busy weekend filled with out-of-state friends coming by to say hi, and I'll be seeing a K-pop concert for my friend's birthday. It's a great way to kick off the summer! I hope you have a fun weekend! Also, I've gotten sleep and have gotten enough of my life back together, so I'm starting to look for part-time work to support my writing passions.