Free Tell Him About It by Holly Kinsella

should stay... Most debut books are over written, or not sufficiently re-written... Be wary of digital book promoters however, who promise the world but in the end just deliver a number of fake followers on twitter...”
    Adam and Sara laughed and joked on the stage, as well as providing advice (which proved both encouraging and dispiriting – depending on the attitude of the recipient). They shared looks which they thought were private, but everyone in the audience could see that there was a spark between them. Old-fashioned chemistry. A shared sense of humour and a shared attraction.
    Towards the end of the event, while Adam signed books for members of the audience, the social secretary approached Sara and asked if she would be willing to come back and give a talk by herself for the group next year. She was equally surprised as she was pleased by the invitation – and said yes.
    “Thank you. Mr Cooper will be welcome to come back too of course. You make a great couple, or double-act, so to speak.”
    *
    After the event Sara and Adam chose to walk back to the hotel, rather than call a taxi. There was a refreshing, cooling breeze riding in the balmy air and a ripe moon showcased a sky studded with stars. They both walked slowly and followed as scenic a path as possible, as if neither of them wanted the night to end. When they reached the hotel they ordered a drink and sat outside on a bench in the garden. They chatted about each of their families. Sara mentioned her sister, who regrettably she rarely saw nowadays. During their teens her sister, Carly, resented Sara for the attention she received from boys and their parents for being a model. She had envied her success.
    “Ironically I envied Carly for her anonymity. For growing up in a normal environment, with real friends, doing what she wanted... We don’t actively argue. Partly because we just don’t see each other, which is a shame as she’s due to have a baby later in the year and I’d like to be a better aunt than I was – am – a sister...”
    In was only in telling Adam how she felt that she fully realised it. Sara made a promise to him, as well as to herself, that she would get in touch with her sister when she got back to London.
    The author – who preferred to write about his issues rather than talk to people about them – also opened up. Although he had only known Sara for a week he felt a strange, but strong, sense of trust and admiration towards her.
    “I wanted to live near my parents, partly to keep an eye on them as they’re becoming a bit frail. I must be the only person to have moved from Richmond to Eltham this year... My parents did a good job bringing me up, as much as I brought myself up when I hit my teens... I grew estranged from my parents, as well as my brother and sister, in my early twenties. I couldn’t really talk to them about my time in Afghanistan... The more I isolated myself the more they would try to reach out to me... Work, writing, saved me when I came back from Helmand though... Strangely, when they stopped trying to work me out, they accepted me more... I often visit my parents and regularly go for a drink or meal with my brother and sister... I’ll introduce you to them all at the dinner next week. My sister in particular would love to meet you. My parents would enjoy meeting you too. You’re a good Catholic girl – with a devilish sense of humour... You should come around for lunch or dinner one Sunday, if you want.”
    I want.
    Adam realised that he was speaking to Sara more as a friend, or even girlfriend, than publicist. But it feels right. Let her in.
    *
    Would I let him in if he knocked on the door?
    Sara knew the answer to her question before she even asked it, as guilty as she felt when she saw the missed call from Simon. His voicemail said that he was now out for the evening.
    Speak tomorrow, babe. Wink.
    Sara was back in her hotel room, lying on the bed. Her dress was hanging up on the wardrobe door,