She Was Sitting In My Front-Row Seat Holding My Novel — Smiling Like She Had Stolen My Life

was forgettable in a room full of accomplished people.

Now a room full of accomplished people waited for me to speak.

The moderator adjusted the microphone.

“Evelyn,” she said gently, “or should I say Aurelia?”

I leaned toward the microphone.

The light was hot on my cheeks.

My bracelet clicked again.

“Tonight,” I said, “Evelyn will do.”

A laugh moved through continue reading …