Chapter 9: The Bicycle Thief
After a few days, I kept studying with Brenda - sometimes at my place, sometimes at hers (I met her parents, though her father wasn't too thrilled to see me - for obvious reasons). At her house we were more restrained, since her dad kept a close watch.
I was returning with Jay from the publisher.
"It will take three months for both books to be published," I said. "That's because your friend runs a mid-sized press, and we're covering part of the costs. Also, I insisted no changes be made, so there's no need for a proofreader or editor."
"Twenty-five thousand dollars," Jay muttered.
"I'll pay you back, Jay."
"No need. I counted it as all the gifts I never gave you."
"That would be about $1,562.5 a year, or $400–500 per gift (considering three or four gifts a year)" I calculated. "I doubt you spend that much on your grandkids or on Manny."
"Yeah, don't tell anyone," Jay said, unfazed.
Maybe because he values that entrepreneurial streak, even in writing, he decided to pay it all.
"And you're sure about using S. Ashford and Jake Scribbles?" he continued with a hint of sarcasm.
"Yes. I prefer pen names. I don't want people to know."
We filed with the Library of Congress - Copyright Office. The certificate takes three to eight months, but the letter is already enough legally.
I had secretly sent other manuscripts too: The Book Thief, Divergent, The Fault in Our Stars, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Gone Girl, and All the Light We Cannot See. The Office only registers; they don't judge the work (they don't even read, just skim at most).
So only I know I hold future bestsellers. Each will have different pen names, publishers, lawyers, even LLCs for the royalties.
As we were passing near Claire and Phil's house, we saw them all together, each riding a bike alongside Luke.
Jay stopped the car next to them, gave a short honk, and noticing Luke's bike - a girls' bike with some black ribbons taped to it, he mocked his grandson, "Hey, nice bike, Sally."
"Dad!" Claire scolded immediately.
Jay shrugged. "He looks like Little Bo Peep on that thing."
"Actually, not for long," Phil cut in. "He's getting a new bike this afternoon."
"I am?" Luke blinked in surprise.
"He is?" Claire turned toward Phil.
Phil kept nodding, and Jay simply drove the car away again.
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When we got home, Manny asked me again, "Are you sure you don't want to come with me and my dad to Disneyland, Jake?"
"I'm sure, Manny. Take your time with your other dad. I know you're eager to have some father-and-son time with him," I declined once more. First, because I truly thought Manny would like to go alone (having his dad all to himself), and second, because I would have the house to myself.
I walked into the kitchen, where Jay was talking to Gloria, who was having breakfast
"Hey, I called the place in Napa and upgraded us to a villa with a hot tub," Jay announced, giving Gloria a kiss on her cheek. "So pack whatever you'd wear in a hot tub."
"I usually wear nothing in a hot tub," Gloria made a face
Jay shook his head. "And my college roommate's wife just had to get a new hip. Sucker."
"Have some fun in wine country," I told them both.
"And you, use protection if you're going to do anything," Jay looked seriously at me.
"I will, I will, don't worry Uncle Jay," I assured him, not denying one of the ideas I had with the house to myself. "We need to thank Manny's father for clearing the fog at the airport," I joked.
Jay snorted. "I don't like that guy. And Manny looks up to him like he's Superman."
"Well, both of them entered our country illegally," I shrugged.
Gloria glared at both Jay and me, while Jay burst into laughter. "That is a good one! I'll use it!"
Then Jay continued, "Limo's coming at four. This morning, I thought I'd go over to the club and hit a few balls."
"Nooo," Gloria turned to him. "What about the ceiling fan in Manny's room?" she asked, making a circular motion with her hand.
"Oh, yeah. Just call a guy," Jay responded.
"Noo, you do it with Manny. It's important to teach him how to do things for himself. In my culture, men take great pride in physical labor," Gloria pressed.
"I know. That's why I hire people from your culture," Jay quipped.
Gloria laughed. "You're too funny," she said as she stood up and gave Jay a light slap on the arm. Then she walked out mocking, "I'll share that with my next husband while we are spending all your money."
"Well, have fun with Manny, I'll head over to Brenda's," I told Jay. I suspected Gloria wanted the two of them to spend more time together, since their relationship wasn't that strong yet (they both had a better bond with me than with each other).
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After a few hours, I arrived with Brenda at the house. I saw Manny still sitting on the curb outside (he was supposed to have already left), and Jay walking up to him.
"Listen Manny, sorry, but I've got some bad news," Jay began.
"What?" Manny muttered grumpily.
"Your dad can't make it," Jay admitted.
"Why not?" Manny looked surprised.
"Well, the plane was full and there was an old lady who needed to get home, so he gave up his seat," Jay explained with a clear lie.
"You're making that up, aren't you?" Manny lowered his head.
"No," Jay said firmly.
"He just didn't want to come," Manny whispered sadly.
"Are you kidding me? He was really upset. He was dying to see you," Jay reassured.
At that moment, the limo Jay had arranged appeared down the street heading our way.
"In fact, look what he sent for us," Jay added with a smile.
"A limo?" Manny's eyes lit up.
"Yeah. He wanted me and your mom to take you to Disneyland," Jay explained.
Manny looked at Jay, then at the car. Pure joy spread across his face.
"Wow, he's the best dad in the world," Manny exclaimed.
"Yeah, he's a real prince," Jay muttered.
I looked at them and then at Brenda. I put both hands on my face, but I spoke to her with some regret, "Sorry, Bren, I will go with them to Disneyland."
She stared at me in astonishment, then broke into a wide grin. "Is there room for one more?"