A New Dawn

Chapter 11 - Briar

At some point, while I was talking to Idris, my family pushed two tables together to make room for all of us. Just seeing that makes me want to step right back outside with Idris in tow.

I'm not entirely sure why I'm so nervous about Idris meeting Dad and getting to know my family more. But I know for sure that I don't want them to pester me to be on stage with him around. The more they do, the more curious he might become. I don't need him to ask questions and give me loaded looks when Grandpa and my parents are already doing that. But everyone is already looking at us, and I can just feel anticipation radiating off of Idris in waves, so there's no going back now.

There are two empty seats side-by-side with one directly next to Dad. I don't know if it would be nice or cruel of me to let Idris sit next to Dad, so I stay standing as I gesture between the two.

"Dad," I say, "this is Idris. Idris, this is my dad."

Dad stands, holding a hand out to Idris. "It's nice to finally meet you."

Idris glances at me, his eyes wide. I don't know if it's the general starstruck feeling of meeting someone famous or something more, but it makes me laugh. Idris elbows me, but he quickly regains his composure and shakes Dad's hand. "It's nice to finally meet you, too, Mr. Chiem. I can't tell you how many times I've read The Quiet Nights series."

Dad smiles, pulling his hand back. "I always love hearing that."

"Because you're arrogant," Mẹ teases.

When a giggle escapes me, Dad gives me and Mẹ playful glares. "The two loves of my life like to keep me grounded, so I think I'm allowed to be a little arrogant every once in a while."

Idris shakes his head. "I don't think it's arrogance if you can back it up with skill and talent, which you can. I hope you hear people say they love your books a lot. I don't think the series gets as much recognition as it should. Especially with the characters and character dynamics."

"The best part of the series," Marlowe chimes in.

And the most realistic.

I blink at the thought, willing myself not to look at Grandpa.

Idris nods. "For sure. I hope you release your next book soon."

"I'm almost done with the first draft of it," Dad admits.

Idris' eyes light up. "Really? Can you tell me about it? I know it's part of The Quiet Nights universe, but I don't think I really know what it's about."

I don't think Dad is going to say anything, but he tells Idris, "It's an epilogue."

I do a double-take before glaring at Dad, my mouth agape. "Why does he get an answer right away?"

Dad puts a hand on my head. "Because I want to surprise my faithful beta reader."

Idris arches an eyebrow. "You're his beta reader?"

I nod, pushing Dad's hand off my head. After I smooth my hair down, I say, "Yeah. I read all his drafts." I narrow my eyes at Dad. "Even when he's annoying about it."

Dad rolls his eyes while the rest of the table laughs. Throughout it all, Idris keeps his eyes on me. He nods slowly, a smile spreading on his face, making the spotlights at the front of the room seem dim in comparison. "Everything makes so much sense now."

I tilt my head to the side. For whatever reason, that makes his smile soften, and I have to take a second to remember what we're talking about. Once it comes back to me, I ask, "What does?"

"Why you're so insightful about the series."

I narrow my eyes, lifting my chin. "Because I'm smart."

Idris laughs. "I didn't say you weren't."