I was sitting on the swing located on the front porch, reading a book that I had brought out with me. It wasn't a very good book, but I had grabbed it at the store based on word of mouth that I should have scrutinized a bit more. Yet it bothered me to spend over twenty-five dollars on a book and not finish it, so I was pushing through. I had more than half of it read by the time Josh and I came up for the weekend. Josh didn't like the book, because as an up and coming writer himself it just rubbed him the wrong way. He thought the writer had less talent and he was also jealous that I didn't read his work, which he believed was of better quality. A part of me wanted to buy this book because I knew it annoyed him, and I enjoyed the look he got every time he saw it. That deep sigh he makes, and then the slow eye roll. It may be cruel, but I get a kick out of the little things. I can't help but love them. I looked up and saw it again as Josh came out onto the porch, giving me a sigh/eye roll combo as he realized what book I had on my lap.

"Seriously?" Josh asked, "You brought that piece of garbage with you?"

"It's not garbage," I said, enjoying it. "Not Nobel material either, but I've read far worse."

"Whatever," Josh said, sighing again. "This weekend is off to a brutal start."

"Are you alright?" I asked him, trying to sound concerned.

"I don't know," Josh answered, "I just have this feeling this isn't going to be the mushy rest and relaxation everyone thinks this weekend is going to be."

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused to where his head was at.

"It feels set up," Josh tried to explain, "As if the real motive for this weekend is being hidden, like there's an intervention around the corner."

"I think you're being paranoid," I respond, "You're thinking too much and over analyzing it."

"Maybe," Josh said, open to the idea. "Just be on guard, cause this doesn't feel kosher."

"Whatever," I said to him, pretending to read my book. I just wasn't in the mood to listen to any of his paranoid thoughts right now. I was hoping he'd just go somewhere else, maybe do some of his own writing.

"I got a call from Barry a few hours before we left this weekend," Josh added, "One of my books has been optioned."

"Excuse me?" I asked, putting the book back down. "What does that mean?"

"It means a big studio from Hollywood is ready to cut a fat cheque for film rights," Josh continued, "They faxed the offer sheet to Barry this morning."

I knew a few of his books were selling, but I had no idea they were doing this well. I sat up as the man clearly had my interest for the first time in months.

"How much are we talking here?" I asked.

"Two million," Josh replied, "Barry is waiting for my response. I told him I needed time to think about it, and that I'd call him back on Monday."

"Two million?" I repeated, "What is there to think about? That's awesome!"

"It is awesome," Josh agreed, even smiling a bit. "But there is plenty to think about. Some writers sold out and watched their books get butchered by Hollywood."

"It's just one book," I reminded him, "Just think about the freedom you'll have to write without feeling too rushed or pressured."

"That's true," Josh said, as he looked back at me. "I just wanted to talk to you about it, hash it out a bit more before making a final decision."

"Oh," I said, rather surprised. "Thanks for considering me."

"Well, we are a couple... right?" Josh asked.

"Yes, we are." I said, trying to sound confident. We were not the perfect couple, but we had been through a lot.

"I appreciate that," Josh said, smiling back at me. "We've had some tough times, but we got some good times coming. You've had my back all this time, and now I've got a chance to have your back."

"I appreciate that," I said, and I had meant it. The pressure of being the main earner in the couple was pressure I wasn't used to, and with one big deal, the shoe was back on the other foot. This was going to take some getting used to.

"Is it too early to say congratulations?" I said, trying not jinx him.

"No, it's not." Josh said, "I think I'm going to take it. I don't care what abomination Hollywood makes, as long as I have enough to do what I want to keep doing. With that kind of money, I might even slow down with the comic books to focus more on the next novel."

"Sounds good," I said, surprised to hear some of that. "We'll have plenty of time to talk about it this weekend. I have a feeling there will be a lot of down time."

"Yes," Josh concurred, "That's why I brought my laptop with me. There's no telling what kind of writing this weekend could inspire."

"Just don't get carried away," I requested, "The last thing I want is my boss getting mad cause you make him a villain or something worse."

"Fair enough," Josh said, raising his hand. "I promise not to humble your boss with my prose."

"Thank you," I said, as I stood up and walked over. I kissed him on the cheek and gave him a hug. "I'm very proud of you."

"Thanks," Josh said, returning the hug. "I appreciate that."

"I'm going back upstairs," I told him, "I'm going to change and freshen up for supper."

"Try not to overdo it, dear." Josh said, "This is just dinner with co-workers. Not a state dinner." 

"Alright," I said, "I'll try my best."