Her Secret

Her Secret
Marie Collins was a manager at an auto repair shop. But what her employees and everyone else didn’t know was that, in secret, she had been trying to write a mystery novel.
She always loved reading and thought about one day possibly writing a novel. Her father, a mechanic, knowing what she wished to do, said, “Writing is a wonderful hobby, but you’re going to need a paying job to live.” So, instead of going to a 4-year college and studying literature, she learned about car repair from her father, as well as a local engineering school.
Most of the time, Marie’s writing went well, leaving her in a good mood. But when it didn’t, her mood would sour and she’d say to anyone who noticed, “I didn’t sleep well last night.”
Eventually, she came to the end of her manuscript and sent out a number of queries. Most came back with the same message, thanks but no thanks, which also soured her mood. And then just as she was thinking about maybe giving up on her dream, she got a request from an agent to see her completed manuscript.
She was so happy, she practically sang at work. Her employees noticed. She explained, “I bought one of those sleep aids they advertise on TV. I slept like a ghost.”
Time passed and the agent sent suggestions for corrections. At first, Marie wasn’t sure she wanted to make them, but eventually she did. Even more time passed while she waited for the agent to get back to her. Once he did, his suggestions were less intrusive.
Finally happy with the results, the agent contacted several publishers and got a yes from a small New England firm. Marie was on cloud nine but tried not to show it at work.
Eventually, her novel was published under a pseudonym—Mary Kelly. It got great reviews. Then came the inevitable request from a local paper for an interview. In order to keep her secret, Marie wore a wig and tinted glasses during the interview. Her local library also contacted her to be on a panel with other authors to discus her book. Once again, she wore a wig and tinted glasses.
The moment she sat down, Marie noticed one of her employees in the audience. Suddenly, her wig felt too tight and her glasses didn’t seem to want to stay in place; they kept slipping down her nose.
When the program ended and before anyone could corner her, Marie made a beeline for the exit. Once in her car, she removed her wig and glasses and breathed a sigh of relief.
Monday morning came early. Marie entered the shop as she always did through the back door, but once inside, she stopped short. All her employees were there, smiling like guests at a wedding.
The interior of the shop was festooned with balloons and a banner that read Congratulations! On the counter she saw a large flat cake and a stack of her novels.
“How did you know? she asked no one in particular.
Tim, her lube tech, whom she had seen at the author talk, replied, “I recognized you the moment you sat down. Afterwards, I told everyone here and then we bought a bunch of your books so you could sign them for us.”
Marie smiled, feeling both satisfied that her deception was over and gratitude toward her employees for their loyalty.
That’s when Tim asked, “So, have you started on your next book yet?”
Jokingly, Marie put a finger to her lips and replied, “I can’t tell you; it’s a secret.”