Last night

...was a disaster. Really. Although I shouldn't be surprised.

I look up the directions to the Mill Creek store yesterday afternoon; unsurprisingly, I couldn't find any. The area it is in is sort of a collection of stores, so MapQuest wouldn't let me narrow it down. But, as I looked at the address, I felt comfortable that I could find the place. Despite the littlest feeling of nerves, I decide not to call the store and ask them for directions, as I'm sure that it was the book store in this little "commons" area near where a friend of mines lives.

So, 6.30, I grab my book and bag and head off. Traffic is just a bit sticky, so I don't pull into the lot until 2 minutes till 7. Look up at the sign and it's...Third Place Books? Um...

I'm starting to feel just a bit more nervous about this whole thing. Granted, a lot of the bookstores in this area "share" readings, so it's still possible that I'm at the right place.

Go inside and see a "Who's Here" sign by the information desk. Quickly, while securing a place in line, I scan the list and...do not see Jim Lynch. At all. Um...

Politely ask the guy behind the counter if this is where the reading is. He replies that there are so many of them, he can't remember and grabs the June schedule. I pick up the May one and put it down as he realizes his mistake. As we both look...no Jim Lynch. Um...

I then ask if this is the correct book store and was not surprised to be told that it wasn't. I then ask for directions to the correct book store, which he is more than willing to give me. However, they are incorrect. I know this because the road he was telling me to look for is the same road that I drive on daily to get to and from work. It is nowhere near there. I nod as if I understand and while I begin to ask him to clarify, his coworker interrupts and tells me the correct road to be looking for. I smile, because that makes more sense.

Then a third coworker interrupts her to let me know that it's going to take me at least 30 minutes to get there. I look over my shoulder at the clock. It's already 7.10. That would put me there at 7.40, at the earliest. And let's all keep in mind that I am routinely, habitually, not my fault, always 15 minutes late when going to a new place. It doesn't matter how early I leave, how good my directions are, or if there is no traffic. I'm always 15 minutes late.

I smile, thank them all for the directions and leave, as they wish me luck.

Sitting back down in my car I think about this. Odds of me getting there before the reading is over...slim. Very slim. Is it worth it? I really wanted to attend the reading, but at least I can still get my book signed, which will be cool. I look down at my book, so pretty. So...

I see the "autographed copy" sticker on the cover.

I say a few things that my mom would no longer blush to hear, then start laughing.

I needed to go the library and the store anyways.