Nell: So when were you going to tell me?
Me: What?
Nell: That you have been having meetings with an American publisher?
Me: Oh.
Nell: To discuss a publishing contract?
Me: Yes.
Nell: For your book?
Me: Yes.
Nell: Called “Conversations with Nell”?
Me: Yes.
Nell: May I point out that I am Nell.
Me: I know.
Nell: The Conversations are with me.
Me: Yes, they are.
Nell: I am the one who talks sense.
Me: Well, that’s a bit harsh.
Nell: I should have been at the meetings.
Me: Well, you sort of always are.
Nell: You cannot be trusted to do this alone.
Me: Well, the thing is Nell, I just signed the contract.
Nell: I beg your pardon. Without going through it with me?
Me: Yes.
Nell: So Conversations with Nell is being published?
Me: Yes. In the United States and over here in the United Kingdom.
Nell: Why stop there? What about our fans across the world? As I always say: There is more in a Kong than a couple of biscuits.
Me: I agree. We want to publish in as many countries as we can. This is just the beginning.
Nell: I think we may need a glass of champagne.
Me: I think you are right. I couldn’t have done it without you, Nell.
Nell: You certainly couldn’t. My name is in the title for a start.
Me: You know what I mean.
Nell: Of course I do. You without me, or me without you. Impossible.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
