The School Story

On Wednesday, Zoe’s beeper buzzes again. This time, the number is different, but she and Natalie can tell that it’s still a call from the publishing company. At lunch, Zee Zee calls Hannah and learns that Letha has decided she wants to take on the book herself. Natalie is upset at this development because she doesn’t like Letha. She wants her own mother to edit the book. 

After school, the girls talk to Ms. Clayton about the development. Ms. Clayton understands Natalie’s concerns about letting Letha take the assignment, and she suggests Zoe “play some poker” (124) to change how things are going. 

Shortly after, Hannah visits Letha’s office at Letha’s request. Letha is seething with anger. She thinks Zee Zee is crazy. She explains Zee Zee has given an ultimatum to have the book edited by Hannah or she’ll seek another publisher. Letha yells at Hannah, thinking Hannah has made some sort of deal with Zee Zee and Cassandra Day, but Hannah explains that they had very normal conversations and never made any deals. Letha says Zee Zee Reisman wants to “think about this” (128) before making any decisions. Letha feels slighted by the agent and author and believes them to be crazy to potentially turn down having the editor in chief take the manuscript.