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cross-disciplinary collaborations with Merv Stratton.
    Annie nodded as they both examined the guy’s face over Rain’s shoulder, looking for flashes of emotion. Merv had written an epic book remapping Australia as a land of failed settlements. He had spent years on it, and yet it had not broken through and received the popularization win. The book had everything it took: an upbeat tone, minimal graphs and charts, snarks against consumerism and little digs designed to play on Australians’ guilt about the brutal way their country was colonized. It had gotten a lot of coverage in The Guardian and The Sydney Morning Herald. Even McSweeney's had interviewed Stratton in America. Annie could imagine how bummed he must be now.
    He cannot compete with Rain’s writing. Rain Mistern’s punchy writing style and massive reputation helped him as much as his brilliant mind. He had everything going for him. Even the controversies about sexism helped him by getting his name in the papers and boosting sales.
    And the buttocks . Annie eyed those in Rain’s Armani trousers. It was possible that those helped Rain too; there were a hell of a lot of female publishers and book reviewers out there.
    Annie’s eyes stayed trained on that butt as Rain’s feet shifted. The ass-curve moved from one side of his pants to the other as the muscles took turns clenching.
    â€œEyes off, Horny Dwarf,” Lily whispered, rising up on her tiptoes to peer over the crowd. “How are we going to get to the drinks table?”
    â€œYou’re not drinking and driving, Lily,” Annie shot.
    â€œI wasn’t planning to. I just mean… how are we going to cross the room and mingle? Rain’s fans are blocking everything.”
    It took Annie a second to realize that Rain had in fact just arrived, and people had packed him to the entrance so tight he hadn’t been able to move further than this.
    â€œShall we push through?” Lily asked, licking her lips as she tried to get another look at the catering table by the stone wall at the far end of Guastavino’s. The backlight from the iconic crescent-shaped windows cast a lot of tasty treats in silhouette: sushi platters and macaroons and towers of mini-cakes. Annie could bet there were either some great hors d’oeuvres or a man she wanted to get her hands on.
    â€œHe’ll see me looking awkward with all those sorries and excuse mes and nudges.”
    â€œI told you; you care what he thinks!”
    â€œWell, a bit, but it doesn’t mean—”
    â€œOh, my God. Annie Childs.” Rain had spotted them. He turned, snifter in hand, eyes not displeased. Annie’s heart leapt with pleasure as an easy grin filled his face. He motioned for the women to come closer.
    â€œWe were just trying to get through,” Annie said. She felt Lily giving her a mental high five.
    â€œWell, say hello first. What is this?” Rain pulled a face at her. The chatterers all around Rain had fallen silent. Lily and Annie shuffled into their circle.
    â€œI have something for you.” Rain grinned. Annie noted the sweat on his brow, just under the sandy hairline, and the tired look in his eyes. It was just starting to creep in at the corners, in the same place where his skin crinkled when he laughed. He passed his trophy to Lily. “Want a feel? I need to fish in my pockets.”
    Annie watched Lily’s face as she took the trophy. Why did everything Rain say come out as a sexual double entendre?
    To Lily’s credit she did not run a finger down the gold statue, or bring it jokily anywhere near her lips. Annie’s friend had a bawdy sense of humor. “Congratulations on this, Rain,” was all Lily said.
    â€œWhat have you brought me? Is it from Sivu?” Annie demanded.
    Grinning again, Rain fished in his suit pocket and brought up a silver chain. Annie gasped when she saw the brilliant navy stone at the end. She knew it