Susie: Helen, thank you for being here today. You star as the second lead heroine in my new book, You Don’t Know Me. You’re Nathan’s mother, and you live across the street from the family. That’s convenient.
Helen: I love it. I can stop over anytime and help out with the kids. Annalise is a wonderful daughter-in-law, and of course Nathan is my pride and joy. He’s been my entire life since his father and I split. I don’t know how he survived the specter that his father left on our lives, but he’s become a wonderful father and husband. I’m so proud of him.
Susie: He nursed you through your cancer, right?
Helen: Giving up his cross-country scholarship to Winona State. He stayed here and earned his real-estate license and is now running for mayor. I am just so blessed by my family. I love attending Colleen’s volleyball games, and attending Jason’s plays, and reading to sweet Henry. My life is perfect. Full.
Susie: But don’t you secretly want to get married again?
Helen: Me? Oh . . . no. I’m perfectly happy single. Besides, I had my chance at marriage. No, I don’t think God wants me to get married again. And besides, I’m not interested in getting hurt.
Susie: Hurt?
Helen: Men. You know. They come with all sorts of secrets and betrayals. I’ll never put myself in that position again.
Susie: Even if the right man came along?
Helen: One without secrets? Please, Susie, I know you better than that.
Susie: Helen, such little faith in me! What if I could give you the perfect man?
Helen: I don’t want any man. I just want to grow old with my family in Deep Haven. Did you know my family has lived here for nearly a century? We’re old family Deep Haven. That’s enough for me.
Susie: So, you’d never move. Not even for Nathan?
Helen: Why would Nathan want to leave? His entire life is here.
Susie: It’s just a question.
Helen: See, Susie, this is why your characters don’t trust you.
Susie: Helen, please. I’m all about the happy ending. Even the ones you least expect.
Helen: Listen, honey, don’t mess with my life, or you’ll never get another homemade apple pie.
Susie: Helen Decker is played Helen Mirren. Check out her story in my new book, You Don’t Know Me, in stores October 1st.
And don’t forget to enter my You Don’t Know Me contest, which ends tomorrow! Find out more information here.