She crosses her arms and leans her back against the kitchen island. “A little.”
I slide my shoes off and sit on a bar stool. “So, Leo’s clearly won you over. How did you meet him?”
“We volunteer at the bird sanctuary together.”
“Of course.” Gosh this guy just keeps getting better and better. A sweet disposition and a great physique. I tried to ignore it, but the man isfit. The image of him in swim trunks earlier pops into my mind. He had some serious muscle definition. I’m embarrassed to admit, but I counted all six of his abs—despite my dazed state.
“He has a heart of gold. You should see him with his son, Benjamin. He’s a great dad, and he’s an extremely hard worker.”
“All I’m hearing is that he’s too good to be true.” I should have known there was a catch. I have great taste…in men that are out of my league. I mentally move Leo into a box next to Bronson labeled, “Never Gonna Happen.”
“Chloe Ann Reid. Look at you. You’re beautiful, successful, determined, kind…I could go on and on. Any guy would be lucky to have you…and Leo could be that guy. I’m telling you, he’s just the best.”
I blow out a laugh. “Did he hire you? If not, he should. You would make an excellent publicist.” I pause. “But, if Leo’s so great, why is he still single?”
Val gives me the side-eye. “I could ask you the same question.”
A puff of air darts out of my nose. “Dang, Aunt Val. Shots fired.”
She softens her face into a smile. “I’m just trying to make the point that everyone has a story. You should get to know Leo’s.” Aunt Val kisses my forehead. “I’m off to catch up onLove is Blind. Let me know if you need anything.”
I sit frozen as I ruminate on Aunt Val’s words. “Everyone has a story,” I say out loud. Suddenly, it hits me. That’s what the characters in my manuscript are missing.Their backstory.I grab my computer out of my backpack and throw open my laptop. Pulling up Google, I type “how to write a character’s backstory.”
After clicking on an article, I begin to voraciously read the first paragraph. I pause, deliberating on the tip that says, “Identify formative events and relationships in their life.” Thinking about my main character, Adelena, I draw a blank when it comes to specifics.
Linda was right. I don’t have enough life experience, or maybe more aptly,peopleexperience. I’ve always been one to keep to myself. My college roommates were the closest friends I’ve ever had…and honestly, they forced me into friendship with them. When I wanted to stay in my room and study, someone would literally drag me out into the living room to eat ice cream or watch a movie with them.
All the adrenaline drains from my body. I’m a wallflower. I can’t force myself to be anything else.
I’m spent, so I close my laptop and walk over to my suitcase. There’s no way I can carry this thing up the stairs to my room. I’ll just have to bring my clothes on multiple trips. For now, I put on my gray, button-front, long sleeve pajama set. Then I snatch my toiletry bag and make my way up to the room Aunt Val said was mine.
As I enter it for the first time, I’m instantly enraptured by the white walls, beachy peach comforter on the king bed and a pristine view of the ocean. My new room is modern and minimalistic and clean. It’s perfect.
I climb into bed and snuggle down into the mattress. I really should get up to brush my teeth, but I can’t move. My body feels like it’s filled with sand. My eyes close.
Chapter 8
Chloe
Allthefloor-to-ceilingwindowsin this place really make sleeping in impossible. I look at my phone, and it reads 6:38 am.
As I stand, I stretch. The ocean view before me stops me mid back arch. Pinks and purples shimmer across the sky. The sea waves roll in lazily. I can’t believe I get to live here.
I’m filled with renewed hope and optimism as I march down the stairs.
Entering the kitchen, I see Aunt Val pouring a cup of coffee. “Good morning!”
“Well good morning to you, dear. How’d you sleep?” Aunt Val holds up the coffee pot, and I nod.
“Amazing. I completely passed out. That bed is so comfortable.” The warm beverage in my hand relaxes me.
“I’m glad to hear that.” She takes a sip and then sets her bright white coffee cup down. “So what are you going to do today?”
I exhale slowly. “Well, I need to figure out what to do with my life. Any advice?”
Leaning forward, Val stares out the sliding glass doors that showcase the pool and the ocean. “Whenever I’m ready for a new adventure, I take a journal and find a peaceful spot. Then I pray, reflect and write down what comes to mind.”
“And that works?”
