I’m the only single friend in our group.
Solo.
Uno.
Me.
I’d like to say my time will come or that after watching my best friends find the love of their lives, I hope I’m next, but that’s not me.
My moment has passed.
I’ve learned the hard way that no matter how hard you try, life won’t always give you what you want. That the days are easier if you just go with the flow.
“Good night, Tobias,” Simon calls out from the front entrance of The Space. He’s got his arm wrapped around Greer’s shoulders who’s ruffling Simon’s eleven-year-old son’s hair. Last week he finally did the one thing we all thought he’d never do. He told Greer he loved her and let me tell you, the way he’s changed in just the last seven days is mind-blowing. It’s like this ten-ton weight that he’d been carrying around has vanished and for the first time in over a decade, he’s actually living.
His life right now has all the elements for a love story and the happiness I feel for him is why I love what I write.
“You kids stay out of trouble,” I reply and hold my hand up to wave goodbye.
They all return the gesture and head out the door.
I watch them walk down the street for a beat before I decide to open the email my agent, Doug, sent me earlier today. I hate talking about myself, so when I saw the email pop up with a questionnaire, I ignored it in a heartbeat.
When you get picked to be the author of the month in the romance world’s most beloved magazine, it’s expected they want to know more about you.
I let out a sigh and open the attached document.
The first few questions are typical. Name, pen name, how many books I have, what genre I write, and so on.
But it’s about halfway down that a question I’ve never seen before makes me sit back with a smile as I read the line out loud to no one.
“Of all your friends and family who know you write in the genre you write, when you finally told them, is there one moment that stands out the most to you?”
Hell, yeah there is.
I don’t even have to think about the answer to this one. It was just a little over twelve years ago and it’s my favorite memory from my college years.
I let out a chuckle and shake my head.
It’s a night I’ll never forget.
It’s a night that changed my life forever.
“Happy birthday to one of the best guys I know, Tobias, and congratulations on your first book deal, Zane!” Beck cheers loudly before he, Zane, Simon, Hero, Graham, and I clink our shot glasses together.
The Fireball burns all the way down.
One by one, they slap me on the shoulder and fist bump Zane before wandering back into the living room where the majority of the party is taking place.
About a year ago, the six of us met in a creative writing class, where we discovered we’re all male romance writers. I don’t have to explain how that small fact brought us together. We’ve been a tight group from day one. I’ve had friends in the past who were supportive of my dream to write books, but nothing compares to having best friends who share the same goals as you. They just get it.
About a month ago, I rented an off-campus house. Beck, Simon, and Hero live here with me. Graham and Zane have their own apartment.
But tonight is the first party I’ve had here. It’s June. It’s my birthday month, and tonight has been so great that I’m considering making this a tradition. Not just for my birthday, but because during the school year, the guys and I have such busy schedules that somehow, we manage to cram in writing time with, but to actually hang out, have some beers, and enjoy ourselves, those are rare times.
Like I said, we all have big goals. Bestsellers, six-figure contracts, movie deals, serial show deals, audio deals, billboard signs, and so much more.
Determination and dedication aren’t something we lack.
