by Rosie C.
I stood in front of his house the next morning and hoped his parents wouldn’t hate me for the mess I made on their lawn. With the help of social media, I was able to figure out how to paint a message in grass large enough for someone to read from a distance. It was eco-friendly paint too so at least the grass wouldn’t get damaged in the process.
I called his phone five times with no answer. I nervously bit my fingernails and tried to think of another way to get his attention. I grabbed some pebbles and threw rocks at random windows on the second floor. Still, nothing.
I sat with my back against a tree and waited for him to return my calls. The next thing I knew I was being woken up by someone patting my shoulder.
I opened my eyes, a little scared at what I was going to find. My body sagged in relief at Josh’s wide golden eyes.
“Finally,” I said, standing up and away from the tree. “How long did you leave me out here?”
“Have you been here long?” He asked. “I only came down because I was at the art studio when my neighbors called and asked if I forgot a girl on my lawn. I came home to find you.”
“Yeah, sorry, I didn’t know what else to do but wait.”
“I know the feeling. I’ve been waiting for a year,” he said, annoyed.
“Ouch. Okay. Well I’m here and I’m sorry.” I took a deep breath. “I don’t regret taking that time because it made me realize just how much I really do care about you and I want nothing more than to hang out with you every day, always, possibly forever if you don’t get tired of me.”
He nodded, his angry eyes turning from frustration to understanding. “Well, I am your everything and your reason right?”
My eyes widened in surprise and my heart rate sped up as he said those words. “You did read what I wrote.”
“Yeah, well, you put a lot of effort into it, judging by its size.” He stepped closer to me until he was just a few breaths away. He reached out and held my face. I loved when he did that. My whole body came to life at the gesture.
“It was the most creative thing I could think of.”
“I might have to paint it on a canvas and hang it somewhere I can always see it.”
“Really?” I squeaked.
“Of course,” he said, leaning down to level our eyes. “You’re my everything and my reason too.”
I jumped into his arms and attacked him with kisses. He returned each one and held my body tightly against his. This is what it felt like to be loved for who you are. I wanted to freeze this moment forever and bottle it up. Fairytale boys did exist, and I would attest to that always.
I was in the middle of writing another story when Courtney pushed her way into the forefront of my mind. Once she was there, I couldn’t get her out. So, I put the other story on hold and started to write hers. She was easy, fun, light, and relatable — and that’s what this book is. It’s a quick-paced read that encompasses a few of my favorite things, including family, romance, friendship, and self-discovery.
It was nice to step away from the emotional, dark read I’ve been working on and immerse myself in a world a little less tragic. With that being said, I’m also really, very excited to return to the other book and continue with the story of those characters.
I hope you all enjoyed this novella and all that is Courtney Summers. She’s more different from me than any other character I’ve written, so it was really fun to explore her world and tell her story. I really hope you enjoyed it.
If you have any comments or questions, feel free to contact me at all the places listed below.
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/dominiquelaurawrites
Instagram: @dominiquelaurawrites
Twitter: @domlaurawrites
Also, if you enjoyed this story, please leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Reviews are always appreciated.
Thanks so much! xo
P.S. Jenna’s story Trusting the Surface is available, exclusively on Amazon!
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, mental illness, or anything else, I encourage you to utilize these resources.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1(800)273-TALK (8255)
www.selfinjury.com
For more information and/or resources, you can visit the sites of these organizations:
www.loveislouder.com
www.activeminds.org
www.twloha.com
www.nationaleatingdisorders.com
There are SO many people I can thank.
Edna, You’re always supportive, no matter what I do, and I love you for that.
Nicole and Jammit, you don’t like to read but you better read this book because I wrote it.
Justin and Christopher, brothers of mine, I don’t expect you to read this. In fact, please don’t. It’s not suitable for your eyes.
Lizzy, my second mom, you loved my first book and I hope you love this one too.
Mom and Dad, Thanks for being extremely supportive when I broke the news to you about my alter author life. It’s embarrassing, but also super exciting.
Nina, Nino, Daniel, David, Grandma, Grandpa, thank you. Just one hundred thousand times thank you. You all are awesome.
The rest of my family, YOU ALL ROCK SO MUCH TOO. Your unconditional support makes me happy..
The readers, bloggers, and book friends, thank you for sharing my stories and for loving them as much as I do. You’re all the absolute best!
