M.J. Padgett's Blog, page 8
January 15, 2022
The Moral of the Story Is...
Remember that teacher who said the craziest thing? Like, you should be a writer when you grow up? I had that teacher in fifth grade, and he spent a lot of time cultivating my love for reading and writing. But the writing part didn’t stick.
I grew up and did many things—retail, reception, veterinary medicine, environmental management—and then I had my child. My husband and I decided early in my pregnancy that I would stay home to raise our daughter, maybe find a work-from-home job, then homeschool her when she started school. I never imagined that work from home job would be writing. I should have listened to that fifth-grade teacher (sorry, Mr. Engel), and maybe I wouldn’t have hated most of my jobs.
I genuinely love writing. Even if I never sold a single copy of a book, I would still write and publish because I fully believe it (along with mothering) is what God has called me to do. Both are difficult, but both bring me different kinds of joy. Isn’t that the point of life? To serve and create happiness?
In the spirit of spreading joy (or a good laugh at the very least), here is a sample of my earliest writing.
The moral of today’s story? Maybe listen more to the people who see your talents and less to what the rest of the world screams you should do.
And it's illustrated!
January 8, 2022
Book Review: A Forest of Stolen Memories by Callie Thomas
CALLIE THOMAS
KINDLE VELLA BOOK
Celebration turns to disaster when a mysterious curse goes awry. A reminder that the Sorcerer's prophecy still plagued the royal family. Roselyn's memory is suddenly erased, leaving her panicked at the altar. Confused, she flees to the place the prince fears most--the enchanted Mistbrooke Forest. Danger lingers closer than she can imagine, forcing her to seek help from a dark stranger who may be the key to recovering her lost memories. Can she break the curse without breaking her heart?
And they all lived happily ever after... except they don't... or do they? I don't know! I'm still reading episodes while I hang on the edge of my seat. That's the fun thing about Vella books--the anticipation of each new episode! But enough about Vella's format, let's dive into the fantasy fairytale that opens at the wedding, or what was supposed to be the happily ever after.
A Forest of Stolen Memories begins with our MC losing her memory and kind of freaking out about it. Who would blame her? She's getting married and doesn't recognize her future husband or any of their guests. So she runs. While on the run, she enlists the help of Cedrick, a mysterious man who clearly has loads of secrets. Even so, I can't help but love him. Honestly, I think Cedrick is my favorite character in the book despite not knowing much about him in the beginning. The snarky banter between Roselyn and him is on point, and I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit.
As we follow our characters through some odd, mysterious, and utterly cool adventures, more and more of Roselyn's past is revealed. Even so, it's kind of like a slow form of maniacal torture waiting for these two to unravel their conundrurms, and when they do, it's... not so great for either of them. As I anxiously await the next episode, all I can do is hope things turn around for our unlikely duo.
The story is clean (no cussing or sex, no graphic violence) and will appeal to both young adults and adults. The world is rich with magic (talking magical trees anyone?) and the characters have personality and purpose.
If you are seeking a fantasy to sink your teeth into on Vella, this one is a good place to begin!
So far, it's a 5/5 star book!
January 1, 2022
Reading Goals for 2022
My TBR pile is growing by the week, both in physical format and on my e-reader. Not to mention the new stories in Kindle Vella that I want to binge read. It seems I’m growing faster than I’m pruning, so maybe it’s time for some accountability! Below are some of the books I am most excited to read in 2022! I know, I know… I probably should have already read most of these, but I didn’t even have time for the popular reads last year.
The list is heavy in fantasy with a few science fiction novels thrown in, but I do have some ya romcoms on my e-reader ready to go at a moment’s notice. I often read one between heavier world-building books because I need a dose of earth problems for a change. I’m also considering a few historical fiction novels, a couple of mystery thrillers, and one or two Christmas-themed books I didn’t get around to last year.
What are you reading this year? Have anything to recommend that’s not already on my list?
Just in case you want to read them, too, I linked the titles! If you’ve read some, let me know what you think. If you want to read together, shoot me an email, and we can set up a little book club!
December 31, 2021
End of the Year Recap
When I sat down to write this blog post, I thought I hadn’t read much this year. I also thought I hadn’t published much, but I was wrong! I was BUSY this year. I didn’t read as much as I had hoped, but I did get a lot done. I also missed a few publishing goals, but that’s okay, too! I tend to set my goals high, so even falling short is a significant accomplishment.
I also dabbled in some new things this year. I did a podcast in February with XXX, and I’ve done several Trope Talk videos with Crystal Crawford. Then there’s my new e-zine Laundry List. Overall, I would say it’s been a big growth year.
Here is the recap of my favorite reads for the year:
SCIENCE FICTION TOP PICK: THE ILLUMINAE FILES BY AMIE KAUFFMAN AND JAY KRISTOFF
I'll be the first to admit science-fiction confuses the snot out of me. The high-tech worlds leave me scratching my head most times, but this trilogy was character driven which made reading much easier. I read each of these MASSIVE books over six nights. I lost a lot of sleep, but they were worth it. I was not a fan of the cussing (primarily, the use of the Lord's name) so if that is a no for you, then skip these.
This trilogy is creepy, powered by superhero-like kids who just want to be ordinary, and one scary AI out to kill everyone and everything... almost. The format is difficult to read on a small e-reader, so opt for a larger screen or the print volumes.
FANTASY TOP PICKS:
MACCHIATOS, FAERIE PRINCES, AND OTHER THINGS THAT HAPPEN AT MIDNIGHT BY CRYSTAL CRAWFORD
As usual, Crystal Crawford's fantasy worlds are so rich and immersive, I find myself getting lost in them--even when they take place on present-day earth! The title is long, but this Vella fantasy is full of intriguing characters (team Jordan--don't argue with me), mystery, and enough clean romance to give you a sweet tooth.
A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES SERIES BY SARAH J. MAAS
Right off the bat, I warn that this series has graphic sex. It was a huge turn off for me, but the storytelling was enough to keep me going... until book four. The initial trilogy was a wild ride full of twists and turns while we watched Feyra come into her own. But Maas lost me on book four. I was not a fan of everything Nesta had to give up just to be accepted, despite having her own wounds that were no less traumatic than anyone else's. That said, the books are a nice escape and I liked them.
A FOREST OF STOLEN MEMORIES BY CALLIE THOMAS
Another Vella book, this fantasy has enough intrigue to keep you scrolling to the next episode. I adore Ceadrick, and the magic system here is quite interesting. I also like the Biblical parallels throrughout (David vs. Saul is one). It is not quite complete, but the author updates weekly and it should be complete soon.
YA ROMANCE TOP PICKS:
THE BAH HUMBUG BAD BOY BY PIXIE PERKINS
This was such a great read from start to finish. The perfect sunny vs. grumpy story about a girl who loves Christmas and a bad boy who isn't so bad. I adored the characters and the sweet, simple romance.
CROSS COUNTY HEARTS BY SUZANNE AUGUST
Another great sweet romance. This one was an enemies to more story whose characters went a little off track during their cross country road trip. This one does have minimal cussing but nothing vulgar.
XOXO PIPER BY GINGER LI
I loved the cute sweetness of both main characters in this book, even when the boy was a brooding meanie head. A quick, hopeful read.
FINDING MADELINE BY EMILY FERTIC
I was blown away by this debut novel by Emily Fertic. It handles the trauma and hardships of being bullied in a real yet sensitive way. The true meaning of friendship through everything is found in this book.
MY PUBLISHED WORK THIS YEAR:
THE CUPCAKE CRIMINALS is a clean adult romantic comedy.
BLUR THE LINES is a clean adult romantic comedy.
JUST HER LUCK is a clean adult romantic comedy.
EVERNIGH is a clean young adult fantasy romance.
THE IMMORTAL GRIMM BROTHERS' GUIDE TO SOCIOPATHIC PRINCESSES BOXED SET is an illustrated collection of seven full-length young adult fairy tale adaptations.
THE SECRET AUTHOR SERIES BOXED SET is a collection of five full-length novels, five novella spin-off stories, and multiple bonus chapters and alternate points-of-view, clean young adult romance.
THE FALLEN is a clean young adult fantasy in rough draft form on my VIP portal.
OTHER STUFF:
If you are interersted in my podcast interview on Pencils and Lipstick, you can find it here.
If you are interested in Trope Talks with Crystal Crawford, you can find them here.
Whew. It really was a crazy year, but I am so happy for my loyal followers who give me the confidence every single day to write and publish my ideas. Thank you again for making my dream career a reality!
December 15, 2021
Laundry List E-Zine Winter Issue
I can’t believe it has been three months since the first issue of Laundry List released! Thank you to everyone who commented, made suggestions, and asked for more. I really appreciate everything you do! Without further ado, here is the winter issue!
December 11, 2021
Holly Jolly Holidays!
It’s the time of year when people are spending more time with family, connecting with friends, and basking in the joy of Jesus. Whatever your holiday traditions—Christian or not—this is an excellent time to reflect over the past year, consider what next year might bring, set goals, celebrate our accomplishments, and accept our failures as growth and learning.
I am so thankful that you all have followed me around the sun another year, and I want to offer you a gift of thanks. Just click the link below to download Just Her Luck, a Christmas season novella that’s sweet, gooey, and just long enough to read before bed. Have a wonderful holiday season and a Merry Christmas!
November 28, 2021
All About Kindle Vella
What is this new Kindle Vella, and how is it different from other episodic reading platforms? There has been a lot of talk among authors about Amazon’s new Kindle Vella platform and why it changes how we deliver our stories. A play on the “novella” idea of a story shorter than a novel but longer than a short story, the platform offers books in small chunks delivered to you like episodes in a seasonal television show. This platform might sound familiar to users of Radish, Wattpad, and other serial updated reading platforms. Still, for those used to regular e-books, it can be a bit confusing.
Let’s take a look at what Vella actually is before we discuss how to use it. Think of print and e-books as television shows for a moment. A chapter-divided book is like one whole season of your favorite television show packaged and ready for your binge-watching pleasure. Vella is like that television show’s current season released to you one episode (one chapter) at a time until it is complete.
Why would anyone want to read that way? Well, for the same reason people watch television shows. It’s that fun hit of entertainment once a week, something to look forward to. It’s simply a new way to follow your favorite authors. As Amazon includes new features, it could also become a place where you can interact with those authors, too! Authors decide how often they will update (most are on a weekly schedule, but some bi-weekly, more or less) and you can follow a story to get alerts when the episode uploads.
As an author, I’m excited about this platform. There’s higher pay for independent authors, more interaction with readers, more immediate feedback, and… well… it’s just fun! You can find Vella books in the drop-down search under books and browse the small (but growing) list here.
Now, how does it work? It’s easy. The first three chapters of any book are FREE. Always. This gives you three chapters to decide if the book interests you before spending tokens on chapters. After that, you purchase tokens to unlock episodes. Is it expensive? It depends. Token costs are based on word count. Every 100 words in an episode cost one token, so a 2500-word chapter is 25 tokens. There are four token tiers as listed below:
200 tokens $1.99 (average 8 episodes)
525 tokens s$4.99 (average 21 episodes)
1100 tokens $9.99 (average 44 episodes)
1700 tokens $14.99 (average 68 episodes)
Obviously, the larger the package, the cheaper the cost of the tokens. Several authors have books on Vella that would cost $4.99 or less to read the entire book. I have one that costs less than $1.99. So, about the cost of a regular e-book purchase. Certainly, cheaper than a print copy.
Additionally, if you are new to Vella, you get 200 tokens for FREE! With the first three chapters free AND 200 tokens, there are lots of books you can read for free when you begin Vella. This brings me to another point. Vella is not a membership subscription like Kindle Unlimited, so there are no monthly fees on top of token costs.
At the end of each episode, you can reward the author with a "thumbs up" if you liked the chapterer. The more thumbs up we get, the better pay we receive. It's a great way to support the authors you love and let them know what you think! You also get one "fave" pick of the week. Each week, you can choose one book from your reads list as your favorite. High ranking faves get a special crown and a featured spot on Vella.
So, why hasn’t everyone heard about Vella yet? Amazon has been pretty quiet about this new platform. None of us really know why except that it will be a slow-growing platform geared toward increased profitability for independent authors. As new features roll out, I will be sure to update you. We’re hoping for commenting ability because we authors would LOVE to interact with our readers inside our stories! We adore reactions from our alpha and beta reader groups, so getting them from our target audience readers would be amazing. It would also be nice if they would include an author follow feature rather than just a story follow.
What if I don’t like this new platform? Will you still publish the e-book and physical copies of the books? Yes, I will. I realize this platform isn’t for everyone, and I want to reach as many readers as possible. Each book put in Vella has an exclusivity agreement in place for thirty days after the release of the last episode. Suppose I publish my last episode (aka chapter) today. In that case, I cannot post it anywhere else in electronic form for thirty days. After that, it’s free as a bird. I plan to continue with my usual e-book and print formats after that period ends.
Here’s another fun fact… anything I put in Vella can be shared with my VIP readers. Since you must join my website as a member to access the VIP page, I can post the episodes there for free! Not a member? You can join here. It’s free, and you can read some of my books there before they are released anywhere else (or at the same time where some Vella stories are concerned.) The exclusivity agreement does not count as long as the episodes are not available for free widely.
Hopefully, this has been helpful for those curious about Vella. For more information, you can also follow Crystal Crawford’s videos about Vella here.
Want some great books to get started? Here are three options I think my readers will enjoy. One is mine and two I highly recommend!
JUST HER LUCK
M. J. PADGETT
Amelia's life has just been turned upside down. She bombed a meeting, sprained her wrist, and lost her job all in one week. To make matters worse, now she's stuck in a snowstorm with no car, no hotel, and no help in sight. Just when Amelia thinks her luck can't get any worse, her high school nemesis swoops in to save the day. Kieran's offer to let her stay at his apartment stinks, but it's her only option. Can Amelia survive under the same roof with him, or will she strangle him with tinsel?
A FOREST OF STOLEN MEMORIES
CALLIE THOMAS
Celebration turns to disaster when a mysterious curse goes awry. A reminder that the Sorcerer's prophecy still plagued the royal family. Roselyn's memory is suddenly erased, leaving her panicked at the altar. Confused, she flees to the place the prince fears most--the enchanted Mistbrooke Forest. Danger lingers closer than she can imagine, forcing her to seek help from a dark stranger who may be the key to recovering her lost memories. Can she break the curse without breaking her heart?
MACCHIATOS, FAERIE PRINCES, AND OTHER THINGS THAT HAPPEN AT MIDNIGHT
CRYSTAL CRAWFORD
Ayla's family has a secret... and it's about to change her life forever. When a mysterious stranger vanishes right in front of her, Ayla begins to question all the strange happenings that pepper her life. When that vanishing stranger turns out to be Fae, Ayla is thrust into a dangerous world of LeyGuards, a curse, and a decades-old war. But as her relationships with her best guy friend and the mysterious Fae prince deepen, Ayla's heart might be what's most at risk.
November 18, 2021
Book Review: Bah Humbug Bad Boy by Pixie Perkins
I can’t believe it’s almost December, and Christmas is just around the corner! I’ve been scouring the shelves for holiday-themed books and settled on this little gem. I devoured it in two days, and it was worth every second of sleep loss both nights. The Bah Humbug Bad Boy by Pixie Perkins is as cute as the author’s name.
‘tis the season to be grouchy.Marco Amorelli doesn’t hate Christmas, he just really doesn’t want to spend his free time helping his grandma with her Christmas decorations and lame Christmas party. Too bad his mom thinks it’ll “be good” for him. And if that wasn’t frustrating enough, now he has to deal with a certain attractive—loves to wear tacky Christmas clothes—overbearing girl who’s determined to show him the ins and outs of being holly and jolly. Is she for real?Last Christmas, Fallon Bauer was dumped by her now-ex. This Christmas? She just wants to enjoy her favorite time of year without thinking about you-know-who. So, when her neighbor asks for some holiday help, Fallon is more than glad to lend a hand. She wasn’t, however, expecting to work with Patton High’s bad boy: Marco Amorelli. The guy is a total grinch! But helping him find some serious holiday cheer could be a sure way to keep herself distracted from feeling heartbroken…right?What happens, though, when sparks fly between them and more than snow starts falling?
Where do I begin? With Marco’s not-so-bad-boy anti-Christmas grouchiness that is so oddly endearing, I couldn’t help but smile when I swiped the screen, and his POV began? Or the adorably cringy Fallon whose intense love for all things Christmas made this book the perfect grouchy/sunny trope plot ever?
Usually, I’m hesitant with YA Romcoms with alternate POVs because the author tends to mistrust the reader. What do I mean by that? Just that dual POVs don’t leave much to the imagination, almost as if the reader doesn’t think we can figure things out as we go without the other POV. I usually find myself dragging through the less exciting character’s chapters just to get back to the fun ones… but not here. Marco and Fallon were both interesting views, and their misunderstandings were so genuine and honest.
I don’t want to spoil the book with too much detail, but I love when a simple misunderstanding can be the crisis point in a book—not too much drama, no long and drawn-out forgiveness scenes—just really wholesome look I know I screwed up, but I didn’t mean to, please forgive me situation. And they were (despite Fallon’s obsession with festive footwear) mature and realistic.
I highly recommend this sweet, quick holiday read! Oh, and watch out for that baking scene… and the candle shop scene… and the bonfire scene… really any time these two find themselves within five feet of each other.
You can find the book here. Happy reading!
November 5, 2021
SERIES UPDATES
Well, I can’t believe we’re looking at less than two months left in 2021. I can’t say I’m disappointed, but it sure went fast! I’m looking forward to a productive 2022, with lots of new things and wrapping up some older projects. Some of you have asked about series completion dates, and I have those for you here along with my plans for next year. Of course, those are flexible since you never know what might pop up. Without further ado, here’s the list:
The History of Goranin Trilogy (Adult Epic Fantasy) *graphic violence, otherwise clean
The final book of Eiagan’s trilogy, The Eternal Queen, is about halfway complete (if I don’t rewrite again) and I hope to publish it by mid to late 2022. This will complete the first trilogy in the Archives of the Ancient Kingdoms world. Once it releases, I will announce the next books in that franchise. There are ten additional books withing the world planned. You can find the first two books here. Available in e-book, paperback, hardcover, audiobook. Series must be read in order.
The Demolition Trilogy (YA Romance) *sensitive topics otherwise clean
Book two, The Demolition Daze, is in the recording phase for release as an audiobook. Book three is written and will undergo editing once the book two audiobook releases. I will update this to the VIP page first, then release to the world once all editing is complete. You can find the fist two books here. Available in e-book, paperback, audiobook. Also available in Kindle Unlimited. Series can be read as stand-alones.
The House of Aurum Trilogy (YA Fantasy Romance) *moderate violence, otherwise clean romance
Book two is in the planning phase. I hope to write and release the second book by fall of 2022. You can find the first book here. Available in e-book, paperback, hardcover. Coming soon to audiobook. Series must be read in order.
The Immortal Grimm Brothers’ Guide to Sociopathic Princesses (YA Fairtytale Retellings) *moderate violence, otherwise clean
This series is complete, and the boxed set released earlier this year. Eventually, there will be a spin-off series written around the children, but I don’t have a set time frame for that project. You can find the series here. Available in e-book, paperback, audiobook. Series must be read in order.
The Life in Chatswain City Series (Adult Romantic Comedy) *clean romance
This series releases to Kindle Vella first, but I will also release in regular e-book and physical formats once the Vella exclusive time limit expires (30 days after the final chapter posts). You can find Just Her Luck (complete Christmas novella) here. You can find The Cupcake Criminals (complete) here. You can find Blur the Lines (in process) here. Only available in Kindle Vella for now. Series can be read as stand-alones.
I’m Pretty Sure About That Series (YA Romantic Comedy) *clean romance
The third book is written, and the fourth book is 3/4 written. These books will release to my VIP page and Kindle Vella first, then release as regular e-books after the 30-day Vella exclusivity period. Book three will begin posting to Vella in January. You can find the first two books here. Available in e-book, paperback, audiobook. Also available in Kindle Unlimited. Series can be read as stand alone installments, but is better enjoyed in order.
The Projects of Life Series (YA Romance) *clean romance
The third and final book is written and posting to my VIP page and Kindle Vella now. It will be available in e-book and paperback once the Vella period is up. You can find the first two books here. Available in e-book, paperback, audiobook. Also available in Kindle Unlimited. Series can be read as stand alone installments, but is better enjoyed in order.
The Secret Author Series (YA Romance) *clean romance
This series is complete and has a boxed set. I might add additional installments in the future, but there are no plans for 2022. You can find the series and all novella spin-offs here. Available in e-book, paperback, audiobook. Also available in Kindle Unlimited. Series can be read as stand-alones, but novella books must be read with the accopmanying primary novel.
The McConnor & Cunningham Clock Company Trilogy (Adult Paranormal Romance) *clean romance
This series is on hold until later in 2022.
The Fallen Series (YA Fantasy) *moderate violence, otherwise clean
The first book in this series has already posted to my VIP page. The next three books have been planned and will release there first. Once complete, they will be available in e-book and paperback in rapid release (one book per month). This will not likely be until 2023. To read the books as they are written (or to catch up with book one) you can join the VIP page here.
The Wardens of the Raven Court Series (YA Fantasy Romance) *moderate violence, otherwise clean
This is a brand new series still in the works. Book one of six is almost complete, and I hope to finish the series and begin rapid release (one book per month) mid to late 2022. This series is fae related, so fans of Sarah J. Maas would love this one. However, my series is without sex. It is a clean alternative for those seeking a more age-appropriate YA epic fae fantasy. For updates about the series and the anticipated release date, you can follow me on Instagram at M. J. Padgett.
I'm so glad you're all with me on my writing adventures and that you care so much about my characters and series. The next year will be full of releases, and I can't be more excited!
October 30, 2021
NEW BOOK SNEAK PEEK!
Remember at the beginning of October when I shared my quarterly goals? Surprise! I have a sneak peek at chapter one of the third book in I’m Pretty Sure I’m Gonna Hate You to Death Van St. Claire! Bear with me because it hasn’t been edited yet. It might change a little, and I’ll have a better handle on grammatical errors. Even so, I hope you like it!
“I’m sorry, what did you say? I thought you said you got the part,” Hazel asked while I stared at my ceiling. Despite living in D. C. with her amazing boyfriend, she’d managed to find time to talk to me at least once a week—the loser friend still stuck in high school a year behind her. I didn’t think she’d ever forgive me for voting to out her as captain, but it turned out she was a lot more forgiving than most people.
“Oh, I got it, like I wanted.” My stomach lurched again, barely containing my disgust.
“I fail to see the problem, Erin. It’s the lead, which has been your dream since we talked about it your freshman year. It’s why I let you miss so many practices. What’s changed?”
I groaned as I rolled over. I wanted to quit cheerleading after Hazel graduated. It wasn’t as much fun after she left for college, but it would have also left me with more time to focus on drama. But my mother—former cheerleader extraordinaire—wouldn’t hear of it. Even so, after hours upon hours of practice, I’d finally scored the part of Juliet.
I sighed. “Nothing has changed about wanting the part, but I’m worried I might actually kill the guy who got Romeo.”
“No. It’s not—”
“Yep. Van St. Claire.” My arch-nemesis, the thorn in my side, the guy who’d lived down the street from me since we were two years old. I thought back over the years—all the pranks, stunts, and cruel things he’d done to me all in the name of getting popular—and almost puked on my lacy bedspread.
“Oh, Erin. I’m so sorry. Can’t you… I don’t know… ask Mrs. McAlister to work something out?”
“I tried, honestly. Unfortunately, he really was the best audition. I would have cast him, too, if I were her.”
“I guess you’ll have to make the best of it, then. I’m heading out to dinner with Daniel, but if you need to talk more, I can call you after.”
I shook my head, then remembered she couldn’t hear the jellybeans rattle in my skull. “It’s okay. Game night,” I said, reminding myself that not only was Van on the basketball team… and in more than half of my classes… but now also the lead opposite me in the senior play.
“I’m really sorry, Erin. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.” Hazel’s tone slipped right into captain mode—firm but understanding. It meant she knew I could do this if I only put my mind to the task and stopped worrying about everything else. She was right. I’d done a lot harder things than tolerate Van St. Claire playing the role opposite—
I popped straight up on my bed and shrieked.
“What? What happened?” Hazel’s voice rose and squeaked, but I hardly heard her over the screaming in my head. Oh, no. Oh, no. Oh… nooo.
“He’s Romeo, Hazel! Romeo!”
“Yes, we established that he is Romeo. Why are you freaking out more?” she asked.
“Because she just remembered she has to kiss him,” Daniel said in the background, then cackled like a big, fat meanie head.
“Oh, Erin.” Hazel’s whisper said it all. “Maybe you can ask Mrs. McAlister to edit that part. You are in high school, after all. It’s not fair for them to make you kiss someone you don’t want to kiss.”
“Um… I need to… I need to think. I’ll talk to you later, Hazel.” I hung up, forgetting to even say goodbye until I’d already done it. It would be ok. Hazel would understand, but there was a more pressing matter to worry about. I’d have to kiss—bleh—Van St. Claire.
Instead of thinking about what would be, no doubt, the most disgusting thing I’d ever have to do in my life, I blocked out all things remotely related to drama, Shakespeare, and my mortal enemy and got ready for the game. If I was lucky, he would literally break a leg on the field, and I’d get a great new partner for the play. I smiled, thinking of his understudy. Deacon James, now he would not turn my stomach upside down at the mere thought of kissing him.
But since my crush of two years wasn’t the lead, I also swiped that thought from my mind and pulled my hair into a ponytail. Only one more year screaming and shaking pom-poms, and I could forget about cheerleading and focus on acting. Of course, I’d have to tell my mom I didn’t want to major in business before that could happen, but I had a few months before I’d have to tell her I never applied to any of the colleges she recommended. And then she would kill me.
I grabbed my gym bag and keys, then headed out the door. Mom wouldn’t be home for another two hours, at least, but she’d have dinner on the table when I did. Losing Dad had been hard on both of us, but we managed to get by. Even so, I knew it bothered her that she couldn’t give me the things other kids had. I’d tried telling her a million times I didn’t need a fancy car or private piano lessons or the latest fashions. All I wanted was more time with her, but she had to pick up overtime hours whenever they were available—almost every Friday night and Saturday.
Our little neighborhood was bustling as everyone else was getting home from work. The Fuller’s dog was running back and forth in their yard, barking at every car that passed, while Mrs. Fuller yelled at him to stop yapping or she’d feed him to her son’s snake. I chuckled as I passed their house and turned onto the main road. The entire drive back to school, I tried not to think about the play, but it was difficult since it had, as Hazel reminded me, been my dream for four years. And now, Van would screw it up just like he screwed up everything else.
I thought back to just last summer, the last day of junior year when everyone was happily wandering the halls for yearbook day. It was supposed to be fun, just open time for us to get our yearbooks signed by our friends, but no. No, Van had to go and make even that miserable. He stole my yearbook and ran across campus with it, then his inside a storage closet and drew a mustache on my picture. Then he wrote Erin loves Van on almost every page. There was no way I’d let anyone see that, so my yearbook was woefully lacking signatures and heartfelt messages from my friends.
It was just one small thing in a series of annoying things he’d done over the years to ruin my life. Fortunately for him, most of his shenanigans got him a lot of attention and helped him climb the social ladder by leaps and bounds. Even being a cheerleader didn’t help me avoid the mocking from the cool kids, proving that my mother was all wrong—not all cheerleaders ruled the school.
A knot formed in my chest when I pulled into the parking lot and only grew as I followed the hall down to the girl’s locker room. Inside, the girls were already starting the meeting, which meant I was late. I checked my watch and groaned. Even thinking about Van ruined my life.
“Miss Carpenter, better late than never, but you owe me five laps next practice.” Coach was in a rare form already, so I nodded and kept my mouth shut.
Isabella offered me a shy smile, my only friend in the entire school since Hazel left, and adjusted her cheer skirt. Friend was using the term loosely, considering we only ate lunch together and sat next to each other in the one class we shared, but other than that, we didn’t do anything. Nope, it was just mom and me… and I was fine with that.
I followed the girls out onto the court, which was already filled for our first game of the season. The guys were warming up, taking turns with layups while their coach yelled at them from the sidelines. The second my sneaker made the first squeak on the high-polish gym floor, Van turned around and made eye contact with me. He grinned, pressed his lips to his fingers, and blew me a kiss.
I almost lost my lunch right there in front of the entire gymnasium full of people.
“He’s really messing with you a lot today,” Isabella said, craning her neck so she could whisper to me.
I shrugged. “He got Romeo in the play. Didn’t you hear?”
Isabella’s warm brown eyes widened, and her black eyebrows shot up. She muttered a stream of curse words in Spanish, then rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Heaven help you, Erin. You know you’ll have to kiss him, right?”
I pursed my lips. “Yes. Yes, I know, Captain Obvious. I have read Romeo and Juliet before. I wonder if I can get him to poison himself before the kissing scene?”
Erin snickered and got into formation with the rest of the girls. I noticed my shoelace had come untied, so I knelt to tie it before Coach gave me another five laps for being unprepared. I’d just put the bunny through the hole when a basketball rolled by, then an elephant ran over me. Said elephant was a boy who had about as much grace as a thundering herd of elephants, so he stepped on my fingers, tripped backward over me, and landed on his hip, then kicked me in the head trying to right himself.
I swatted his legs and feet but couldn’t avoid ending up under him as he twisted and squirmed to get back up. Half the gym erupted in laughter, while the other half gasped. I, on the other hand, was mortified. Grr… Van.
Every time I tried to get up, it only knocked him off balance. When he stood, he stepped on me. Finally, Isabella came to my rescue and pulled me out of the pile of teenage arms and legs, topped with a heaping helping of humiliation, sprinkled with a pinch of hate.
“Geez, Erin. You are the least graceful person I’ve ever met. How are you a cheerleader?” Van asked, earning a few snickers from his friends.
“That wasn’t my fault, you—”
“Erin, let’s go over here where you won’t say things that will get you more laps, shall we?” Isabella pulled me over to the sidelines, where the rest of the girls stood slack-jawed or grinning. Half of them wanted to date Van; the other half already had, which made them about a fifty-fifty split between adoring and hating him.
The entire game passed by in a whirlwind of high-flying, screaming, hot dogs, and glares from Van. The only time I wasn’t wholly aware of his heated glances was when the girls threw me head over heels into the air, but the second I landed, my gaze always seemed to land on him. Once, I even got chills and covered my shiver with a little pom-pom shaking, but I wasn’t fooling Isabella. She kept glancing between Van and me, but she never said anything else about him.
Once the game was over—and Van did his victory lap around the gym, sideswiping me on purpose—I showered, changed, and tried to ignore everyone’s snickers and stares. I knew they’d heard. I knew they wished I would just quit the team, but I was the only one small enough to do the tricks they’d need to get to regionals again, then nationals if we were lucky. Keeping up with Hazel’s legacy was the only thing I was good for, it seemed.
Isabella, oddly, waited for me at the door. She smiled again and handed me my bag, then cleared her throat.
“Oh, boy. When my mom does that, it means she’d going to say something that’ll make me mad or sad. Which is it?”
“Maybe both.” Isabella let her hair down and ran a hand through her soft waves. Her ebony hair was so shiny and pretty, it put my boring blonde hair to shame. “They want you to do Hazel’s signature trick.”
I stopped in my tracks. “What? Are you kidding me? Hazel could barely do that trick, and she was the best cheerleader this school has ever had, like ever.”
“I am aware, but we need that or something better to even get to regionals, Erin. Can you talk to Hazel? See if she has any ideas that might not get you killed or put in a wheelchair forever?” She said it with a glint of humor in her eyes, but I knew deep down, she was concerned.
“Fine. Is that the part that’ll make me mad or the part that’ll make me sad?”
“Um… I’m not sure. Both things are pretty frustrating.”
“Lay it on me.”
“Word has it that Bailey’s out for you. She thinks that weird tripping, falling, floundering thing between you and Van was flirting of some very strange, inconvenient sort.”
It would have been funny if not for the ramifications of getting on Bailey Field’s bad side.
“But I might have a solution for that problem.” Isabella paused and adjusted the strap of her bag over her shoulder. She cleared her throat again, then said, “You know my brother, Zander, he kinda… okay, he’d die if he knew I told you this, but he kind of likes you.”
I blinked. Then I blinked again just to make sure I was awake. Then again, to make sure I wasn’t seeing things, and Isabella really was standing there telling me her brother, who’d graduated the year before, kind of liked me.
“Define, kind of. I mean, he doesn’t even know me.” Does it matter, Erin? Does it really matter that an insanely attractive boy in college kind of likes you? Anything is better than Bailey eating your innards for breakfast over—bleh—Van.
“You had that class with him last year. What was it?”
“Chemistry. Oh, he was in the tutoring group, too.” I hadn’t been his tutor, but we did goof around a lot during the study group, so there was a chance he got to know that side of me.
“Yeah, so he asked me if we were still friends and if you were still single. You want me to tell him you are, or… I mean, you don’t have to go on a date with him. I won’t be mad if you say no, obviously.”
My brain ran away for half a second, then I reeled it back in so I could follow her rambling. “Um… can I think about it and let you know tomorrow?”
“Sure, no problem. And if you decide not to, it’s no big deal, okay?” Isabella smiled again—which I decided was as genuine and warm as any could be—and headed out the doors to the parking lot.
We chatted for a little while, but I was soon distracted by a tall human being sprawled across the hood of my car. Isabella veered off to hers, leaving me to fend off the jerk on my own. Why the heck was Van not only sitting on my car but waving his hands around as if he were—oh, no.
The second he saw me approaching, he stood up on the roof and gestured toward me, his arm wide and high, while the other hand clutched his hoodie over his heart.
“Oh, Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” he screamed.
“That’s my line, jerk. And I wonder that myself.” I rolled my eyes and unlocked my car while he slid down the roof, shoes squeaking the whole way down.
“I was just making sure you knew how to do it. The audience really needs to feel how in love you are with me,” he said, smirking. “Also, I need a ride. Jace left without me, the idiot.”
“Just because you live down the street from me doesn’t mean you can demand rides from me. Go find someone else.” I slammed my door but forgot the passenger side door lock didn’t work anymore, not since the subject of my blazing glare accidentally hit it with his ATV. His father gave us the money to repair it, but it was one of those weeks we were a little short. It went toward groceries instead.
Van yanked the door open and slid into the passenger seat. “You know, this isn’t very safe. Why haven’t you gotten it fixed yet?”
I waved him off and turned on the radio, drowning him out. I couldn’t physically remove him from my car, and Mom wouldn’t be happy if I was rude, so I sighed and put the car in drive. I wasn’t even out of the parking lot before he turned the radio down and turned to face me. His stupid blonde hair stuck up everywhere, probably because he’d just showered and didn’t bother to comb it, and those giant blue eyes stared at me. Whatever was about to fall out of his mouth would either drive me crazy or make me want to bury my head in embarrassment.
“So, we should probably talk about that kiss.”
I gasped and swerved a little, then corrected and glued my eyes to the road. “Wh… What kiss?” I could have smacked myself. He knew I knew Shakespeare like the back of my own eyelids, but I couldn’t, wouldn’t talk about it with him.
“Come on, Error, we both know what I’m talking about.”
I frowned and narrowed my eyes, white-knuckling the wheel. “Stop calling me that! I was not an accidental child!”
“That’s not what your mom told my mom,” he said, dumping a whole shaker of salt on the wound. I was an accidental child, but that didn’t mean my parents loved me any less. I couldn’t help that my siblings had already graduated college and had families of their own, now could I?
“Just stop calling me Error. And I’m going to ask Mrs. McAlister to change the scene or something. I don’t want to kiss you, and you don’t want to kiss me, so we shouldn’t have to do it.”
I glanced over at him, a big mistake. His stupid smirk said it all, but just in case there was any mistaking it, he said, “I get it. You don’t want your first kiss to be for a play. I have a proposal if you’d like to hear it.”
“Nope.” I tightened my grip on the wheel and turned onto our street.
“Oh, come on. It’s not that big a deal, Erin. So, you’ve never kissed anyone.”
“I didn’t say it was a big deal, but you’ll forgive me if I don’t want my first kiss to be with you.”
I pulled into his driveway and parked, keeping my gaze straight. My headlights reflected off the back of his truck, reminding me that his family was also wealthier than mine. He had everything while I had… well, I had a lot, but he never ceased to rub in just how good he had it.
He was quiet. Too quiet, so I peered at him from the corner of my eye. He was also staring out the windshield, lost in thought.
“Um… this is your house, Van. Feel free to get out of my car.” I licked my lips and bit my lower lip.
“See, I think my idea will work, but you’re obviously not ready to hear it, so I’ll tell you during practice tomorrow. Just… just do me a favor?”
I snickered. “Um, no.”
“Erin, please. Just… just don’t ask Mrs. McAlister to change anything yet. Hear me out, then if you still hate my idea, then we’ll go to her together.”
My brain took a vacation, so I nodded and said, “Yeah, sure. I’m kinda hungry so…” I waved him away just as my stomach growled.
“Great. Cool. Okay, I’ll see you at practice first thing.” With that, Van pushed the door open, grabbed his bag, and jogged toward his house. Once he got to his front door, he turned around and waved, then disappeared inside.
I found myself blinking again, confused and worried. But I hated Van. I hated him, and that would never change no matter what ridiculous proposition he had. There was no way he wanted to kiss me, not when he had the likes of Bailey Fields hot on his trail, so whatever he had in mind might actually be okay. With that, I sighed and put my car in reverse.
“This better not be a prank, or I swear I’m pretty sure I’ll hate you to death, Van St.Claire.”
