Then I started to write.
And no. The story I had planned for them just wasn’t theirs to tell.
If you’ve been following Less Than Zero (and if this is your first book, here’s a little inside info), you’ll know that Alex is the character inspired by my very best friend in the world. She and I have been friends since I was three and she was four. Not just friends, though. Best friends. In every single sense of the word.
Sisters.
That’s not to say we haven’t had time apart where we don’t talk every day because let’s face it—life happens! We lost touch for a bit in college. When we reconnected, then we saw each other all the time. From watching bands during the 90’s in the Seattle music scene, to getting into a lot of mischief, to ghosting David Copperfield (yes, there’s a story there), our adventures have known no bounds. We’ve been through romances, marriages, divorce and everything in between. There’s no one on this planet who knows me more than she does.
I must mention, Cavalia is our very, favorite show in the entire world. We always attend together. We always sit in the front row. We cry like babies because it is the most beautiful thing in the world. I hope that they tour again. I know that COVID shut them down for a while, but I’ll be there in the front row again the minute they do.
So, this is not just a story about Jace and Alex. It’s also a story about BFFs and how friendships can ebb and flow and remain solid even in the face of adversity and tragedy. How your BFF, and the solid feeling that he or she is ALWAYS there for you is and can be one of your great relationships.
Hopefully this was conveyed with the respect and love it deserves, because aside from my husband, my bestie truly has my heart and soul.
Now let’s get to the love story—
As I mentioned in ENDLESS Encore, my plan to delve deeper into these couples is super fulfilling to me. I hope you’re enjoying the follow-up love stories of our favorite LTZ couples as much as I love writing them.
One of my favorite things about Alex and Jace is their dynamic. What started out as a schoolgirl crush on a hunky older rockstar drummer has turned into a love so solid, true and deep that it is, truly, limitless.
If only Alex can open her heart to Jace. If only she can learn to let go of her fears. If only she can learn how to be vulnerable and let him take care of her. Show her he’ll be there for her no matter what.
Then she has no choice.
As with ENDLESS ENCORE, I wanted to share more about Jace and Alex’s background story to give you more depth to who they are and how they’ve come to this point. Some of my closest friends have had horrific health issues, and it takes such a toll on a couple and their families. For someone as active and healthy as Alex?
Devastating.
So – before I go, I must give a special shout out to one of my closest friends in the world, Julia. She is probably the smartest person I know (she’s both an OBGYN and a Lawyer!). Her help in going through all of Alex’s health issues was imperative – I had to get it right. Every time I’d run into a “snag,” I’d text her and she’d answer me right away. When I delve into a topic that is so important and so sensitive, meticulous research is very important. Not just for you as a reader, but for me and the integrity of the story I want to tell you. Anyway, Julia is a badass, and I appreciate her soooo much.
I hope you enjoyed Alex and Jace’s story. Got a little more insight into the rest of the gang. Another perspective. And, beyond all else, an epic love story with a hopeful HEA. A story of how love knows no limits.
Two moreENCORESto go, and then I have a couple of new series in the works that will spin off from our Less Than Zero world…