Jay frowned as we walked. I could sense that he was giving my problems some serious thought. He eventually answered, “Well, that depends on you. Which of your ideas do you like best?”
I blinked in surprise. “Well, they all sound good,” I stammered.
He laughed. “Sorry, I didn't mean to put you on the spot. Let me explain it this way, writing should be about the connection you have with the story. It's your passion, it's your project…” He stopped talking. I noticed we stopped walking as well. “Turn around,” he instructed me. I looked at Jay skeptically. “Relax, I'm not up to anything. I'm trying to help you. Trust me?” he asked.
I sighed deeply, then turned around. I could hear Jay talking behind me.
“Forget I'm here, forget about the readers. Tell me the story that's in your heart,” he instructed.
As I looked out at the trees and the green space, I could suddenly visualize the story I had wanted to tell — the type of book I wanted to write. I could see every scene so clearly in my head like it was a movie.
“A story about a fighter, a warrior. Strong and independent, reluctant to give her heart away, but in the end, finding the love she deserves,” I whispered softly.
Jay chuckled. “Sounds like my work here is done,” he said proudly.
I turned around to thank him, my face smiling with excitement. “Yes! Jay, thank you so much! I couldn't have done this without your help. I can't wait to go up and write it right now.”
He smiled and gave me a friendly hug. “Friends help each other. Best of luck with your writing. If you need any more help, I'm always here,” he replied before walking away.
All thoughts of Alex were gone. I raced up to my hotel room, desperate to start writing. I had already picked out which scene I was going to begin with. My first book on my own! I was excited and knew it was going to be great!
I loved how Jay referred to my writing as “my passion and my project.” He was right because you must invest a lot of heart and emotion into whatever you are working on. I was so glad I ran into him. After a while, I tuned out all other thoughts and sat at my desk, writing deep into the night.Chapter Eight - AlexAfter a few days, I started to feel bad. I was spending so much time writing that I rarely saw Hazel. The few times that we did manage to meet up, she seemed distant, like she really didn't want to be there. I couldn't lose her again — I had just found her. Yet, it felt like I was losing my connection with her. I needed to do something to draw us back together and fast.
I decided to take a few days off from my novel to make it happen. I had made enough progress in my story where missing a few days of work wouldn't bother me; besides, I kind of owed this to Hazel. She was the one who got me writing again. She was my muse. So, I tried to think of what I could do to win her attention. Hazel is a sweet and loving girl. She mentioned that she had recently started reading romance books. Suddenly, an idea hit me.
I could surprise her by cooking her a romantic dinner. That's what I decided to do. It took most of the day, but by early evening the food was ready. Everything was to be served in my room. I covered the little table with a white tablecloth, even lighting a few candles to add to the mood.
After the table was set up, I hurried to shower and shave before Hazel showed up. Thirty minutes later, I was clean and presentable in my only suit. I had told Hazel I had something special for her, and to get dressed up.
I checked the food and table one last time. Finally, I heard a quiet knock on my door and hurried to open it. My girl stood there looking beautiful in a little black dress that hugged her curves deliciously.
“Hey, Alex. I hope this is okay. I didn't know how dressed up I should be,” she admitted, coyly dropping her gaze to the floor.
“No, that's perfect! You look beautiful!” I assured her as I opened the door wide enough so Hazel could walk into the room. I hurried to close it because I didn't want to miss the expression on her face when she saw the dinner set out on the table.
“So, what's the big surprise….” she started to ask but stopped mid-sentence when she saw the layout. Hazel’s eyes lit up, and a big smile crossed her face. Turning to me, she threw her arms around my shoulders in the biggest hug she had ever given me. “Oh, Alex, thank you! This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me! It's so romantic,” she sighed happily.