My parents tried to get me to come home, but I couldn’t hide or run away from what had happened. I owed Benton more than that. I changed my major to psychology, graduating with honors. Maggie ended up transferring to Chambers the following semester. It was a blessing to have her by my side on a daily basis. After graduation she went to work for a marketing firm in town and we got an apartment together.
Two years ago when I heard the Lighthouse Church Benton attended was opening up a counseling center for the LGBT community in the area, I jumped at the chance to be a part of it in some way. I volunteered to do anything they needed. Last year, they developed an internship program with Chamber’s doctoral students and I got one of the two spots.
A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.
“Come in.”
The door slowly cracked open and my favorite pair of emerald green eyes peered in.
“Hey! You’re early.” I hopped up and met Risher at the front of my desk.
“I can leave and come back.”
Risher was incredible during the months that followed the shooting. It took him some time to wrap his head around the whole Benton situation, but ultimately, he realized I’d lost my friend. He was there for me every step of the way.
Grabbing his hands, I said, “No, no, no, no.”
The skies had been filled with gray clouds all day and by Risher’s tousled wet hair and clothes, I assumed the rain had finally come. Placing his hands on my hips, he pulled me close.
With my hands against his chest, I stopped him and giggled. “You’re getting me all wet.”
“Hol… lis, are you flirting with me?”
My insides fluttered every time he said my name that way.
“Always.”
A small drop of water clung to the end of his chin. Rolling up on my toes, I pressed my lips against his skin, sucking the water into my mouth. Risher’s hands slid down to my ass, giving it a slight squeeze as he pulled me closer. His lips traveled up my neck to behind my ear. A deep moan escaped me.
Realizing where we were, I tried to redirect our activities. “So, how were classes today?”
“Awesome,” he said between neck kisses.
After putting his life on the line for me that day in class, Risher took complete control of his. He told his father he wouldn’t be following in his footsteps and going into banking. He earned a degree in music education. Female enrollment had doubled in the Chambers University music department since Professor Stevenson started teaching.
“I have an idea,” he whispered.
“Yeah?” I sighed.
He continued to nibble at the spot just beneath my earlobe. “How about we go to my place. I’ll get my balls ready, we can get into bed, and you can have a feast.”
I playfully shoved him back, narrowing my eyes.
“I’m talking about my famous meatball recipe, Hollis. Get your mind out of the gutter.”
Laughing, I said, “As tempting as your balls are, we’re supposed to meet Maggie and Chuck at the caterer in a half hour.”
“Are you sure you want The Can to be a part of our wedding planning in any way, shape or form?”
“Well, since they’re getting married six months after we are and using the same caterer, it just makes sense.”
To the astonishment of many, the sexapades Maggie and Chuck started with actually turned into quite a love story. An embarrassingly uncomfortable overload of PDA at times love story.
“Chuck and sense aren’t usually used in the same sentence.”
“I just need to grab my purse and we can go.”
“I’ll go bring the car around to the front door, so you won’t get rained on.”
“You always take such good care of me.”
“It’s my favorite part of the day.” He winked.
I enjoyed the view as he headed toward the door.
“Hollis, are you admiring my mind?”
“Maybe.”
His hands shot up in victory.
A huge smile crossed my lips. “I love you, Risher Stevenson.”
“I love you, Hollis Soon to be Stevenson Murphy.”
While Risher got the car, I gathered my things and locked up.
The rain had stopped and the sky was beginning to clear by the time I walked out of the building. Risher was waiting with the passenger door open and his trademark sweet smile. Before sliding into the car, I looked back at the Lighthouse Center. In the blink of an eye, the clouds separated and the sun broke through, replacing the darkness with light.
I smiled and whispered, “Thanks, Benton.”
And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
~ Abraham Lincoln
When I wrote Present Perfect that was the only story I had running around in my big head. I never planned on writing another book. A couple of weeks after it was published, smooth talking Brad whispered in my ear and thus Past Imperfect was born. I had no intention of writing Noah’s book. Alternate point of view stories are hard to pull off without it being a rehash of the previous book that character had been in. I always admire authors who are able to accomplish a fresh take on the story. I worship them now, having tried to do the same with Presently Perfect. I’ve lived in the Perfect world since January 2012, so the idea of creating a new world with new characters was terrifying and exciting.
Writing STOP! has been one of the most rewarding writing experiences I’ve had to date. Although I chose the specific topics of disfigurement, hidden abuse, and transgender youth, the overall message of STOP! is, we are more than the labels people place on us.
Hate has been taught from past generations to the present day generation. Unless the hate stops and we put tolerance into practice, we will continue to lose our future generation.
Writing is a solitary job (although, my dogs, Buster and Jack, are always by my side), but publishing is a collaborative effort.
My family continues to be an incredible support. I will never be able to thank them enough for all they do for me.
Beth Hyams, you are my oldest and dearest friend. Thank you for the encouragement, support, and the nonstop flow of Cosmos when needed.
Kim Bias, I mean this in the most loving way. You scare me. I know when I hand over my book for your beta eyes that it will be dissected bit by bit. That’s what makes you a great beta. Thank you for your caring so much.
Stacia Newbill, or should I call you Mix Mistress Newbie New? There’d be no book without you sending me songs for my playlist. You have introduced me to so many wonderful artists who have become favorites of mine. Thank you for your honest feedback and your friendship.
Jennifer Mirabelli, when I get an email or message from you, I always know it will put a smile on my face. Thank you for your notes, your support, and for your kind heart.
Concepion Capon, you know you have a beta keeper when they spot things no one else catches. Con, your attention to detail is fantastic. Thank you for giving me your time and talent.
Tabitha Willbanks, thank you for your constant support and listening when I just need to say things out loud.
Christine Estevez, your love and loyalty mean the world to me. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for all your help and your friendship. You are one of the most genuine and kind hearted people I know.
Benton Sorensen, (my inspiration for Benton). A little back story first. I started my research for the character in the most obvious place, YouTube. Scrolling through different videos, I came across this smart, funny, and clever young man. I clicked. I watched. I became a fan. Benton, thank you for being you. Every young man and woman should aspire to have your honesty, bravery, and amazing attitude. Your willingness to share your journey in order to help others has impressed me beyond words. And I don’t impress easily.
Ron’Rico Judon (consultant), thank you so much for your openness, honesty, and patience with me.
Abigail Marie (photographer, NON`PA*REIL Photography), you always
understand my babbling cover concepts. I love working with you.
Paige Forsberg (cover model and my niece), I am so proud of the young woman you have become. You are smart, clever, caring, funny, and did an amazing job on your first cover. I love you.
Murphy Rae Hopkins (cover designer, Indie Solutions), you listened to my cover ideas, added to them, and made a gorgeous, powerful, and unique cover. Thank you for the wonderful teasers you designed as well. It was fantastic working with you.
Linda Roberts (editor), when I get your notes, they make me smile, think, and stretch as a writer. Your opinion means so much to me. Thank you for making me a better writer.
Angela McLaurin (formatter, Fictional Formats), this is book four, Baby! Thank you for doing all the little extras you do for me and for understanding that I have no clue how you do what you do.
Nina Grinstead, I’ve met so many amazing people during this journey and you are at the top of the list. Thank you for being my friend.
Yvette Cervera, two years ago you took a chance on a new author who was completely clueless about this book world. Thank you for always being there ready to support.
Julie Solano and Tracy Justice, I had to list you two ladies together. I don’t know what I did right to have you two in my corner. On those days when I’m not feeling very confident, out of nowhere a message will pop up from one or both of you reminding me how blessed I am.
Jennifer Ann Van Wyk, thank you for your constant support and sharing of my books. Not a week goes by that I don’t see you hard at work spreading the word.
Melissa Collins, thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom with a fellow author.
Bailey’s Broads, you ladies don’t realize how much you brighten my life. Thank you for all the love, smiles, words of encouragement, and Charlie Hunnam pictures.
Readers, I’m nothing without you. With each word, sentence, and paragraph I write, you are in my thoughts and heart. I am so appreciative that you choose to spend your hard earned money on one of my books. Then on top of that take the time to review, recommend, send lovely notes, and make gorgeous teasers. Hugs.
Blogging Community, you welcomed me with open arms and I will never forget that. Thank you for all the work you put in and the generous support you give to not only me, but the entire indie author community.
LGBT community, I know at times the struggle to move forward and live your lives is difficult and heartbreaking. Thank you for continuing to strive for understanding and acceptance.
Alison was born and raised in Charleston, SC. She attended Winthrop University and graduated with a major in Theater. While at school Alison began writing one-act plays, which she later produced. Her debut novel, Present Perfect, landed on Amazon’s Best Seller List and appeared on many “Best Reads of 2013” Book Blogs. The novel won Best Book at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention Awards. Her second novel, Past Imperfect, was published in February of 2014 and appeared on several best books of 2014 lists as well. Her third novel, Presently Perfect, was published in December of 2014. STOP! is her fourth novel.
Website
http://alisongbailey.com/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/AlisonGBaileyAuthor
Twitter
https://twitter.com/AlisonGBailey1
Instagram
http://instagram.com/alisongbailey
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7032185.Alison_G_Bailey
STOP! Playlist
http://open.spotify.com/user/1244737523/playlist/00lodAPM0R4drzlF2bDJQB
Other Books by Alison G. Bailey
The “Perfect” Series
Present Perfect (Book #1)
Past Imperfect (Book #2)
Presently Perfect (Book#3)
Buy Links
Present Perfect
Amazon
http://tinyurl.com/km2b3bn
Audible
http://tinyurl.com/prjuacn
Past Imperfect
Amazon
http://tinyurl.com/pumtvb8
Presently Perfect
Amazon
http://tinyurl.com/oxrrhpe
The Perfect Box Set
Amazon
http://tinyurl.com/mavdtuf
Benton Sorensen
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Benton-Sorensen/492741377499382
Instagram
http://www.instagram.com/benton_s
Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/bentonsorensen
Tumblr
http://www.modifiedman.tumblr.com
Snap Chat: benton_s
The Trevor Project
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Stop! Page 20