Nancy Ricottone

Chapter 1 - Introduces the protagonist, antagonist, emotional hook, theme, tone and style. MIA “I’m sorry Mia, I fucked up, please hear me out” Hudson says as I sit on his bed, hearing a bunch of noise, but listening to none of it. How did it all go so bad so quickly? We were in love, weren’t we? I’m not even sure anymore. The room is spinning. I can’t believe this is happening to me. He just got home from his first semester of medical school. Aren’t prospective doctors not supposed to cheat on their girlfriends with other prospective doctors? I’m so confused right now. “I’m not going to hear you out. We’ve been together for six years. From junior year of high school to now. Six years of my life. And, the second you get a glimpse of something different, something new, you throw us away. You throw me away? You told me you wanted to marry me.” “I do want to marry you, I really messed up Mia. Let me make this all up to you, please.” “And how are you going to do that?” I say. “How do you expect me to look at you now? You’re supposed to want to help people, and yet you destroyed me.” “Please give me another chance Mia, we were all drunk, I didn’t mean to do anything.” “I thought it was weird all along when you were constantly studying with her all semester. I thought it was weird that my boyfriend bonded so well with a girl in school. I tried to look past it, I really did. Sorry we’re long distance. Sorry I’m not going to be a doctor. Sorry you forgot about me so easily.” “Mia stop, I am in love with you, I want you. I messed up so badly.” “I need time to think, to process all of this. I need a break from you.” “So is there any hope?” He says, with tears flowing from his eyes. I walk out the door, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps. My chest tightens. The weight of six years crashes over me, and I can’t escape it fast enough. He was gone for one semester. We still spoke everyday. We still facetimed. I even met her over facetime. Gabriella, her name is. The complete opposite of me… She has black hair, deep brown eyes, pale skin, tall… I have light brown hair, olive skin, light blue eyes, 5’3 on a good day. But Gabriella, she was the kind of girl who seemed to belong in the pages of a magazine, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was just… ordinary. Is that why he could forget about me that easily? How can he tell me this? When I’m so excited to see him after months of him being gone. Months of no kisses. No hugs. Nothing.Just me, alone, figuring out post-grad life while he... did this. Did he forget I was the one who was there for him for the past six years? Did he forget about how we were each other's first time? Did it mean nothing to him? How can he hold it in and tell me when he’s home for Christmas? Isn’t this supposed to be a time when love fills the air and nothing can go wrong? I thought we were going to get engaged this Christmas. Boy was I wrong.

First Assignment - Story Statement Mia Romano must learn to break free from the comfort of familiarity and trust herself enough to embrace something new—something real—with Will, all while navigating the resurfacing of her past and the uncertainty of her future. Second Assignment - Antagonist: Hudson Just as Mia finally begins something real with Will—something unlike anything she’s ever known—Hudson returns to New Jersey in July, upending everything. He’s back from medical school, returning to the life he left behind, including the girl he cheated with. But now that Mia is happy, now that she’s moved on, he decides it’s time to reappear. Hudson isn’t outright malicious, but he’s selfish. He’s spent years believing Mia would always be there, always forgiving, always his. And for a long time, she was. Their relationship had been built on routine, a cycle of comfort that she never questioned—until now. Will is different. He’s older, more mature, and refuses to play games. He wants Mia, but will he wait around while she wavers between the past and the future? As Hudson tries to pull her back into their old patterns, Will challenges her to face what she truly wants. With his sister’s wedding approaching in August and his own decision about staying in New York looming, Mia is running out of time. She must finally break free of the past and choose: the boy she once loved or the man who’s showing her what love is supposed to be. Third Assignment - Breakout Title See You Later – This title is a reflection of Mia and Will’s ongoing connection, capturing the way they always say "see you later" to one another, a phrase that becomes a symbol of their bond. It’s more than just a casual farewell; it’s a promise they share, a way to stay connected despite the uncertainties of their journey together. Their repeated use of "see you later" is both playful and meaningful, embodying their growing relationship and the quiet hope that their paths will always cross again, no matter what comes next. What’s Meant for Mia – Emphasizes Mia’s journey of self-discovery, as she figures out what truly belongs in her life, both in love and in her career. This title encapsulates the emotional evolution Mia undergoes as she navigates the complexities of her relationships and begins to trust in what the universe has in store for her. You Deserve More Than You Think – A title inspired by Will’s belief in Mia, representing his gentle persistence and her transformation throughout the story. It highlights the core of their relationship, as Mia learns to embrace love in a way she never had before, recognizing that she deserves more than the hurt she’s experienced. Fourth Assignment - Develop two smart comparables for your novel. Who compares to you? And why? Meghan Brandy’s Say You Swear – My book shares a loose take on the love triangle dynamic from Say You Swear, but it’s more playful and less intense. While Say You Swear has a deeper, more serious edge, my novel injects a fun and lighter atmosphere into the narrative. The dynamic between Mia, Hudson, and Will is more about personal growth and timing rather than an all-consuming love triangle. Will’s character is inspired by Noah Riley, but he brings a fun, easy-going vibe to the mix while still being emotionally supportive, unlike the more intense tone in Say You Swear. Emily Henry's Book Lovers and Happy Place – My book shares similarities with Emily Henry’s Book Lovers and Happy Place, blending romance with personal growth in a setting that feels both relatable and heartwarming. While Henry’s novels balance heartfelt moments with humor, my story does the same but with a lighter, more playful tone. The emotional layers are there, but they’re mixed with enough charm and wit to make it a fun, enjoyable read. Like Henry's characters, mine go through challenges in love, but with plenty of joy and humor in the journey. Fifth Assignment - Hook Line Hook Line: Mia Romano, a young financial analyst reeling from the heartbreak of her high school sweetheart Hudson’s affair, unexpectedly meets Will, a charming stranger at a hotel before her company’s holiday party. She’s drawn to him in a way she can’t ignore. However, she soon discovers that Will is a Vice President at her company’s California office and will be joining the NYC team. As Hudson desperately tries to win her back, Mia finds herself torn between her painful past and her undeniable connection with Will, forcing her to confront her fears and learn to trust love again. Despite her initial guilt over moving on, Mia realizes Will is mature, kind, and the man she’s been missing in her life. However, as Mia begins to open her heart to Will, Hudson returns, trying to re enter her life and complicating her newfound happiness. Torn between the past and the future, Mia must find the strength to move forward with Will and leave behind the man who no longer deserves her. Core Wound: Mia’s core wound is rooted in the guilt she feels over her attraction to Will after Hudson’s betrayal. Despite the deep connection she shares with Will, she struggles with the feeling that she’s doing something wrong by letting go of her past. But as Will proves himself to be a man who is emotionally mature and steady, Mia begins to push aside her guilt and fears. Her journey becomes one of self-discovery, as she navigates the pull of her past with Hudson and the promise of a healthier, more fulfilling future with Will. Sixth Assignment - Matters of Conflict Inner Conflict: Mia’s internal struggle stems from the anxieties she feels about moving forward after her relationship with Hudson. She feels guilty for even considering a relationship with someone new, unsure if it’s the right thing to do. Despite these feelings, her best friend, Amelia, constantly reminds her not to be scared of embracing new possibilities. As Mia grows closer to Will, she starts pushing past her fears and allowing herself to experience something real. Will’s steady, mature demeanor helps break down her emotional walls, making her feel safe and valued in a way Hudson never did. But just when Mia starts feeling comfortable in her new chapter, Hudson reappears, throwing her into turmoil. She’s forced to confront the fear of leaving the past behind and embracing her future, uncertain whether she’s ready to fully trust herself again. Secondary Conflict: Mia’s secondary conflict revolves around the professional challenges she faces as her relationship with Will develops. As an analyst in the New York office, she feels the weight of their differences in seniority—Will is a Vice President, and she’s much lower on the corporate ladder. She’s nervous about how their budding relationship could affect their dynamic at work, particularly how it might be perceived by their colleagues. The office environment is filled with whispers, especially since Will is considered very attractive, and the women at the company are often vocal about their admiration for him. Mia tries to keep things professional, denying the connection between them, but people begin to notice the subtle changes in their interactions. The pressure mounts as Mia tries to navigate her feelings for Will while managing the risk of office gossip and maintaining her reputation in the company. While navigating all of her emotions, the concern that people might think poorly of her because of her relationship with Will only adds to her growing anxieties. Seventh Assignment - Story Settings - sketch out your setting in detail. What makes it interesting enough, scene by scene, to allow for uniqueness and cinema in your narrative and story? Please don't simply repeat what you already have which may well be too quiet. You can change it. That's why you're here! Start now. Imagination is your best friend, and be aggressive with it. Mia’s NJ Home - Mia’s family home in New Jersey holds memories of her past with Hudson—the last time she saw him, when he tried to act like everything was okay, despite the cracks in their relationship. The house, warm and filled with the bustle of family life, serves as a reminder of what once was and what has since changed. Mia’s family home in New Jersey is a place where Sunday dinners are a cherished tradition, a time when everyone gathers around the table to share laughter, stories, and, of course, an abundance of homemade food. The kitchen smells of roasted meats, simmering sauces, and freshly baked bread as her aunts and uncles bustle around, preparing their specialties. Her cousins, always full of energy, run through the house, while her grandparents sit at the head of the table, telling stories of the past with a touch of nostalgia in their voices. Mia’s Car - When she drove to Amelia to tell her how Hudson cheated on her. Her car is her sanctuary, a small personal space where she can think through the mess of her emotions. NYC Streets - The streets of New York City are where Mia feels a surge of inspiration, a sense of possibility that’s hard to find anywhere else. There’s an electric energy in the air, a pulse that drives her forward as she walks through the bustling streets. The city is alive with movement—people rushing by, the sounds of honking taxis, the hum of conversation, and the clatter of coffee cups in cafés. Mia loves the anonymity of the crowds, the way she can blend in yet feel completely connected to the vibrant pulse of the city. Hotel - Where she and Amelia stayed the night before the extravagant Christmas party, a quiet retreat away from the rush of the city. The sleek, modern lobby with its polished floors and chic décor sets the tone for a night of luxury and escape, a brief respite from the whirlwind of emotions Mia is processing. The front desk, checking in, where Mia first meets Will—a moment that would become the catalyst for something she couldn’t yet comprehend. His charm and effortless smile were enough to stir something inside her, but she didn’t know then how much this encounter would come to mean. The hotel felt almost like a world apart, a place where the outside worries faded into the background. That first night, unable to sleep, Mia finds herself drawn to the complimentary beverage bar. The soft lighting, the quiet hum of the space, offers her a moment of peace amid the chaos of her thoughts. It’s there that she spent a moment with Will, connecting with him, before knowing that he would be working with her in the future. They built a bond, before knowing they’d be professional together in the future. The hotel hallway becomes a poignant setting once again after the Christmas party. In a quiet, unexpected moment, Mia and Will share a kiss, a moment of connection that feels both exhilarating and overwhelming. Yet it’s cut short, interrupted by a call she overhears that Amelia and Hudson are in, desperate to pull her back into the past, leaving Mia torn between the comfort of the familiar and the pull of something new and uncertain. The hotel, in all its elegance, becomes the backdrop to some of Mia’s most intimate moments—memories she’ll hold onto, but also ones she’s trying to move forward from. Christmas Party - The extravagant Christmas party is a turning point for Mia. There, she realizes Will isn’t just a stranger from the hotel—he works at Eastend Investments too and is about to transfer to the NYC office. The moment shifts their dynamic, making their growing attraction even harder to ignore. Amid the festive chaos, they share brief but meaningful exchanges that make Mia question what this connection might mean. NYC Taxi - The taxi rides are brief but frequent moments throughout the book, offering Mia and Will small, intimate pockets of time to connect. Office - The office is sleek, fast-paced, and filled with the pressure of career-driven ambition. Mia works hard to prove herself in this high-stakes environment, but she's also acutely aware of the complex power dynamics, especially with Will. His daily coffee deliveries and his subtle gestures make her happy entering the office and look forward to her daily routine. She finds comfort in her big office and the opportunities it represents, but she also has to navigate her feelings for Will while maintaining professionalism. Jersey Shore Beach - The Jersey Shore beach offers Mia a moment of peace and reflection during Memorial Day weekend. It’s here she tries to clear her head and focus on her future, only to be interrupted by Hudson’s friend, Mark, who mentions that Hudson plans to return in July, throwing her emotional clarity into turmoil. Mia and Amelia’s Apartment - Mia and Amelia’s cozy two-bedroom apartment is their sanctuary—a place filled with laughter, late-night conversations, and the comfort of true friendship. It’s here that Mia can process her internal struggles, confide in Amelia, and seek guidance. The apartment becomes her safe haven, a spot where she can reset and recharge after the pressures of her personal and professional life. It’s a true testament to their shared girlhood and unwavering support for one another. Will’s Apartment - Will’s apartment is a stark contrast to Mia’s cozy, modest space—luxurious, modern, and impeccably designed. The first time Mia spends the night there is after drunkenly texting him, an impulsive move that leads to an unexpected, yet intimate, connection. The apartment feels like a glimpse into Will’s world, one that’s different from the life Mia knows. It’s sophisticated and sleek, with expansive windows that offer a breathtaking view of the city. Later, Mia finds herself spending a rainy day there, the sound of the rain against the windows adding a peaceful, almost surreal quality to the moment. As she sits in the lavish surroundings, Mia grapples with the growing complexities of her feelings for Will and the life she’s now entering. Pizzeria - The pizzeria is where Mia and Will find a bit of normalcy and comfort. After their post-Christmas party pizzeria encounter, it becomes a place they visit often. Will shares his favorite pizza slices with Mia, and it quickly turns into a sweet ritual between them. Restaurant by the Brooklyn Bridge - Located with breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge, this upscale restaurant is the perfect setting for Mia and Will’s first date. The romance and elegance of the place set the tone for their deepening connection, creating a moment of intimacy and excitement that Mia can’t ignore. Will’s Car - Will’s car serves as a quiet, intimate space where Mia and Will share personal moments. Whether they’re heading to Brooklyn or off to Rhode Island for Will’s sister’s wedding, the car is where they can truly connect, away from the distractions of the city and the complexities of their work lives. It becomes a place where Mia can open up more than she might otherwise. Rhode Island - The serene environment of Will’s family home in Rhode Island sets the stage for a wedding that brings Mia closer to Will’s world. The elegance and warmth of the wedding contrast with the storm of emotions Mia feels as she navigates her feelings for Will. Surrounded by family, Mia is forced to confront her emotions and question what her future could look like with Will in it. Christina and Enzo’s Apartment - Christina and Enzo’s apartment is a welcoming, family-centered space where Mia feels a sense of connection outside her own family. Their Sunday dinners, filled with food, laughter, and close relationships, remind Mia of her own family traditions. It’s during these meals that Mia begins to reflect on love and relationships, with Enzo’s stories sparking deep thoughts about what she truly wants in her own life. What makes these settings so interesting is that they aren’t just places—they’re reflections of Mia’s journey, her emotions, and the choices she’s struggling to make. Every space she moves through carries meaning, whether it’s tethering her to the past or pushing her toward something new. There’s a contrast woven throughout the book: familiarity vs. change, comfort vs. uncertainty. Mia’s New Jersey home is warm, loud, and full of tradition, but it’s also a place where Hudson’s presence lingers, making her question whether she’s really moved on. Meanwhile, New York City is electric and full of possibility, a place where she can get lost but also discover something entirely new—especially when it comes to Will. Some settings are big and cinematic, like the Christmas party, the wedding in Rhode Island, or the restaurant by the Brooklyn Bridge—places that make her relationship with Will feel larger than life, almost unreal. But then there are the quiet, intimate spaces—a hotel hallway, a late-night pizzeria, the inside of a taxi, the privacy of Will’s car or apartment—where emotions build in a way that feels even more intense. These are the moments where Mia and Will are forced into proximity, where their connection deepens even before either of them fully realizes it. And then there’s the office—where Mia is supposed to be focused on her career, but Will is there every day, making it impossible to ignore what’s growing between them. Even the Jersey Shore, which should be an escape, becomes a reminder that her past is never as far away as she thinks. All of these places matter because they shape Mia’s decisions, pull her in different directions, and make the love triangle even more emotionally charged. The settings aren’t just where things happen—they are the story.