Every Which Way (Sloan Brothers) (46 page)

“I’m sorry,” a voice called out behind Severine. “I’ll get the boxes unpacked as soon as I can.”

Severine almost jumped in shock. But it was hard to move when you were frozen from weariness.

Emilia held a laundry basket filled with small boxes and a laptop case. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, with every strand away from her face or perfectly tucked behind her ear. On a day where sweat would make everyone’s face look greasy, Emilia’s face looked smooth and sweat free. Her eyeliner was streak-less and her lipstick was fresh. Everything that involved Emilia was elegant: her makeup, her hairstyle. Even her brown ballet flats were scuff-free.

She moved the purple laundry basket and her red, sleeveless blouse came into view, along with a pair of white, high-waisted shorts. She didn’t look like she was moving in. Honestly, she looked like she was getting ready to go to the country club and join the rest of the socialites for brunch.

“Uh...am I missing something here?” Severine finally asked.

Seeing her at the coffee shop with Macsen was weird enough. But here? In her room? Severine’s belly unfurled with a strange feeling.

Emilia was quiet; she hid so much. That was precisely why Severine was nervous.

She smiled at Severine and let out a deep sigh. To Severine, it sounded fake. “I thought you’d know by now. I’m your new roommate.”

Severine gaped while Thayer leaned against the wall and stared between the two of them. He was unaware of the fear running through Severine’s mind—the fear of what this girl had planned.

She stared at Severine and Thayer like she was out for vindication. The only problem was Severine had no idea why she was searching for it.

Acknowledgements:

It takes a small country to create a book from start to finish. I didn’t know how this journey would go. The people I’ve met along the making of Every Which Way are amazing talented people and I’m so grateful for their help.

I knew betas would be important, but I really didn’t know how spectacular they’d be. They read Every Which Way from the beginning and they’ve seen it go through so many alterations. I have a rare group of girls that are gems! I love them.

Erin,Janna, Lindsay, Amy- You ladies are NOT afraid to say what you think and I'm so grateful for that. I couldn't ask for a greater group of girls!!!

Chrystle-I knew this girl on goodreads. We shared a love for books and soon she invited me to a book club that she had formed. From there I discovered a group of amazing ladies that were equally as passionate for reading as I was. She was my book soulmate and when I told her I wanted to share my book she was supportive in an instant.

I think my books would still be on my hard drive, for my eyes only, if I didn’t have your awesome friendship. Thank you.

Tosha and Stephenie -You two have this passion for Severine’s book that completely stuns me. Both you of ‘got’ Severine and that was the greatest feeling. The support you two have given is just downright amazing. The both of you were my first cheerleaders outside of my family. I can mark a goal off my list because of you two.

Jessica- How long have I talked to you about my stories? Hours and hours you've had to listen to my ideas. I love that you believe in this story and you're not afraid to tell me what you think. I love our bond over reading and writing!

Sheena- I love that we share a mutual passion for reading and I love your challenge to me when I was a kid: “Read this book and I want you to tell me all about it.” It was short and simple, and I don’t remember anything about it but I remember the feeling of finishing and the joy I got from reading it. You’ve been a cheerleader in my corner–always telling me to send more, and more chapters your way. You’ve known about my dreams for years and you didn’t roll your eyes.

Taryn-My amazing Frank. Thanks so much for taking a chance on Every Which Way and for creating an amazing blog tour banner.

Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations. You know I love you. I’m one message away from getting a google alert that you’ve put a restraining order against me. You have an amazing talent and when you showed me your idea for the cover of Every Which Way I think my heart dropped. My character—a character that had been in my head for so long—was brought to life. It was the greatest feeling. And that’s why I adore you and your talent.

Lori Sabin- Thank you so much for editing Severine’s story. You’re an amazing, talented editor. If I think too long about your help and how generous you’ve been, I’m liable to start crying. Your way with words is simply amazing. Danke, danke, danke.

My CP, Melissa Brown. I had—and still—don't have an idea what I'm doing. You've held my hand through all of this and I am so grateful for you!! Our friendship completely warms my heart. I love our daily conversations, your encouragement, your advice! All of it. Every author needs a critique partner like you.

My mom and dad for encouraging my love for reading.

Lastly, to Joshua for always putting up with my book talk, for watching the kiddos on your days off and letting me hole myself away to write. Last year, you surprised me with a little writing corner and said it’d be my place to get away and breathe. You’ve constantly given me support and told me I could do this without hesitation.

I write what I know, and I know everything from us.

College seemed like too much stress for me. Traveling across the world, getting married, and having three kids seemed much more relaxing.

Yeah, I’m still waiting for the relaxing part to kick in...

I change addresses every other year
. It
’s not by choice but it is my reality.

While the crazies of life kept me busy, the stories in my head decided to bubble to the surface. They were dying to be told and and I was dying to tell them.

I hope you’ll enjoy escaping to the crazy world of these characters with me!

For more information on Calia Read visit her blog:  
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