As I sit here waiting to interview two of the characters from
the Cedar Falls series, I can’t deny being a bit nervous. As the author who created them, I should
already know what they’ll say and how they’ll act. But with Jesse Grant and Flynn Anderson I have
never really been sure what to expect from either of them.
They were notorious for going off script. Often reinventing scenes to fit their own
quirky style. So I have no idea what’s
going to happen today.
Gathering my notes, I wait for the first character, Flynn to
join me. He’d already called, warning me
they were running late because Jesse couldn’t find the boots that matched his
outfit.
When the pair arrived, they were giggling like teenagers. “Sorry we’re late,” Flynn said, handing me a
box from Sweet Buns. Opening it up, I
found my absolute favorite. Zane’s
famous gooey cinnamon rolls. “I hope
this makes up for any delay Jesse caused.”
Jesse scowled and stomped his foot, just like always. “I couldn’t help it. I had to find my boots.” Sticking his foot out a bit, Jesse looked at
me. “They were worth it, right? I mean
they totally match the shirt I’m wearing.”
The pink neon Go-Go boots most assuredly matched the bright
shirt. The effect was a little
eye-watering, making it a challenge to read what was on his shirt, but I
managed. “I just found out I’m
awesome...you might want to get yourself tested.” I couldn’t help it, I laughed out loud.
Jesse’s bright pink lips curved upward as he fluttered his
mascaraed lashes. “Oh good, you have a
sense of humor. I have to admit, I was
worried you would be a stick in the mud.”
That surprised me.
“Oh? Why would you think
that? I did create you after all.”
Jesse shrugged. “Yeah,
but you also created Mayor Donald Murphy and Betty Sue. Neither of them have a sense of humor. There are times I’m not even sure they have a
pulse. So there was no telling what type
of person you were.”
“Look,” Flynn interrupted.
“As fun as this is, do you think we could get to the interviews? Jax doesn’t like it when I’m gone more than
short time.”
“Oh, uhm, sure,” I say.
It had been decided they would interview separately and Flynn
would go first. After making sure Jesse
was comfortable, I led Flynn into another room to start the interview.
Shea: First of all, I’d
like to thank you for agreeing to meet with me.
I think it’s important for the readers to learn a little more about the
characters they read about.
Flynn: I’m happy to do it.
Shea: Let’s get started then,
shall we? Flynn nods his agreement. Your story was one of the saddest I had
written, especially when it delved into your struggle with dealing with your
twin, Freesia’s death. Did telling your
story help to cope with that loss?
Flynn: Tears instantly sprang to Flynn’s eyes. Wow, you sure go for the hard hitting
questions.
Shea: I feel a bit guilty for causing Flynn to be
so emotional. If you want, we can
come back to that question later.
Flynn: No. He
shakes his head. If we need to talk
about it, I’d rather get it out of the way.
We sit there in silence for a
minute while Flynn collects his thoughts.
For the most part, yes, it helped.
Freesia’s death had eaten away at me for so long, there were times I
felt like I was drowning in it. Up until
the book, I was never allowed to talk about to allow me to get out all the
anger, resentment and guilt I had inside of me.
By telling my story, I got to do that and the crushing weight of her
death became a little lighter. Flynn gave a small smile. Well, that and Jax. He has helped me the most.
Shea: Oh? In what way?
Flynn: A blush spread out over Flynn’s face. Mostly with his love and support, but he also
introduced me to BDSM. Now, whenever I
get overwhelmed, we head to the playroom in the basement and he helps me to get
the poison that lives within me out.
With him, I’m safe to yell, scream, kick, swear...one shoulder lifted up in a half shrug. Whatever I need, he provides. After, when I’ve finally released the
tormented feelings inside of me, he holds me, takes care of me...that small smile grows...but most
importantly, he loves me.
Shea: That’s sweet. I’m really glad you found someone who takes
such good care of you. Flynn beamed. When your story ended, your mother was placed
in a mental facility. How is she doing?
Flynn: That smile he’d worn a few moments ago
disappeared. Better. She is out of the facility and has managed to
find a job and pay the bills. She still
refuses to speak to me. I’m not sure
we’ll ever have a good relationship, but at least she’s now able to leave the
house and get on with her life.
Shea: I’m glad she is
somewhat better. At the same time, I’m
sorry to hear that she won’t talk to you.
I hope one day, she’ll be able to understand Freesia’s death wasn’t your
fault.
Flynn
didn’t reponds so I went on to the next question.
Shea: Let’s get off the
sadder topics. I understand there is
some good news you and Jesse have to tell me today.
Flynn: That smile was back
and bigger than ever. There is. Jax and I are getting married.
Shea: Congratulations. When is the big day?
Flynn: In just a few days.
Shea: Did Jax propose or
did you?
Flynn: He gave me a huge, “cat that ate the
canary,” grin. You’ll have to read
the book to find out.
Shea: I laughed. Good point.
I want to thank you for taking the time to talk with me. Congratulations on your wedding, I wish you
and Jax all the best.
Flynn: Thank you. It was my pleasure to talk with you, Shea.
While I waited for Flynn to send Jesse in, I wondered if I would
be getting an invitation to the nuptials. Maybe I should have asked.
Shea: Smiling, I stood up to give Jesse a hug when
he entered the room. Thank you so
much for agreeing to talk with me. I get
a lot of questions about you and the fans will be excited to hear what you have
to say.
Jesse: I’m happy to do
it, especially since I’ve always wanted to meet you.
Shea: Oh? I’m flattered that you have. May I ask why?
Jesse: Anyone that put up
with my quirky ways without batting an eye, is someone worth meeting. Jesse
chuckled. Like that Bigfoot hunt I
wanted to go on. You just wrote it and
didn’t even question whether or not it was a good idea.
Shea: Chuckling. Well, when it comes to you, I find it best to
just go with the flow. Arguing the
sanity of your crazy ideas only leaves me with a headache.
Jesse: See? That’s why we make such a good team.
Shea: I guess we do. So tell me, how has life been for you now
that you managed to get Parker to admit his feelings for you?
Jesse: A cheesy, love struck grin appeared. Great.
No. More than great. Fantastic,
superb, phenomenal. There aren’t enough
adjectives to express how much I enjoy waking up beside him every morning. Although, I could live without his snoring.
Shea: Parker snores?
Jesse: Like he’s a
chainsaw cutting down the forest.
Shea: Laughs.
I imagine you don’t get much sleep.
Jesse: Sleep? What’s that?
Since Chastity gave birth to Lily sleep has been harder to find than
Bigfoot.
Shea: Speaking of them,
how are Lily and Chastity?
Jesse: Great. There was a glow of happiness in his eyes as
he talked about Lily. I never knew
having a kid was so much work, but having Lily in my life is worth it. No matter how bad my day is, she always
smiles when she sees and all the bad stuff just melts away. As for Chastity, she’s still trying to figure
things out. She’s started college
classes but I’m not sure she’s made up her mind about what she wants to do.
Shea: I’m sure she’ll
figure it out eventually. Flynn just
informed me that he and Jax are getting married. What about you and Parker? Are you thinking about getting hitched?
Jesse: His whole face lit up. Actually Parker and I are also getting
married. There will be nine couples
Tying the Knot on Saturday. It will be
an event to remember, unlike the bachelor party, which we’re still fuzzy on.
Shea: Bachelor
party? Did you do something special?
Jesse: Jesse’s head cocked to the side as he gave
me a funny look. You wrote the
book. Don’t you already know what
happened?
Shea: Good point. But the reader’s don’t.
Jesse: Well than they
should read the book to find out. I may
not remember all the details, but it was just as big as the wedding is going to
be.
Shea: What about the
wedding? Can you give us any details?
Jesse: Laughs once more. All I can tell you is, you don’t want to miss
it.
Shea: Realizing I wasn’t going to get any more
details, I figured it was time to wrap things up. I want to thank you for coming and answering
my questions. I happy that you and
Parker have gotten your happily ever after.
Jesse: Your welcome,
Shea. It was great meeting you. He
hands me an envelope with my name on it.
This is your invitation to the big day.
I hope you can come. I know the
other guys would love to meet you as well.
Feel free to bring whoever you want with you.
Shea: To my readers. You heard the man. You’re all invited to the Cedar Falls event
of the year. I’ll meet you there.
Welcome to Cedar
Falls, a small North Carolina town nestled amongst the Smokey Mountains. Where the people are friendly and the men are
hot.
