Where The Wild Things Are // Ryan Blaney

Prologue

Willow

Life had a way of creeping up on you. Throwing the unexpected at anybody. It just happened that Willow was the unlucky one who had everything upended with one phone call. She never expected it, especially being a couple of hundred miles away working at her new job.

The new job was starting to pay off. Even if a friendship with Ryan hadn't happened immediately, she was happy enjoying the new adventures it took her on.

She was sure that she would get along with Ryan in time. Willow even had reassurance from her employer that he was the perfect driver and person. Barely any flames she needed put out about him, and always one to be on time and ready for work.

Willow hoped that all of that was true. Ryan seemed like a well-mannered guy, with a lot of talent if he was coming off of a Championship season....

But a very short engagement that ended with his heart broken changed Ryan. He wasn't anything like she was told. He was rude to her, only giving short answers when needed, and making her life Hell with the rumors she had to flame away.

Even with all of this, she knew she could do the job, but nerves and uncertainty were always in the back of her mind. Failure and disappointment weren't an option when it came to this.

During Willow's life, she had always been second choice. Her parents adored her older brother, Robbie and once he was out of the house, it was as if Willow never existed to her parents. 

It was exactly how you would picture siblings with a seven-year age gap. No one in her personal life outright said it, but she knew she was a mistake- or an 'oops baby" as her high school bullies once said. She let it roll off her back. She wasn't affected by it now, knowing that even if it was true she couldn't change it.

Robbie tried to, though. He always made time for his young sister when they were growing up.

Even when Robbie married his high school sweetheart, welcomed two sweet twin girls at the end of their marriage, and divorced just a few months ago, he would include her in everything. Their family getaways and vacations were always extended to her. Willow was always over most nights and an amazing aunt to Piper and Poppy, even having them tag along with her whenever she could. 

That's why Robbie was important to her. He was the support system she needed, and she became more than just his little sister. Willow was his closest friend.

Just don't let Rosie, Willow's best friend, hear you say that. Rosie was always first in Willow's life according to the older woman.

With both of them behind Willow, she was unstoppable. Capable of doing whatever her mind set forth. This new job included, as Robbie had told her numerous times since hearing she got the position. He was the reason she even interviewed to be an assistant. 

Willow just never realized how unfair life could be in taking half of her support away.