To create. That's what Gianna Alexie wanted to do ever since she was a little Gia. After graduating college, the woman vowed to create a book for the world to love, though she knew she'll be needing help. Help came in the form of her mentor, Keenan Travino, a man more than a decade her senior with thin patience, a love for cigarettes and bourbon, and as many issues as the clever tricks up his sleeves. - COMPLETED BUT UNEDITED - 1ST DRAFT - PAPERBACK NOW AVAILABLE

Chloe Rae Lovric (24) makes ends meet as a waitress at the Last Olive Bistro in Manhattan. She's under the pressure of petty customers, a might-be demonic manager, and the constant nagging of each month's portion of rent. Her roommates make life a little easier. Rory is an aspiring dancer with a heart of gold, and Morgan loathes her work as a Legal Assistant for a sketchy personal injury attorney. The trio get by in their crammed, two bedroom loft apartment with a leaking ceiling. One night, when asked to work overtime as usual, Chloe ends up waiting on Jacob Lewitt. He's a handsome older man, well-dressed, and has striking dark features. A top-shelf bourbon served neat is the only thing he orders. His mystery allures her, although she's not looking for a relationship, she can't help but be drawn to him. Her curiosity grows as Jacob returns a couple nights later, then soon after he's there every night-corner table, bourbon neat, perfectly tailored suit but no tie. She waits on him to take every chance at a conversation and to find out who he is, and what he wants. As they get to know each other, Jacob's mystery unfolds right into her hands. They both learn how their lives entwined by fate and that they were meant to teach each other lessons in life, love, and revenge. *COMPLETED [ Word count ~ 50,000-60,000 ] *Submitted to 2021 Watty Awards