The Next Best Thing

* 4 Sample Chapters *

Bye-bye vanity!

Neighbours Emma Dotrice and Mitch Garner have more in common than a general dislike for each other. They're both at career crossroads. She's had to climb back down the company ladder due to a family crisis making her guardian to her 8-year-old nephew, Gabe, and he's been benched from his role as a Major League sports commentator in favour of a newbie with way more Tik Tok followers. Now, thanks to Gabe's curiosity and Mitch's temper, they also share a giant hole in the flimsy wall joining their apartment bathrooms.

Will Emma and Mitch be able to stand being in each other's space while keeping the damage a secret from their snooping landlord? Or with a little compromise, will they soon like what they see where their mirrors used to be?

*No part of this work may be used or reproduced in any manner without the express written permission of the author.

**This story contains a scene meant to explore how older generations who are pro-equal rights for all (in this case, the character Mitch) might navigate a discussion regarding trans athletes. I wrote it so readers can see Mitch, for all his old, grizzled, sports-guy toughness, is a progressive thinker and a compassionate person. I also thought it was kinda funny. BUT what is happening in the US these days is not funny. It is frightening and disturbing. Trump wants the trans community not to exist. And I don't want any work of mine to be used or interpreted in any way which adds to the stress, fear or pain people are feeling right now.
This story will return in full when decent people start making the rules again.
Love, Steff.