This is a story about two people-Joey Peterson and Renee Parker-whose lives could not be more different, yet fate intertwines them in a way neither could have expected.
Renee Parker, daughter of Ryan and Tina Parker, grew up in a lower-middle-class family. With a father who never held a stable job and a mother who worked as a dietician, Renee's life was filled with uncertainty. But despite the challenges, she stayed cheerful, outspoken, and full of life, a girl who refused to let her circumstances define her.
In contrast, Joey Peterson was raised in a world of stability and privilege. His parents, Paul, and Celina Peterson lived an upper-middle-class life. With his father as a successful businessperson and his mother as a homemaker, Joey's world seemed perfect. He was known for his charm and good looks, though his introverted nature kept him distant from those around him.
The story begins when Renee's grandfather passes away, forcing her to leave behind her chaotic life and move to a new town-Timber City-for her schooling. It is here that her path crosses with Joey's, the boy who has it all, yet lives with a quiet longing. But how will these two, so different in every way, navigate their new-found proximity as neighbors?
As Claire aims to leave her oppressive stepfamily behind, she befriends Zion. Will he be her ticket to freedom or a distraction in achieving her dreams?
*****
Claire Olsen has had a crush on Zion Petrakis since the first time she laid eyes on him, but he never noticed, instead only having eyes on the school's it girl, Maddie Jennings. Knowing she couldn't compete with Maddie, Claire hid her feelings for Zion, satisfied with admiring him from afar. However, when a series of events led Claire closer to Zion, her feelings for him grew from infatuation to love. And despite fighting hard to keep her feelings contained by distancing herself from Zion, he was determined to show her that he's earned a spot in her life.
[[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]