Just over a year ago, I was planning out a series of stories set in Green Valley, a stereotypical suburban area straight out of “The Virgin Suicides”. The stories I had in mind formed a series called “In Suburbia”, contrasting the clean-cut society image with the darker sexuality behind the scenes.
“In Suburbia” never panned out, but “I Wish I’d Never Met You” is part of that universe – set in Green Valley, it stars my heroines Flick Lindenwood and Elodie Hamilton, moving in a world of garden parties and debutantes, but with a twist. As Flick discovers when she comes out to her parents from the safety of college, Mrs Lindenwood’s response is to lament that she’s not there to throw a coming-out party. While possibly a little over-enthusiastic in their open-mindedness, the Lindenwoods are happy to accept their daughter as she is, and are keen for her to find a nice girl to settle down with – blissfully unaware of Flick’s painful past with Elodie.
Elodie, unlike Flick, has never wanted to rock the boat – even after seeing the relaxed attitude of Flick’s family, the fear of the world’s opinion keeps her closeted. While Flick dares to be different, Elodie would rather hide her feelings and melt into the crowd.
But when Flick returns from college and sees Elodie again for the first time in four years, Elodie has to face the truth about herself – while Flick has to decide whether she can forgive her pretty ex for breaking her heart.
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Excerpt:
The door of the Dodge Charger slammed behind her as Flick Lindenwood walked up the driveway to the house, dragging her wheeled suitcase after her.
It was exactly as she remembered. Pansies and tulips bloomed in the borders of the front garden, edging an elegantly mown lawn. In front of her stood the house, two stories rising behind a large veranda, a curtain twitching in one of the windows.
Before she reached the front door, it opened to reveal her mother. Flick let the handle of the case go and stepped forward to meet her in a hug.
“Felicity, darling! We’ve been waiting all morning.”
“Sorry, Mom. Traffic.”
Her mother stepped back, smiling, and looked her up and down. Flick bore the scrutiny patiently. She had a new haircut and outfit which had yet to receive maternal approval.
Apparently they did. Her mother pulled her back in for another hug. “You look lovely, darling. Oh, it’s so good to see you. I’ve got so many things to tell you—I’ve been organizing your graduation party, and then there’s the Saulters’ barbecue tomorrow, and—”
“All right, all right!” Flick broke in, laughing. “Let me get in first!”
She followed her mother into the entrance hall, noticing that the lounge door was open on her left. Through the doorway she could see her graduation photograph taking pride of place on the marble mantelpiece, blocking off part of the gold-edged mirror.
“Don’t be long,” Mrs. Lindenwood added airily as Flick made her way toward the staircase. “I want to hear everything. Have you met any nice girls?”
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Book Description:
Flick Lindenwood, fresh from college, has returned home to the suburban haven of Green Valley, back to society…and the source of her heartbreak. Four years ago Elodie Hamilton savagely broke her heart, and Flick has no intention of letting her pretty ex get back under her skin. As far as she’s concerned, she and Elodie never happened.
But Elodie has other ideas.
Afraid to come out, Elodie chose to destroy her relationship with Flick rather than let her family know who she was. But now she wants to right the wrong she did—if she can only find the nerve, and if she can convince Flick to see past the pain she caused.
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About the Author:
Tanith Davenport began writing erotica at the age of 27 by way of the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme. Her debut novel “The Hand He Dealt” was released by Total-e-Bound in June 2011 and was shortlisted for the Joan Hessayon Award for 2012.
Tanith has had short stories published by Naughty Nights Press and House of Erotica. She loves to travel and dreams of one day taking a driving tour of the United States, preferably in a classic 1950s pink Cadillac Eldorado.
Tanith’s idea of heaven is an Indian head massage with a Mojito at her side.
www.facebook.com/TanithDavenport
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