Chapter 1: Introduction - Dramatis personae
Brianna Stewart: Brianna is 23, a college graduate who works as a media consultant. She went to school with Sarah, Lauren, and Courtney and has remained good friends with them. Brianna is 5′7″ with long brown hair, brown eyes, and a captivating smile. She gravitates to hot but nerdy guys who know things. Brianna suffered through a recent breakup but is almost ready to move on. She is a sharp young lady and can handle repartee. Her friends call her Bree.
Jason Hill: Jason is 27, Sarah’s older brother, and works as a systems analyst. He is proficient in his field and manages his money well enough to own his own condo. He loves running and other outdoor activities, and is also a bit of a foodie. He stands 5′11-1/2" with dark hair and a neat beard. Jason has a nerdy streak but is put together, knows how to dress, and radiates calm confidence. He dumped his ex months ago and is at peace with himself - but not immune to feminine charms.
Sarah Hill: Sarah is 23, a college graduate, and friends with Brianna (her closest friend), Lauren, and Courtney. She is openly jealous of her brother Jason even though she admires his intelligence and maturity. She gives him a lot of grief over nothing, because, siblings. Sarah is still a bit of a party girl and not entirely careful about who she associates with. She is 5′4" with short, light brown hair. She rooms with Lauren, Courtney, and another young woman named Phoebe. Sarah works as an administrative assistant.
Lauren Becker: Lauren is 23 and remains close to her friends from school, Sarah and Brianna. She is 5′6" with long hair, lighter in color than Brianna’s. Lauren acted like a bit of a slut in school, but was using that mainly as a defense mechanism to avoid getting hurt. She is more reserved than she appears, and is trying to straighten her life out with therapy and the help of her good friends. Lauren works in an insurance office.
Gary Lewis: Gary is 25 and a good friend of Jason’s. He works downtown in an engineering firm. Gary has done a lot of growing up since graduation and benefited from some mentoring by Jason. Gary had a previous encounter with Lauren when she was still in school. He has improved his appearance and matured with Jason’s help.
Luke Campbell: Luke is 24 and soon to graduate with his Master’s in chemical engineering. He is 5′9" tall, keeps himself fit, and has a welcoming personality. Luke works part time as a barista in a local coffee shop. There is more to Luke than his mundane job.
Courtney Harris: Courtney is the fourth member of “the sisterhood,” four friends who attended school together and are still close. At 23, Courtney is not as independent as Bree or even Sarah, and tends to go with the flow of what her friends think. She is 5′6" with short blonde hair.
Eleanor and Jim Hill: Eleanor and Jim are Jason and Sarah’s parents. Eleanor goes by Ellie. She keeps herself up to date on Jason and Sarah’s friend groups and is a bit of a mother hen. Jim is the breadwinner, now a manager with 28 years in an office.
Angela and Matt Stewart: Angela and Matt are Brianna's parents. They are a traditional couple who live in Cincinnati. Bree is their only child, but they never spoiled her and maintain a good relationship with her.
