Blind Speed Dating #13

Title: THE NIGHT WE SAID YES

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Word Count: 51,000

Query:

Ella Rhodes had a plan. A really good plan. Get over the ex-boyfriend who dumped her in the most ridiculous way possible. Graduate high school without any more distractions. Move away from boring Orlando where she’s lived her entire life. But Matt – the bespectacled bass player who just moved into town? Yeah, Matt was definitely not part of the plan. Neither was attending a party that was crashed by the cops within moments of their arrival. Neither was spending an entire night saying yes to every crazy thing they could come up with, including (but not limited to) breaking and entering, going partially-clothed skinny dipping, and playing the most awesome rock show ever.

But here’s the thing – sweet, thoughtful, kind Matt moved away, leaving Ella alone and completely derailed from her plan. Her really good plan. So when he shows up a year later looking to reconnect, and, in a way, reenact the original night that brought them together, she finds herself saying yes. Because when fate hands you a second chance, you just have to grab it, right? But is Ella ready to accept Matt back into her life just as she’s started to tape together a new future? Told in alternating chapters that chronicle the night Ella and Matt first met and the night they reunite, THE NIGHT WE SAID YES is a love story that questions if second chances are possible and if the future is something we can design. It’s suitable for readers who enjoy fast-paced love stories that take place in one magical night.

I’m a librarian by day, young adult reader and writer by night. I’ve published numerous freelance articles in local publications, such as the Orlando Sentinel and Florida Libraries. For two years I was a full-time staff writer and Assistant Managing Editor for Florida Monthly magazine, where, along with writing articles, I co-wrote and edited a book chronicling the Mariel Boatlift.

First 250:

NOW

Meg is in front of my house in 10 minutes and 27 seconds.

“You’re late,” I joke, sinking into her car’s leather seats.

“Shut up,” she smiles. “You ready?”

“I am,” I answer, somewhat honestly.

“It’ll be fun, I promise.” Her blonde hair is tossed over her shoulder, perfectly flipped as if she styled it to stay there.  She knows I’m not much of a partier, so she’s clearly trying to be as enthusiastic about this as possible. Of course it’s working.

“I just hope there’s a bounce house again,” I murmur, crossing my arms over my chest. She grins, knowing she won, and pulls the car out of the driveway. I watch the streetlights pass the car and illuminate our drive, guiding our path. It’s silent out, a normal Friday night. Most families are tucked away asleep, but we’re just heading out, ready to start our night. As we approach UCF, the quiet streets get louder, more crowded. Cars honk, voices yell. College students aching to stretch their legs – and livers – are out in full swing.

By the time we arrive, the living room is already crowded, a mess of sweat, booze, and skimpy clothing. Meg is next to me, moving her body to the beat of the music. The thump, thump, thump of the bass, blasting off an iPod in the corner, is irresistible to her. I notice a few guys already starting to look; it’s hard not to – she’s 5’7” without heels. Little do they know she’s the kid sister of the party’s host, and therefore off limits.