The Hopeful Romantics

By Bryn Callaway

Since writing and self-publishing the fictionalized biography of her ex, Lucas Hart,  Rosie Martin's life has definitely improved.
She would say that's an understatement.
She has more freelance jobs and contracts than she's ever had.
Her book is selling well.
She's in a serious romantic relationship with a loving man, who also happens to be a fabulous chef.
She's forging strong friendships with Lucas' other Exes.
And now, through a flurry of coincidences and synchronicities, she's found Lucas Hart Mystery Girl, the mystery ex.
She's written another book about it, but also about life in a world where hopeful romantics live and find genuine, true love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryn Callaway
• Release date: Feb 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201356897

Bryn Callaway

Like Penny, Bryn Callaway has always written and kept all her journals and notebooks. There’s a lot of music in Bryn’s daily life and plenty of coffee! A hopeless romantic, Bryn knows that happy endings are not without challenges but they can and do happen! Bryn Callaway lives in the Greater Toronto Area very near the shores of Lake Ontario.

Book preview

Acknowledgments:

I am blissed with tremendous support and inspiration from the following people:

Sabine, Ash, Ian, Esben, Max, and Laurie.

I couldn’t do this without the excellent music provided by Dist Fm (Sweden)

Cover/photo credit: sixteen miles out (Unsplash)

DEAR READER

I wrote this book during the second year of the pandemic.

There were several false starts and resets.

I switched voices many times, but in the end, it’s the main character’s voice, Rosie Martin, that took over. It was the right one.

I feel it suits the story well.

The writing is like one from a journal; sometimes the entries are brief, quick, other times, much longer. The tone is intimate, unfiltered, spontaneous.

Thank you for reading The Hopeful Romantics. I truly hope you enjoy it.

Isn’t life about taking chances?

Liam Stevens

INTRO

MAY 2018

In the past twelve months, my life has definitely improved.

Now, there’s an understatement.

I’ve got more paying jobs and contracts than I’ve ever had.

My first book is selling well, better than I ever expected.

The Exes are still meeting.

My boxes are unpacked. I’m settling in and feeling better about it.

I’m in love and in a solid relationship with a very loving, awesome man, and fabulous chef.

I still win big on bingo nights, when I go. When I do, it’s always with my older sister, Vero.

Oh, and I’ve found Lucas’ Mystery Girl, the mystery ex.

I found her, and she found me, through synchronicities and chance meetings.

I thought that story was worth telling. I wrote another book about how life is a small world, one full of hopeful romantics.

CHAPTER ONE

APRIL 2017

By now, I should believe in synchronicities.

I met Theo McGrath three times, on three coincidence-encounters, before realizing I could move on from heartbreak.

When we went out on our first official date, five months ago, he brought me the coat I’d bought in Spain while travelling with him. I wore it on our second date, even if the weather was a little chilly for that coat. 

Theo has recently moved just outside of Montreal. He’s subletting an apartment from a friend.

Before he decided to move to Montreal, we had been in a casual long-distance relationship, with him coming to Montreal more often than me going to Toronto, where he lived. 

This new relationship has been heart-lifting, refreshing, and without drama.

My sister has pointed out that I don’t know much about Theo, and to be honest, he had volunteered little about his family or romantic past.

That was until two days after Valentine’s Day, when he surprised me in several ways.

That night he showed up at my place with a new look, three roses, and a picnic basket. A big one.

Theo had trimmed his mustache, his dark hair, nicely speckled with grey, now barely reached his shoulders. He still had his goatee.

He was ruggedly handsome, wearing jeans and a dark red shirt.

I thought a post-Valentine’s Day picnic was the thing to do.

I had laughed.

It is!

Outside it had been snowing.

On Valentine’s Day, me and the other Soda Shop Girls had taken part in an event in my old neighborhood in the East End.

It had been fun and a full house gig.

I knew Theo was not big on Valentine’s Day. Yet, here he was, surprising me with several unexpected romantic gestures.

He had handed me a small gift bag with pink earbuds in it.

I had given him a black apron with red hearts.

For the indoors picnic, we had settled for the low table, near my couch, instead of the floor.

During the meal, Theo had talked about himself, something he rarely did unprompted.

How did you get into cooking? Did you cook as a teenager? I don’t remember if I’ve ever asked you.

I had wonderful parents, but my mom was not the best of cooks. She didn’t enjoy cooking. My father was a man of habit, so we ate the same things on set days, like chicken every Tuesday, and it was always very simple dishes. I think I was fourteen when I made my first chicken piccata. My parents and my brother were impressed, but of course, my brother had to make fun of me, him being into motorcycles and old cars.

Theo and his brother Cameron were not close. There was respect between them, loyalty, but nothing more. Cameron is two years older. That’s all I knew about Cameron. I had seen a photo of him, with brief comments from Theo.

Cameron lived in Guelph, so did their parents.

Later, Theo talked about Miranda, the woman he had lived with for five years.

At first she was very supportive of me being a chef, but eventually she thought I was not home enough. We were not in sync. We just both fell out of love.

No children?

My sister would have probably have asked about this sooner. I wanted to take my time.

No drama.

He shook his head.

We waited and in the end it was a good thing. She’s now happily married with two kids. I’m sorry, Rosie, not very Valentine’s Day as conversation goes.

I smiled and kissed him.

On the contrary. I’m happy that you trust me enough to share all of this.

He talked to me about being a chef, his passion for cooking but also creating. How he was still looking to find his right fit.

I have a very good reputation. I’m not boasting.

Didn’t think you were the type to boast.

But I also have a reputation for not staying places long enough, for being sort of a nomad chef. Friends and buddies ask for my help as a consultant, but now, I’m ready to do more. I’ve been looking for what that is.

I’d nodded and kissed him.

I wanted to talk to you about all of this, because it feels like our relationship is growing roots and so are my feelings for you. He said, over dessert.

He had made chocolate eclairs, from scratch.

I felt my heart getting giddy.

What about the nomad chef side of you? Have you figured out what’s next?

I’m getting closer. I want to be less of a nomad. Rosie. Our relationship is really important to me. That’s all I know.

I’d taken his hand, saying.

And that’s good enough for me, Theo. I still want us to take our time because this feels, what we have, it feels genuine. I really like that and I want it to last.

&&&&&&

More than a year ago, my ex-boyfriend’s widow invited all his exes, including me, to a gathering. She was to give each of us something Lucas would have wanted us to have back after he died.

That day, there was an unclaimed package, one without a name, that was left behind.

I took that package home thinking I could figure out whom it was meant for.

The first anniversary of Lucas’ death had come and gone while I had been travelling in Europe.

That was six months ago. A month later, I self-published the fictionalized and unauthorized biography of Lucas Hart.

The book was barely out that several people contacted me about writing life stories in progress, including a trio of elderly women with an unusual love story with one recently deceased gentleman.

I politely declined.

Joelle, one of the Exes, wants her love stories told. The sad ones that have led her to her current happy one.

She’s asked for my help with her project.

Meanwhile, a new friend I met in Vancouver, Brian Masterson, has asked me to help him with a music documentary about Blown Away, Liam Stevens’ band. I’m very excited about that project. Liam is a brilliant music artist, but usually rather private.

Amid all of this, my long-time friend Jérémie has bought a professional writing-editing business from his new girlfriend, and has asked me to take on most of the work.

Why buy the company? I had asked Jérémie.

I thought it was a good investment. Emilie was ready to just fold it. It’s a small company, but it has a good list of clients and good revenues. Great potential for growth, and the seller was very motivated, but I need someone I trust and can rely on to keep it going.

Jérémie and I have been friends since high school.

Jérémie, I‘m not sure if I’m the right person for this, and there might be work for more than one person.

If that’s the case, you’ll let me know, and I’ll find someone. Try it for a while? We can give ourselves a deadline? Six months? Is that too long? You’re a good writer and editor. I’m not worried.

You’re awesomely accommodating!

He had shrugged.

You’re a close friend with talents and skills. So, what do you say?

I’m on board.

Jérémie now tells me he wants me to do some work for his software company.

As a freelancer?

Can’t very well do this through my new company.

Jérémie, that’s a lot of hats to wear for one person.

I’m not worried. You’re very good at wearing many hats. I believe you can do this.

I want to make it work. All of it.

I called Veronique, my sister.

Wow! Suddenly, you have a lot of contracts. Don’t you want to choose and pick?

I laughed.

Not really. I want to take on as much as I can. I finally feel I’m doing what I love!

&&&&&&

My transitional apartment is starting to feel more like home.

I’ve organized my writing space better with one small divider.

My plan is to set up this apartment nicely enough to invite family and friends over for dinners.

When I mentioned this to Theo, he asked casually.

I could make dinner for all of you?

Then I would have to pay you. You’re not my personal chef.

But I enjoy cooking for you.

I know, it shows, and I’m grateful, but making dinner for my guests...

As your boyfriend.

It would be a fine line between boyfriend and personal chef. Anyway, I should cook more for you.

I had made several meals for him, but I felt so self-conscious, it made me nervous.

You could teach me?

Theo’s face had lightened up.

Let’s go shopping tomorrow!

Theo, who thought my kitchen needed to be better equipped, had taken me shopping at a kitchen supplies store, one who also catered to restaurants and chefs.

He had wanted to pay for everything, but I had firmly refused.

I’m going to get free cooking courses from a top chef, so I’m paying for my course material. You can make me a soufflé for dinner.

And he had.

During the meal, Theo had asked.

Do you enjoy cooking? I should have asked you before this shopping expedition.

I enjoy it when I have time, and when I’m pretty sure the recipe will turn out fine.

I can understand that.

When my father left, my sister and I asked Mom to show us some easy recipes to make. We already fixed our lunches ourselves. Mom was working full time. After I moved out, when I was working night shifts, I got used to quick pre-prepared meals. Just before meeting you, I was getting back into cooking for myself, but I’m not always very patient.

Well, if you’ll let me, I’ll be your very attentive teacher.

Now, once a week, I have my very own cooking class with a very handsome chef and teacher.

&&&&&&

Brian is very eager to start the documentary about Liam’s story of his still young music career.

Are you staying in Montreal for a while?

I’ll commute and get organized. Liam is being a little slow in getting things going. He sounds committed to the project, but he’s been, I don’t know, distracted? Maybe you could meet with him?

I’ll see what I can do.

Liam Stevens is a music artist who first became known with his band Blown Away, then through his solo music career. Both projects have been very successful.

I’d now met Liam Stevens twice.

We connected instantly.

I know his reputation for being a private person, one that got tested with his now ex-girlfriend, Audrey Sharpe.

The best way to describe Liam Stevens is calm, with a strong presence; he always seems a little melancholic. He’s a little taller than me, has longish dark brown hair, the shadow of a mustache and a goatee.

When he talks about music, especially his music, he’s passionate and intense.

Brian says he wants to see more of this for the movie.

The first time I met Liam Stevens, I was struck by how much energy and passion there was behind his calm and laid back exterior.

There was also a sheen of sadness.

For our first meeting, I met him without Brian.

Liam, I must admit, I was surprised, but honored, when Brian said you wanted me the be part of this project.

He’d smiled.

I really liked the interview you did with Jérémie Nantais. It was very insightful and personal, but not too intrusive or tacky.

Well, thanks! To be honest, as you may already know, Jérémie and I go way back.

Brian also feels you are an excellent listener, perceptive, and a talented writer.

I must thank Brian for overstating my abilities. Have you ever worked with Brian before?

Never, but I know his work and Brian Masterson’s vision is what I’m looking for.

And what you’re looking for?

Something genuine and original.

Today, I’m meeting Liam in town. I’d offered to go to the West Island, where he lives, but he said he had to come in the city to meet a friend.

We’re having coffee close to downtown.

Brian is worried. Right?

I’m here on my own behalf, Liam. Brian may have mentioned something, but I wanted to meet with you to get things started, discuss my part, my work in this project. Can I ask you a question?

Of course.

Why a documentary-video at this point of your career?

He takes his time before answering.

People always ask how it all began, my thoughts on music and songwriting. Not only media folks, but the people who come to the gigs. Some write to me via social media, including musicians who are just starting. You might already know that I’m not a very public, social guy, well, unless someone like Audrey Sharpe takes over my public life.

I don’t comment on that last part. He goes on.

I started talking with my bandmates and they thought it would be good to do something for more exposure and publicity.

You’re still in charge of everything?

For my music? Yes, mostly everything. We have a booking agency for the band, and I handle my solo gigs. We deal with an amazing design artist for our album covers.

I love your covers!

Thank you! I think it’s as important to have something the listeners will see before hearing to the music. A pre-first impression.

I’m writing some of this in a small notebook. Liam doesn’t seem to mind.

Were you the one who reached out to Brian?

Yes, I was. I saw a music video he had done for a band from Winnipeg, and I really liked his style. It’s very cinematic. Turns out Brian has been listening to my music and following Blown Away on social media. Wait, does he want to step away from the project?

Far from it, he’s quite excited and eager to start. He’s been wondering if you wanted to slow down or postpone? It’s not that Brian cannot speak for himself.

I understand, and I should apologize directly to him. I’ve been a bit out of reach. Lots had been happening in my personal life, but I’m not backing out.

I surprise myself by saying.

Maybe you need a push?

He smiles.

"I think I