Once Upon a Heartbreak: A feel-good, heartwarming romance

By Cassie Rocca

Is true love really out there? A hilarious, heartwarming romance: perfect for the fans of Jo Watson, Debbie Johnson and Holly Martin.

Liberty Allen used to be a hopeless romantic, that is, until Zack Sullivan unwittingly broke her teenage heart.

Fifteen years later, Liberty has her life together in New York City, running a successful business and engaged to be married in just a matter of months. But something just seems to be missing...

All of a sudden, Liberty runs into Zack out the blue, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew about her life, her happiness, and even her feelings on true love...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: May 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781788543934

Cassie Rocca

Cassie Rocca is a writer of Sicilian origin who has lived in Genoa since the age of three. In everyday life she is a child-minder, a job which gives her plenty of ideas for her modern fairy tales.

Book preview

Prologue

Chicago, fifteen years earlier.

The sound of loud laughter and clinking glasses echoed through the Sullivans’ house with each fresh toast. The party was a success and had been going on for two hours – long enough for the guests to already be a little tipsy. Liberty Allen wasn’t really supposed to have been there, but her cousin Tammy had insisted and in the end she had agreed to come. Tammy was the girlfriend of Bradley, the birthday boy and the eldest of the Sullivan brothers. She was seventeen, and, like many girls her age, lived for smoking, partying, drinking and having sex behind the backs of the grown-ups. Liberty, however, was only fifteen, and had no idea how to even light a cigarette, much less all the rest… Tammy’s parents didn’t know they were at a party – they thought that the two cousins were spending that summer evening at home together like they had the rest of their holidays, but they couldn’t have been more wrong. They would often call their daughter and ask to speak to Liberty too, and that was why the two cousins were forced to always be together.

That was the only reason why Tammy had forced Liberty to be there that night. She couldn’t have cared less that her younger cousin didn’t know anyone at the party, that everybody there was older than her or that nobody was even talking to her: she just needed an alibi.

Liberty was sitting in a chair in a quiet corner from where she could watch the party and keep an eye on Tammy. She had been instructed not to go near her or to answer the mobile phone when Tammy went off with Brad, and she was also in charge of inventing plausible excuses for not answering should they need any. Thanks to her creative nature, after only a few weeks she was already a pro at inventing cover stories.

As expected, Aunt Milly called, even earlier than usual this time. After the girls had talked to her, Tammy decided there was no danger she would call again and so she told Liberty to go home if she wanted, but Liberty decided to remain. She said she was too afraid to walk home alone so late at night and that she’d rather wait until the party was over and ask someone to give her a lift.

The truth was that she had stayed because Zack, Brad’s younger brother, was there too.

After the phone call, she went out of the house to her favorite seat in the garden, where she could wait for the party to end and write and draw in the notebook from which she was never separated: it was her comfort blanket, and it meant she was able to always feel at home, wherever she went. From there, she could also cast a glance at the windows of the house from time to time.

She’d known that Zack would run for cover in the kitchen sooner or later, and she was hoping that seeing her sitting there on her own would make him want to talk to her, even for just a moment. That was the real reason she had decided to stay all night, stoically listening to nonsensical drunken ramblings and watching people drinking beer from their shoes, doing embarrassing line-dances and making out in every corner of the house in the least romantic way. The hardest thing to put up with had been the looks of pity she’d gotten from all those stupid party girls who were busy parading up and down in the hope of receiving either attention from the boys or envious looks from other girls. She’d even overheard some of them counting the number of compliments they had received, and she was expecting to hear the award for the most brainless bimbo at the party to be announced at any minute.

Liberty shook her head at the idea. She would like to be prettier, of course, and desired to possibly be part of a gang of friends. But if that meant having to give up her brain altogether and hang out with people she had nothing in common with then she preferred to be alone and wait for her time to come.

Finally Zack Sullivan showed up in the kitchen and she instantly forgot everything else. She had only known him for three weeks, but it was long enough to be sure he’d eventually end up just there. He was a teenager like all the others, although far more handsome, and intelligent, and funny, and kind, and… and God, she had a massive and hopeless crush on him!

Zack didn’t really like this kind of party – maybe because, unlike the other partygoers, he didn’t care about fitting in, didn’t try to fight off boredom by acting the fool and never felt the need to drink just to hide his insecurities and forget about the uncertainties the future held in store for him. He knew what he wanted from life, and that gave him the confidence to be different from all the others.

Over the last few weeks, though, he had tried not to be too open about his greatest passion: cooking.

He hadn’t talked publicly about his hobby since one of Brad’s friends, Bobby Manson, had seen him preparing some cake mixture while wearing his mother’s floral apron. Bobby had immediately started making fun of him, and the whole school had decided that he must be gay. It wasn’t just the cooking – a lot of other stupid details had been called up to prove their theory: Zack wouldn’t go on dates with the prettiest girls in the school, he’d been given a brand new, top of the range games console for his birthday but he’d preferred the set of baking moulds that he’d received, and the icing on the cake was that he had signed up for a cooking class which was attended exclusively by women…

Liberty had heard that story a million times at school and everybody spoke about it as though it were the most ridiculous thing ever. She couldn’t really understand why people were so surprised: didn’t they know about all the cooking shows on TV where the chefs were always men? How could they still think that a man who liked cooking had to be gay?

But Zack hadn’t let the gossip get to him too much, apparently. His coolness and his patience were among his best qualities, so he had reacted to the stories about him with jokes or just by ignoring them altogether, and that had helped ensure that most of the rumours had soon disappeared. He had no intention of putting himself at risk of becoming the topic of any more gossip, though, so he’d decided not to talk about how he liked to spend his free time at school, so as to save himself further embarrassment.

In spite of all that, though, he continued to spend his afternoons baking and cooking while whistling happily in the large family kitchen, and for the past three weeks Liberty had been the official taste tester of all his deliciously creative dishes.

In fact, thanks to Tammy’s relationship with Brad, Liberty had the chance to spend quite a lot of time at the Sullivans’, sitting in the same corner of the garden and drawing and writing in her notebook while she waited for her cousin’s romantic encounters to be over so they could go home. On those occasions, Zack and Liberty had chatted a few times. Liberty wasn’t a particularly pretty girl – she was overweight and everybody thought she was weird – but Zack had never had any problem talking to her either at school or there at his house.

The first time he’d struck up a conversation with her, she’d felt hugely anxious and had told him that he didn’t have to be there, she knew he’d rather be cooking something, and that she wouldn’t mind if he did. "Please don’t feel obliged to keep me company. I know that you love cooking. The best chefs in the world are all men, and I’m sure that they’re not all gay. And anyway, even if you were gay that would be fine with me… I’d probably just think that it was a waste is all."

Talking to him had made her so nervous that she almost wanted to throw up. She realized that in just a few seconds she had managed to bring up cooking, which was something he probably didn’t want to talk about, and to remind him that everybody at school was saying he was gay. And on top of that, she’d blushed like a stupid kid when she had paid him that compliment. Pretty much the only thing she hadn’t done was stutter…

At that point, she just hoped that Zack would decide that she was weird and go away, forgetting about her forever. Looking at him from a distance would be easier anyway, and it didn’t require her to try and engage in scintillating conversation.

But Zack had smiled at her and continued to stare at her curiously with his dark eyes. What’s your favorite food? he had asked.

Liberty had raised one of her blonde eyebrows. Desserts. Isn’t it pretty obvious? she had added sarcastically, in reference to her weight.

No, actually, it’s not, Zack had replied, before grabbing her hand and forcing her to follow him. In that case, come with me. I’ll let you sample one of my latest experiments. You have to promise to be absolutely honest about how it tastes, though.

And that episode had been the start of Liberty’s friendship with one of the cutest boys in the whole school. She would have said that he was the cutest boy in Chicago, but you can never really trust a girl in love to be objective.

And it really was love that her young heart felt for him: Zack Sullivan wasn’t just funny and sweet, he was also sophisticated, responsible and apparently hadn’t noticed her dumpy body and lack of sex appeal. He seemed to actually enjoy spending time with her. He was certainly nothing like her father, who had abandoned his two daughters and his wife and vanished into thin air when he ran away with his new secretary.

Almost two years on from that awful moment, Liberty had decided she didn’t need a father after all, especially given how committed her mother was to taking good care of her and being very a constant presence in her life – probably too much of a constant presence, to tell the truth. And her grandparents loved her dearly, although they lived in New York and she only ever got to see them in the summer. She could count on them all year around, though; they were her real family, and she didn’t need anything else. There had been a few sad months after her father’s disappearance, but the girl had soon found a way to move on without him, enjoying life in any way she could. She kept herself busy by doing all the things that she found most enjoyable, like drawing, writing, reading… and eating, of course.

Then she had met Zack, and daydreaming about him had suddenly become her favorite way of passing the time.

He was amazing – and such a great cook! Although he didn’t have much experience in the field yet, he was already great at re-imagining recipes and mixing up ingredients and styles, and he knew exactly when to be creative and when to opt for a classic. Every time Liberty was there, Zack would make a different dessert for her to try, and was always really interested in her comments. She felt like her opinion actually mattered to him, for some reason.

And to her, that was just paradise. What more could she have wanted – except maybe to be a bit better looking?

After some time, they had even gotten closer, and she had decided to follow her mother’s suggestion and go on a diet. Zack already liked her as a friend, and there was a chance that if she got into shape he might actually look at her with different eyes too. They would flirt together as a joke sometimes, but she was aware that her weight prevented other people from seeing what was special about her – which she herself was congenitally unable to point out to them. Convincing herself that she might be worthy of being the girlfriend of a guy like him wasn’t easy, but she’d already started improving her appearance by taking better care of her clothes and hair.

She had also started cutting down her portions every time she could – until the next time Tammy decided to drag her to the Sullivan’s.

How could she say no to Zack’s dishes? And he was always so eager to hear her comments about them! She felt pretty certain that if she were to say she couldn’t eat those delicacies anymore he would no longer want to be friends with her. It was so important to her to have those fun moments of complicity with him, but she still needed to lose weight, and the solution she’d found was pretty unhealthy but it did seem to work: she would basically starve herself on the days when she didn’t see him and then gladly accept all the cakes, chocolates and muffins Zack prepared for her the next time they met.

That evening, she had been waiting for quite a while already when he finally showed up in the kitchen. She knew he wasn’t planning to cook anything just then, as the house was full of his brother’s friends, and on such occasions he would go back and forth from the hall to the kitchen, cleaning up after the guests, entertaining them and fetching beers from the fridge.

Liberty looked at him, hoping that he would notice her before he had to go back to his guests.

She had decided to try and play her cards as well as she could, although she didn’t really have an ace up her sleeve. She was wearing a nice dress that made her feel much more feminine than usual, even though her waist wasn’t as thin as one on the mannequin in the shop. Her bosom, though, was fuller – too much so, in her opinion – and her legs were quite long, although she didn’t like them and had decided to cover them up with some thick tights. She was tall, though still undecided as to whether she should consider that a good or a bad quality, and had beautiful long blonde hair, which she had styled to show off her eyes, with the help of some good make up. She was still a long way from being pretty, but she thought that night she could perhaps pass as pleasant looking – or, at least, that was what she hoped Zack would think.

She saw him look over his shoulder and then turn towards the French window, and her heart instantly started beating faster.

She knew he was about to come over and see her.

And in fact, soon afterwards, Zack was indeed in the garden with her, looking cuter than ever in his blue t-shirt, worn-out jeans and messy black hair. He was tall, the working out he was doing was developing his muscles perfectly, and he had a lovely smile. For the first time in her life, Liberty felt a shiver run through parts of her body that she hadn’t even known could shiver: it felt as though they were waking up after a very deep sleep.

Aren’t you joining the party, Miss Liberty? he asked, stopping a few feet away from her. He’d come up with that nickname in honour of the Statue of Liberty as a way of teasing her after he’d discovered she wanted to move to New York one day. When she had told him about her dream, he had replied that maybe he should move too, if he didn’t want to lose his precious taster. Liberty had tried hard not to read something different into his words, but in her heart couldn’t help hoping that he actually did want to follow her just so that they could be together, which would mean that he had feelings for her too.

She kept daydreaming about strolling hand in hand with him along the tree lined walkways of Central Park: they would look at each other, and she would lose herself in his beautiful dark eyes…

What are you doing out here all alone? Everybody’s having fun in the house.

Zack’s voice brought her crashing back to reality.

Are you kidding me? she snorted. Half of the people at this party have been bullying me for years. I can’t escape them at school, but I’m certainly not going to spend my holidays with them.

They’re so drunk that they won’t even know who you are, the boy replied acerbically, and Liberty was pleased to see that, like her, he didn’t think much of their way of enjoying themselves.

Zack peeked at the notebook she was holding on her knees and asked if she was writing one of her love stories.

Liberty looked down at the notebook too, and immediately slammed it shut in embarrassment. Zack had been too fast, though, and had already noticed the heart she had casually drawn on an empty page.

So you’re in love with someone, are you? he asked, raising an eyebrow.

It’s just a drawing, she replied, hunching her shoulders in embarrassment. It doesn’t mean anything.

Before you closed your notebook, I saw a drawing of a heart with ‘Lib loves’ in it… he replied with a smile.. What’s the other name? You wouldn’t write something like that unless you were in love with someone.

She didn’t want to look at him because she was afraid that her eyes would reveal her true feelings and she would make a fool of herself. "There isn’t another name! she lied. I haven’t met anyone who could fill that blank space yet."

Hmmm, you’re not sounding very convincing…

Why not? I dream about falling in love just like any other romantic. To be honest, I’m a desperate case: I’ve already chosen my dress! she said, showing him a picture she’d cut out from a wedding magazine and then putting it back into her notebook. See? I’ve already chosen it, but that doesn’t mean that I’m about to get married. I’m just getting ready, that’s all.

Wow! Isn’t it a little too early? laughed Zack. To tell the truth, I’ve never thought about it.

Once she was sure she was in control of herself again, she turned to look at him and asked, So you don’t think you’re going to get married eventually?

He shrugged. Who can say? I’ve never felt like drawing hearts or having romantic daydreams, but who knows what the future holds? He looked towards the kitchen, and once he was sure that nobody was around, he showed her a dish that he’d been hiding behind his back the whole time. I brought you a piece of cake!

Did you make it? she asked while taking the plate. Her fingers accidentally brushed against his. They were warm, but even that brief contact sent another shiver through her.

No, it’s just Brad’s birthday cake. He bought it from some bakery. I actually made some cupcakes in secret, but I haven’t given them to our guests!

"Cupcakes? Mmmm – I love cupcakes!"

Zack was visibly pleased to hear it. That’s the reaction I was hoping for from you! Would you like one?

"I’d love one!"

Great, I’ll go get them. You eat that piece of cake in the meantime, so you’ll be able to tell me which one you prefer, he said, then went off to fetch his cupcakes from the kitchen.

Liberty took a bite of the cake then wrapped the rest of it in a serviette and hid it among the bushes. She wasn’t supposed to eat so much sugary food, but she didn’t want to offend Zack. She was quite happy to eat whatever the boy of her dreams had prepared, but anything else would just be a counterproductive intake of calories.

He came back holding a tray full of perfumed little cakes; they looked delicious, and thanks to their rainbow topping they were extremely pretty too.

Wow, they look amazing! exclaimed Liberty, and her glittering eyes grew even more enthusiastic.

Well, I hope they taste amazing as well!

I’m sure they will.

Well, it’s time to taste them! said Zack, giving her a silly bow and handing one of them to her.

She accepted it and then moaned ecstatically when she had taken a bite.

Oh my God! This is the best cupcake I’ve ever had!

Really?

Yes! I think it might be the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten!

Zack nodded with satisfaction. You were the inspiration behind them.

Liberty felt as though she was about to pass out. "I was?"

Yeah. You said that you like things that are tasty but that are also pretty, so I used some natural colorings to make that rainbow buttercream. And I filled them with—

Dark chocolate! Liberty closed her eyes to savour it distraction. It’s gorgeous, she said with her mouth full, trying to stop the chocolate oozing out of the cupcake. Shoot, I’ve made a mess, she laughed, looking at her dirty hands.

Zack came over to see what had happened. "Aw damn it, that’s my fault! I forgot to put them in the fridge and now the chocolate is too warm," he burst out angrily.

No, they’re perfect the way they are! I should probably have used a fork though, she said with a smile, and then took another bite.

Zack smiled too as he approached her, and his fingers brushed lightly against her nose and cheek. You are absolutely covered with chocolate and crumbs!

"Great – I don’t want to imagine what kind of show I must be putting on…" she whispered, her heart in her mouth.

Not a bad show at all – and one that’s pretty gratifying for me.

They remained in silence for a few moments, looking at each other. There was a strange chemistry between them, and Liberty’s heart felt as though it were about to burst with joy. But unfortunately, three people chose that moment to appear suddenly at the kitchen door.

"Hey, there you are! We were all looking for you so we could toast my birthday!" said Brad while he walked unsteadily towards them. Tammy was with him, looking tipsy and with her make up in a mess, and behind them there was Brad’s best friend, Bobby Manson.

Zack sighed. Yeah, I’ll be right there. I just brought Liberty a piece of cake.

You should have left her to starve, sniggered Bobby, who was obviously drunk. She has enough fat on her to survive for a few months without eating!

Brad suppressed a laugh, but only because Tammy elbowed him in the stomach.

"Shut up! She’s my cousin!"

I know, but it just doesn’t make sense! How can one cousin have a body as perfect as yours and the other one be so… big?

She’s just started a diet, protested Tammy in a low voice. She’ll start losing weight in no time at all.

In the meantime, Bobby had silently approached Liberty. Are you on a diet now? That’s weird, I can see chocolate all over your face!

That’s my fault, said Zack emotionlessly. I forgot to bring her a fork.

And what’s this, then? asked Bobby asked after he’d discovered the cake Liberty had hidden in the bushes. He burst out laughing. So your family really put you on a diet, and now you’re scared that they won’t feed you enough, is that what it is? Is that why you’re stocking up?

Leave her alone, Bob, muttered Zack as he set off towards the house. Let’s go have this toast.

Bobby went after him, leaving Liberty sitting there with half a cupcake still in her hands and the chocolate dripping all over her new dress.

"Come on, you’re not gonna tell me you actually like that beached whale, are you?! said Bobby, probably not realising that his words were breaking a girl’s heart. I can handle this weird thing of yours about cooking and I can even get used to seeing you wearing a floral apron, but this…?! I’d never let you live it down – you know that, right?"

What the hell are you talking about? If I’m nice to someone and bring them something to eat, does that necessarily mean that I have a thing for them? asked Zack sharply. Because if that’s the case, maybe I should remind you that I’ve been bringing you food all night too.

Bobby pretended to throw up. Stay away from me! I know that I’m way better looking than she is, but you’re not my type!

Well, in that case, stop being such a jerk.

Brad threw his arm across his brother’s shoulder, interrupting the discussion. What had you given her, anyway? It didn’t look like my cake.

Just something I made this afternoon to kill some time.

"Why’d you have to give it to her, then? Why didn’t you give it to the rest of us?"

I wasn’t sure if it was good enough, and she was kind enough to offer to taste it.

"What is she, she your test subject now? snapped Tammy, in an attack of cousinly solidarity. You’ll make her even fatter if you do that!"

I didn’t know that she was on a diet…

Come back inside with us, bro. There are three girls who came especially to see you, and you’re out here wasting time playing kitchen with Allen The Donut, Brad complained. It was Bobby