A month later, (Christmas Day)
Hollis and Dalton's home was much more full this Christmas than it had ever been in the past. In addition to Nina's parents, her older brother Fabian was visiting from Madrid, Spain for the holidays. Kendra came over with her infamous sweet potato bake, and even Jake made an appearance on the way to his dad's.
"Are you sure you don't want to come in? We've got so much food." Hollis hitched a thumb toward the direction of her kitchen, where Nina and Whitney were busy prepping the various sides to go along with Dalton's honey baked ham. The Bogards didn't care for turkey, which was fine with everyone else. Family meals usually revolved around their somewhat picky eating habits, so they were used to it by now.
"Naw man, my pops is waiting for me and I promised I'd help him cook. I think he invited his old lady too, so that'll be cool. I just wanted to drop these off." Jake handed Hollis thre
Thank you SO MUCH for reading "Not All That Glitters." I began writing this novel July of 2019, and made it my official NaNo project. The last chapter was posted at the end of November 2019. I've completely fallen in love with my characters, and spent tons of time developing them! I hope you've enjoyed reading about Whitney and Hollis. <3 I'd really love to hear from you if you enjoyed my novel! Knowing how many people love and enjoy this book really makes a difference to me, every last reader is appreciated. I write not only for myself, but for you too! To continue Hollis and Whitney's adventure through life, be sure to check out "Not All Who Wander Are Lost", the sequel to "Not All That Glitters."
Prologue:It was storming heavily by the time Hollis raced out of Whitney’s house, which just added to the already miserable day she was having. Hearing Whitney cry out her name made everything worse, and she struggled to block it out as she slid into her car and started the ignition. Rain drops pounded on her windshield like threatening pellets and she locked her doors just before her dark-haired lover appeared, trying to open the passenger side in frustration.“DON’T DO THIS!” Whitney screamed desperately, ready to throw herself on top of Hollis’ Corolla. The other girl wasn’t listening, and started backing out of her driveway quickly.“I’m sorry. I just- I need to leave.” Hollis shakily pushed her sopping wet blonde hair aside and sped away. She tried not to notice Whitney running beside her vehicle, but it was impossible with all the pleading and banging on the windowpan
| Whitney | “We’re so proud of you, honey.” James York reached across the classic white patio table where his family all gathered for dinner, and squeezed his eldest daughter Theresa’s hand tightly; A sentiment the newly casted actress returned with a flutter of her doe-like sea green eyes and what was meant to be a humble smile, but Whitney York knew better. Her sister craved the attention like she craved a knife in her own trachea anytime they all got together.It wasn’t that she was jealous, she always knew they came from different worlds in personality. From day one, Theresa had gotten into beauty pageants and gymnastics with an enthusiasm that their parents couldn’t help but support. It was only natural she’d take ridiculously expensive acting classes and be in all the right places to meet all the in people littered throughout Hollywood California. Thanks to a diet of sparkling water, adderall, and a few
| Hollis |It wasn’t until three A.M the next morning when Hollis quietly snuck through the front door, being mindful of the creaking as she entered. Nina’s cream colored Volkswagen Beetle was parked in the driveway, letting her know Dalton wasn’t alone.Neither was she.“Take my hand,” she whispered to the strung out freckled girl behind her. Giggling softly, Mandy complied almost immediately and allowed Hollis to lead the way through the dark living room and up a set of carpeted stairs. They’d met quite accidentally at a local rock event playing at Chelsea’s Sports Bar not far from Hollis’ house. Mandy had mistaken Hollis for a friend of hers when she jumped on her back gleefully, catching the tall blonde woman off guard. Neither girl felt disappointed once the confusion had been cleared up and they were properly introduced. After a few hours of drinking and pill popping, Hollis didn’t feel comfort
| Hollis |The last several evenings at Ringo’s were really starting to wear on the Franchise staff’s nerves. With a multitude of Fall festivities right around the corner, not to mention the nearby strip mall advertising massive sales in almost all it’s stores, everybody and their mom began stopping in for a quick bite and a refreshing drink. When one wave of patrons left, another seemed to pack in. It was impossible to get caught up.Hollis as always kept everyone from killing each other, employees and customers alike. Although her primary responsibility was tending to the constantly packed bar, she’d duck in and out of the kitchen to run her grateful wait staff’s hot food whenever she had a spare moment.“Can you grab table fifteen’s mozzarella sticks and buffalo wings, Hollis? They’ve got a ceaser salad and personal pizza too.” Bubbly college student Morgana Dahl called over her shoulder as she watched the
| Whitney|“So what brings you to our little city, West Coast? We’re a ways out from your neck of the woods.”Whitney watched the mischievous blonde woman she’d collided with a handful of hours ago tighten the bun behind her head, and offered a half shrug as some sort of response. The conversation had been pretty light leading up to this point. After going over a basic run down of Auburn and it’s highlights, they’d skimmed through one of the art books and Hollis listened intently as Whitney explained how she usually didn’t follow guidelines, but wanted to improve her style a bit. As reserved as Hollis seemed to be, she hung off Whitney’s every word with unwavering fascination. It was for that reason especially that Whitney didn’t want to get into the specifics for why she’d driven blindly to Maine.“My family sucks. That’s the short story.&rdqu
| Whitney |“This is insanity! What are you doing out there, Whit? Come back home.” Theresa’s exasperated tone irritated her younger sister to no end. When she couldn’t ignore her family’s constant barrage of phone calls any longer, she finally gave in and answered mid ring just before hopping in the shower to begin job hunting. Auburn didn’t seem to have many prospects- but there was still one more day to go until she’d see Hollis again at Chelsea’s, and sticking around Kendra and her obscure group of drinking buddies wasn’t an option.“California was never my home.” Whitney replied without missing a beat, undoing the tie holding her long black braid together and separating the mess of wavy curls with her fingers as she spoke. “I wish you’d give me space, Theresa. Mom and dad too. I have my own money, and I’m doing alright for myself in Maine-““But WHY
| Whitney |Flip flop. Flip flop.Whitney’s heart wouldn’t stop thumping.Nervously twirling a few black curls around her forefinger, she crossed her ankles nervously and kept glancing at the front entrance of Aroma Joe’s. The quaint coffee shop should have made her feel cozy, with the enticingly warm smell of fresh brewed coffee wafting in the air and it’s cabin-esq decor, but all she’d been able to concentrate on was steadying her breathing. Thoughts of her past began trickling in from memory as she continued to wait for Hollis.Like most everything, California wasn’t all bad and had given Whitney a handful of semi serious girlfriends. Even with the exhilarating moments, it was always the same in the end. Girls with a taste for glitz and glamor, attractive studs with at least one EX girlfriend making Whitney’s life hell. The last relationship she’d had came to an abrupt halt five months ago. Crisz