04: Remember that book I told you I was writing? Well here’s Chapter Two
What to expect in this newsletter
I sipped too much during a nice patio day in Houston and got in my feelings, so I’m dropping Chapter Two of the manuscript I’m writing so you can get in yours too. We’re in this together <3
Hey y'all,
A few months ago, I shared Chapter One of a story that had been living in my head for way too long. I didn’t expect the response it got, but it reminded me why I love storytelling. Especially the kind that feels close to home. Life did what life does, and time got away from me, but I finally made space to get back to Charlie and River. Chapter Two is here, and I’m excited to share what happens next.
Now, Chapter Two picks up the pace
Have you ever agreed to something and instantly regret it? That’s where we find Charlie in Chapter Two.
What started as a simple offer to help River unpack turns into something far more loaded. The space between them is familiar but charged, full of things unsaid and emotions barely tucked beneath the surface. From the moment Charlie walks into his home annoyed at herself and annoyed at him, there’s tension.
But there’s also history.
As they sort through boxes and trade jabs, memories slip through. There’s playful banter and fights against the quiet heaviness of what they used to be. Then, in a pile of books, Charlie finds something unexpected: a manuscript titled Dearest Dion, written by River himself.
What do you do when someone hands you a piece of their heart; bound, titled, and left for you to interpret?
It’s tender. It’s frustrating. It’s layered. And it’s only the beginning.
In my feelings songs that inspired Chapter Two
It’s giving…
If You Let Me by Sinéad Harnett (this song is a classic… I don’t think I need to explain much)
The Breakup Song by Wale (if you weren’t blasting this in your car in 2010, you were probably emotionally stable and I love that for you)
Sorry Enough by Chris Brown (this is a song you probably skipped on his 50+ song album, but I’ll vouch for it, it’s great)
I Remember U by Cartoon (for my indie lovers! Idk what genre to put this song in, but it has a light-hearted, upbeat rhythm with a funky base. This song wouldn’t even get you in your feelings unless you really listen to the lyrics; but once you do… go ahead and sit in silence for a few minutes)
Sabotage by Wale ft. Lloyd (another Wale song but he had a RUN in the early 2010s and I miss before his mainstream attempt)
Everything by Marques Houston (issa throwback and idk if people really know this song… but… welcome. and… you’re welcome in advance lol)
Since You’ve Been Gone by Day26 (I think everyone is upset about Diddy but Making the Band is a cultural classic. I still want to give all of them a hug after that interview. Anyways, bring back Black men begging on tracks and singing in the rain in music videos. We’d all be healed)
Honeymoon Avenue by Ariana Grande (this song is playfully raw, but another one I found myself screaming in my car back in 2013. Don’t sleep on Ariana. She’s a home wrecker, but she has hits)
If you have Apple Music, I made a playlist with all of these songs we can listen to together. Respond to this email and I’ll send it to you :)
What songs get you all the way in your feelings? Sometimes you just need those days to really feel the emotions you’ve bottled up for a minute. It’s so therapeutic! Let me know! I may add them to a playlist.
With love,
Rachael S.
You’re receiving this email because you’ve subscribed to Fresh x Espresso, an editorial newsletter that shares the personal stories and creative journey of Houston-based storyteller Rachael S. A native Texan with a love for food and drinks, romance, and city adventures, she channels her creativity with an explorative, passionate, and present approach.