January 30, 2014

Ghosted

"You shouldn't have gone over there." Kevin reached for the towel draped over the handlebars of his Spin bike and wiped his brow.

"That's not what I asked," I panted, the wheels beneath me gliding to a stop. Flywheel graciously offered to comp my membership, and I lured Kevin to a class with a link to the headshot of the instructor who's a dead ringer for Channing Tatum. "I asked what I should do now. It's been three days, and I haven't heard from him."

Kevin wiggled his foot free of the pedal grips. When I texted him that morning ("SOS boy drama. Need a guy's take.") he'd written back, "What did you do this time?" "You haven't tried to contact him, right?"

"No." I winced as I stretched out my legs. "Why, do you think I should?"

"No."

I gave him a look like, care to elaborate?

"I don't know Richard that well," Kevin said. "But you don't have to be the fucking Long Island Medium to see he's got some walls up. You come at a guy that private, and he's only going to quadruple lock his doors. You can't get him to open up. He has to do it on his own terms."

I peeled back the soggy label on my water bottle. "I wasn't trying to ambush him. I just don't get how he went from, like, contrite almost, and promising he would explain everything to me, to shutting me out." I caught my foot in my hand, stretching out my tortured quads. "It's like he had time to think about whatever it is he needs to explain to me and then freaked out and felt like he couldn't do it. But that's part of being in a relationship—communicating, even the ugly stuff. I know that's hard for him for whatever reason. I think his family situation has something to do with it. I just want him to know he can tell me. Whatever it is."

"Well, you made it clear" Kevin said. "So now you just have to be patient and let him come to you."

"Here's the thing though." I scrunched up my face, embarrassed. "It's my birthday this weekend and I was just kind of hoping"—

"Birthday sex?" Kevin grinned and I swatted him with my sweaty towel.

"Shut up. I was just hoping to spend it with him. I don't even think he realizes it's coming up."

"You're turning twenty-seven"—

"Twenty-six."

"Whatever, it doesn't matter after twenty-five." Kevin dodged my sweaty towel again. "My point is it's not your fucking sweet sixteen. If Richard's important to you, just let him be. If he needs a week then you celebrate it a week late."

I felt a lot better about things until I went home, showered and met Nina and Ashley for a drink.

"So, um, slight problem," Ashley said, after she'd made a significant dent in her wine.

I glanced at Nina. She studied her nails intensely, refusing to look at me. "Slight problem with what?"

"Um, so Nina and I had this idea," Ashley said, "to throw you a surprise party on Friday. Kind of a combination birthday and congratulations on your new job party."

I stuck out my lower lip. "You guys!"

"But we fucked up," Nina said.

Pinot Noir bubbled in my stomach. "Tell me."

"We sent out an email invitation last week," Ashley said. "Before your fight with Richard. I thought it was weird, how he didn't write back or anything, ask if there was anything he could do or whatever, so I went back and looked, to make sure I didn't somehow forget to include him."

I was practically falling out of my seat. "And?"

Nina cut in before Ashley could continue. "And Richard and Peter have really similar last names so when Ashley started to type in Richard's last name Peter's email popped up and the invitation went to him by accident, not Richard."

It was like the walls were closing in on me. I put my head in my hands and groaned. "Ashley!"

"I know," Ashley groaned back, "I'm such an idiot."

"Did you at least re-send the invitation to Richard?"

Ashley nodded emphatically, like this made up for inviting my ex-boyfriend who I hadn't spoken to in months to my birthday party.

"Did he write back to say he was coming or anything?"

Now Ashley studied her nails. "Sorry, Jos. He didn't."

"But that doesn't mean anything," Nina added, quickly.

"I didn't think he even knew my birthday was coming up," I said. "I figured if he did, he'd at least call me or something, try and make peace." I sighed. "I don't think things are looking very good for us."

One side of Nina's mouth bunched up. "Don't say that. Richard's an odd duck. He just needs time."

"Putting the Richard thing aside for the moment," I said, "there's also the issue of Peter thinking I had you guys invite him to my birthday party." I laughed, bitterly. "My God that's embarrassing."

"You could text him," Ashley suggested, "just explain the mistake."

"And then say what? So just so you know you're not actually invited?"

"No!" Ashley rolled her eyes. "Tell him of course he's invited but you just wanted to explain how and why he got this invitation to your birthday party out of the blue."

I swished my wine around in my glass. "You think?"

"I would," Nina said. "Wouldn't you want an explanation if the roles were reversed?"

I sighed and pulled my phone out of my purse. I sat still for a few moments, thinking of what to say. Finally I settled on something. "Hey! Long time, no talk. I just wanted to text you because my Bozo friends just told me how they accidentally included you on the invite list to my birthday party. You are of course welcome to come—would be great to see you—but I just didn't want you to feel obligated or think I've been walking around these last few months pining over you." I added a wink-y face and hit send.

I didn't expect Peter to write back right away, but ten minutes later, he did. "Ha. Yeah, did think that was a little weird TBH. I have another birthday party Friday night, but I'd love to swing by for like one drink. Cool if I bring someone?"

My thumbs hovered over the keyboard for a moment. I decided to just ask. "Like a date?"

"Like a date," Peter wrote back. "Sorry. That weird?"

"This whole thing is weird," I wrote. "Just bring her."

"Haha," he wrote, "Happy almost birthday."

I stared at the text until my phone went dark. What the hell, 26? I thought you were gonna be my year.

87 comments:

  1. Glad Josie and Peter can be friends. I think Josie will hear from Richard eventually and they will work things out if she willing to overlook that he speaks to her poorly and lies/doesn't tell to her about stuff that is going on in his life. If I were her, I would focus on my career and give Richard some permanent space.

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    1. Hell yeah! No one deserves to be treated the way he treats her.

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  2. That was NOT enough to hold me over until Tuesday! However, I cant WAIT for Tuesday!

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  3. Josie didn't seem as upset about Peter bringing a date as I thought she would. I bet something crazy happens with both Peter and Richard showing up. Hmmmm

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    1. and Peter doesn't bring his date and Richard gets mad

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    2. Yep, Peter shows up sans date and Richard comes late, see Peter there and sparks fly everywhere! Still, Richard is a douche. Not because I like Peter better (even though I do), it is because Richard is a baby. If he was a real person, I wouldn't even want to be friends with him. There just comes a time when you stop being an asshat!

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    3. Either that OR Peter somehow met Sam and that's who he brings as his date (even though that probably won't happen, but hey, you never know! Would make for a pretty great plot twist in my opinion). Either way, stuff is about to go down between Peter and Richard, and to be honest I'm kind of tired of Richard's childish ways and I really hope it makes Josie realize that her and Richard are better as just friends (even though he's a pretty lousy friend too). I don't care what he's going through, to say that he "loves" her and then be able to say those hurtful things to her face and treat her like that just doesn't sit well with me.

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    4. Or, it would be really funny if Peter's date is Richard's ex Sam? Then Sam will be vindictive and tell Peter about how Richard was basically pining away for Josie the entire time he was with Sam. And Peter will question Josie about what were her true feelings for Richard when J&P were together. Hopefully Josie can be honest. I don't want her and Peter to end on bad terms.

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    5. I love the way you think Nani!! It would be weird though if Josie ends up in a love square with Peter, Richard and Sam.

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  4. Why do i have the feeling that this past post are just short and without details, or it just my anxiety to know what happen with Richard lol.

    Keep it up the Good Writing.

    Love your blog

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    1. No, I agree. There havent been much to the posts since before Christmas. It's unfortunate.

      Maybe she'll start bumping them up a bit.

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  5. Damn it's so short . :(

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    1. Exactly! It's way too short to hold me till Tuesday :(

      Anyways, keep up the great work Jessica! Hopefully, you'll have something special for us on Tuesday.

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  6. I love this blog! Scary thing is even though Josie isn't real, this mirrors my real life. I just hope her party is fun and not too much drama.

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  7. I love.kevin!!
    Simple as that lol

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  8. Lately (since the winter holiday break) these posts are so short and vague. I'm hoping this isn't indicative that the writer is over it and just writes whatever. I'm hoping this observation isn't taken the wrong way, I was just reallyyyyyyyyy hoping to know what Richard's deal is.

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    1. I think it's just been a busy week for Jessica. She did acknowledge on her twitter post that she knew she had written short posts for this week. I'm sure she'll make up for it with a long post about the birthday party!

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    2. My first post after the holidays was 2700 words...that is three times the word count I devoted to my book every day for the last year.

      When I wrote this blog for Cosmo, I was instructed to keep the posts around 600 or 700 words, which I did...and I was paid for the posts. Today's post might be "short" in comparison to others (which take me hours to write)...but it's still over 1000 words and no one's paying me for it.

      I am working on a book (which I hope to have news for you all soon), and I have a new, demanding job. I was intrigued by the idea of making this blog my own, and fueled by the traffic and the passion people seem to feel for this character. But I just can't with comments like this (not just yours, but the ones above it and on pretty much every post ever). Some of you really know how to bum a girl out.

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    3. Jessica I understand your frustration but please know that the majority of us readers love your posts and are completely addicted to this blog. We appreciate the time you devote to our guilty pleasure:). Don't let a couple bad apples bring you down. I love your writing style as do many others and are thankful that you decided to continue this blog for us.

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    4. If you don't like the writing, stop reading it. This is a free blog.

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    5. I think this is a greag blog, and you definitly know how to keep us all coming back each week!! You are an amazing writer, and I personally, am looking forward to news on your book! Thank you for keeping this up even after you left comso, love it!

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    6. Thanks Jess, that helps set expectations for me. I love your writing so much, please don't stop. You could write about paint drying and I would read it.

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    7. Wow. what. the. heck. I never expected the writer to lash out at me like that. I guess that's what I get for reading this thing for I guess a year now (since I remember Josie's last b-day) and caring so much about what happens to these fictional characters.

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    8. Ignore the crankies! I think the crankies are comparing you to those who solely blog for a living.

      I love your blog! I thought yesterday was Thursday and kept refreshing waiting for a post to show up. After about 5 minutes I realized it was only Wednesday. And since I'm in a different time zone the posts show up at noon for me!

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    9. Love reading this. I know it is fictional but it takes me from my reality. Don't let the "couch quarter back wanna be writers" upset you. Some people aren't happy unless they are complaining. You are doing great:)

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    10. I would think that people complaining because they want to read MORE of your work would be a writer's dream?

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    11. Jessica, you could write 100 words and call it a post and i'd read it and love it lol. Love love love your blog!!! Thanks for doing this :)

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    12. I'm sure I'm included in the "others" that are writing what you see as criticism, but there are a few of us living vicariously through the dirty details of Josie's crazy life. We enjoy it, we obsess over it, we count down for more of it.

      That being said, we're obviously invested in reading because we love it. It gets a tiny bit frustrating when we keep wanting more. It's like a case of blog blue balls.

      Please don't take the people wanting more as an offensive toward you. We all just want MORE. We love your writing, & if you wrote all day long, for some of us, it wouldn't be enough.

      It should really feel like a tribute to how many of us loyally follow your blog. I actually have one of my alarms on my phone set for this blog & I always stop what I'm doing to read about Josie.

      Maybe we aren't appreciative enough of your time put into this, which I do apologize for. We do appreciate that you've taken this on as your own for all of us that need to read you! That being said, I think it just shows that we're serious about getting our fix of your writing. Take it as a compliment!

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  9. I hope if Peter does bring a date Josie doesn't get all emotional and sad like in the Hamptons. I wish Nina and Ashley would just say how Richard reacted was wrong and unacceptable instead of saying he needs time. Yes Josie shouldn't have went to his place when he said he needed space but that doesn't justify his actions. Josie needs to meet some new, good men. Can't wait to read about Josie's bday party, I'm sure it will be fun and maybe have some drama;)

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  10. I think it's hard to write every week. With the book and all... I love the writing so I'll take what I can get. My guess is they get longer again eventually

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  11. Hey Jessica! Great post - I'm happy that Josie is behaving maturely, what with getting an outside perspective on how to handle the Richard situation and her conversation with Peter.

    Yes, people, the pieces are shorter, but remember - Jessica is doing two blog posts a week IN ADDITION to her full-time job! Maybe she's busy or something - give her a break! It just builds the anticipation for the next post :)

    I have a question for Jessica, too - do you ever take pieces of ideas or suggestions from the comments for your future blog posts?

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  12. Oof I hope Richard comes to the party. And please don't let Peter's date be Sam - that would be TOO weird and coincidental.

    I'm guessing we're gonna see sparks with Josie and Peter, and Richard's gonna notice that.

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  13. I used to be team Peter (and I still am), but then I decided to give Richard a chance and started to like him. But after the last couple of posts, I really don't think Richard is capable of being in a mature and stable relationship. I know Josie isn't the best at it either, but I cannot stand the way Richard treats Josie sometimes, regardless of whatever it is that he's dealing with right now. I hope she realizes that for someone to say that he loves her and then to play constant mind games and take out his anger by treating her poorly, is inappropriate. And thank you Jessica for finding a way to bring Peter back into the story for those of us that loved him! We appreciate it!!

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  14. Jessica - Don't let the negative nellies get you down. And to the folks complaining - try to turn your feelings into a positive like some have done "Wow great post - makes me excited for what's to come - wish we had a whole book to read" instead of being passive aggressive and basically saying she's lazy / uninterested etc..

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  15. Pretty good I can't wait to see what happens with Richard.. It's so hard waiting for the next post!

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  16. oh my god, this is me right now

    my birthday is also tomorrow and i'm dealing with boy drama. here's hoping her birthday will be fun!

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  17. here's hoping richard gets his shit together...

    i can relate to this, as tomorrow is also my birthday and there is boy drama in life. argh! nice way to bring peter back, though.

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  18. Let's give Jessica a break, guys. She's an awesome writer and is doing this blog because we love it so much. After doing my own blog for the last few weeks I can say I never realized how difficult it can be sometimes! Let's just thank her for continuing the blog so we can get our fix!

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  19. I think we are all addicted. This blog has become that amazing book you can't stop reading.

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  20. drama up the wazoo at the birthday party!!!! looking forward to it. Jessica, I love having a blog to read twice a week, please don't let these salty itches-bay get you down. <3 <3 <3

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  21. Where should I start, Jessica thank you for your dedication to this blog. I am obsessed and look forward to your posts. I do hope you wont't let the ungrateful fans deter you from continuting this blog.

    Ok umm Richard has to go! I never understood why she wouldnt commit to Peter but could commit to Richard! Maybe this party will wake her up a bit! I do love the romance in the blog but I am also very interested in her new career. I hope we can learn more about CWA and its new role in Josie's life.

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  22. Wow. Richard has truly shut her out. Which is a shame because Josie really likes him. Peter Peter PETER! I'm 100% Team Peter and I so hope he and Josie end up together!!! (Wishful thinking, I know, but they always seem to find their way back to each other. Peter has a soft spot for Josie as well, it's obvious!) Jessica please keep writing! I adore this blog and it's by far my favourite of all the blogs out there! I'm all the way in Australia and I love waking up on Wednesday and Friday mornings to read new posts. Even though I'm totally anti-Richard, I love the story so much!

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  23. Love your blog Jessica, so much that I started my own but no where as good as yours. Josie needs to move on from Richard, he's not worth the drama. I like Peter but with Josie moving to LA, that won't last. Maybe free, single, crazy Josie will make a return? I love all the possibilities and enjoying reading about what happens next.

    Http://Adventuresinny.blog.com

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    1. when you get a few more posts down let me know i will read it.
      Renee Marie

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    2. Thanks, I changed the link to the following:

      http://crazyadventuresinny.blogspot.com/

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  24. Eek! These cliffhangers are getting the best of me! I NEED to know what is going on with Richard. I love the twist of you adding Peter into the mix for Josie's party, which is definitely going to be interesting. I still have high hopes for Richard and Josie. I think Richard will come around. Also, judging by how well Josie accepted the fact that Peter was bringing a date, I think she'll be fine seeing that he's moving on from her when she sees him.
    I am falling off of the edge of my seat waiting for Tuesday! Thanks for the posts Jessica. You're doing great!

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  25. I am obsessed with your writing Jessica! My boyfriend makes it a point to tell me what a loser I am every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 pm when I freak out and rush to find my phone to read your blog :) Just know that those who post negative comments about the length are simply wanting more. I personally HATE Thursdays because I know I have to wait a whole weekend to read your post. You are a very talented writer! Keep up the great work! We look forward to it :)

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  26. Jessica I want you to know that even tho a few blogs have been popping up recently I love yours the most. Thank you for telling us about the number of words you actually write. It puts it in perspective for the readers. And lets us know you have been spoiling us for awhile with the long posts. Your comment made me sad since I read it like your ready to quit. =(
    Renee Marie

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  27. Jessica I love this blog, and I just wanted to say thank you for spending some of your free time to write this blog. you have a lot of fans (me being one of them) that have followed you from cosmo and I was really happy that you continued it. don't listen to people complaining about the small things, you have more people that love this post than people criticizing you.

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  28. This blog is the best! Thank you so much for taking the time to write it. It is such a nice break during the work day to read it, I look forward to it every week and feel so invested in the characters! Definitely team Peter!! And I can't wait to read your book!

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  29. Uugh I can't wait to see what happens with Peter!!! I always thought they were good together. She could have been with him instead of that d bag Richard. Keep up the good work jess!!!! And thank u for devoting your Free Time to us all!! :)

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  30. Team peter!!!!!!!! Yeah, so glad he is finally making reappearance

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  31. Someone's going to have birthday sex... but the question is "With Whom?!"

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  32. Love the ads! I write a real estate blog and it is hard to link to products but the pay for affiliates is really good too, usually in the $100 plus range. Not sure how but you can probably link to them somehow- definitely randomly in your posts and maybe in your twitter feed on the side? Like throw up a link to something that is your favorite product or whatever for the day? Sorry, I don't know the name of girl things, I'm a dude.

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  33. I love reading this blog - look forward to it every Tuesday & Thursday! I don't usually comment but I really wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your writing. Looking forward to reading your book too & hope it's out soon.
    I guess I do root for certain characters too, but the fun in reading other people's work is not knowing how it's going to turn out. I enjoy reading no matter where Josie's life takes her, so thank-you for the entertainment.

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  34. I would like to preface my comment with this: I really like this blog and I think the writing is awesome. The characters are so witty and well-rounded; I love to hate some of them (JUSTIN - ARGH) as much as I love to love others (Nina!). Josie's "voice" is so real and rings true to me. It's also really admirable that you've continued this blog even after Cosmo stopped paying you for it, especially given that you're also writing a book. This is what writing should be about - creating something that people are excited to read.

    Having said that, I find it unnecessary to shoot back at people who express criticism, whether it be constructive or otherwise. Being a writer, you have to know that not all reviews are raves. Writing is as subject to opinion as any other art form. Frankly, if only two out of fifty commenters are complaining, that is a ratio worth celebrating! Not to mention that those commenters are obviously reading the blog to begin with because they like it. As you and others have pointed out, people choose to come here and read your writing.

    The comment above wasn't vicious or cruel or even particularly negative. If you read between the lines it is actually complimentary to you. Though even if it wasn't, like with that troll a while back, why bother letting it get to you? Why focus on the one person being negative when they are far outnumbered by the loyal following who continually support and encourage you? A loyal following, I might add, who is very quick to jump to your defense.

    I guess my point is this: Facing criticism is part of being a writer. You can choose to take it gracefully, or not, but it will never go away completely. Frankly, if it makes you that upset, take the advice that you gave to complainers: if you don't like it, don't read it!

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  35. Jessica I love this blog! don't listen to the bitches. You're an amazing writer and thank you so much for continuing this blog when you really didn't need to. I can't wait for Tuesday!

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  36. Team Richard, still! Anyways, love the blog Jessica forget these negative nancys always talking crap. I dont see them working, writing a book, and a blog for everyone else to enjoy! Keep up the good work!

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  37. Jessica: I think all the "negative" feedback is just an attempt for readers to encourage you to write more. I don't think any of them were trying to bum you out, on the contrary, you should be glad people want more; it means we like your writing. Imagine if people said, "I can't even finish reading these posts". Now THAT should bum you out. That being said, I don't necessarily agree with the way you respond to commenters. I have mad respect for people who can truly, genuinely accept all kinds of feedback. It's definitely something that I work on achieving every day. I suggest the same to you. Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. I personally don't think that way Jessica responded was in any way rude or brash. She simply explained her rational and that was it. Text always makes it difficult to determine one's tone (which I think is the case here). Now, has Jessica gone off on some people? Yes. And I think within reason. Everyone needs to remember that Jessica writes this blog in her FREE time for US. She is not paid nor is she required to provide us with our biweekly guilty pleasure dosages. She has a full time job, is writing a book, AND has a husband whom I'm sure she would like to spend some quality time with every once in a while... I agree that the readers are bummed because they want her to write more, but they just need to be more considerate. It's really just that simple.

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    2. I disagree. Jessica has every right to defend herself and her writing as some of the jacktards posting rude comments have to post their opinions. Be the target for nasty anonymous postings and see how you fare. The people posting what she's responding to need to grow up and realize the world doesn't revolve around them, perhaps.

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  38. Richard has got to go! Josie said she wanted to be single & wouldn't be in a relationship with a good guy like Peter but goes for this jerk? I understand a girl likes a challenge and wants to be the one to change a guy but there is a point where she needs to realize this is not a healthy relationship! Hope something good happens with Peter at her birthday :)

    And also thanks Jessica for continuing this blog!

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    1. I agree with everything you said!!

      Jessica: you go girl!

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  39. I know it must be frustrating to read negative comments, but as a writer you will never be able to please everyone. The majority of the comments made in response to your posts are positive... call me crazy but I would consider that a win. Going off on your fans, especially for wanting to read more of your work, doesn't have you coming off in the greatest of light. A simple "Hey guys, I've been busy with my book and a new job but I try to make every post atleast 1,000 words. Thanks for reading" would have the majority of us singing your praises. Those that can't understand that don't deserve a minute of your time thinking about them. Just let the small stuff go or disable the comments if it really gets to you that much.

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  40. What kills me the most is that if this blog was a novel I'd read the whole thing in a day! Arghhh! But I love it though. The suspense nearly kills me sometimes!!

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  41. Those of you who trying to be all smart and give your stupid internet advice to this talented writer are going to be the reason she stops writing. Who cares if you agree with her responding or how she does it? She laid down the way she sees it. That's all that matters. Keep your opinions to yourself.

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    1. Why should people keep their opinions to themselves?

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    2. Not in general as that is what the comment section is for. Specifically, after she says "this is the way I see it" it would seem counterproductive to spout off about how she should see it. I very much look forward to her writing so whether or not I agree with her point of view, I will not be sharing my opinion. If it got really bad, I would stop reading comments. Spouting off about how she should react seems more effective at boosting the ego of whoever is dispensing the advice as it's not going to alleviate any of the stress the writer is dealing with.

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  42. I have my kindle charged up and my credit card waiting to buy your book!! Love your blog!!!

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  43. PETER!!!! so glad he reappeared!
    ps. love love love your blog!

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  44. Not everyone is going to like your blog and not everyone has to like. But everyone has the opportunity to read it and post comments. If you don't like negative comments you can either stop writing or block comments. I personally love your blog. But I'm just going to stop reading the comments. Not really because of what the readers write but your responses are terribly defensive. Plus the whole "l do this for free" response is like.....and. That was your choice. No one should have to grovel at your feet because you don't get paid. Like I said, I love the blog, it would really suck if you stopped writing it. But if the negative comments get to you THAT much you may as well put the pen down.

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    1. Maybe she's being defensive because she's being put on the defense? She IS doing this for free and the people feel they're being "helpful" or "just being honest" with their crappy, unnecessary criticisms SHOULD be reminded of that and not take it for granted. Probably part of the reason she CHOSE to do this sans pay is simply because people enjoy it. It's a gift. A kindness. And kindness should be appreciated and, if possible, repaid. No one expects groveling, just basic manners. If that's too much to ask, people should stop reading and posting negative comments.

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    2. @ AnonymousJanuary 31, 2014 at 2:26 PM: I agree with everything you said. I also have strong issues with the whole "I do this for free." Yes, she's writing a blog, ok. It's not like a cure for HIV.

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    3. Lots of people write blogs for free. its just a freaking blog. I appreciate it and all, but it was her decision to continue this.

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  45. This is WAYY off tangent, but I SERIOUSLY loved Justin w/Josie. I know I know...haha but still had to put it out there

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  46. I don't know how this works... Peter just kept reappearing. Josie needs to move on. It just had to be someone else and not the same person she knows isn't suitable.

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    1. It's not that uncommon. People reappear in other's lives all the time for a reason, be it fate or something else.

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    2. If he keeps reappearing maybe he is suitable!! LOL!

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    3. ^ ^^ You are both right!!

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  47. I LOVE THIS BLOG! I love Richard and I think although he is a little emotionally immature at the moment his character has plenty of room to grow! Richard and Josie for ever! :)

    -Amy

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  48. I don't know if anyone has said this or not, but I'm with Jessica on calling people out a bit for being negative. The idea that her posts should be longer is not constructive critcism, it's greedy jerkiness. Yes, the underlining message is "We want more." Sure, that can be seen as a good think but not when stated in a way as to act like you've been short changed. There's nothing inherently professional about not responding to criticism, especially unproductive rude criticism. Jessica is being upfront and personal when she responds. I looked at her response closely, she's explaining the length and letting her audience know that she was affected by their comments. For those of you who are saying don't let comments affect you, what rock are you hiding under? Comments about people's work SHOULD affect them. Clearly you've never put yourself out there before.

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  49. Peter and Richard are halfbrothers

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  50. Omg, what if Richard wants to make up at the birthday party and bumps into Peter...total disaster! Hope that doesnt happen.

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  51. Ahhhhhh, too short: ( I want to continue to read more! This is going to an exciting turn of events. Peter and possibly Richard in the same room?!!

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