July 8, 2014

The Last Slice

Three years later...

The terrace of the New York Athletic Club was teeming with women in bright cocktail dresses, strappy sandals woven around their tanned ankles. By their sides were men—husbands mostly, some of them even the second round—in the navy suits they wore to work, smelling slightly musty from their commutes, from the humid four minute wait on the sticky subway platform.

For a moment I couldn't find Peter and panicked. At this point in my life, holding up the book end of my twenties, I could blend into the tartan and family crested crowd, make polite conversation about their children starting at Sacred Heart in the fall, their Cartier push presents. But I wouldn't ever be one of them, wouldn't ever want to be one of them.

Then I saw him, the bronze V exposed by his shirt collar letting me know he'd been getting out to the Hamptons a lot that summer. Letting me know that life was good.

"You came," Peter said, as I approached him. We hugged and his drink left a wet kiss on the back of my dress.

"I RSVP'd yes!" I said.

Peter took a sip of his drink. "I know. But I thought maybe you would have changed your mind at the last minute." He dipped his chin and said, lowly, "I would have understood if you did."

If I could wink and not look like I was having a seizure, I would have. "Maybe don't think so highly of yourself."

It took him a second to catch the joke, to remember the time he had said that to me. But when he did, he laughed. "Touché." There was a moment of silence, not awkward, but not exactly comfortable either.

"Well," I said, finally, "can I meet her?"

I followed Peter along the edge of the balcony, sneaking behind couples taking pictures of the spectacular view of Central Park, the sun shimmering on the treetops, fluffy and green as freshly boiled broccoli. At the far end of the terrace, he tapped a girl in a white pantsuit on the shoulder.

"Eleanor," he said, as she turned around, "I'd like you to meet Josie."

Eleanor was about my age—twenty-nine, thirty, something like that. She smiled her pleasant hostess smile and raised her champagne flute to her lips, the diamond on her finger beaming. "Josie. The girl I got my hair blown out for."

I tilted my head at her, confused.

"You know," she winked. Of course Eleanor could wink. "You get all dolled up to impress the ex-girlfriend. The guy is secondary." She gave Peter's chest a gentle swat.

"Oh!" I laughed, surprised. I liked a woman who could make a joke, at her own engagement party no less, about the fact that her fiancé's ex-girlfriend had been included on the guest list. "Well," I gestured to her shoulder length blonde hair, springing away from her shoulders in various directions, "you win. I'm intimidated. But not so much by your hair. By this." I took her left hand and made a big show out of gawking at the round diamond, a perfect icy button. "Good job, Peter," I said, knowing it was exactly what they both wanted to hear.

Peter slipped his arm around Eleanor's shoulders. "It's a family heirloom. Can't really take credit for it."

I let Eleanor's hand drop and smiled. "So the wedding is in October? How is the planning going?"

The three of us chatted for a little longer, and then I said I had to go. Two drinks is one drink too many to stay at your ex-boyfriend's engagement party.

"I'll see you out," Peter said. I waved goodbye to Eleanor, congratulating her again. Told her she had a good one. I've had to say that to many friends, recently, now that we're all at this stage in life. I don't always mean it. But this time I did.

Peter walked me to the elevators, nodding hellos at his guests along the way. "So?" he asked.

"I like her," I said, and made a little cat claw with my had. "Feisty."

Peter laughed. "I actually feel like you two would hit it off if it weren't for..." he trailed off.

"You?" I offered, and Peter nodded.

"Yeah," I agreed. "Makes it a little awkward." I glanced up at him. "But I'm happy for you. That the chips finally fell into place."

"I'm such a New York cliché," Peter said. "One of those first-time fathers at forty-something years old."

We paused in front of the elevators. "So how are you doing anyway?" he asked. "I heard you got"—

"Great!" I chirped. "I'm actually great. You know what they say—everything happens for a reason."

Peter wrinkled his nose. "I hate that saying."

I thought about it for a second. "I do too, actually. I only say it to put other people at ease when it seems like they're feeling bad about something that can't be changed."

Peter reached past me and pressed the elevator button. "Josie, I don't feel bad."

I heard the elevator door slide open behind me and I smiled. "Good. Because I don't either."

When the door whizzed past Peter's face, he was smiling too.

_ _ _


I pressed the buzzer and heard footsteps coming towards me. "Comingggg!"

The door opened on Nina, wearing yoga pants and a t-shirt, meaty glass of wine in her hand. "For you," she said, and handed it to me.

I removed my heels and tossed them in the foyer before taking it from her. "It wasn't that bad, you know." Still, I took a robust sip and followed her into the kitchen.

Ashley was sitting on a stool in Nina's kitchen, and she cocked an eyebrow at me. "It had to be at least a little bit awkward."

"A little," I agreed. "But honestly, it was sort of...fun. His fiancée is actually cool." I gestured at them with my glass of wine. "Reminds me of you guys a little."

Nina held up her left hand and wiggled her fingers. "Just tell me. Is it bigger than mine?"

"Sorry, girl," I laughed. "She's got you beat."

Nina stretched out her hand, taking in her hardware as though seeing it for the first time. "Damn. It's still so pretty though." She held up her hand again. "Isn't it so pretty?" It had only been three weeks since Nick proposed to her, and Nina has been in a perpetual state of glee ever since.

Ashley groaned. "We've told you like a million times how gorgeous it is."

"Ashley," Nina said, "it is my God-given right as a bride to go on and on about annoying bride-y things to my two maids of honor. When Jed proposes to you, I will afford you the same courtesy and pretend to be interested in every boring ass thing you have to say."

Ashley has been seriously dating a guy she met, through Tinder, for just over a year. No one believes them when they say they met on Tinder.

"Well, at least pour me another glass of wine if you're going to torture me like this." Ashley held out her empty glass and Nina topped her off.

I hung around for a little longer, but I was getting tired and I had to get all the way downtown from Nina's place on the Upper East Side. I'd moved to Battery Park not that long ago.

I said goodbye to Ashley and Nina and made my way outside. It took me a few minutes to find a cab, and soon we were racing down the FDR, the lights of the city dancing on the muddy surface of the East River.

It was almost midnight by the time I paid the driver and stepped into my building. I said hello to the night doorman, Louis, and made my way to the elevator, thinking about the evening. About how much had happened since the night I sat in Peter's car, staring at the tumbling Pacific ocean and wondering how the hell I was going to stomach saying goodbye to New York. It turned out I didn't have to.

I jammed my key in the door and turned the lock. The smell of pizza reminded me that I hadn't eaten dinner, just a few spoonfuls of tuna tartare at NYAC earlier, and that I was starving. I dropped my bag on the entryway table and grabbed a slice, still warm, from the pizza box sitting on the stove top.

I'd just taken a bite when I felt a pair of hands encircle my waist and lips on my neck. "I ordered you extra sauce," Richard said. "It's in the fridge."

"It's the least you could do," I said. "I just had to go to my ex-boyfriend's engagement party solo."

Richard spun me around. "You were the one who told me I wasn't allowed to go."

I stuck the pizza slice in his mouth. "I know. But that was agent Josie speaking, who is worried about you making your next deadline. Girlfriend Josie wanted you to show up in that Michael Andrews Bespoke suit, with that cocky famous author twinkle in your eye."

Richard removed the pizza slice from his mouth and tossed it on top of the pizza box. "I guess I have to make it up to you then." I yelped as he flung me over his shoulder and marched into the bedroom.

The bed gasped as I landed on top of it, Richard on top of me, kissing me all over. He reached under my dress and slid my underwear off, his fingers stroking my bare skin in a way that made me hiss through my teeth.

"I love you, Josie," Richard said, against my shoulder, and then he was inside of me, and I was saying it too. I love you, Richard. I love you.

_ _

Sometime after the 750k offer came in from Little, Brown, I'd had an idea. I'd asked Richard for Allison Emerson's phone number, knowing as I dialed it that this was a long shot. I thought if I could get her to make Richard an offer for the film rights, that the combined paycheck from Literatti and Peachy Pictures, Allison's production company, would obliterate Howie's offer.

Allison was interested in Richard's manuscript—very interested, in fact—but she was wary of buying the film rights from a client who was represented by CWA.

"They're like this big bully movie factory," she said. "I hate working with them. They bulldoze you. They insist on drawing up the contracts on their end, and they want me to package the film using their actors and directors, and then they want me to sell it to a big soul-less studio. And it just means that as a producer, I end up being very stilted in doing the job that I love."

That gave me an even better idea. "What if their client wasn't represented by CWA, or any agency at all?" I proposed. "What if your client was represented by you?"

Allison made a "hmmm" noise. "I don't follow."

"I read on Deadline that you are trying to open up a chapter of your production company in New York."

"One thing the gossip mill got right," Allison confirmed.

"What if you had someone in New York who worked as your book scout and agent. Who sought out the best new literary talent—even worked on bringing over already established literary talent—who already has the connections to the publishing world, and who could do the deal directly between the publishing house and Peachy Pictures. You would get to completely eliminate the middle man, which, in this case, is CWA. And you could package the film version of the book as you see fit."

Allison paused and I held my breath. Her silence lasted for so long that I actually grew light headed. "I love that idea," she said, finally.

Things moved quickly after that. Allison met with her team, created a position, a salary, a title for me.  They offered Richard $500,000 for the movie rights, and Richard chose to go with me as his agent, at Peachy Pictures, and with Literatti as his publisher—and not because my job would have been in jeopardy if he hadn't. Because in the end, I got him a better offer than Howie did. Because I was the better agent.

Speaking of Howie. It came out not long after I left CWA that she had been snooping around other departments, poaching ideas, and trying to pass them off as her own. It was Howie's inability to abide by CWA's rule to call in before calling out that ultimately got her thrown out of the company. Last I heard, she was trying to start an industry gossip website. No idea what the name is, and don't care.

CWA tried to counter when I said I was leaving, but I was intrigued by the idea of working at a small, burgeoning company, with a woman, around my age, at the helm. I am so glad I didn't let CWA seduce me into staying, because I love my job, and I have real ownership in one of the fastest growing companies in the industry. I feel like I'm part of the new guard, whereas at CWA, I would have been just another member of the old. Plus, I have the kind of creative freedom—and the means to fund it—that very few almost-thirty-somethings have. Of course I still speak to William—we grab dinner or drinks whenever he's in town. Love that man like a goofy, inappropriate Uncle.

Richard and I kept our distance for the year it took to get the book published. But one night, a few weeks after The Five hit number four on the New York Times best seller list (where it remained for well over a year), we were wrapping up a radio interview when the host asked Richard if he had ever experienced the kind of all-consuming love like Christopher, the main character of his book, has for Louisa, the woman he will do anything to be with, even defy his fate. I was standing with my back against the wall, directly across from Richard, responding to an email on my phone, but the question made me look up. Richard's eyes stilled on me as he said, "I had it once. And I'll wait as long as I have to to have it again."

That was two years ago, and Richard and I moved in together a few months ago. To a sleek one and a half bedroom in Battery Park, with a stunning view of the water and an astronomical rent that we can actually afford. We're building our own little empire together, and to me, it's better than a baby, more thrilling than the most dazzling ring.

In the half bedroom, which we've made into Richard's office, there is also a pull out couch so that Nance can spend the night whenever she wants. She came in the other weekend to keep me company, while Richard poked away at his keyboard, closing in on the last chapter of his second book.

I used to feel unsettled—about my career, about making enough money to live well in a city I love, about what I wanted out of a relationship. But I was also afraid to feel settled, anxious to find peace in my life. I thought feeling settled, the absence of turbulence and drama, was akin to settling. Now I understand that's not the case. Now I understand the difference.




*Edited to add: Will you see you on Thursday, for the start of Elizabeth's story!

155 comments:

  1. Absolutely beautiful ending to Josie's story. Thanks for this Jessica. It was a perfect ending.

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  2. This was obviously the end of Josie's story. I liked it.

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  3. Love it, well done Jessica, thanks for your sharing the story with us!

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  4. Thank you Jessica for such a wonderful ending.

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  5. I've never left a comment before but this was the perfect ending! You've created a character who doesn't succumb to the gender norms! Love this ending!

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  6. Great ending. Thank you for such wonderful stories, Jessica. I look forward to buying your book!

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  7. Amazing ending!! Thank you!!

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  8. This is not how I saw Josie's story ending, but I love it! Thank you for sticking with the blog and giving a quality ending, you are an excellent writer.

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    1. I didn't expect it either, but I am satisfied with it. I really liked the beginning scene, I really felt like I was there and I felt Josie's mixed emotions with Peter's fiancée, but it was great to find out that she also had someone, and not just anyone, waiting at home.

      Thanks for a wonderful story, Jessica.

      http://poetsandheartbreakers.blogspot.com

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  9. I wish that Josie didn't end up with Richard. I love her career and Peter turned out. Maybe it's just me but I feel that this ending was so abrupt. I was expecting maybe a post of two more before the grand finale. I would've liked Josie to find out more about Richard and Nina's relationship. More about what went down at CWA. I get the Josie loves Richard but how can she be with a man who put her through so much hell? There are so many unanswered questions.

    I appreciate the time and effort you put into this story Jessica but I feel that the ending was too forced.

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    1. This was a beautiful ending.

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    2. I completely agree with anon @2:15 pm, this ending provided superficial closure and honestly was half assed!
      I am glad that she "ended" josies story.

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  10. wow .. An unexpected twist. But a very good end to a very good story!! I am very impressed with this!!

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  11. I love how this ended! Thank you for an awesome story Jessica!

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  12. Love Love Love how this story ended!!!! Perfect!

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  13. You did a great job wrapping everything up!!! And I love that Josie ended up with Richard!!

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  14. Absolutely fabulous ending. It seemed a little rushed, yes, but that I can understand. I have followed Josie since the beginning, and this brought a few tears to my eyes. Great writing, and fantastic characters. Kudos!

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  15. I AM SO SO SO HAPPY WITH HOW IT TURNED OUT! GAHHHH

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  16. I love that she ended up back in New York with a career that gives her real ownership over what she does. I just wish she wasn't with Richard. I am happy for Peter and that she didn't end up with him.

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    1. I love the way things with her career turned out. As for Richard...well I had resigned myself to that for a while. All in all though, it was a lovely ending.

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  17. Also does anyone remember when Richard bet Josie that she'd be married in three years

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  18. thanks for a fun read, jessica

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  19. I'm sad that Josie's story has come to an end but it was a beautiful way to end it :)

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  20. Literally cried at this ending. Loved it and have been following from the beginning of Josie's story. Thanks for the great read

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  21. I feel like you did the impossible...which is make everyone happy. Josie ends up with Richard but way down the line after she establishes a better career than CWA, Richard is happy and got what he wanted. At first I was super annoyed by the time jump, but in the end I thought it was really well done.

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  22. Loved this! Have followed from the very beginning and this was a great ending

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  23. Perfect! Thank you Jessica!

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  24. Thank you for a wonderful ending Jessica. I personally hoped that Josie would end up with someone other than Richard or Peter, but sometimes you can't control who you fall in love with. I love how her career turned out and that she is truly happy. It's sad to see this come to end but at least Josie's story ended on such a happy, positive note. Thank you so much for the time you put into this blog and the excellent writing:)

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  25. Absolutely perfect ending. So so sad to see this blog finish, but I am so happy with how you wrapped it up. I definitely didn't see that twist with the NYC company.

    Thank you so much for the years of excellent reading material. Can't wait to see what is next!

    http://tragedytwentysomething.blogspot.com/

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  26. Thanks for the awesome lunch time posts Jess! I'm sad that my fav blog has ended but found numerous others through LSP. Best of luck with your future writing!

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  27. I haven't commented once the entire time reading this blog but I just had to say that the ending had me in tears! Thank you so much for this blog Jessica it was truly wonderful :) Good luck in your future writing and book release!

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  28. Excellent post. Great ending. Thank you.

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  29. Great ending.. teared up a little at the end! I think the last paragraph is one that many people can relate to.. I know I can.
    Been reading since the beginning, thanks Jessica. Looking forward to reading what's next!!

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  30. Never posted before, but just felt the need to say wonderful ending to a wonderful story. Gonna miss this story so much, can't wait to read your book

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  31. I love this. The end is perfect, beautiful and real. No matter what any subsequent negativity may ensue, I hope you know reading this blog has been a true pleasure and you did the charachters and storyline justice with this ending. Thank you for your story, and I cannot wait to read your book.

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  32. Yay Richard! I'm so sad its over though.

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  33. Definitely not how I saw it going in my head, but I like that it's a happy ending for all, except the bitch Howie, everyone got what they deserved!

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  34. I've never been one to comment on any blogs but I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to continue this blog after you left the bedroom blog on cosmo. I've loved following Josie's story and the way you wrapped it all up in the end was perfect. So thank you again & best of luck on all your future projects!

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  35. I loved this...great ending I will miss Josie

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  36. excited to read your book.

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  37. Loved it! Thank you Jessica. Beautiful post

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  38. Love the ending to this! Awesome Job!!! You're a great writer and I look forward to reading your book.

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  39. Can't believe it's over.. really going to miss this blog. Will be keeping an eye out for that book of yours Jessica. And thank you so much for the entertaining read. Yey to Josie and Richard! He was always the one. :-D

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  40. Amazing job, Jessica. I have been a reader since the beginning and I while I am beyond disappointed to see Josie's story come to an end, I can't thank you enough for giving me something to look forward to on Tuesday/Thursday afternoons! Please do keep us all posted on the status of your book, you are an incredibly talented writer and I look forward to reading it!

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  41. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  42. I have never commented before either, but I just wanted to say thanks and good luck with your book!

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  43. thanks and overall enjoyed your post. yay for josie and richard!

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  44. Another reader from the beginning - never posted before. Also looking forward to your book and following the next blog on here.

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  45. Loved it!!!! You wrapped everything up perfectly!! Im going to miss your post :)

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  46. I am so sad. I loved your ending and the entire blog in general. But I'm sad it's over. I'm seriously crying like I know these people and I guess in a way I kind of did. Thank you for an amazing read. Please keep us posted on your book. I'm looking forward to reading Elizabeth's side. Best of luck!

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  47. Congratulations!! Amidst all the haters and naysayers it is quite clear that you are very well loved and your ending was received quite well. I would like to join my fellow readers and say that I LOVED the ending.

    I did not follow you from the beginning but when I found your blog I immediately went back and started from your first post. I don't know what I'm going to do without my fill of Josie now that the blog has wrapped up! I did not expect to be this emotional about it ending! I shed a tear... or two haha!

    This ending was truly bittersweet. I am so happy for Josie and Richard. I am happy that she is at peace with Peter. I am happy that she is doing something that she loves and she gets to be back in New York. I'm just so happy how it all turned out but sad to see her go.

    I don't know what it is... but your story has left an indelible mark on my psyche. Perhaps it's because I can relate to Josie in so so soooo many ways? Whatever it is I will not soon forget this story and I may even go back and experience it all over again. =)

    Thank you for entertaining me these past few months. I wish you luck in all your future endeavors and know that you have a loyal fan and I will be purchasing your book once it is released.

    Xoxo

    Allison

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  48. I too have read this blog since the cosmo days and have never commented. I have enjoyed your writing and am sad for the end. You may have talked about this before but please make sure to givd us details about your. Thank you!

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  49. so...whats next?

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  50. I've been reading this blog since the first post, when it was at Cosmo, but I've never left a comment. I just wanted to thank you for your story and your time. I love pd it and can't wait for your book.

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  51. I've been reading since you were on Cosmo, but never left a comment. I just wanted to say thanks so much for this wonderful blog. As a 25 year old navigating life and my career in a big city, I could definitely relate to Josie and her story. It's been my workday treat and I will definitely miss it, but thank you! Best of luck :)

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  52. I'm about to start crying! This was so beautiful and I can't believe it's over. Thank you Jessica for a wonderful read :)

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  53. You did such a good job wrapping it up. I love your writing and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on your book!

    Dakota
    www.stateandoccupation.com

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  54. I've never commented before, but it's time.

    You are a VERY talented writer! I'll keep an eye out for your book. Thank you for your devotion to this blog. I'm going to miss my lunch entertainment.

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  55. First time poster, long time reader. Thank you Jessica for all the time and effort you put into creating wonderful stories and characters that I will greatly miss. One small question - what was the exchange between Josie & Richard when he said 'I heard you...." I didn't understand that.

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    1. You mean between Josie and Peter, right? He was just about to say, "I heard you got a new job." I cut him off so that could be revealed in the last third of the post.

      And thank you for reading! Thank you to everyone. This is the warmest, fuzziest comments section there ever was! We'll have some fun with Elizabeth starting on Thursday too!

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    2. Sorry Jessica but that doesn't make any sense. Seems like Josie left CWA years ago, why would Peter now be congratulating her on her new job?

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    3. I think that would be fake Jessica responding to that comment. He was probably going to say "I heard you and Richard got a place together" or something of the sort

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  56. Crying a little bit. End of an era! Thanks for all of your time and effort. I can't wait to read your book!

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  57. Great post!! I'll admit I'm sad this blog is coming to an end, but I love the way you finished it. I was even cheering for Peter most of the way, but I think this ending is just perfect for all the characters involved. I will definitely be looking forward to reading Elizabitch's perspective staring Thursday! Thanks for getting me through my work days and giving me something to look forward to on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

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  58. Flawless. Thank you for taking us on this journey!

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  59. Thank you. I will miss this and I look forward to reading your book

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  60. Thank you Jessica for the perfect ending! Great blog, job well done!

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  61. Totally having a tearry. Awesome ending :) ! Big hugs all the way from Australia!

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  62. Teary here. So happy for the ending. But sad that Josies story is over. This blog has been my way of unwinding after long days at work, and I want to say thank you for that. It's been wonderful reading Josies story. I feel like she became part of my life.

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  63. Three years later...
    Right up there with "then I woke up" or "and it was all a dream"
    This post reminds me of the final episode of How I Met Your Mother. Nine years of suspense, wrapped up in one episode that covers around 10 years of their life, only to end in the most predictable way possible. Fairly disappointing, but expected of something that was dragged on for so long.
    I'm an evil bitch, I was hoping she'd lose the job to Howie, who would end up being Richard's girlfriend. Peter gets a much hotter girl than Josie and ends up married. And the story ends with Josie, surrounded by cats and pizza boxes. I so had my hopes up when she mentioned the pizza smell in her apartment.

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    1. I hope you're being sarcastic. If not, then you are just bitter and rude. Why follow a blog if you dislike the main character and only want to see her fail?

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    2. Lol @ anonymous-8:53. Outstanding.

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    3. Oustanding indeed! I knew there would have to be one nasty commenter on here, even when over 100 people loved it! I think Jessica can see by all the posts how much we all loved it and appreciated it.

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    4. "Nasty commenters", really? Good lord, I didn't say it was awful, I said it was predictable. And do people here really believe that the "nasty commenters" are so stupid, as to legitimately hope for the ending I described? I would think not, but I could be wrong. Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous and Anonymous, it was a joke. I was hoping for less of a pretty, little, wrapped up package, but not what I described. Josie's story became predictable and perfect a long time ago. I was just hoping the final post might leave us wondering how her life turns out.

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    5. "Anonymous, it was a joke".
      Guess what, Alicia? So was my comment. (About agreeing with you and whatnot.) If you make one, you should be able to take one. Cheers. :)

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    6. I guess that's why we should never joke online. The sarcastic tone gets lost.

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    7. Agreed. *extends olive branch*
      Cheers!

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  64. I just discovered your gem of a blog earlier this year! :) Of course, I had to go back and read all the previous posts! Thank you so much for proving that good writing is not dead! You created wonderful, relatable characters within a great story. Thanks for all your hard work, and for sharing your talent with all of us. :)

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  65. I loved this ending it really made me tear up! I'm going to miss this blog so much but am so happy with how it ended!!! I love Richard and Josie together :) thanks Jessica for the great story your truly a talented writer :)

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  66. Never commented before either but Jessica deserves to know she did a great job with the ending. I feel like the writing improved so much after Jessica's break when she returned for the ending so it was WORTH THE WAIT! Team Peter but Richard grew on me too I have to admit... Can't wait for Elizabeth's story!

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  67. YAYAYAY!!!! I couldn't have dreamed up a better ending! Richard and Josie were definitely the most well-suited for each other. Thank you so much for such a fun story to look forward to every Tuesday and Thursday, Jessica! Can't wait to read about Elizabeth!

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  68. Thank you Jessica. I've been reading this blog from the very beginning and I want to thank you for an amazing journey. I've never commented in the past but I couldn't leave this page without expressing how much I've appreciated and looked forward to your posts.

    I absolutely loved the ending and am so glad Josie ended up with Richard.

    You're an extremely talented writer and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

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  69. Wow! I am very pleased with the ending. It feels like one of those endings to a great book. I cannot wait to read your book Jessica I know it will be great!

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  70. I love the ending! A little rush but guessed you were pressed for time?
    Thank you Jessica for all the time and effort in this. Cant wait for your release!
    Drop us a note or two when you can!

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    1. Not going anywhere! Will be posting on Thursdays from Elizabeth's POV and on Tuesdays, a very talented colleague of mine will be posting her own original storyline.

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  71. What a great, great ending all around! Well done, Jessica! Congrats on that and also on the book!

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  72. I write this in tears! Jodie was fantastic and I am so happy with how you chose to wrap it up. You are a fantastic writer and I can't wait to buy your book. You should be so proud of the story you allowed us to follow and I can't thank you enough. Thank you Jessica you are aces! Amy xo

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  73. I can't believe that its finally over!
    I'm going to miss all of this Josie, and all the crazy ones, and especially you Jessica, but I know this isn't the end. I will definitely grab your book when its released.

    http://lifeistooshorttakeitwithagrainofsalt.blogspot.com/

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  74. I've loved this blog since I first saw it on the Cosmo website. A wonderful journey, a wonderful ending, I seriously can't tell you the last time I've been consistently entertained on a weekly basis for so long. Thank you Jessica

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  75. Just the perfect ending. I love it! You're a very talented writer Jessica, I can hardly wait to read your book and whatever you will write next. :)

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  76. Thank you Jessica! :)

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  77. Nicely done! This was a really nice way to end Josie's story. Thanks, Jessica!

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  78. I loved it! She got the career and the guy.. couldn't have ended any better. I'm looking forward to the 2 new blogs, and your book!

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  79. LOVED THIS POST! but this being the last post was unexpected :( #teamrichard

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  80. it makes sense that she doesn't end up with peter because there's always a power imbalance there.

    QUESTION for jessica: can you explain, in layman's terms, why she had to leave CWA?

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  81. "We're building our own little empire together, and to me, it's better than a baby, more thrilling than the most dazzling ring."

    I've followed the blog from the Cosmo beginnings and have had a love/hate relationship with it. For some reason that statement from Josie seemed so judgmental.I just think it should've been worded differently. It had an "us vs. them" tone to it. She could've said "We're building our own little empire together. And it makes me happy."

    People define happiness in many different ways. Whether it's getting married and having a family or even being successful career-wise, it's an individual decision. And it shouldn't be judged or be put down from people on the other side.

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    1. As you yourself quoted, "...and TO ME, it's better than a baby...". It seems pretty clear to me that Josie is talking about what is best for her individually. Simply stating that a certain situation suits her own life better is not a put-down to people whose individual choices differ from that. I don't read it as judgemental at all.

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    2. I get the "to me" part. It's the "better than a baby, more thrilling than the most dazzling ring" statement that sounded judgmental. I don't care how you define being happy for yourself. It's how you word your explanation. By simply saying she's happy would've sounded more humble.

      I understand people get pressure from both sides, but it's not a competition unless you make it one.

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    3. I agree Nani, it may have been her opinion but it sounded a bit judgmental.
      Wait. I mean, How dare you have an opinion that does not praise this blog and the writer?!

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    4. I completely agree that it's not a competition, which is precisely why I don't get how Josie saying that her own personal choice fits HER better individually can be viewed as judgemental. However she worded it, she's talking specifically about her own life, and she's not saying that it has to work for anyone else.
      Plus, just for the sake of argument, I don't even think Josie has to be humble and non-judgemental all the time - she just has to be Josie, warts and all! She's an individual, flawed character who's telling the whole story from her own point of view. She's allowed to be wrong and unpleasant from time to time, as we all are.
      I agree to disagree though. :) Cheers!

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    5. I think this was a reference to Peter... He wanted marriage and a baby, she didn't. She wanted a career, money, etc. I think this was Jessica bringing her relationships full circle.

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    6. I got that Josie is saying her personal choices fit her individually. That's not the issue. It's the slight backhanded remark of it being better than getting married and having a child. Yes, it's HER opinion. But why use the word better? Better means superior. Just because she says "and to me", doesn't make it nicer or less offensive.

      And for the record, I get the "you'll never be happy until you settle down and have children" lecture ALL the time. "Having children is the ultimate happiness. Your life would be so much better if you had children."

      Do you know how I answer? "The choices that you make for your life do not dictate what makes me happy. Your life choices are what's best for you, but they are NOT better than mine. Just like my choices are what's best for me, but they will NEVER be better than yours."

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    7. That's where we disagree, because IMHO, just because she used the word "better" doesn't make it judgemental. She has every right to say what she thinks is "better" for her. Someone saying that YOU'll never be happy until YOU have children, and Josie saying that to HER, building an empire with Richard is better than an engagement or a baby are two completely different things. The first one is someone else lecturing you about what to do with your own life. In the second case it's just Josie saying what's best for her own life.
      ...Eh. You say potato, I say potahto. The point is, Josie's story is over, so let's hear from Elizabeth now. :)
      Oh, and I think your answer to those annoying lectures sounds perfect!

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    8. I think the Josie's comment makes her sound bitter. Peter has moved on and found a woman that wants exactly what he does... marriage and kids and Nina is engaged. Yes Josie has a kick ass career and is playing house with Richard. This is best for her because that's all she has. If she had a big engagement ring on her finger she'd be singing another tune. I doubt Richard would ever propose and would more likely than not run away when their relationship has problems. So yes I think Josie is jealous.

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    9. Agreed. Josie will always be jealous as long as she's with Richard because that what happens with you settle.

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    10. Nani and Co, seems to me like you are very sensitive about the issue. It's a fictional blog, no one is taking a dig at you and your life choices. Goodness.

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    11. THANK YOU, anon right above me.

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    12. Last two anons, apparently because I felt that the that quote was a slight backhanded remark it doesn't mean I'm very sensitive. You just don't like the fact that I'm not praising this post 100%. It's an observation. Read my original comment. I said it could've been worded differently. One word can change the entire meaning of a sentence. Many of the opinions on this blog are shaped by our experiences, ages and relationship statuses. Most of you supporters don't get that. You expect everyone to just love it automatically. That's not going to happen. Comment on the post, not the other comments. You guys are quick to tell people the chill out and relax that it's fictional, but yet you jump up and down with because you love that Josie got what she wanted? She's fictional. Why are so happy?!?! You should really follow your own advice.

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    13. Well, I'm glad you're not overreacting.

      "Why are [you] so happy?!?!" Well, maybe because we don't care so intensely about this one word that this one character used in this one blog post that we go on a continued, senseless rant about it and then resort to attacking people who happen to disagree. (Two exclamation points and two question marks in the same sentence really do make it a more compelling argument, BTW. It's like watching the online, written equivalent of a four-year-old's temper tantrum.)

      Chill out and relax. It's fictional.

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    14. Anon @ 7:36 And yet if I disagreed with someone else's positive comment about the post, you guys would be all over it. You think I'm going on a senseless rant? How about you let me have MY OWN comment and you have YOUR OWN. I shouldn't have to defend mine. But yet when I do, you then say I'm overreacting. I let others have their say because it's their right, but I NEVER tell them they're wrong.

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    15. "If I disagreed with someone else's positive comment about the post, you guys would be all over it."
      Speculation. Playing the victim. Also, demonstrably not true. There have been less than positive comments about the post that have gotten no argument from anyone.

      "How about you let me have MY OWN comment and you have YOUR OWN. I shouldn't have to defend mine."
      No one's stopping you from commenting, and no one's forcing you to defend anything. You're allowed to comment just as much as anyone else is allowed to respond to your comment. Then you can either defend your original point of view or not - it's your choice, not an obligation. It's also a natural part of a rational discussion, which you decided to participate in, so I don't know what you're complaining about.

      "But yet when I do, you then say I'm overreacting."
      I didn't say you were overreacting because you were defending your comment. You weren't. You were whining and making false assumptions/accusations about the people who disagreed with you (i.e., "you just don't like the fact that I'm not praising this post 100%", "most of you supporters don't get that", "you expect everyone to just love it automatically", "you jump up and down because you love that Josie got what she wanted").

      "I let others have their say because it's their right, but I NEVER tell them they're wrong."
      In your previous post you ordered people to "comment on the post, not the other comments", and started lashing out at them (see my previous quotes). As you can see, your self-righteous appraisal of your own approach to a debate doesn't hold water.

      Anything else, or are you ready for your naptime now?

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    16. When have I commented on original INDIVIDUAL comments to the blog? During this entire post I haven't told any readers that their liking of how it ended is wrong. I'm entitled to my opinion about the blog just like you are, but yet when you don't like my opinion you comment?

      And it's not just with this post, but also with the others. Anytime I haven't supported Josie's actions, it's the same response. "Don't like it, don't read it. It's fictional; she's not real". And the nap time comment makes you look immature.

      Delete
    17. Huh? I never said that you commented on original individual posts, nor do I think that makes any sort of difference. Also, the fact that you haven't told anyone "that their liking of how it ended is wrong" has nothing to do with this discussion. What, because you haven't commented on other comments, no one is allowed to DARE comment on yours? You're still playing the victim and making less sense with each post.
      Yes, when I disagree with your opinion, I comment. It is a comment section, that what it's for. I'm "entitled" to have and express my opinion - be it about the blog or about any comments made here, including yours - just as much as you are. Your reasoning doesn't make any sense. Unless of course your argument is so fragile and you're so, ahem, immature that you do not TOLERATE disagreeing responses to your comments, as it seems to be the case.
      My response was NOT "don't like it, don't read it". What I said back there is that a fictional character is allowed to be judgemental - although I do not believe that was the case here - when expressing a first person point of view, as long as it doesn't contradict their personality. That was my point also when I suggested that you chill out because it's fictional.
      I haven't answered or, frankly, even read your previous comments on other posts, so if this is all a big overreaction due to pent-up frustration, don't complain to me. I have nothing to do with that.

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  82. Its the end of an era!! Love the ending! I actually love Richard! And I'm glad you gave peter a happy ending too. Well played!
    ~luita

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  83. This was a beautiful ending. Tied everything together amazingly. Can't express how perfect this was. Sometimes the blog has seemed a little haphazardly written, despite the great storyline; this post made me respect the author as a Writer, rather than just an online blog writer. Amazing work.

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  84. Thank you Jessica! Great ending! Looking forward to your book!

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  85. Wow! Such a great end to this story! Thank you Jessica for keeping me entertained and I really enjoy your writing, I look forward to reading your book. I will also read the new blogs . All the best to you and lots of luck always!!!

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  86. What a perfect ending to an amazing story! Gonna miss Josie but I can't wait to read your book. All the best Jessica! Thank you for keeping us all entertained :)

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  87. Thank you for a wonderful ending Jessica. Although I didn't read this from the beginning, I was completely hooked onto this after finding it on Cosmo randomly. Even starting from the middle, it was still a wonderful adventure. Thanks for spending the time in writing this, I enjoyed every little bit of it :)

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  88. Love it! Woohoooo! I am so happy with the ending, #teamRichard all the way. This was truly thee best blog that I have read and have been following over the years :-)

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  89. I kinda feel like getting hit over the head by the ending. Yeah, it's positive and all but I kind of expected....something else. Not a "three years later" wrap up. But well, guess it means it's over now.

    Good luck with your book :)


    http://sasugyaru.blogspot.com

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  90. Wow! Been an avid follower since the beginning of this blog at cosmo and it's sad to see it end! It's a happy ending thou.. couldn't have written it any better than this. You're an awesome writer Jessica! All the best for your future endeavours and thanks for the awesome story of Josie. Can't wait to read your new book! Lots of love from Singapore! Xoxo

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  91. Never commented b4, but now it's high time I guess!!
    Awww...a flash forward ending...!! Sooo good..n its so relieving to finally see Josie all grown up n successful !! It's been such a pleasure Jessica..thank u n good luck !
    -Helen

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  92. Can't wait for the book! I've been reading since Day 1 on Cosmo. Loved the ending. I didn't really feel like it was rushed at all. I think after following something for so long, and becoming invested in the characters, it's going to seem sudden no matter what. People were complaining that the story was dragging out, that they were bored with the work story. I think Jessica did a great job of wrapping it all up, and not really leaving anything hanging. Excited for the next blog. Does anyone else feel prepared to go in hating Elizabeth, but know that is probably likely to change, lol?

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  93. I think this was perfect. The three years later provides a recap. I don't think there could have been more than two more posts prior to the wrapup and they would have been filler. This uses all the characters we know and love. I think Richard showed so much love in his actions and needed to grow up a little more. I agree that there was a power imbalance with Peter. This is really inspirational in a way, the control Josie took of her career and came up with creative options. I love this, thank you so much for completing the story.

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  94. Still wish it was Peter FTW, but I loved how she wrapped it up to show they just wanted different things in lie. BUT....Jessica, you did an absolute bang up job with the blog, and you are an amazing writer. Loved the recap, loved your writing, loved the storyline. Sad that Josie is gone forever, but it was an ending that I feel like I can wave her off and know everything is awesome.

    Can't wait for Thursday!

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  95. Thank you so much for sharing this story with us. I am such a huge fan and feel like you gave it the ending it deserved. I feel like I know these characters and it is good to see how they all ended up! Looking forward to the new story and of course your book next year!! Thanks again!

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  96. i will deff miss Josie! peter.. richard..
    ive been reading since day one. and it just keeps getting better.
    I love the ending, Peter was the bad boy.. we all wanted her to stay with him. but richard was the one the whole time. im glad she ended up with the good guy. i cannot wait for the book!
    and for elizabeths blog..

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  97. I hate that this is the last post! I've loved reading about Josie and all of her shenanigans... I'm absolutely going to miss reading this. I'm so happy she ended up with Richard too. Don't get me wrong, I always loved Peter, but there was something to "shiny" and perfect about him. Thanks for the amazing blog, and I can't wait to read your book! And, as much as I hate to admit it - I can't wait for the Elizabeth/Elizabitch blog! xox

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  98. Beautiful ending! I love that she ended up with Richard. I think they are perfect together, especially after he said how he felt in the radio interview. Thank you so much for the great read!

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  99. I literally cried at the end because I was so happy for Josie and so sad that this was the end. Seriously Jessica, thank you so much! I look forward to reading your novel. I hope to one day to meet you.

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  100. I remember I use to be super team Justin who despised the idea of Josie and Richard being together. Now I can't imagine them two not together. Ughh this series definitely gave me the feels. Thank you for this Jessica, you don't know how many times I've binge read on LSP. I go weeks to months without reading and when I'm about to go to sleep, I spontaneously pull out my phone to catch up and end up reading about 10 entries. Your writing is so enticing and sassy, I just get so sucked in and can't stop. I can't believe it's the end but I look forward to seeing more of your work.

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  101. I enjoyed this ending, but I am a bit disappointed. I have kept up with this blog and I always thought it was supposed to be written as it happens. There are many references to current events, popular books (for example The Fault in Our Stars) or songs (a room without a roof).. So that's why the 3 years later post doesn't make sense to me. I thought we were reading the blog of a young agent right now in LA.

    That said, I loved all of your posts Jessica and always look forward to reading them on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

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  102. http://coupledomage.wordpress.com/2014/07/09/home-run/ New blog. LSP readers might enjoy!

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  103. Thank you. I have never commented but I have read this blog from the beginning. That was a wonderful end to her story. I enjoyed the blog from the beginning to end. I feel closure to her story.

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  104. I'm so sad to see Josies story end, but so happy with the way you ended it. It was absolutely perfect.


    I will definitely stay to read about Elizabeth.

    Thank you for the years of amazing writing. You are truly so talented and I can't wait to read your book!

    http://lovelifela.wordpress.com

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  105. I also never commented but have read since the beginning. I loved every moment. Thank you so much for continuing the blog after cosmo and for this wonderful ending. Looking forward to your book.

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  106. Having a good laugh at myself right now. It's a good thing I was home alone as I read the ending, I actually yelled YES out loud when I got to the part about calling Allison Emerson. I totally knew it!!!

    Anyway, as a long time reader and very infrequent poster, I just want to say thank you to Jessica for devoting her time to entertaining us, whether we agreed with the decisions of the characters or not. You can't please everybody, but you did a great job. And as a former NYU student, may I just say that this blog has made me miss NYC sooo unbelievably bad that I may have to move back after this!

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  107. Thank you for this blog! I've read since if was on Cosmo (started K from the beginning back when it needed web codes from the magazine!), and I loved this ending though I admit it's bittersweet knowing it's done. I look forward to the new saga you have in store for us!

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    1. Does anybody know if the same author wrote K's story? I read that blog on Cosmo years ago, but thought it was written by someone else

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    2. No, that was a different author. LSP replaced K's story.

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  108. Never commented either but just wanted to thank you for this story . . . I read it every week and it's always been something I look forward to. Thank you for all your hard work and creativity . . . Wish it didn't have to end but best of luck with everything! LSP will be greatly missed, probably more than you know!

    Grace

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  109. Thank you Jessica for writing such an amazing post ! The ending was terrific.. sooo happy that Josie ended up with Richard. I will miss reading your blogs each week. You are so talented and should be proud of your self. Good luck with everything and the book. I will be definitely buying a copy !

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  110. Awesomeness!!!!! Absolutely loved this.....So sad it's over: (

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  111. Thank you for sharing your immense talent - this story has been such an amazing read over the past few years and a wonderful release from day to day life. I know that it often took you away from your own life and personal interests and I hope you know how much we all appreciate your efforts. I'm looking forward to Elizabeth's storyline - and I hope that somehow, we get a Josie/Richard update down the road...this story would make such an amazing movie!

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  112. This is a really touching ending to an absolutely lovely story. Thank you for sharing your talent and bringing a smile to so many beautiful hearts. Frankly I really wish this story didn't end. You should get a book out there.

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  113. This ending was perfect. I'm so glad that Josie has reached that happy and settled point of life that everyone strives for.

    Thank you so much for closing off her story in such a beautiful way. I can't wait to read your book when it hits the shelves!

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  114. What a perfect ending to what has been a completely addicting, hilarious story! Can't wait to read both Elizabeth's story and your new book!

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  115. Just caught up on the last few posts, have been reading since the very beginning, and never commented.... But after all of this and with that ending, I believe a collective "YASSSSS" is in order. Perfect! I don't know how you pulled it off but everything was perfect, thank you!

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  116. That was sucg a great ending! I was so happy when I seen that richard was with her, I just love him! I think this ending is just perfect for the whole thing and im so glad I stuck with this!

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  117. Thank you so much for such a wonderful story. The last line about the difference between settling an settle completely resonated w me. I think it's an important and hard lesson to learn on the journey to happiness. Thank you again for such great entertainment Jessica!

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  118. I am SO HAPPY that she ended up happy, and with Richard, that I can't even tell you. I absolutely LOVED this story, and can't wait for your book! Bravo!

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  119. Love it! just found and read Josies blog during the past few days. Thanks for sharing it!

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