I’m excited. Feta & Freeways was the third book in my Orchard Hill Romance series but in a couple of weeks Root Beer & Roadblocks releases. I figured it would be nice for you to get to know my leading man, Nikolos Acton. He leads vocals and plays acoustic guitar for a band called Specific Gravity. Welcome, Niko!
Niko: Thanks for having me. I thought this was going to be an interview with the full band?
Susan: I decided to interview you alone.
Niko: Alone. Hard to be that way traveling around the country with a bunch of guys.
Susan: Guys?
Niko: Oh, and Tia, she’s our manager.
Door opens. Johnny Marshall, Niko’s cousin Johnny peeks in.
Johnny: What’s going on?
Susan: I’m interviewing Niko about the book Feta & Freeways .
Johnny: I really liked that story.
Niko: Only because you got me into trouble with Tia.
Johnny: You deserved it, being so blind to her all those years.
Niko: I will get you back.
Johnny: (laughing) I’m sure you’ll try.
Susan: Boys…interview?
Johnny: So Niko, what lesson did you learn in this story?
Susan: Johnny–
Johnny sits down next to Niko and nudges him in the shoulder.
Niko: No. That’s okay. It’s a good question. I think I realized I was taking a lot for granted in my life. God had blessed me and I acted almost entitled to that. I didn’t really lack anything.
Johnny: And then you almost lost the most important thing.
Niko: She is amazing, isn’t she? I’m glad I had another chance. I’m glad that I got a happily ever after.
Johnny: For now… life does go on, you know, filled with ups and downs.
Niko: You know that better than anyone.
Johnny: Right, like your relationship with Tia was a walk in the park.
Niko: We took a few walks . . .
Johnny: Do you think we’ll get back to touring again?
Niko: Kind of depends on what happens with you.
Johnny :(frowns) Yeah, well I had my shot at happiness and blew it. I’ve given up on those dreams.
Niko: I don’t think God’s given up on you, though. Tia and I don’t plan to let you give up.
Susan: When I finished Feta & Freeways I was surprised at the curve ball that had come Johnny’s way so I was compelled to write him his own story. I called it Root Beer & Roadblocks. While Johnny goes through some difficulties I can promise He gets a happily ever after ending. Wanna see your book cover, Johnny? I thought my publisher did an awesome job.
Johnny: Sure. Why not? I look forward to hearing about what journey you took me on. Wow. I like that cover. I remember Tia giving me shades to wear and that stocking cap. She didn’t want me to outshine my cousin, Niko.
Niko: Give it up. She always loved me best anyway.
Johnny: Who? Tia or Susan?
Niko: Well, Tia of course, loved me best. But Susan? Susan, who do you love best?
<Susan has left the room>
Johnny: Obviously me. Had to be me.
Niko: I wouldn’t be so sure about that.
Johnny: Has to be – she saved the best story for last.
Niko: You do realize she’s written other books after this, right? And neither of us are the main characters?
Johnny: No way. Susan? Where did she go? Susan? Come on. You love me best, right?
Note: Burlap to Cashmere was the inspiration for the story – as were the lead singer Steven and his cousin Johnny (although Johnny usually plays guitar he does some keys in this video). You’ll also see Theodore here, their drummer. This is a song from them off their self-titled album where you can see – and hear the amazing vocals.