In 2010, I wasn’t an avid “Parks and Rec” viewer, so it took a couple of years for me to catch up and learn about “Galentine’s Day.” It’s a day to celebrate the women in your life – especially the friends who laugh, cry and travel this journey called life with you.

Technically, I guess it’s celebrated on Feb. 13. But, hey, Feb. 14 works, too, if you aren’t celebrating a romantic relationship. The day was the brainchild of Leslie Knope, the character played by Amy Poehler in the show Parks and Rec. She gathered together several friends for a gals brunch “full of waffles and love.”

Myself, I’m seeing happy hour with a glass of wine and sharing chocolate cake or something decadent, but you do you. 🙂  The thing is, I think it’s a fabulous idea to celebrate our friendships!

Goodhousekeeping Magazine explored the popularity and thinking behind Galentine’s Day in an article last year: “According to Mayo Clinic, not only do strong friendships provide a sense of belonging and purpose, improve our self-confidence, lower stress and help us cope with trauma and life challenges, there are physical benefits too. A strong social network may also reduce the risk of high blood pressure, decrease depression and even help us live longer lives.”

And from Psychology and Aging: “Those who put time and energy into really cultivating a few deep bonds said they were happier and more satisfied, overall.”

Who doesn’t get by “with a little help from their friends?”

Happy Galentine’s Day to all. Hope you get to share a laugh, a drink or conversation with one of your besties!

Darlene

Some of our strongest bonds can be with close friends. Many of my books, even the romance, include a friendship theme or a bestie for the main character.

In my sweet romance “The Story Between Us,” the heroine’s BFF ends up being instrumental in bringing the hero and heroine back together after a break-up. In the manuscript I just finished, “Christmas at Tall Pines,” the heroine’s friend is trying to help her protect her from re-experiencing a broken heart caused by an old high school crush.

My women’s fiction trilogy, “The Women of Whitfield,” is all about three friends and how they help and celebrate each other.

A couple of “bestie” excerpts from The Story Between Us:

1.

But Jana curled up and leaned toward her. “Hey, I’ve been thinking.”

Kristen raised her brows. “Uh-huh.”

Jana started to speak, but stopped.

“Spit it out.”

“Okay, I don’t want to assume anything, but I was thinking maybe you and Reed…that you might like to go out with Reed. Without Dylan.”

Kristen sputtered a laugh. “Well, I have to say, that’d be one benefit of finding a nanny.”

Jana cocked her head. “Well, maybe I can help with that. Why don’t I take Dylan tomorrow night so you and Reed can go out?”

Kristen raised her brows and stared at Jana. “Can you do that? I mean, does the school district allow teachers to babysit a student?”

“It happens. I wouldn’t advertise it, but I know a few teachers who babysit on a regular basis.”

Thoughts tumbled through Kristen’s brain. She hadn’t packed for going out, but she could probably make something work. Taking Jana’s offer would basically mean arranging a date with Reed. Would he be okay with that? Or, should she casually mention that Jana offered? But that would tell Reed she’d been talking about him—about them. If she—

Jana waved a hand in front of Kristen’s face. “Hellooooo. Wow, you blasted off to la-la land fast.”

“Oh. Sorry.” Kristen offered a sheepish smile.

“So?” Jana pressed.

The smile widened as Kristen nodded. “That’s pretty good thinking, girlfriend.”

2.

Seated at her desk, Jana looked up. “Hey, Reed. Come on in. How are you?”

Her pleasant greeting carried a tone of wariness. “Great. Listen, I have a favor to ask. I know, I sound like a broken record, right?”

She stood and tilted her head.

Reed sensed her hesitation. Yeah, she was Dylan’s teacher, but she was also a loyal friend of Kristen’s. He figured she knew all about the waffle book and his break-up with Kristen.

“How can I help?”

Her all-about-business tone wasn’t encouraging. “I need Kristen’s address.”

She furrowed her brow. “You don’t have her address?”

“Nope. Never needed it.”

“In Denver?”

“Yeah.”

Jana toyed with a pen from her desk.

Reed kept his focus on her face, assessing her response. How could he convince her to give him the benefit of a doubt? He could practically see the gears turning in her head.

“Why?” she asked, eyes narrowed.

Reed shifted his stance. “Because I want to see her.”

“You’re going to Denver?”

He crossed his arms in a show of determination. “I am.”

“When?”

“Now. Bags are packed and in the car.”

“Oh.”

Her eyes widened, and her voice pitched up. “Well, I guess I’d better tell you she’s not there.”

Reed stared hard. “You’re sure?”

“Yep.”

“Do you know where she is?”

“Tell me why you want to see her.”

Reed rubbed the knotted muscles at the back of his neck. “Because I–I need to talk to her.”

Jana’s brows arched, but she remained silent.

“Look, I don’t know if she’ll even see me, but I have to try. I want to—” He heaved a sigh. “I’m in love with her, and I—”

“Okay, okay.” Jana held up a hand. “You know you dug yourself a pretty big hole, right?”

“Yeah, I know. I’d like to dig myself out.” He noted Jana didn’t elaborate or offer an opinion on the likelihood of his success.

The Story Between Us

When a children’s book author gets a story idea from a young fan who’s lost his parents in a tragic accident, she knows she’s hit gold. She sees a bestseller and heartwarming keepsake. But the boy’s guardian sees exploitation.

On Amazon

https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-story-between-us/id1525107147

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-story-between-us-darlene-deluca/1137387092?ean=2940162985785