Besties by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

I’ve spent a great deal of time this month thinking about wonderful people as we celebrate heroes and she-roes here at Romance Gems. All very inspiring! And I must say, I’m truly blessed by the number of great people I know and have loved. But it got me thinking about how our relationships and friends change over time.

As a kid growing up in a suburban neighborhood, my best friend was Diane, the spunky little red-headed girl down the street. We attended the same elementary school, walked there together every day. Goofy kids that played for hours until someone’s mom called us home. She was my first sleepover (I didn’t make it through that first night; my dad had to pick me up) and my first business partner.
(Our lemonade stand rocked because our street was busy) There were many best friend firsts for us, so I was heartbroken when her family moved away.

Eileen was my next close friend. We swore allegiance, drawn together by an undying love for David Cassidy and Donny Osmond, and our hatred of dodgeball. (Hey, that was important stuff back then) Yet Eileen moved on to one school and I to another, and we grew apart.

Fast forward to when Karin was my soulmate. We loved all animals—dogs, rabbits, (Karin had two bunnies she walked on leashes!) and especially horses. It was alongside her I became an avid rider. Together we faced Jr. High and High School and stuck like glue, surviving boyfriends, proms, Driver’s Ed, and graduation. College led to our first jobs, careers, houses, kids... Until long distance and life took their toll on our “glue.”

Yet special friends and relationships found me again in the most wonderful ways. I met a dear friend on a business trip to California. (We bonded over chocolate and wine) I gained a great friend through my daughter’s school when our kids shared a cookie. (I’m sensing a trend here 😊) Later, things I love led to friendships. My writing, for example, led me to a community of outstanding people. Same with the paranormal community. From road trips, conferences, and weird encounters in NYC elevators to discovering history’s mysteries, calling aliens, and exploring haunted locations—we’ve shared some wild adventures!

It’s no surprise friendships play an important role in my novels. Amelia Pennington and Rose Bartlett from Hellfire and Handbaskets are a great example. These best friends confront the challenges of medical school in 1895 Boston—a daunting task for any woman of that time period. All society—even their loving family members—have a distinct notion of how women should behave, and these two defy all of it. Or, do they? Plus, talk about a long-distance friendship! Amelia and Rose become separated by the most unforgiving of all obstacles. Time. Here’s a link if you’d like to read more: Hellfire and Handbaskets – A Time Traveler’s Journey 

So, here’s to best friends, our inner circle, our soulmates. Those “like-family” folk we choose to hang out with. Our tribes and kindred spirits. Schoolmates, workmates, alter egos, partners-in-crime… Whoever you call your BESTIES. Let’s raise a glass (or two) in their honor. Friends truly are awesome Heroes and She-roes worth celebrating!

~Kathryn~

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