The Other Fish in the Sea (2 page)

Kelly Mazzonne

The Bitch Who First Encouraged The Bitch Who Writes The Books To Write Them And Is Her Voice Of Reason

(TBWFETBWWTBTWTAIHVOR)*

Even though you received this book’s dedication, it’s not enough. I just simply and honestly don’t have the words. Without you, I probably would’ve fallen off the ledge more times than should be possible in terms of writing as well as in my personal life, and I certainly wouldn’t be sitting here getting all weepy thinking about how much you mean to me and trying to express my gratitude for the enormity of what you’re ultimately responsible for…me giving birth to this series of stories. GYP fans around the world owe you huge, and, so do I. So, if you’re ever in need, I’ve got a shovel.

Kellie Cooksey

The Bitch Who Designs Swag And Watches Out For The Original Bitches

(TBWDAWOFTOB)*

You have never once let me down and without you, I would’ve drown, never having been able to publish my first novel, and for that and so much more, you’re my hero. Also, I am so very proud of you for doing what you’ve been doing for yourself personally, and I admire your strength and determination, two things I believe I lack but hope to achieve by watching and learning from you. Oh and thanks for giving a boy name to your girl German Shepherd for a while there. Just priceless…

Alison Cooksey

The Bitch Who Creeps Out Other Bitches By Inadvertently And Unknowingly Living Out Parts Of The Books

(TBWCOOBBIAULOPOTB)*

Your friendship and trust is something to aspire to have and something to covet once it’s achieved, and I thank you for sharing yourself with me and for allowing our bond, freaky and disconcerting as it can be at times, to continue to remain concrete and intact even though I nag you to clean the wasteland that is your room. (<—Seriously. Before I die would be nice, okay?)

Tanya Jones

The Bitch Who Knew The Bitch Who Writes The Books Before Any Other Bitch

(TBWKTBWWTBBAOB)**

For over thirty years, God has blessed me beyond measure by giving me you, and without ever having you in my life, some of these characters wouldn’t know the value or true meaning of friendship like they do…nor would I. (Btw, I think I can get “her” on board for birthing one and adopting at least one more if he really requires a giant to make the deal. What’s your status report in the negotiations?)

Karen Dobey

The Bitch Who Is Like A Sister To The Bitch Who Writes The Books And Is The Best Auntie That Gracie Could Ever Ask For

(TBWILASTTBWWTBAITBATGCEAF)**

My heart spends time with you each and every day, and one day, I’ll be rich and she’ll die, and I’ll get that damned house so that my heart doesn’t have such a long commute.

Stacy Roy

The Bitch Who Loves Baseball Like None Other And Gave Life To A Miracle

(TBWLBLNOAGLTAM)**

You are the definition of a Momma Bear and despite the countless trials, tragedies, and just plain scary AF curve balls that life has thrown at you, you always manage to rise above it all. Not only that, but you do it with a smile on your face, which is quite simply amazing to me because I know that many times, you’re crying on the inside. Your life is a continual daily reminder for me of the fact that miracles do happen, but sometimes, you just have to know where to look in order to see them and for the opportunity to experience them.

Gitte Doherty

The Bitch Who Bought Shark Bait First And Serenaded The Bitch Who Writes The Books With Bacon

(TBWBSBFASTNWWTBWB)**

From almost half-way across the world, you were the first to part with your hard-earned money to buy a book written by someone you had never heard of before within the first hour of said book being published. And, with a little input from Journey, you literally serenaded me with Bacon. I mean how could I not make you a GYP Bitch?

Jessica Johnson

The Bitch Who Drove Over Four Hours Just To Meet The Bitch Who Writes The Books

(TBWDOFHJTMTBWWTB)

You, my sweet girl, have touched my life in so very many ways. Most notably, driving all that way in a blinged-out Coach car just to have lunch with me, and then by rallying your friends for my first blog hop and subsequently introducing me to one person in particular. But also, you shared your life with me—a complete stranger—and allowed me to rejoice with you in some of life’s most beautiful happenings, and that is a gift without price. Keep growing that baby and you had better send me some pictures of the precious life the two of you made together once it’s done baking.

Liz Gunderson

The Bitch Who Is A GYP Super Fan And Book Gifting Maniac**

(TBWIAGYPSFABGM)

Although you’re not in the “book biz,” you are not simply a regular, real-world reader either. You are an author’s biggest cheerleader and a book’s best asset, Liz. Your generosity is simply incomparable to anything I’ve ever witnessed in terms of selfless giving, and I know I’m speaking of praising books and gifting them, but, my dear, what you do speaks volumes about your character and the kind of person you are, so as an author and a human being, I want to say thank you and tell you how much you are appreciated by not only me, but many of my kind.
 

Ashley Dungan

The Bitch Who Is The Zombie Queen And A Slayer Of Nightmarish Creatures

(TBWITZQAASONC)

Few know what you’ve done for me and I know that’s by your choice, but I do feel it’s important I tell the world that although
 
I was once intimated AF by you, I’ve since learned what a truly thoughtful, kind-hearted, and generous soul you are. Getting to know you and being able to be myself with someone who gets me like you do is something I don’t take for granted and I want you to know that I love you. You rock my fucking face off, bitch—always have and always will.

Autumn Hull

The Bitch Who’s Made The Bitch Who Writes The Books Her Bitch

(TBWMTBWWTBHB)

Oh, my dear friend… Where do I begin? We both know I’m a needy writer and yes, you’re very adept at handling those of us who believe they require continual input and validation, but, what you’ve done—voluntarily stepping into the very large and intrinsically necessary shoes the way you have is without a doubt one of the biggest blessings I’ve had bestowed on me. You know everything I have planned, and I honestly couldn’t continue to write the way I do without you tirelessly wearing those shoes like you do. Not only that, but your personal belief in me and your sincere conviction in terms of my talent in writing, along with your deep-seated desire to see this series become a success has brought me to new heights and is ever so much appreciated. And on a personal level, having someone like you as a friend to share deeply personal details of my life with and then having you do the same in return…well, let’s just say that you’ve brought me unsurpassed joy. I might bring the fire, but you…you let it rock.

Beth Pasley

The Bitch Who’ll Provide Government Funded Protective Custody To The Bitch Who Writes The Books If It Becomes Necessary

(TBWPGFPCTTBWWTBIIBN)

I know I’ve said this to you and others before, but truly, I couldn’t do what you do. I have the utmost respect and admiration for you for putting your personal wants, desires, emotional comfort and fears aside so that you can unflinchingly love and support the kind of man that your husband is. And I know we joke about you not having anything else to do so that’s why it’s no trouble for you to beta and proof-read for me, and for taking on the task of being my personal bookish assistant soon, but most every parent on the planet, especially the military moms out there know that raising two beautiful babies is anything but easy, and that doesn’t exactly lend itself to free time either, so thank you for finding time for me and even more importantly, for allowing my family to be a part of yours.

Andrea Thompson

The Bitch Who Cries And Is In Charge Of The GYP Street Team

(TBWCAIICOTGYPST)

Aw, Andrea… I don’t know what to say except thank you from the depths of my heart for allowing me to share in your GYP reading experiences by making me a sideline witness to your emotional journey. By doing that, you brought me back to where I need to be in order to play with my imaginary friends again, and that is so, so huge—I really don’t think anyone can understand why that’s such a big deal, but suffice it to say, it’s been my fear that readers around the globe would probably be waiting a decade or until the end of time maybe to read any of the unwritten GYP books, but thanks to you, I don’t think they’ll have to wait nearly that long now. Plus, your enthusiasm, willingness, and offer to step up and help make this series successful really means the world to me. And I’m sorry I made you do the Ugly Cry. (<—I’m totally lying, but I would let you hold my boobs to comfort you while you weep. However, since they’re not big enough to cross time-zones on their own, I’ll just have to send you some Kleenex, a bottle of booze, and a tranquilizer gun.) Oh and I haven’t forgotten, not that it would stop you if I had, so regardless, you called dibs and therefore that sexy beast is yours. So, go ahead, get down and dirty and, above all, get stoned with him.

Megan Simpson

The Bitch Who Has A Pitchfork And Designs The GYP Wall Of Infamy Banners

(TBWHAPADTGYPWOIB)

Megan, my sweet and slightly certifiable friend, you are the newest member of my GYP Bitches, and I’m just tickled to have you on board the crazy train with the rest of us! I’m also so very excited to get to know you more. And by that I mean exploit not only your emotions, but your creative talent as well, because seriously, you do some damned fine work and I can’t freaking wait for everyone to see what you’ve been working on! Additionally, I think I should mention that although you could be considered justified by some in your retaliation for anything I’ve done up to and including broadcasting your number all over the Twitterverse, I’m not current on my tetanus vaccination at the moment, so maybe you could hold off a bit before penciling me in for a re-enactment of High Noon where I’m sure you’ll be running me through with that pitchfork of yours. Please? And don’t forget…there’s a reason for everything, so…breathe.

*Denotes Original Member

** Denotes Honorary Member

So *deep breath* that’s it. If you see any of these ladies in and around the Internet, don’t forget, Fear & Respect. You also might wanna consider saying a quick thanks to them as well, seeing as how each and every one of them has played an important if not vital role in bringing you these beloved characters, the rich storyline, and the Grab Your Pole series in general.

And as always, for your enthusiasm and support of me and this series, and for your simple joy of reading, I thank
you
. You’re the best.

~Jenn

Author’s Note

Read this first! It’s not unimportant drivel!

I promise, it’s very important drivel!

Attention readers!

I know you’re probably excited to get reading, but before you dive into The Other Fish in the Sea, I’d like to thank you all for your interest in continuing on in Camie’s journey, and I want to give you all a heads up as well. While the Grab Your Pole series could be said by some to be predominately Camie’s story, the books in this series really do encompass so much more. With that said, within this book you will now begin to read the points of view of the other members of the GYP gang. Specifically in this second book, the girls’.

You might be thinking, “Hey, that’s great! But, um, why is she (she being me, the author) making such a big deal about announcing it in an author’s note?” Well, here’s why: In this specific book, I don’t give you, the reader, any indication whatsoever that point of view has shifted, but I want you all to be aware that it will so that you guys aren’t completely caught off guard and subsequently get pissed off and ream me for confusing the crap out of you. And don’t stress too much, I know you’re all bright people and I don’t just switch willy-nilly within chapters either, but rather each of the other three main girls (Jillian, Kate, and Melissa) have their very own chapter told from their point of view. I’ve left out POV indicators in chapter titles, though, simply because I want to preserve a little sense of mystery for all of you. So, if you start a new chapter and find yourself thinking, “WTF? Did I just read that right?” chances are you’ve come to a chapter that isn’t being told in Camie’s voice. Additionally, with all of those chapters, the girl whose point of view that is being read is identified fairly quickly so you’re not guessing for too terribly long. Also, for those of you who pick up on voice easily, you guys will most likely realize right away that what you’re reading doesn’t “sound” like Camie.
 

So, that’s it! Although I’ve explained it here, I’ll still apologize in advance if anyone takes a stumble. I’m not sure why I decided to write the chapters this way, because I don’t do it like this in any of the other books I’ve written so far, but, I did with this one so that’s how you’re getting it. ;-) Again, thank you for your support and enthusiasm in regard to this series, and I hope what you’re about to read meets or exceeds your expectations!
 

~Jenn :-*

Prologue

I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s totally awesome when your parents truly like your boyfriend.

Especially
when you’re about two weeks away from being sixteen years old and your boyfriend is about a month and a half shy of being eighteen.

But, just how are you supposed to react when your father actually asks your almost adult boyfriend—who is hotter than the flames of hell by the way—to move in with you while he and your mom are going to be gone for a week? Oh, and gives his permission for you to have a party or two in their absence?