SYNOPSIS + SNEAK PEEK: Cougarette Goes West
Hey Readers - I am so excited to welcome you back into the world of CeeCee and Company. I feel honored and blessed to be writing this first draft of the sixth Cougarette story. It took me ten years of growth and lessons to document CeeCee’s next chapter, so I thank you for your patience.
If you are new to the series - welcome! You can click here to begin the e-book series before the new novel drops this fall (if you prefer paperbacks, please comment or email me at the addy below!). If you are a curious sort and still want to check out the synopsis and sneak peek below, go for it…but I highly suggest starting with Book One. Otherwise, spoilers are ahead, bookiebutt!
Now, for my readers who have been waiting for an update on Ms. CeeCee, wait no more…
SYNOPSIS
The Cougarette is back—and more fabulous (and fed up) than ever.
Semi-retired, semi-divorced, and staring down her fifty-fifth birthday, millionaire marketing mogul and bestselling author Cecelia ‘CeeCee’ Banks is overdue for an escape. Once the ‘Queen of Women’s Empowerment’ with her Cougarette self-help book series, CeeCee now finds herself fighting to keep her brand relevant in a world where Gen Z influencers can build million-dollar brands with a smartphone and a ring light. Beckoned by a family emergency, CeeCee and her best friend Laney head to Nevada for a birthday getaway in the most un-Vegas of places: Meadow Valley Living, the luxury retirement resort where CeeCee's playboy father Lionel resides.
Along the way, CeeCee finds herself drawn to Darius Maxwell, an introverted tech entrepreneur whose chill and intellect make it easy to forget all of her East Coast troubles. But, just as sparks begin to fly, CeeCee discovers Darius has an unexpected connection to the very industry threatening everything she's spent decades building.
Filled with laugh-out-loud moments, unexpected romance, heartfelt family connections, and the fearless spirit readers have loved about CeeCee from the very beginning, Cougarette Goes West proves that while age may be just a number, the biggest reinventions—in career, life, and love – can happen when you least expect them.
EXCERPT
CeeCee took an inhale as she opened the door.
The years had been good to Jay Weston. Once a young man filled to the brim with bravado when CeeCee met him at 25, Jay had settled into his late thirties with the same smooth coolness that had snagged her attention twelve years ago. He arrived in his typical weekend attire since moving lakeside from Manhattan: a crisp white tee paired with linen khakis. A thin herringbone necklace with a custom ‘B&J’ pendant hung from his neck, a Patek Philippe from his wrist - both solid gold, just like his credit.
CeeCee leaned against the door. “You didn’t have to come over.”
“Nah, you said you wanted to talk.” Jay closed the space between he and his future ex-wife, bending forward to place a lingering peck on her neck. Cee clicked the door shut as she watched Jay ease onto the couch. He patted the space next to him. “So let’s talk.”
CeeCee sat next to him, folding her legs underneath.
“So,” Jay started. “Tomorrow’s the big day.”
“I wouldn’t call it ‘big’. It’s a lot and, as we know, this isn’t my first time down Divorce Drive.” A quick memory of her acrimonious divorce from her first husband, Anthony, flashed through her mind. She reached for her Malbec before Jay took her hand.
“Stop,” Jay said softly. He rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb. “What’s this really all about, Cee?”
CeeCee slipped her hand from Jay’s and stood from the couch, pacing. “What if we go in there tomorrow and end up hating each other after it’s over with?”
Jay nodded, laying back. “You mean, like Desiree and Rick?”
“Exactly!”
Jay stood, placing his hands on CeeCee’s shoulders to halt her pacing. “Listen to me: we are not them. Rick is still my boy but he did Desi dirty. Our marriage, it just…” He shook his head, trying to find the words.
“...gave out.” CeeCee’s eyes welled as Jay pulled her into his arms. The two held each other, the familiar warmth they had harnessed within each other for over a decade still burning. The two rocked their bodies in tandem, as if this embrace would be the last they would ever experience.
“Are you really ready to say goodbye to this?” Jay asked into CeeCee’s curls. “To us?”
CeeCee sniffled, releasing Jay and lowering her eyes to the floor. “Jay, we weren’t happy. The girls deserve better and, yes, right now, they’re acting out but–”
“Of course they’re acting out, Cee!” Jay took CeeCee’s hands in his. “Bri and Jacey, this separation has upended their lives.”
“We needed the break–”
“And we had a break - an entire year!” Jay said, pulling CeeCee into him. “They need us - the two of us - together!” He moved his hands to CeeCee’s face, lifting her gaze to meet his. “Before we walk into that law firm tomorrow morning, we have to think about what this family needs.”
“Jay.” CeeCee whispered, shaking her head softly in his hands. “It’s over.”
Jay’s eyes drifted to her lips. “Is it?”
