Anything Could Happen

[In no way does this relate to my other story; this is just an idea I had about another HoA story.]

Yay, my first AU story! I wouldn't abandon my other story, but I have a good feeling about this.

Summary: After various failed attempts at writing an adventure novel, single mom and writer Nina Martin resorts to a long retreat. There, she meets an archaeologist that takes an interest in her, a scandalous heiress, a troubled couple, an aspiring fashion designer, an alien hunter, a doctor, a conceited football player, and a mysterious detective. Together, they discover an ancient mystery that seems to have everyone tangled in its' complicated web.

Chapter 1—House of Opportunities

Though smeared with coffee and peanut butter (Will's new favorite food of the month), Nina Martin handed in her manuscript to her publisher, Gwen Holbrook. Now, all she had to do was stand back and wait for Gwen's reply. Imagine her surprise when Gwen called back in less than a day, rejecting her latest idea for an adventure novel.

"Sorry, Nins; you know I love you, but you just can't write an adventure novel," Gwen sighed. Even though Nina couldn't see her, she could tell by her tone that Gwen was relaxing in her office garden, where she imported sand from the beaches of Saint-Tropez.

"What, why? You didn't like it?" Nina asked as she poured Will a glass of milk. "I thought it was creative!"

"Well, it is, but the protagonist is weak-minded. And the concept was, too. A search for a key that opened Pandora's Box? Come on! Where did she get the box?"

"It's stated pretty clear; from her deceased mother," Nina practically shouted, slamming Will's cup down with a bit more force than was needed. Milk quickly dripped down the cabinets and onto the floor. Nina groaned as her six year old son stifled his giggles. She put the phone on speakerphone as she cleaned up the spill.

"Nins, you are a fantastic writer. You have four bestsellers under your belt—" Gwen was interrupted, but she was expecting the dirty blonde's reply; she wanted to write an—

"Sure, I can write romance, but I want to write an adventure novel. I want to widen my horizon and not be known as the younger and female Nicholas Sparks," Nina repeated.

"Nina, you have a beautiful son and an even more beautiful penthouse in New York. What else do you need? Listen, the company isn't expecting another installment until summer, so you can go on vacation."

"Vacation?" Nina asked. The word sounded weird in her mouth; she had never taken a vacation in her life. She was too busy in life.

"Yeah; in fact, I know a retreat in the Hamptons. It's kid-friendly and very relaxing; hey, maybe you can leave the monster there and snag a boyfriend! Speaking of that, I got an angry call from Rick. You stood him up?!"

"It wasn't intentional! Will had a baseball game and got in a fight. I had to stay behind and talk to the annoying kid's mother. Geez, so much Botox these days!" Nina rolled her eyes.

"Nina, you need to stop worrying about everyone else and start worrying about yourself," Gwen sincerely stated. There was a loud shout and Gwen giggled. "Got to go; my, uh, lunch is here. And he's not wearing anything, but—"

"Gwen, you're on speakerphone and my son is in the room," Nina warned, taking her off of speakerphone. Will was now staring at her, a curious look on his face.

"Who cares?! Will, he isn't wearing anything! Bye!" Gwen shouted, abruptly hanging up.

Nina shook her head, but she was smiling. Gwen and Will had this odd relationship: Gwen hated Will for putting gum in her hair and Will hated her for taking away his mommy. Though it was slightly sad on Will's behalf, it didn't keep Nina from laughing at Gwen's pettiness.

"Mommy, I'm going to take a nap." Will yawned as he got up from the table, forgetting his freshly poured glass of milk.

Nina laughed. "Don't you want your milk?"

"Milk is overrated; apple juice is the stuff, now," Will replied as he walked to his room, his curly dark hair flopping everywhere.

He was looking more like his father every day, Nina thought as she wistfully stared after him. Though he had her green eyes, he inherited his father's curls, dark hair, pale skin, tall stature, and freckles.

Rob Harp was nice for the four years they dated and for the two years that they were married. She actually thought he was the one. But he turned abusive and stayed out late. She tried to leave, but he threatened Nina. It was like a nonstop cycle.

He wanted a kid, but didn't want to physically 'do it' with Nina, so he was a donor. She was pregnant, but wasn't happy. She devised a plan to get out of the relationship. She filmed him hurting her and filed a restraining order and divorce. Rob was arrested, but was bailed out by his family. His family supported him, calling Nina the monster in their relationship. Whether they knew that he was a drunk and abusive man was unclear. But Nina divorced his ass and got full custody of her son. He didn't even fight for his son. Rob just simply moved on and married another unsuspecting woman.

Maybe that was the reason why Nina only wrote romance novels. Since she was so deprived of her own romance, she could live through the emotions of the characters she created.

Sure, she went on a few dates, but she couldn't feel it—love. Maybe it's because she had never felt love, but when you're with the right person, you should finally be able to describe love. And Nina hadn't found the right person yet.

Nina was snapped out of her thoughts when her computer pinged; it was an e-mail from Gwen.

I already booked a cabin for you and Will. You leave tomorrow; trust me, Nins. I think you're going to find something there. Whether it's a boyfriend or an adventure novel concept; I don't know! But enjoy your time there. Oh, and I did withdraw the down payment on the cabin from your account…sorry! The company will only pay for your rental car, dinner, and other shit! Good luck!

-Gwen

P.S. I might have to join you if my newest boyfriend is found guilty of murder. Love ya!

Nina didn't know if she should slap, hug, or worry for her friend. Instead, Nina sighed and started to pack.

Fabian Rutter had tons of free time. Since there was only one season when he could do his field of work, he often spent time in cafes and libraries. But he didn't expect his company to give him an extended vacation; especially one that extended into work season.

"But, sir," Fabian said, staring at his boss. "Season starts in a few weeks and you want me to take a three month vacation in the Hamptons?"

His boss, Gerald, uncomfortably loosened his tie. "Fabian, the company really likes you, but…we think you should take a break. Let rookies and newbies get a try at finding treasure."

"But it's doubtful that they'll find treasure; you'll just be wasting your money. It takes years of research and training," Fabian argued; he could feel a migraine coming on.

"Well, not everyone had a famous explorer and archaeologist as their father. Not everyone is as skilled as you; everyone has to learn somehow." Then, Gerald's tone softened a bit. "I know you're trying to fulfill your father's legacy, but you are only wearing yourself out. By going on this retreat, you will be far away from this stressful job. Besides," Gerald chuckled, "I've told the librarians at the retreat to not let you stay in the library for more than an hour."

"I understand your concern, Gerald, but—"

"No buts," Gerald shouted. He reddened when he noticed his context of words. He lowered his voice. "You leave tomorrow; I would get packing. And cancel that date with Quinn."

"Uh," Fabian stammered. "I actually canceled…yesterday," He said, embarrassed he canceled on his boss's daughter.

Gerald sighed, "Oh, it is okay. She probably wouldn't show up for it, anyways."

Patricia Williamson-Sweet had an okay life. She had an okay job, an okay house, and an okay husband. After having four miscarriages, their marriage had simply dwindled. She missed nights of amazing and exciting sex, going to Sick Puppies concerts, prank-calling each other at work, and simply being in each other's arms. But life just had to come and kick them in the ass.

It wasn't like it was a loveless marriage, but something was missing. Imagine her surprise when her own mother and father "suddenly" couldn't make it to a lovely vacation retreat; instead, they gave their daughter and son-in-law three months away from work and the city. Her mother even noted that lack of stress and pressure could help her get pregnant.

She just hoped that everything would return to the way it was before.

Should I continue? I have about a 1/3 of the next chapter written up; if enough people like it, I'll post it. If not, I'll delete the story.

-Morgan, xoxo