Pepper writes stories that span the gamut from humorous to heartfelt, however the common theme is crossing boundaries. Pepper's unique stories often tackle taboo topics such as mental illness and homelessness. Readers will find themselves questioning their own sense of right and wrong, attraction and desire.
In addition to writing, the author is also an artist, an introverted recluse, a self proclaimed empath and a foodie. Pepper Pace can be contacted at: 
pepperpace.author@yahoo.com

Hayden Michaels had given six years of her life to MyKell before he informed her that things hadn’t been right for a while. He had met someone else. And that’s when she opened her eyes and saw the mess that she was; financially, emotionally and physically. Never able to maintain the discipline to carry through with any weight loss goal, Hayden makes a bold decision. She will throwaway an entire year of her life; moving towards her goals with no thought of pleasure or pain. 

As she recreates herself Hayden meets situations and people that help her to realize her worth, namely a man who has been written off by society. But the question becomes whether Hayden can accept the faults of someone else without allowing herself to go backwards?

The Throwaway Year

Her back suddenly stiffened and she looked like she was about to hyperventilate.  He clutched her arms firmly then, but not painfully.


"No!  I'm not HIV positive and I don't have any STDs.  I get tested twice a year."


"You've shared needles?" she asked in a weak voice.  What was wrong with her?  Why hadn't she realized this?  All she'd considered was her inability to get pregnant, but she had never even bothered to ask about his health before taking this step.


"Hayden, listen to me.  I'm clean.  I don't have anything.  But you and I have to be careful.  I want to be inside of you as often as possible; but not without protection.  Not until I'm satisfied that there is not going to be anything… to worry about."


He stared at her, searching her face for her acceptance or rejection. 


After a moment her racing heartbeat slowed.  "Brian, I understand.  You're clean.  You don't have anything… but you could have."


He nodded, seeming relieved that she understood what bothered him.


Chapter 36: Trust