Oh Lord, I don't know If I can read the next chapter.   Why do people think there is only one type fora person.  Lori needs to get a grip

It was very good. Enjoyed it. Her mother reminds me of my mother. You know I can relate so much to this story. Because I have issues with my weight. And I feel like sometimes I'm not worthy of a handsome guy or any guy. Its very hard for me to take a compliment from someone because I feel like I don't deserve it. They always say your so pretty gel! And it's hard because I don't see it. But I've gotten better with excepting myself. I put on facebook that I may not be a perfect 10. I can only be me. I've come to love myself. I would hate to even look at myself in the mirror. But now I can look in the mirror and smile because I've learned to love myself regardless if I'm not a perfect 10 or size 8. I'm 28 years old and I have been dealing with this problem my whole life. I thank you for writing this story. Because we really do deal with these issues. And I can't wait for the next chapter!!! I look on here everyday for you next chapter :)).

First, yay for an update! Second, Val is absolutely right. Her attitude with genesis in her insecurities has been and is her biggest problem. I will say, this story is a study in nature v. nurture. Her parents had a lot to do with her attitude toward herself and others. It's like their view of the world permeated to create a sense of mistrust and negativity that bled into their children. It's sad. I feel as though Valerie was the easiest of their children to mold, to manipulate into perfection. Honestly not uncommon for well upper middle class and beyond blacks. There's a tendency to inoculate oneself in a never ending cycle of approvement. Valerie is trying to escape that cycle, hopefully she will.
I relate to Valerie because I was overweight. I did not have surgery but it is very easy to slip into a spiral. Once the weight is gone, what's left to hide you from the world? This is a journey for her.

Now this pains me to say, I dont want to admit this
but Val's mother has a point. Henry is a good guy. He is attractive, warm, funny, a hard worker. He is also aloof, nomadic, and a commitment phone. The source sucks but there is a valid point in there. Henry needs to settle down. If he wants Val he is going to have to show her. Not via sex. Not via flirtatious actions or in over the top ways. Hes going
have to show her by being there. Being settled. I dont know, committing to her? Women like Valerie crave stability and commitment. I know, I'm one. We like the wild bad boys, most will never date them but
when we do it is because they are different. They bring us out of ourselves. Yet we want them to commit and most are not there yet. Val's mom is neurotic, image obsessed, and cold but she has a point.

I really love the authenticity you bring. I'm not supposed to admit this but Harry Styles is hot and I can imagine Henry as Harry at 28. I really enjoy you
updates and I hope you feel encouraged to just leap. Into this.

One aside, I would love to see more with Val's family. I would like to see the uneven element of Henry with her family. The racial dynamic which I'm certain is at play. You are so good at being in depth, tthat's something I would love to see you explore. Also is there a chance for a Henry one off?

Thank you! Be blessed

Oh she needs to really go to intensive the two and possiblly limit her contact with her parents if she is ever going to get better. I am worried about Henry's model loving butt though, hie seemed awe struck with Rhea which makes me nervous some habits are hard to break.

Her mother is a pain and it seems that developed some backbone. Don't like her parents!!  Pat is a bitch I wonder what she will overyear them saying about her the bathroom?   With Ben and Lori going about  Val-Heroine Rhea and Pat should have gotten the hint. But Pat is  evil and should be runnetbh over by a truck!! Just saying..,

I can't get into the story.  It's telling registered readers only

Where do I begin.....

First...I want to say that I am in looooovvvveeee with this story...Henry and Valerie are real people...I feel like I met them somewhere and connected with them on some level. I love that he doesnt bullshit her.

Second...My husband thinks something is wrong with me because I cant tell you how many times I talk about Valerie...I cry for her, I understand her, I love her but most importantly, I know her. Her insecurities remind me of myself. My weight issues were the opposite. I was always thin my whole life and felt ugly because of it. Never looking in the mirror of taking my clothes off. My husband was the Henry that saved me. 

Third...Girl, I need another fix...Please update soon

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Really nice. Great update.

She is solely allowing him to tear down the walls she has built up over her heart.

Nice

Henry sometimes seems too perfect.  I feel like he has a huge secret, even more than sleeping with the married woman.  I feel like he has dated gorgeous, shallow girls that he knows won't care to a degree and Val is obviously someone who care a great deal.  She is really the antithesis of his recent relationships.  Every time they are out, I notice he always asks her if she is okay with his lifestyle and taking pics etc with fans.  Is ther a specific reason for this?  Things that make me go hmmm.  But overall if they don't get a HEA because I have never seen two people who complement each so well as them. And can I just say, LAWD can I have a Henry?  Do you have a website that we can place an order.  C'mon now, I'm serious. ;)

Very good!  Henry is hiding a secret and I bet that is why he wanders--it is not just the job.  I think Henry is starting to care, but something happen to him or someone he loved and that is why he can be friendly, loving, and warm, but can not comitt.  He is bringing her out, but he is hdiing something.

First, I don't find Valerie annoying. She is real. Something lacking from most of the main female characters in IR fiction. She is an insecure woman with a host of issues going back to her childhood. A man is not going to magically erase all of that, nor would having weight loss surgery. Henry can be with her, he can love her, take care of her, but VALERIE will have to do this on her own. I appreciate your staying true to the character. Character driven storylines are tricky, most authors fail because they lose the narative, the voice of their creation.

Second, I really admire that you take time between updates, which means you are taking the time to tell your story. You can see every thought in the words. As a reader, I would love to see frequent updates, but I prefer quality over quantity.

I really enjoy the direction of this story. Thank you for sharing.