Graceful, emotionally aware, and uses dance to express what words often can’t. A Pisces at heart, she’s intuitive and creative, but beneath her poise lies regret from years spent living someone else’s dreams. Raised in Atlanta by a dancer mother and a football coach father, Alice is torn between her discipline and artistic freedom. She studied dance theater in college, but she set aside her goals to support her then-boyfriends Derick’s football career. Now, with their marriage ending, she’s comes back home to Atlanta, teaching as a Dance Theater Professor and searching for the identity she once put on hold. Questioning if it’s too late for her dream and if Miles may offer closure, and a chance at something new.

Both introverted and extroverted. Miles is thoughtful and observant, and charming. Some may see him as a ladies man, but he only does it to fill the void left by Alice. He is deeply introspective and struggles with expressing his emotions. A younger Miles channeled his anxiety using his pen, but as a man, he's more forward. He’s on a journey of growth—emotionally, spiritually, and romantically. His debut book unexpectedly lays bare his lingering love for Alice, and now, with the spotlight on him, he’s forced to face both the woman who inspired it and the public watching. What started as a quiet ache has become a bold desire to prove he’s changed. But will Alice believe in the man he’s become or walk away again.

Alice's best friend and college sorority sister. Smart, tough, funny, and a little ghetto. Has a no-nonsense attitude but a reliable friend and confidant. Fiercely protective of Alice, she sees the future that Alice wants for herself (similar to her own) and is committed to helping her get over this divorce in pieces. While she enjoys a good party and smokes weed to unwind (especially with her more shifty clients) , A solo lawyer focused on building her career while still hoping for the right kind of love. Smokes to unwind, especially after dealing with difficult clients. Stayed in town after college to help the community while Alice moved away. Now that Alice is back, Mecca’s here to remind her who she is and what she deserves.

A ladies man. Loves a good party and enjoys the attention. At first he wanted to be in the NFL, but was dropped from the league which lead to depression. Derick is actually insecure and afraid to be alone. His marriage to Alice, his college sweetheart, looked picture-perfect, but the spotlight and his spiraling career turned it toxic. Now, he’s clinging to his ego, unsure of what’s next, but certain he’s lost something real.

Cocky, smooth-talking manager who exudes charisma and swagger, confident in his ability to talk his way into any room and any woman’s heart. From the same HBCU that Miles and Mecca attended, Rome sees himself as the person who connects art to industry. He’s got the grind, game, and the gift of gab, but his ambition hides a deeper insecurity about being left behind. Fiercely loyal to Miles, and isn’t afraid to call him out. He often uses humor and flirtation as a defense mechanism, especially around Mecca, whom he’s had a long-standing crush on. Rome may clown around, but he’s smarter and more introspective than people give him credit for.

Charles is a traditional Black father who often mistakes control for care. He loves deeply but expresses it through expectations and discipline rather than affection. A respected judge with strong community roots, he’s prideful of his accomplishments and legacy. After losing his wife young, Charles focused on raising Alice with structure and purpose—pushing her toward law and stability. When she chose a different path, especially by marrying Derick, it fractured their bond. Years later, as Alice returns home, old tensions resurface—but beneath his tough exterior, Charles wants nothing more than to see his daughter happy.

Aunt Charlotte is a quiet storm—soft-spoken, steady, and the heart of the Lewis family. Warm and nurturing, she’s the maternal figure Alice has leaned on for years. Deeply loyal, Charlotte always chooses what’s right, even when it’s hard. When Alice became pregnant, Charlotte stepped in without hesitation, raising Brian as her own to protect Alice’s future. Though she’s never had children herself, her love runs deep, and her presence is grounding. A close friend to Alice’s late mother, Charlotte made a promise to care for Charles and Alice—and she’s kept that promise with unwavering grace. Must be local hire to Atlanta.

Ruby is cold, polished, and status-driven. Always composed, she values image above all and makes it clear Alice is not her child. Not overtly cruel—just consistently condescending. As Charles’ younger, sharp-tongued second wife, Ruby married him shortly after his first wife’s passing and quickly stepped into the role of housewife and social partner to a respected Atlanta judge. She keeps the family's reputation pristine but shows little patience for what she sees as Alice’s defiance. Her love for Charles is genuine, but her quiet resentment toward Alice is never far beneath the surface. Must be a local hire to Atlanta.

The kind who never forgets a grudge. Once overlooked by Miles in college, she’s since polished her looks, sharpened her tongue, and learned to weaponize her presence. Lisa is beautiful, bold, and just a bit bitter, using seduction and intellect in equal measure as she did when she was a younger woman. Running into Miles at the reunion (10 years later) with one thing on her mind, reclaiming power over a man who never chose her. What begins as flirtation quickly turns into chaos when her buried resentment collides with Alice’s long-standing connection to Miles. Lisa is a true bitter ex, part wounded woman. She doesn’t mind burning bridges if it means stealing the spotlight and what better spotlight than the one that Miles creates for her. Underneath it all, she’s still that girl from college who just wanted to be seen, but now she plays dirty to get attention. Must be a local hire to Atlanta.

Dean Brown carries quiet authority earned through decades of dedication. She doesn’t have to raise her voice—her presence alone commands attention. Beneath her polished exterior is someone who deeply cares about her students, staff, and the legacy of her alma mater. She’s the type to pull someone aside and offer real talk and support, even if it’s not what they want to hear. With her Southern grace comes a sharp tongue and just the right amount of sass. Known for her dry wit and occasional side-eye, she handles pressure with poise and people with tact. Raised in a close-knit Southern community by two educator parents, Dean Brown learned the value of discipline and compassion early. As a Black woman in academia—especially at an HBCU—she’s fought for every ounce of respect she’s earned, and she uses her platform to uplift the next generation. Must work as a local hire to Atlanta.

A young publicist and the distant love interest to Miles. While their relationship is mostly physical, she longs for something more with him; something deeper that Miles can't give her at this time. This professional turned romantic relationship, while passionate, is frustrating a young Shelby who knows she deserves better, but can't bring herself to leave this one sided relationship just yet. Shelby is stunningly beautiful, but her looks can't win over Miles' heart no matter how much time and energy she invests into him. She knows that heartbreak is on the horizon, but she’s still a bit in denial. Must work as a local hire to Atlanta.

Smooth talking, well-dressed sports agent. Mac has been in the industry long enough to see through the BS, building winning strategies for his football clients both young and old. While he waits for his GM position on a major team, he continues to help players like Derick exit the NFL with their dignity intact and their financial futures secured. With his confident disposition, street smarts, and winning smile; he was able to rise to the top of his agency unscathed and wealthy. Must work as a local hire to Atlanta.

Co-host of the "Live From The Yard" syndicated podcast show with Damon. Recent grad from Hunter College and cover gossip, sports, dating, and everything in between on the local radio station and online. The two have a bright future in journalism and keep their ear to the streets, making this show a perfect platform for Miles to talk about the book during homecoming week attracting a younger crowd at Hunter who listens in every week. Must work as a local hire to Atlanta.

Co-host of the "Live From The Yard" syndicated podcast show with Trina. Recent grads from Hunter College and cover gossip, sports, dating, and everything in between on the local radio station and online. The two have a bright future in journalism and keep their ear to the streets, making this show a perfect platform for Miles to talk about the book during homecoming week attracting a younger crowd at Hunter who listens in every week. Must work as a local hire to Atlanta.

A sharp, aggressive, and sassy news reporter who knows how to find a story and stick with it. While she is a lead reporter at a scrappier, more conservative news station; this reporter hears about the Derrick Lewis story and jumps at the chance to get an exclusive from Alice. Must work as a local hire to Atlanta

A messy school newspaper journalist who is looking for the next big story. Must work as a local hire to Atlanta.

An artsy reader type of guy that is still a bit urban, but reads books by Bell Hooks on the weekend. Has a small podcasts and some sponsorships. Must work as a local hire to Atlanta

Giving "rich aunty era," thriving in her own personal growth and self-love journey. She’s a plus-size woman who enjoys Black romance novels and has recently become aware of Miles Miller’s collection of stories. Must work as a local hire to Atlanta.