Nick Riggs, a principal character in my book PIG PARTS, is a freshman at the University of Texas, a large, outgoing, good-looking young man, a varsity swimmer majoring in pre-law. He’s attracted to Bess from the get-go and pursues her, ensuring they end up partners in Biology Lab where they dissect a fetal pig. He grew up in the industrial northeast, a cheerful, confident, ambitious young man. Although he’s a year younger than Bess, he enjoys familial resources and enhanced opportunities and has gained a depth of experience in the world greater than our small-town girl.
He was a delight to write about.
Bess is attracted to him. The more she learns about him, the more she likes him, however she realizes too late that their relationship comes with unusual risk for him owing to her father’s notoriety. She agonizes over giving Nick up, postponing the breakup as long as she dares. It’s a terrible burden for her to reject him, and she suffers bitterly. Her little sister Jessie, too, is crazy about Nick and has a hard time forgiving Bess.
In the second book, it becomes apparent that Nick is not done with Bess.
I think most readers will really enjoy getting to know Nick. It’s my sincere hope that one day you get the opportunity.