Leaving romantic wreckage behind him, Nick Charles and his best friend Barb Anderson use Nick's sizable inheritance to fly to one of the most exciting places in the world-New York City-with plans to open their own theater. In doing so, they meet Ross Taylor, the handsome real estate man and actor, and Rudy his construction-worker cousin. Ross is determined to heal Nick's fragile heart, while shy Rudy and oblivious Barb stumble toward their own connection. Will Rosie Dupree, a rigid method actress, and talented but devious Gordon Holmes destroy their theater dreams? Was choosing the original piece, Starting Over, by an unpublished young playwright the best move for opening night? Will the invited critic show up? Amid the frantic and colorful world of the New York City theater scene, Nick and Barb must open their hearts and risk everything for their endeavors to succeed-both on the stage and behind the scenes. States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.