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Beauty of Man and Woman – Episode 23

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Written by Mercedes Keyes
Interracial drama series
Overall rating R

Shawn & Sylvia - Bomaw

Chapter 67

 

Shawn and Sylvia sat in the courthouse police station through an interview by detective Meridoc. It was Thursday – they were both on the edge, they had so much to do and get ready with little time for this, so naturally it prompted Shawn into asking, "How long is this going to take? We have a really busy day ahead of us. We have friends and family coming for our wedding tomorrow and this is inconvenient. Why couldn't it wait until next week?" They'd dropped Angela off at school and had come straight to the courthouse. Shawn was meeting Shanna in town to get the ball rolling on helping her with the down payment on a doublewide mobile home. He and Mundo had gone and made the purchase of the lot next to his property the day before. Now Shawn held the land deed for it, and they needed to get it cleared, the sewerage drains put in and connected to the city drains, thankfully they were just within the city limits not to have to worry about digging a well and septic tanks.

The property had already been lived on previously, and all the lines and pipes just needed clearing and running to match up to her mobile home… which she was looking over now. So Shawn was anxious to get going.

"Next week might hold other surprises for us, we need to gather as much information as we can this week. So – the sooner we get started, the quicker we can let you go, unless of course we think of another reason we may need to question you. Let's start with you Ms. Payne… how long have you known Ray Olivetti?"

"I didn't know him, and if I remember correctly, these questions were asked of me then… the night of the attack."

"That was another day, another officer. So you didn't know him previous to the night of the attack?"

"No… I didn't. The first time I saw him, was outside of Maggie's store, very few words were exchanged, I got into my vehicle and was escorted home by officer Royce Collier." Sylvia answered, sitting next to Shawn on the wooden bench, his arms stretched across the bench behind her, his body turned inward toward her, watchful and protective.

"Very few words? Such as?"

"I don't remember." She returned exasperated.

"Can you try?"

"What does his few words to me, have to do with his dying? I didn't kill'im!"

"Well that's nice to know, now… kind'ah sort'ah… what did he say?" The detective persisted.

"Something referring to my name, he asked me could he call me Sylvia – I think… something like that."

"And your reply was?"

"I was too scared to reply, I found him threatening. It was at night, I was alone, there were three of them and he was approaching my car, I was too afraid to speak at the time."

"What exactly was it that made you afraid?"

"Are you listening? Are you paying attention?" Shawn asked irritated. Hearing what she'd gone through while he was gone was stirring his anger, and then to have this man ask her asinine questions where the answer was obvious was too much.

"Perhaps this interview would be better conducted separate. By yourselves?" The detective suggested.

"You will either interview us together as we sit here before you, or you get no interview at all. We've committed no crime, nor are we suspects and you don't intimidate me, not one bit. My advice to you is to get on with it."

The two men stared at each other for a moment, while Sylvia was getting the hang of just leaving it to Shawn. She couldn't control him, she couldn't make him act one way or another in any given situation, so she learned to just sit back and let it be, to see how it would play out.

"Yes well… my questions are necessary, so I'd appreciate it if you would let me ask them."

Shawn said not another word, but the look on his face did not make it any easier on the detective. "Now, Ms. Payne… why were you afraid?"

"Because just moments before that, in the store, the woman Sherry, made reference to me being a nigger-…"

"You never told me that! She called you that?" Shawn demanded.

"Shawn! Let me finish."

"Yes… let her finish please." The detective blurted backing her.

Sylvia sighed, "…anyway, being a black woman, a minority in a majority white town, at night, and then being faced with her once again on the outside of the store, now accompanied by two white males, I was afraid… they scared me, I'm not gonna lie."

Shawn was leaning forward with his elbows on his knees leaving her to talk, wishing he'd broken Ray Olivetti's neck. With his hands clasped before him, he let the detective finish questioning Sylvia… and now… more than ever… he was getting the gun. The detective was ready to turn his questions to Shawn now.

"Now… Mr. McPherson, when was the first time you'd met Ray Olivetti?"

"The night of the attack on my fiancée."

"So you'd never met him before then?"

"No."

"Can you explain how is it that he knew you?"

"What?"

"Yes… he knew you. Once we located his residence, we found your name, number and address among his things. Pictures of you as well, how do you explain that?"

Shawn sat upright and stared at the detective, and finally said, "I haven't a clue as to why he would have any knowledge of me."

"Well, we've run a check on him, we've traced him having lived here in Wisconsin only weeks before the attack. Previous to that, he was a resident of California, L.A. And you sir, Mr. McPherson… come from L.A. as well… is that not so?"

"Yes, that's so… I imagine I'm not the only person from L.A. that has relocated for whatever reasons to Wisconsin."

"Fair enough, but don't you find it just a bit of a coincidence that he would be from there, knows of you, if… he does not know you personally… and then, he attacks your fiancée – I find that a bit too close in circumstances not to follow up on."

Shawn sat back with his mind spinning, thinking, trying to figure out what was going on, he too found that too much of a coincidence.

"Well… have you nothing to say?"

"No I don't. I never knew of his existence before this. Why he had information on me, who knows – but I didn't kill'im. I wanted to, but I didn't. I've had no contact with him again since."

"Do you think he might have been following you for some reason Mr. McPherson?"

"Who knows."

"Can you think of any reason why he may have been after you? Have you perhaps, done anything to anyone in L.A. – is there any reason why anyone would wish to have someone follow you perhaps? Mr. Olivetti had a very… how shall I say it… unscrupulous background."

Shawn crossed his arms over his chest, staring at the detective. Only person that may have sent Ray Olivetti to follow him was one of the Wherrington's. Question is, which one? Oscar T. or Georgiana? And if so, why? He decided it was time for him to make a trip to L.A. to see what the hell they were up to. He and Deidre were divorced, end of story… so what was Ray about? If – that is, they were indeed guilty of sending him.

"Have you no answer Mr. McPherson."

"No answer."

"How long did you live in L.A.?"

"Too long."

"How long would that be?"

"Up until last year."

"From when?"

"From the time I was eighteen."

"And you are what now?"

"Forty-two, will be forty-three this fall."

"Why did you leave L.A.?"

"No reason to stay."

"From nineteen to forty-two, that's a long time. We're talking, what – twenty-three years? Then just suddenly, no reason to stay anymore after twenty-three." The detective fished looking Shawn in the eyes.

"That's about right… bet you got B's in math." Shawn returned.

"Shawn!" Sylvia gasped.

Shawn smiled at the detective, whom gave a tolerant expression. Sylvia was looking from the detective to Shawn, and could see, that Shawn was being deliberately difficult with details. She turned back to the detective and filled him in on what Shawn should be saying. "It might help you to know, that Wisconsin is my fiancé's home. His family is here, in Wisconsin, simply put – he thought it was time to come home."

"I see and ummm, when did you two meet? Are you from California as well?"

"No… never been there." Sylvia answered as Shawn glanced at her, he knew she was probably getting irritated at him for being difficult, but he didn't see the point of insisting they come in anyway. However, still on his mind was, why – why did Ray Olivetti have information on him, and why had he attacked Sylvia? The more thought Shawn gave it, the angrier he grew, wondering if one of the Wherrington's did have something to do with it, and if they did… had they set out to hurt Sylvia? God help either of them if they did anything to interfere with her or his family.

"So you met… when, how?" Meridoc turned back to Shawn to question.

"We live across the road from each other, only two on the road, neighbors meet all the time. Just so happen, I like my neighbor, she likes me. Simple as that."

"Emmm, I take it you like her a lot?" Meridoc furthered.

"Put a ring on her finger."

"I see, you a violent man Mr. McPherson?"

"Can be – if provoked."

"What is your personal feelings toward taking revenge?"

"I didn't kill Ray Olivetti, felt like it… but I didn't. As I stated, I hadn't spoken with him, nor had I seen him again from the moment they wheeled him away. Obviously, Ray has more enemies than myself. Might I suggest you find out who they are… bring them in for questioning. How did he die, by the way?"

"That is not yet confirmed, his body is still being examined by the coroner, autopsy is not yet complete."

"Well, we've told you all we know… as we've said, we have a busy day… can we go now?"

"Emmm, yeah… should I need to question you any further Mr. McPherson, I know where to reach you. Not moving again are you?"

"Not anytime soon."

"Glad to hear it… and um, congratulations on your up and coming marriage."

 

From the courthouse, Sylvia and Shawn met with Shanna. When they pulled into the lot where all the mobile homes were on display, she had a huge smile on her face, she'd found the one she wanted. Leading them to it where Gert was still looking around inside. When they stepped up and inside Sylvia was impressed, "Oh my goodness Shanna, this is absolutely stunning. You go girl! Look at the space in this place! You know I've never looked in one before. I had no idea they were so well done and the spaciousness is surprising."

"I know… everything is brand spanking new… modern, look at this kitchen!" She went and posed by the sink with a gleaming smile, copying one of Vanna White's poses as if presenting a prize on Wheel Of Fortune.

"I love it Shanna, nice size living room, does the furniture come with it?"

"Yep… you order what you want, and they put it in before they put it together upon delivery and then anchor it."

"Wow… what do you think Shawn?" Sylvia asked.

"Its nice, as long as you like it Shanna, that's all that counts."

"You gonna mount it for her, or you hiring someone?" Gert asked coming from the back room.

"We'll see. It would be cheaper if Derrick and Jake helped me out with it… I'll have to talk to them." Shawn stated. All three women looked at each other when he mentioned Jake. Shanna feeling a nervous giddiness invited them to, "Come look at the bedrooms, there are three of them, and there's two bathrooms and a laundry room, and a little office room with internet line connections already in place above this desk that's also built in ready for a computer. I love it, the arrangement, the color scheme, the carpeting, I have no complaints at all. In the master bed, I even have a Jacuzzi bath. I can easily say… this is home for me."

"Good enough then." Shawn responded heading his own way to get a closer look at the place. Sylvia followed Shanna and her mom into the large bedroom and whispered to Gert, "Have you talked to Jake yet?"

"No… I've been trying for two days, he was supposed to be back from wherever he went yesterday. Haven't seen him yet. Don't worry about it, everything will be fine, first chance I get, I'll be talking to him." She whispered to Sylvia, they heard Shawn coming and all three started ooouing and aaawing at one thing or another, doing what women do. Complimenting how this was designed, or that was made, switching immediately to ideas for the bed and breakfast since Shanna would be helping Sylvia with the decorating and design.

"Okay ladies… that's enough – you can talk decorating later – let's get the papers signed and the money down, time is ticking over." Shawn hinted like a Mack truck, making all three turn and narrow their eyes at him. "We know!" They reminded him at the same time. He was already moving towards the door and going out of it, waiting to hand Sylvia down the narrow wrought iron, temporary steps. His mom and then Shanna were last, "Shawn… you think you and Derrick can build me a deck? I want a really nice one, I can pay for that right away."

"Sure, whatever you want… just let us know." He responded walking with her to the office so they could make the purchase.

From there, they drove to the hall that was booked for their reception, Shanna was able to get the keys so they could start decorating it. Gert reminded them of the time, that they were to meet with the minister of the church, Sylvia and Shawn left right away to do so. He sat them down and counselled them on the fact that their relationship was a bit young, not yet a year old, were they certain they were ready for marrying so soon.

"We couldn't be more certain or ready, we're not that young and new to this. We both know what we want, and we wish to marry." Shawn informed him.

Reverend Hamilton looked from Shawn to Sylvia. She was quiet, with a tolerant, and polite smile about her. "Do you feel the same?" He asked.

Sylvia took a deep breath, hesitated a moment too long for the reverend and Shawn, but answered, "Yes… we're ready… although, a longer courtship would have been nice, but… we love each other." The reverend stared at her a moment, as Shawn's eyes searched her as well. "I see, and so… why didn't you two go for a longer courtship?" The reverend asked.

"We can spend that time getting to know one another as husband and wife." Shawn answered quickly.

"Yes… I'm sure – we can… we will." Sylvia agreed, yet… her stomach did a series of flip flops, making her heart pound just a bit rough.

The reverend leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest staring at Sylvia.

"Hmmm, I'm having a few reservations here. I'll tell you why… you're not – giddy – excited – nor are you leaning into your fiancé with a kind of devoted and sure look I like to see in a bride to be."

"Well certainly not all brides that you marry are that way?" Sylvia asked, choosing then to lean closer to Shawn, the move didn't escape the reverend nor Shawn.

"No… of course not. But… the divorce rate is high. Real high. You both need to be determined to be devoted to each. You both need to feel nothing is more important than the person you're about to commit yourself to. You both need to marry with the thought of divorce, no where in the midst of being a possible out – if it doesn't work. Last year, I made a promise to myself and to our heavenly father… that I would not again marry a couple that gave me feelings of doubt."

His words were like a shock to Shawn's system, he was feeling suddenly nervous and worried, that old sensation of insecurity suddenly resurfaced. "There is no reason to doubt us." He interjected to smother the feeling.

"I don't doubt you young man. I can see your eagerness and enthusiasm. It's you I'm worried about." The reverend spoke honestly to Sylvia.

She gulped realizing she was exposing fears that could jeopardize all of their plans – she felt a need to explain herself. "Look… I'm just nervous. I was previously married for quite a few years, to the wrong man. It was a long, gruelling, stressful experience. I love Shawn, but I'm not going to lie to you, or to him… I have moments… when I'm scared. Men are…" She started, then stopped – trying to gather her thoughts. She knew what she felt, what she feared, and that she loved Shawn… but the day was upon them, and her stomach was a mess, and the longer she took to express herself, the more emotional she was feeling.

"Men are… what?" The clergyman asked gently.

"Well… they can be… dangerous, unpredictable… scary… if… you don't know what you're getting into."

"Sylvia? Are you saying you're afraid of me? You know me." Shawn addressed her uneasy.

"I know Shawn… don't misunderstand me, I'm just saying, that… I'm nervous… I feel that marriage is and should be a permanent institution. I felt that way the first time, and recently I learned, my thinking was all messed up and its harsh to realize after all this time, that I should not have stayed in that marriage. Here I am … again… about to marry."

"I'm not Armundo, Sylvia."

"No… I know you're not… but-…"

"You know what I see… that the two of you may need more time. Certainly more time needs to be given for her to gain more confidence in what you two share. To gain more confidence in you. Are you aware of her fears?" Reverend Hamilton stated gently.

"Of course I am! I would never hurt her, she knows that. Sylvia… surely you know me? Where is this coming from?" Shawn asked feeling shaky.

"Look… I'm sorry… this is turning out all wrong. I only meant to express the way I sometimes feel and sometimes fear, I can't help it when I get just a bit fearful."

"Not of me… you know there is no reason for you to ever fear me."

"I know Shawn." Sylvia felt her innards twisting, she knew she was causing him worry, but she was only saying what she felt. Yet, at the same time that she felt nervous tension building within her as the day drew near, she wanted to marry him just as bad as she was afraid to. She was divided. Half of her, the adventurous brave half, was eager and in love with him, but the other half, in love with him yes, however… that side was more cautious, telling her to slow it down. That side kept reminding her of how Armundo had been before they married, and once the vows were said… in the blink of an eye – he was totally different. She had seen enough of Shawn's temper to know, that if he ever grew angry enough to hit her, she would be hurt and hurt bad. All the time this day was coming towards her, she ignored the speed and realization that once the invitations went out, and people started looking forward to their wedding she would be under obligation to go through with it. To do otherwise would humiliate Shawn… and there was no doubt that she loved him too much to put him through that. She needed to overcome this sensation, brace herself up and go through with it. Once it was over, everything would be fine and she would have stressed for nothing.

Taking a deep breath, she looked at the reverend, in the eyes, "I want this. We love each other, and there is no need to wait. Pre-wedding jitters are normal, are they not?"

The reverend smiled and nodded, "Yes they are. But – I have a feeling here – and because of that feeling, I'm going to have to refuse to marry you."

Those words were like a firecracker going off in a library.

"What?" Shawn asked.

"I can't marry you. Both of you need to be one hundred percent sure – she needs more reassurance time-…"

"I am one hundred percent – really I am." Sylvia's heart was racing madly in her chest, her ears were ringing, she couldn't believe what she'd done. She'd ruined everything because of voicing her doubts, now the reverend was refusing them.

"You're afraid… and I can see that you are. Your wanting to go through with it has to do with obligations before others. This is a big event and no doubt many persons have been invited so they know. You're afraid of causing embarrassment to your fiancé – and I understand that. But you need time."

"We don't have time!" Shawn objected. "The date is for tomorrow! We've contacted people on short notice and they've made changes with their jobs and everything to get off and be here. There's going to be a wedding!"

"Not in my church." Reverend Hamilton stated simply.

"Nooo, please don't do this – please don't do this! I'm sorry… what do I have to do to convince you that I love him? My fears will not be conquered by next year, or the year after that! They will only be conquered by us being together as husband and wife and growing together in confidence and trust of each other." Sylvia felt her eyes pool, because as she sat fighting for this marriage to take place in the church, while she felt the guilt of keeping certain truths from Shawn, she at least told his mother and sister. Just then, as she realized she was afraid to be honest with him about that… what else would she fear telling him down the road she wondered? What if there was someone else next time besides Jake? She knew that they needed to be totally honest with each other, and here she was holding back. Everything was happening so fast, there simply was no time to tell him about his brother, she couldn't risk it… she'd kept it to herself for too long. Simply put, she didn't have the energy for the stress and drama disclosing that might bring about. They were supposed to be getting married tomorrow, once the vows were said, and they were husband and wife… all would be fine.

With her heart pounding in panic for duel reasons, with her breasts rising and falling, she tried to help the reverend see how else she felt, "He is… everything… I've ever wanted… everything. I am… haunted, and hurt… by the wrong kind of man. Now… finally-…" Tears were spilling over onto her cheeks because she was even more scared as warnings and fears flew at her like aimed darts. She ignored all else, because she wanted Shawn. She wanted this happy family. She owed it to her kids. To Angela. Everyone was depending on them to be this sure thing couple. She had a responsibility to follow through. After all, she'd let it get this far. Now his mother was depending on her, Shanna was depending on them. She was carrying his child, his baby. They would marry tomorrow come hell or high water… because people depended on this to take place and it would.

"Calm down…" Reverend Hamilton encouraged, grabbing a Kleenex for her.

She took it and wiped at her eyes, taking a deep breath.

"Please… I need you to listen to me, because for the first time in my life… I have something… someone… worth fighting for… don't deny us this… because of my fears. I love him, and we were meant to be together, I'm asking you… pleading with you… marry us tomorrow. Shawn and I, will always be… there is no divorce in our future." She sniffed and turned to look at Shawn. His eyes were moist as well, his hand squeezing at her shoulder, he pulled her towards him and kissed her salty lips, his other hand cupping her cheek and stroking her tears away with his thumb. The gesture made Sylvia tear up even more, because she meant it. He was worth fighting for and they would be fine. She just needed to believe in what they had.

"I love you." Shawn mouthed softly to her.

"I love you too." She said louder in return.

Reverend Hamilton took a very deep and long breath.

"Okay… I'll marry you two only on one condition."

They both turned to him acquiescent to whatever he required.

"Both of you grab my hand." He instructed them, then put his hands out for them to grab one. "Now take each other's hand with the other." They did.

"This is no pre-nup. No signed contract or power of attorney, notarized before court or a judge prepared by an attorney, but a commitment I will hold you both to before our Heavenly Father. If you two wish to stand in my church tomorrow and say vows that are meant to bind you forever, you will make this promise before me and before GOD this day. I want to hear both of you declare, here and now, with these words that – No matter what hell for us comes, we will not divorce, no – it is not an option… now – nor on the road ahead. Say it… and mean it. Say it to me, repeat it to each other, and then in prayer to the Almighty Creator of marriage. Say it now, you first Mr. McPherson."

"To you reverend Hamilton, this – I promise – that no matter what hell for us comes, we will not divorce, it is not an option… now – nor on the road ahead. Sylvia… this I promise you… that no matter what hell for us comes, we will not divorce… it is not an option… now – nor on the road ahead." Shawn looked back at the reverend.

"Now your turn Sylvia, and the last part, I will lead you two in prayer to promise to our Father."

"I promise, to you reverend Hamilton…" She followed suit, to Shawn as well and upon completion turned back to the reverend.

"Now bow your heads with me. Close your eyes, open your senses, and expose your hearts. Heavenly Father, I petition you through your son, and I plead a moment of your time. Tomorrow, I will be committing these two in marriage, one that I pray will last until one or both of them expire. Please give us this moment and hear their declaration and promise to you. Shawn… you first."

"Heavenly Father…" And he went on to make the same heartfelt declaration he made to the reverend and Sylvia, but this time to God. The reverend then directed Sylvia to do the same and she followed through. The reverend closed the prayer and said an amen followed by Shawn and Sylvia.

"Now… I know you two don't live here in town but I wanna see you in my church. If this marriage is to have a chance in succeeding, you two need to at least make it here on Sundays… yes its a drive… but its to benefit yourselves and its the least of what you can do in return to the Lord. The pledge – the promise, what you two have just declared, cannot be challenged in a court of law. One, or the other of you, need not comply… all the declarations in the world, will not keep you together, if you are not determined to be that way. Simply put… what your marriage will be… is in your hands. Remember, words… cannot be taken back… actions cannot be reversed… and anything that you do, if it is not for the sake of each other, it is not worthy to contemplate. Tomorrow, the two of you, will become one… one… one… it is no longer about just what you want… nor is it about what you want… but what you two need… for each other…. one… after tomorrow."

They both took a deep breath and nodded in understanding. "You need to get here to church."

Shawn spoke up looking at Sylvia. "We'll try, won't we?" He asked. She nodded and squeezed his hand, realizing that she still held the reverends and then let it go with an apologetic smile. "Yes… we will."

"I'd feel better if you just did it… just trying, often leaves room for failure. Oh well, I've had my say, I'll see you here tomorrow at 3… I can't wait."

 


Chapter 68

L.A…

 

"Oh… this is nice, I like it. It's… big… real big… roomy, nice." Deidre complimented Jeremiah after he closed her door and walked around to his side of the H2 to climb in.

"What can I say, this… just one of the things I can depend on… I must say, I love it."

"So must the gas companies… what it must cost to fuel up at the pumps."

"Everything in life worth having comes at a price… some prices are higher than others. All depends on what it is a man wants. Then… what he's willing to pay for it. For me to drive something like this… I have to be willing to accept the cost… and I do… I enjoy the ride, so I fill it up and don't bother about the rest and head on about my way. Trust me, its worth the feeling I get… when people see me drive by… worth every dime to dollar." Jeremiah shared calmly, relaxed behind the wheel. It was his second one, trading in the first he had the moment the new models made it to the showroom floor. The comfort and luxurious interior could not be denied. Deidre noted the extensive technology installed within the dash and could only shake her head in wonder. It was most certainly a man's vehicle. Not that a woman wouldn't enjoy it as well… but the gadget filled dash was more than she cared to deal with.

"You comfortable?" He asked, starting it up.

"How can I not be?"

"Exactly… so… how has your week been?" He began pulling out of her lot, he'd finally held out long enough and called her for lunch – she already had plans for lunch, so he asked about dinner… and there they were.

"Pretty good. My parents are out of town, so I was able to get more done with the business, getting some coaching done, had a few meetings with our sales persons. The staff is more relaxed when they aren't around – gives me the space I need to boost morale and with good reason."

"So the staff respects you – over your parents?"

"That's because my parents treat everyone working for them as chattel."

Jeremiah raised a brow, but reserved comment of the true statement, he knew that from what his mother had gone through working for them. This too crossed Deidre's mind and she grew uncomfortable after saying it. Once again, she felt the shame of what happened to his mother at her parents hands.

Realizing he needed to relieve the sudden tension, he asked, "So what is it that has made you so different from them?"

"Oooh, I guess its due to the fact that they care no more for me than they do anyone else. I stand practically in the same position – difference being, I happen to be an off-spring of theirs."

"Off-spring?!" Jeremiah shivered at the word.

"Yeah… that about says it, for that reason, I get to carry the great Wherrington name. Trust me, it elevates me no more than the next person who might stand in their way of whatever it is they seek."

"Thus… your moving out." He stated.

She turned to him and wondered how he knew that she'd just moved out. "How did you know that?"

"Know what?"

"That I'd moved out?"

"Emmm, let me think about that a moment… ummm, I just picked you up – not – from the famous Wherrington mansion… that might have a lot to do with it." Jeremiah tried to recover, he couldn't believe he'd said something so stupid. Of course it sounded as if he knew what was going on in her life…and he did… but it wasn't something he wanted her to know, he figured he might need to take a detour of his laid out maneuver.

"Maybe I moved out the moment I left for school? You made it sound like I'd just done so? Which… in fact I have… how did you know that?"

Jeremiah took a deep breath and gambled on a bit of honesty.

"I know… because… I've been following the events of your life… closely… carefully. I also… went out of my way to meet you the other day at the 7 Eleven… I also… waited with baited breath… to call you these last few days gone by. I had this big plan you see… to suddenly swoop into your life… and … ummm, impress you. I've never – forgotten you, Deidre Wherrington… you… inspired me… to greater things… to be more than, the maids black son. It all began, when you told me about Arthur Ash… and here I am. You caught me red handed."

He quieted to let that sink in, took a deep breath and pulled over after they passed the intersection they crossed, at the curb, he turned to her and looked at her. She was pondering his words, peering at him through the dark interior of his hummer. "I suppose… I should take you home now… hm? I mean… now you know."

Deidre was stunned and flattered. A bit wary… yet, touched. He was a successful corporate lawyer, and whether that was due to something she once said way back when or not, the point was, here he was… on top. He had her full attention. Jeremiah Franklin was obviously a man motivated easily, able to set a focus on something, with the ambition and drive to actually go out and obtain it, against the odds – he'd succeeded in doing just that. A self-starter and leader. She smiled.

"Funny… I thought you were taking me out to dinner. Now you're not you say… why… that's not very decisive… for a corporate lawyer. Very well, if you wish."

He smiled, "What I wish… is to start over. I have reservations at Morton's Steakhouse – a place I'm almost certain you'd enjoy. The foods great, and ummm, I think the company will be too."

"Well lets go… and ummm, by the way… Morton's one of my favorites as well." And she smiled.

 

At The Restaurant…

 

They were seated in an area not far from the bar, giving them a vantage point of it, and the kitchen across the large dinning area. The room was low lit and breathtaking. The waiters and waitresses were at their best, prompt, attentive and service with a smile. Not one of them, which included the host, bat an eye at the interracial couple they made – and an attractive one at that as they were escorted to their table and handed their menus. Water was set before them as well silverware, immediately they were able to order a drink. Both declined satisfied with their water as they browsed the menu. Playing in the background, Frank Sinatra singing, 'What's New?' Jeremiah squirmed in his seat, the music, atmosphere in the restaurant really was spell binding, however… he wasn't there to fall in love. Yet… he couldn't deny she was indeed breathtaking, the low lights did wonderful things for her eyes and skin. Her hair was such a rich healthy gleaming blonde. She glanced up at him and smiled, he returned it, deciding he should say something.

"So what are you having?" He asked.

A mischievous gleam came into her eyes, "Surely you know… if you've been following the goings on of my life so closely, hmmm, what do you think I'd enjoy?" She asked, and then making up her mind, she folded her menu closed and laid it aside, picking up her water, she took a sip and invited him to, "Go ahead… order for me… let's see how well you do, whether I enjoy this nights dinner, falls entirely on you."

"Oooh, a challenge, I love a challenge… let's see." He spoke softly looking over the starters, then up to see if their waiter was in sight, he was, he caught his eye and gave a ready nod, he was right there, "You ready to order sir?"

"Yes I am, for the lady, let's start with the sauteed wild mushrooms – grilled asparagus, roasted red pepper and balsamic vinegar, and I will have the blue point oysters on the half shell. For our salads, I'll have the Caesar, and she'll have the Morton's house salad. For our entree, she will have the domestic double rib lamb chops, and I will have the broiled salmon fillet, chef's sauce beurre blanc – for a vegetable, we'll both have creamed spinach, at the end of our meal, I'll have coffee – black – she'll have tea, with a lemon wedge. Thank you."

The waiter completed writing down the order and picked up their menus. He walked away from their table and Jeremiah checked his guest to see her reaction. "Well, how did I do?"

"If you must know… I'm impressed. Now I'm most certainly curious as to just how closely you have been watching, everything you chose for me, I order often, it's my preference, should I be worried?"

"With me? Never. I ordered according to what I see. You look like you take good care of yourself. I imagine you to be someone who would indeed eat what I've chosen."

Deidre picked up her water and took another sip, setting it down she stated, "Seems to me, either you're one hell of a lawyer with incredible insight to people and how to read them, or you have an article of my clothing bugged… so… which is it?"

"Certainly not the latter. I must say, my powers of perception are pretty right on. Emmm, nice song…" He commented suddenly to the song playing, Peabo Bryson's, 'I'm so into you.' "… so tell me Deidre, what type of music do you like?"

"Pretty much anything that tickles my ear. My ex – listened to quite a variety of music, lots of Rhythm and Blues, some Jazz, and I ummm, grew accustomed to all types of music… so, I agree – this is nice."

"What happened? If you don't mind me asking?"

Deidre took a really deep breath, thinking about whether she wanted to share that or not, but then figured, what the hell did it matter. Shawn's life was in Wisconsin with Sylvia, and it was time for her to begin a life of her own.

"What happened? Hmmm, oooh lots of things. For one, I was blind… maybe refused to see what was going on right before my eyes. Basically, my parents tore us apart, and I – let them."

"Is that regret I hear?"

"Ye-eah… it is. But… its over… he's gone on with his life and appears to be very happy. He's due to remarry soon… and ummm, has a child on the way with his future wife."

"You two have a daughter together, correct?"

"Yes… she's with him. For good reason, he's an exceptional father… that's all he's ever wanted to be, a father of many children."

"And you… not a many children kind?"

"No… we had one together, and to be honest… I didn't do that one very well. Don't get me wrong, I love her… she's beautiful, here… here's a picture of her, she's absolutely breathtaking… wait 'til you see her." Deidre bragged going into her purse for her wallet, she opened it and passed him a picture of her Angela.

"Wow… you're right… she's stunning. And I take it… this is your ex?"

"Yeah."

"Hmmm, should I beware of the fact that you're carrying around a picture of him?"

"Well, you might note its a family portrait that we took together when Angela was three, I just haven't been able to part with it."

He handed her the wallet back.

"She's very much like her father."

"Yes she is."

"I take it his future wife is good with children then… for you to just give her up to live with them?"

"I've only met her a few times, but… I know Shawn… for him to be head over heels as he is for her, there must be something special about her, and after seeing her – I think she's more his type."

"Why is that?"

"Shawn has a thing for… black people. He always has. There was a really good friend of his, that he mentioned a lot when we were married, he was black… had been killed some years back. Shawn was forever attached to his family… he ummm, would go and get his grandmother… his friend's grandmother and treat her to dinner now and then at our house or would take her out. If we argued and he would take off… I always knew that there with her is where I could find him. Him and my daughter."

"Whoa… he sounds like a seriously deep kind of man. So I take it… his future wife… is black?"

"Yes she is. I often wondered how long it would take him before he went for a black woman… there were many times when we were married, that I wondered why he'd chosen me as his wife, when everything about him had been – oooh… black curious, sympathetic, moved and often angry by injustices done to them. It was only a matter of time."

"Is that why you're sitting here with me? Perhaps your way of testing to see what the big deal is?"

Their appetizers came. They both sat back letting the waiter place them carefully before them.

Deidre unfolded her napkin and placed it into her lap, "This is positively wonderful, thank you for your wise choice." Deidre complimented as Jeremiah sat back and stared at her a moment, watching as she gracefully sampled the mushrooms, "Mmmmm, heavenly…" She moaned in appreciation.

"Well?"

"Well what?" She asked.

"…testing to see what the big deal is?"

"I didn't know there was supposed to be a big deal. I had nothing planned for this evening. You invited me out after our encounter, staged or not, and here we are. I'm not looking for nor expecting anything beyond this… neither should you." She answered, then ate her asparagus, Anita Baker was on, "Oh now I love her music, what's her name? I forget, its been a while since I've listened to her." Deidre asked.

"Anita Baker, songs – 'Been so long'." He answered.

"Good song, Shawn had this album and I played it all the time. So much in fact, he got sick of it."

"Em." He made the sound, leaning over to enjoy his oysters.

"So… you know so much about me… what's going on with you?" Deidre asked.

"Nothing much to tell. I work too much. I spend too much. I want too much. And I got this crazy feeling… that I just might be wanting you."

Deidre sat back and looked across the table at him. The two sat for moments just staring.

"That might not be such a good idea."

"Why?"

"Because my life is in a nice little mess presently and to be honest, I'm rebounding right now… so, I need to recover from that first."

"The ex?"

"Yeah."

"He must have been some kind of man."

"Yeah… he was… and should I somehow find myself in another relationship, that man… will have one hell of a slot to fill. Its not right to put someone through it."

"I guess so, if you say so. But… he couldn't have been all that – after all… he walked away and left you. So he's either missing something here -(Jeremiah tapped is head)- or he wasn't meant for you. In which case, if the latter is true… the next man, will more than likely exceed all expectations, simply because… you'll be looking for the one… that's meant to be for you. Good luck in that… may you find him." He said, digging into his half shells.

Deidre smiled thinking, 'Good answer… good answer.'.

 

Across town…

 

"Wha's up Mr. Reynolds? You ain't got to walk man, hop in… I'ah give'yah a ride home."

"Ain't nuttin' wrong wit' me boy I can't walk… walkin' keep a man alive… can't get use to ridin' all the time."

"Yeah but you a ways out, come on Mr. Reynolds – you can walk later. Get in." Maxwell called, pulling over to open the door of his mercedes. Although reluctant, Mr. Reynolds shifted his bad hip around using his cane and eased into the waiting vehicle. Maxwell climbed out and trotted around to the other side closing the door and went back jumping in his ride with a smile on his face for the old man.

"How's thangs for you Mr. Reynolds? You still watching your old cowboy and Indian movies?"

"All the time, you ain't watch nan' yet has yah? You bes' min' my words boy… keep yo' eyes open. I'm tellin' you the truth, white man strike when you lease expect. Been mighty quiet round here lately… ain't much happenin'. It ain't miss my notice though… I go on my walks all the time… I been seeing me a car drivin' round in the mornin' – 'cause I be up early. White man drivin' it – he just driving in and out… like he tryin' to figa' somethin' out."

"When was this?" Maxwell asked.

"Early in the mornin'! When yah'll ass be out cold after up half the night actin' goddamn fools – all that loud ass music! Smokin' dat dope… tha's how shit sneak up on yah'll ass – boy you shortin' yo'self!"

"Yeah yeah yeah… back to this car you seen… white man… how many times you see'im?"

"Last few mornin's now. He stop a few times lookin' at the cars yah'll drivin'… I'm tellin' you… white man up to somethin'… yah'll best beware… somethin' bout to happen… and I get a feelin'… i's 'bout to happen here. That way… you stupid as nigga's get to take the blame… you mark my words boy… you mark my words."

Maxwell drove onward quiet – he wondered himself about that. Two of his homies mentioned seeing something similar. They too felt uneasy, he would talk to them today… tell'em keep their 2-way radios on them for the next few days… they usually only messed around with them for fun, but this time… he thought it might be good to leave them on. Maybe Mr. Reynolds was right, something might be about to go down… and if it did… the hell if they were going to be sitting ducks to it.

 

At The Restaurant…

 

"Now let me get this right… you're going to leave your family finance and banking business to open an herbal clinic?" Jeremiah asked in disbelief.

"Yes… why is that so hard to believe?"

"There's no… real money in it."

"There's more things to life than just money. Money is not the fix all do all."

"Maybe not, but you can't do all or fix all without it. Its the mainstay of man's existence."

"I disagree… I think its the major corruptor of man. Greed is responsible for so much suffering, almost every plight of man where suffering has been inflicted on small nations or great, greed has been the seed, at its door – wrongs or injustice can be laid. Especially in the case of health, food and nutrition."

"How so?" Jeremiah asked.

"Consider this, what better way for the rich to maintain their hold on power and riches while keeping the poor poor… than by starving them. By feeding them inferior crap that cripples their powers of reasoning, scattering all focus and concentration, depleting the brain of vital nourishment so that it can never balance. Failing to produce the important chemicals that assist the human mind to work at its best, so all they do, feel and face is frustration, aggression and hostility. Followed by acts that has been pinned to them as their cultural trait. In Africa… black people are starved of any food or nourishment, here in America… they are starved of nutrient. Starvation is starvation. You ever dieted and felt the jitters, shakes, instant anger and impatience it brings on when you're not eating enough? Well imagine if every day of your life, that was all you ever felt? What I've observed, is that the food they are given, which is all they can afford, is filled with sugar, flour and food coloring. Decorated rice slop. You ever notice that crap food, junk food in particular is cheap and plentiful? Very filling? While not offering the body anything substantial to function and build on. Black children, and for that matter, any impoverished child – period… they don't lack intelligence, they lack food. Real food… food for the healthy developing mind. I have a dream, of establishing a basis to prove this. As a matter of fact, other's have done so."

"Hmmm, I'm trying to think back to the kind of diet I was raised on. I suppose I was fortunate, my mother grew all of our food, and we lived off of cheap sardines, lots of fish… never any junk food, it wasn't allowed. The lady we ended up with as well, fed us pretty much the same way. Green vegetables and meat all the time… again, no junk food. So … I think that lies in the hands of the parents, society is not to blame for that."

"Are you kidding me? Surely you're not serious. The change in society and the family arrangement has made it so that mothers can no longer be at home to feed their children. Don't you know that your circumstances are far different from the majority. Across America, the majority of poor single mothers don't have the necessary means to feed their children right and is not around half the time to see that they eat right if they could. So what is there left to consume? What is readily available and cheap? Corn chips, macaroni and cheese, tortilla chips, potato chips and ramen noodles! That's not real food! But its all that is often available to them. And the mothers themselves while pregnant cannot eat right, then they give birth and must go through post-partum. The brain cannot chemically adjust and many start suffering from paranoid psychosis and I'm telling you, its because of the food… or lack of it. Important oils, important minerals, important nutrients have been leached from them early on, if they ever had them at all, and especially during pregnancy. Afterwards, because it is so lacking and not immediately replenished, the brain begins to malfunction, and they start imagining things, horrific things… and they start killing." Deidre sat back certain of what she had observed.

"Interesting… I've never really given it much thought to be honest with you."

"Well most people don't! They derive more pleasure from making statements of, that's the way they are. I totally disagree, because any race of people, act the exact same if they are mentally and physically starved of vital nourishment. If the government focused on reversing the ill effects of commercialized process foods and made real food more available to poorer cultures, I believe the crime rate and acts of domestic violence would drop by as much as 35%."

"Well you're obviously very passionate about it – I fear that this undertaking is going to cause you more frustration than reward. However it would be interesting to see if what you say is true."

"Well, I have a means to at least start setting it up. I'm just trying to think of how to best go about it. That is my dilemma, and breaking away from my parents entirely."

"I have to say that I admire your desire to formulate a fix from the nucleus up… you have a long road ahead and a mighty task before you, but I'm all for it. Did you enjoy your dinner?"

Deidre smiled, taking a deep breath, "I'm sorry for going on and on like that. Yes, I enjoyed it very much."

Jeremiah signalled their waiter. "Check please." He brought it to them with  Jeremiah handing  him his Diners Club credit card, the ticket was brought over for him to fill in the tip, after doing so, he placed his card back in his wallet.

"Care to walk a bit… the evenings still young."

"Sure, why not."

They walked out of the restaurant, slowly strolling down Figueroa street towards Olympic Blvd, chatting comfortably about this and that. Neither aware of the eyes watching them, Deidre completely oblivious to the events unfolding around her.

 


Chapter 69

 

Crystal was on the phone with Victor. Angela and the boys were running around the house making a nice racket, Mundo was in the basement with a couple of his friends arranging the music and mixing it for Shawn and Sylvia's wedding, and Shawn and Sylvia were out to dinner with his friends that came in for the wedding. She knew she should be studying, but all she could think about was her husband. Despite her mother's advice, she called him. She couldn't just sit and wait for him to contact her, what if he decided not to contact her at all? No, she couldn't do it. So she took the phone off its perch and walked into her mom's bedroom and closed the door from the kids making such a racket.

"Hi Natalie, can I speak with Victor please?" She'd asked, receiving a moment of silence before finally hearing her say, "It's for you… Crystal. Don't be long, we don't wanna be late." She heard her caution him.

"Yeah?" He stated hesitantly, she could tell he was reluctant to speak with her.

"I umm, hadn't heard from you – since… you know… and um, I just thought I'd call… to see what's going on?" She swallowed, nervously – feeling her stomach flutter.

"I've been working, and sleeping."

"Oh… Isaac was wondering when you were coming to get him, and Darren?"

"I'll keep them for you tomorrow while you're at your moms wedding."

"Keep them for me? Are they not yours as well?"

"Is this going to end up as an argument? If so, lets save us both the bother."

"No… I didn't call you to argue… I'm just saying, God Victor… give me a break here, this is not easy for me."

"I imagine not… you staying with your mom now?"

"Yeah… how'd you know?"

"I went by the house yesterday, it was empty."

"Oh… why?"

"To see the boys."

"Why didn't you call my cell phone?"

"Its no big deal, I'll see them tomorrow."

"I miss you – Victor – I -…"

"Don't Crystal… lets just leave it okay."

"I don't wanna leave it. I love you… and I'm sorry… I … I just wanna-…"

"Crystal… its not gonna work. I've been thinking about it, nothing but in fact – I came so close to coming home yesterday… I'm glad you weren't there."

"Oh nooo, its not too late, I can move back… our rent is still paid for the month."

"No… we need to be apart from each other a while. I don't know… maybe my parents were right, maybe… we shouldn't have -… I don't know – this is not easy for either of us."

"What are you saying? Are you saying that you regret being with me?" Crystal asked feeling her chest grow tight.

"I – look… its too much… too soon… let's just give it a rest, see how things go… that's all I'm saying. I'll pick the boys up in the morning."

"Well don't rush off the phone."

"I have to, we're going out to dinner."

"Oh… I see… with who?"

"My mom, dad, some old friends of theirs."

"Oh… well… do… do you still love me Victor… do you?"

There was silence, "I need to go." He finally said.

"Just like that… its over, you can just dismiss me like nothing."

"Of course not! Don't do this Crystal! Don't make me out to be the bad guy here! My saying to you that I still love you isn't going to change anything! I loved you with all the love I could give, and look at us now. I tried to hang in there, I tried to help, I tried to give it time… look… I gotta go."

"Yeah… okay… see you in the morning." Crystal couldn't breath past the boulder size stone in her chest.

"Okay, have them ready… I'll be there at 8:00."

"We're staying in Shawn's house across the road from my mom, come there for them."

"I'll be there."

Crystal clicked the button, ending the conversation, the tears in her eyes gathering and dropping onto her cheeks. She couldn't think, didn't know what to do. Desperation surrounding a need to reverse time was almost choking. Isaac burst into the room laughing and running from Angela. Crystal quickly wiped her face, "Mama Angela gonna get me! Hide me – hide me!" He laughed out as she came charging in with Darren held high as her biting monster, both growling.

"OH NOOOO! Hurry Isaac… they're gonna get you!" Crystal switched over quickly, ignoring the pain in her chest as she scooped her son up and rolled over on her mother's bed to help him escape the Angela-Darren monster team. They played through the house, the basement vibrating with base from Mundo mixing and jamming, his friends talking loud and laughing.

 

Paul & Diane Pewsey, both white, late 30's and early 40's sat to Shawn's left, with Sylvia at his right side, and David Minty and his live in partner, Jessica Langdon, mid forty's sat to the right of Sylvia, all occupying a large round table at the German Restaurant in Camp Daniels. To be the only restaurant in town, it wasn't bad. The food was right up their guest's alley, all but for Sylvia and Shawn. Making up for this was an excellent salad bar. With more than enough variety and selection to satisfy anyone, pasta salads, green salads, potatoes salads, fried and broiled fish, barbecue rib tips, sliced ham, fried chicken, meatballs in mushroom gravy, sliced beef in gravy, rice pilaf, Chinese noodles, with so much to choose from, there is where they chose to eat, declining to order from the menu.

Shawn had set up the reservation for the party of six – deliberately holding off until he knew they would be there, so he and Sylvia could arrive after they were already seated. Sylvia shook her head, "Shawn, I swear, I think you derive some sort of pleasure out of shocking people, especially when it comes to me. You should have warned them." She had gently scolded as they were leaving the house.

"Hell no… I'm not warning anyone of anything. Besides, I want to see the look on their faces when they see you. Dressed like this, we may end up in a hotel somewhere anyway." He bent and whispered in her, "I'm gettin' a hard on."

"Shawn!" Sylvia was afraid to look down at him.

"I'm serious, Otis growing right down my leg. I'm telling you now, its gone be one uncomfortable evening… look at you – smellin' all good, got my nose all open."

She was wearing a burnt orange jumpsuit with a flared, multi color print ethnic drape jacket. With deep hues of gold, maroon, burnt orange, green and black. Clearly designed by African American designers, for African American women. She curled her hair and comb it up and back, off of her forehead, and the sides away from her face, Crystal styling her back and adding a perfect swirl to her hair on the top. Then added the matching large costume jewellery necklace, small to large carved beads and balls, with the largest in the center, her earrings hung from her pierced ears the same way and she was wearing Este Lauder, Youth Dew. Her favorite for going out. Her make-up was done to perfection, giving her a bronzed, burnt orange hue to her skin, and her lips, lined and colored in a way that kept making Shawn stare at them, making her self-conscious, but proud. When she was done and ready to go, Shawn was staring with his lust meter banging in the far right red zone.

"Shawn… stop staring." She whined, a bit breathless when they got in the SUV.

"I can't help it." He returned, climbing in the other side and starting the engine. "You lady, clean up well. And you smell so good, I think we should go straight to a hotel."

"Shawn… they're waiting for us!" She reminded him, grinning. He leaned over to her side and stared into her face, leaning in to sniff behind her ear, kiss her. "Shawn – NO! You're gonna mess up my lipstick! Behave yourself… lets go."

"Feel me… feel my dick… it is hard-…"

"Shawn! Stop it… your crazy ass! All you think about is sex. Give me back my hand." She squealed, but felt herself pool with moisture as he put her hand on his erection, and most certainly it was there… no doubt.

"Now how am I gonna walk in there like this? Come on let me get just a quickie."

"No you NOT! You can forget that… ACH! Don't you touch my hair! Hands away from the body! The hair, the make-up and the clothes, including the way I smell must remain as is, until I have been seen by your friends! So you just scoot back on your side of the vehicle… and lets be on our way."

Shawn sat another moment staring, she could see him battling with what he really wanted, and that was to have his way with her, his eyes were glazed with passion, she knew that look, and had to squeeze her thighs together because his eyes did crazy things to her body.

"Shawn… stop it now." She pleaded softly, her heart pounding in her chest.

"You know what… you the kind of woman, that would make a man kill somebody – you know that?" He spoke with such a deep, husky passionate voice, Sylvia had to gulp, staring at him made her heart beat heavy in her chest. "I don't know what the hell God had in mind, giving you – to me. Don't know what he had in mind." He whispered touching her hair gently not to mess it up, then down he let his index finger trace the outer shell of her ear, caress her soft skin.

"Shawn…" She called his name breathless.

"Tomorrow… you will be my wife. MY wife… mine… mine and mine alone. Don't ever forget that Sylvia… that you're mine. Don't ever forget that."

Sylvia inhaled deep and gulped as his finger traced her jaw line.

"I got this awful feeling in my gut… that I'm obsessed with you. That's unusual for me, you see… I'm more accustomed to women being obsessed with me. Now look at you, sometimes I swear, I think you could take me or leave me."

"That's not true Shawn… you know I love you." She spoke gently.

"I know you say it… but… you don't love me like I love you. I know you don't. That's okay… that's okay." He caressed her skin once more, corrected himself back to his side. Sylvia felt totally and completely possessed by him. The magnitude of his words, the look in his eyes, the way he touched her, shook her and gripped her to her deepest core. She shivered, this man beside her, he must be the devil himself. While he spoke of her, the way she looked, he himself lodged a catch in her throat to behold his presence. No man had she ever known had such a riveting effect, as far as she was concerned. He looked at her gesturing that she buckle up. She did, he did the same and backed out of the driveway. He was wearing all black. Black turtleneck knit, black dress pants, black polished ankle boots, and a black leather jacket over it all. Sitting next to each other as he drove with the radio playing, George Benson, 'Masquerade' she felt the vibes from him like power charges leaping to her side, burrowing into her body and stimulating the tiny atoms in her system, surrounding her womb, where she carried his child – yes… Sylvia knew the sensation of being totally possessed… and he indeed was the devil.

They walked into the restaurant, with his hand possessively at her back, giving his name to the host, who smiled, and were it not for the nervous flickering of her eyelashes, might have pulled off not being stunned. However, they both looked so good, Sylvia wasn't sure what made her lashes flicker. His dynamic incredible presence, or her stunning black elegance, either way, they were a sight to behold together.

Approaching the table, David and Paul stood – they could not hide the stunned look on their faces. Diane could not disguise her deep blush, turning to red. Jessica Langdon, David's live in love didn't realize that her mouth had dropped open.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting, we had to get the kids in order before we left. Paul, David… this is Sylvia, the lady I'll be marrying tomorrow."

"Wow… whoa… nice to meet you." David almost tripped over Paul to be the first to shake Sylvia's hand, she smiled and nodded. "Nice to meet you, David right? I'm terrible with names, so you'll have to forgive if I need another reminder sometime during dinner."

"No problem… and this is Jessica… stand up Jessica."

"That's not necessary – nice to meet you Jessica." Sylvia held her hand out to her, Jessica had to remember to close her mouth and realize her hand was there. "Hi… Sylvia – nice to meet you." She stood briefly nodding her head, sitting back down the same time David did. Sylvia turned to Paul, "Paul and Diane right?" She included them both as she shook his hand. He smiled and nodded, his eyes going from Sylvia to Shawn's and back again. "Yes, nice to meet you." He greeted her, his wife recovered enough to smile, although she was still stunned, and was struggling with the embarrassment of knowing it showed on her face. She looked at Shawn, and Sylvia caught the subtle narrowing of eyes, and wondered what that was about? They were all finally seated. Shawn pulled his seat over right next to Sylvia's so he could put his arm across of the back of it. He wanted no doubt that they were indeed together.

"Wow… you're going to have to excuse me Sylvia… because there's just no way for me to hide, well… you know… the surprise."

"Of me being black you mean?"

"Well… yeah… we weren't expecting this." Diane admitted outright.

"And you all can blame him -(Sylvia pointed to Shawn)- for that. I wanted him to warn you, but he wanted to see the look on your faces." Sylvia turned to a grinning Shawn, "Happy now dear?" She asked him, he was gazing at her with just a tad bit of his passion toned down, but not much, then grinned and winked at her, "Yes, for now… until later." He flirted grinning again, Sylvia's eyes grew huge and for once was happy that a blush could not show on her skin. "Behave yourself." She muttered through tight lips, as if she were a ventriloquist. Shawn simpered even more; Sylvia turned back with a nervous smile, hoping to God that he did behave himself.

"Okay…I'm just dying to know, how did you two meet?"

Shawn reached for his water before him as their waitress approached the table. Taking their orders, Shawn informed her that he and Sylvia would be eating from the full salad bar. Once the waitress left, their conversation went immediately into Sylvia answering the first question.

"Shawn purchased the property across from mine."

"Oooh! You live in that house across the road from him?"

"Yes."

"I see, so how much are they renting that property for? That's a beautiful piece of land, and the house is just gorgeous." Diane commented.

"Ummm, I'm not renting it… I own it."

"Oh… wow… the mortgage must be quite the stretch."

"I wouldn't know… I paid cash for it." Sylvia replied battling with her need to correct their stereotypical assumption of her, feeling Shawn's hands on the back of her neck, his fingers caressing and squeezing, touching her as if he couldn't resist. Sylvia wasn't used to such public displays of affection and wanted to tell him to stop… but endured it just for the satisfaction of the other two women who looked on. Especially after Diane's assumption that she was a renter instead of a home owner.

"Ca – cash? Wow… so what do you do for a living?"

"Right now, I'm not doing anything… just having his baby…"

Shawn spit out his water and barked out laughing, almost choking – it stunned him to hear her being so blunt and daring. The others around the table were just as stunned, as the women's gasps attested to.

"You okay?" Sylvia asked looking at him as he coughed and cleared his throat a few times to recover.

"Yeah… I'm fine… having my baby…" He recovered with the shake of his head; turning to his friends, he went on to explain, "…besides having my baby, Sylvia is also a writer. However, having met me, and then having me sweep her off her feet, has interrupted it a bit… but as soon as things calm down, and we're married…" He turned to look at her, "… she'll return to completing that best seller… won't you dear?"

"That's the plan." She responded.

"Ummm, have you anything published?" Diane asked.

"Not yet I don't."

"So… is this your first?" Jessica asked.

"No… it will be my third. I have two older children, both adults. A 21 year old daughter, and a 18 year old son. Two grandsons as well."

"Grandsons… as well?"

"Yes… 3 and a half years old and the other is 18 months old, both by my daughter."

"Oooh, okay… well Shawn, I guess you should be happy. What does Angela think about this? That's his daughter by the way." Diane pointed out to Sylvia as if she didn't know.

Shawn and Sylvia looked at each other and smiled, Sylvia decided to let him speak to that.

"She knows… that Angela is my daughter Diane, no big secret, especially considering that she lives with us… here in Wisconsin, where she will remain."

"What's that? Since when?" Paul asked, stunned.

"Since Deidre and I both decided that she would be better off with me. As you all know, I practically raised her alone the first six years of her life anyway… so now, I have her. She lives with Sylvia and I, and she's perfectly happy. She's looking forward to the baby, and she loves having an older brother and sister."

"Ah… well, excuse me… I didn't know so much had happened in such a short period of time. I mean, the last we heard, you were dating the stewardess… what's her name?"

"Doesn't matter now – does it? This is the woman I'm marrying, and her name is Sylvia Martin Payne… soon to be Sylvia Martin McPherson… right baby?"

"Sho'yah right." Sylvia answered in her smooth black dialect, winking at him, flirting a bit.

"Now if you all will excuse us a moment… we're starving, haven't had dinner. Gotta keep the baby fed… come on sweetheart, lets check out this salad bar." Shawn moved his chair back and stood, removing his jacket to hang over the back of the chair; reaching to pull Sylvia's chair out as they made their way to the salad bar.

"Oh – my – God! I cannot believe it!" Jessica was the first to speak with her hand to her chest.

"Oh I know… he did that on purpose! Shawn can be such an asshole! I've never been so embarrassed, I must have been red as a beet."

"Well what about me with my mouth open… David did you know?"

"No… not a clue, this is the first that I knew."

"Good grief, what's the big deal? One thing is certain, she's a knock out! Lucky sonofabitch. Shawn could always pull… I can't really say that I'm shocked. I mean look at her, you gotta admit, they do look good together." Paul imparted.

"Well one things for certain, he'll save a bundle from going to KFC – getting all his fried chicken at home." David joked, Jessica giggled, Paul and Diane sighed shaking their heads. "David, you're playing with fire. Make a comment like that in front of him, and he will dislocate your jaw. Don't be an idiot, you know how he is-…"

"It was just a joke… lighten up." David defended.

"I'm telling you now, you start with the racist jokes, you're going to end up flat on your back. I'm telling you, I know him, he'll be on you before you can blink. Matter of fact, I'm gonna give Eric and Pete a call, because one of them will get to drinking and say the wrong thing, they're better off staying away."

"I don't understand why people can't just stick to their own kind, makes life difficult for the normal people, so now we have to walk around on egg shells and be cautious with what we say… bullshit-…"

"Shut up their coming!" Diane warned and smiled as they approached the table with their plates, setting them down. Shawn pulled Sylvia's chair out, and then pushed it up behind her and took his seat.

"You all get it all out…what you had to say about us? If we weren't so hungry, we would have given you five more minutes… but I thought, screw them, I'm eating! This sure looks good don't it baby?" Shawn shocked them again, as well Sylvia. They hadn't discussed any such thing at the salad bar, although Sylvia thought they might be talking about them, but she hadn't discussed it with Shawn. With her elbow on the table and her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose, she shook her head. She had a feeling, even after 20 years of marriage to this man, he would still shock her with the way he was, thought and things he said.

 

Dinner went well, they recovered from Shawn's comment, although Diane glared at him and rolled her eyes at him. Shawn was however un-fazed and after everyone's food arrived, they were able to ease into a variety of discussions, including their plans for the bed and breakfast. Shawn's friends thought it was a sensational idea and would be glad to spread the word to other friends, family and neighbors in Minnesota; California as well when there were members coming east to visit and vacation. Sylvia was happy with the way it ended. On the ride back home they were in a good mood highlighting various observations, which prompted Sylvia to enquire about what she noticed concerning Diane.

"Alright… so tell me, what's the deal with you and Diane?"

"What makes you think there's a deal?" Shawn asked with a mischievous look on his face.

"The way she cut you certain looks when she thought no one was looking, the things she said to you… very indicative of a woman who is intimate with someone or has been."

"Nope… never been intimate with her, although she's wanted me to be."

"Ah ha, I knew there was something… and you never have?"

"Sylvia… I would never go to bed with a friend's wife or girlfriend."

"So how do you know she's after you then?"

"She's your typical cock chaser, she knows how big I am and that's what she wants… that's all."

"How does she know your size?"

"She saw it."

"How – when?"

"I was tanning in the back yard at the house Deidre and I owned. I fell asleep on my back, she came over… knocked – I didn't hear her. She came around to the back and saw me laying out in the altogether, I must have been dreaming something erotic, because I was semi-erect. You ever lay sleeping and just know when someone is watching you?"

Sylvia gulped, and shrugged it off… yeah… she did know, but she wasn't going to admit it.

"Where was Angela?" She responded instead.

"At school, she was in the first grade at the time. Anyway, I woke up and there she is, staring down at me… well, not me, but what was laying in full view. I grabbed the towel laying next to me and covered myself."

"I know you told her off!"

"Yep… I did. But ever since then, she's been flirting with me, coping a quick feel now and then, and even asked me to do her just one time."

"WHAT?!"

"Yep… she did."

"How… what… how do you ask somebody that?"

Shawn laughed, "She said, and I quote, "Just fuck me one good time, and that will be it, no one will ever know… and I'll leave you alone." – I said no of course."

"WHAT?! She said that to you?! Brazen hussy! And you had me invite this person to our wedding?!"

"I wanted you to invite Paul… he just happens to be married to her. Besides, she hasn't tried it again in some time; I humiliated her and she's just now speaking to me again, well – when I moved into the house across from you, she started speaking to me again. She won't be a problem. Do you see how lucky you are… women just laying at my feet… begging for it, willing to pay for it… and what do I do? I give it to you for free… any time you want it… and half the time, I gotta beg for it."

Sylvia was laughing at him. "You aught to stop lying, you have never had to beg me!"

"Ah… excuse me… I think so! Don't make me remind you woman!"

"Shawn, anyway, that's your problem, you too dag-blasted arrogant! Too many women for too long been falling at your feet. Hmph, you just a man, baby, with faults and all!"

"Who me? Faults… where? When… no such thing!" He grinned teasing. "Come on … you mean to tell me when you first saw me… you didn't want me?"

"No!"

"Yes you did."

"I did not."

"Yeah right, say what you want, but when you stepped out of that post office that first day we saw each other, I watched you walk away and baby, that walk was loaded! Your ass was saying, look right here… right here damny you – don't look away… don't look away… and – I didn't!"

Sylvia was laughing, because she knew it was true. "You crazy Shawn, my butt wasn't saying nothin'! It was all in your mind!"

"I had a Homer Simpson moment, "Oot duh!" and followed you into that store."

Sylvia was cracking up, he sounded just like the cartoon Homer Simpson.

"You need to stop… that wasn't nothing but you lusting."

"Lusting hell I was in love… love at first sight."

"Yeah right, love at first sight… no such thing. Maybe attraction at first sight, but not love."

"So you weren't in love with me from the first moment you saw me?"

"No… see, that's the problem with you and Jake … you both think someone is suppose to fall for you on sight."

Suddenly in a blink of an eye, Sylvia could feel all the air sucked right out of the SUV. She could feel the change in the air, it was so potent, it was like a living, breathing, being, roaring to life between them, her heart raced because she couldn't take it back. Shawn was suddenly quiet. She felt she needed to say something, but it would have been akward at best, besides, her mind was jammed and spinning, so she remained still and quiet, praying the moment would pass. All of a sudden he jerked the vehicle over to the side of the road, threw it into park and turned to her from his seat.

"What made you say that?!"

'Shit!' Her mind screamed, "Say what? Why'd you pull over that way?!" She asked, her words almost a stammer; trying to remain calm and nonchalant.

"We were discussing love at first site… and you said… 'that's the problem with you and Jake…' – Jake… what – what has he to do with any of this?"

"Nothing… why are you bringing it up?" Sylvia's mind was racing desperately for the right words to steer them away from her gross error of mentioning Jake, she couldn't believe she'd made such a major slip up.

"I didn't bring Jake up… you brought Jake up – and what I'd like to know is – why?!" Shawn demanded.

Sylvia could see by his stiff persona and tone, he was instantly on the alert and not at all happy. "Excuse me… I didn't know that he was an off topic?"

"Don't bullshit me Sylvia! We were discussing our relationship! We were discussing physical attraction! We were discussing love at first sight! How in the hell – did you figure Jake into this? Jake on your mind or something?!"

"No! Oh my God Shawn, don't be rediculous!"

"Then why did you bring him up?! What do you know about Jake? You've only seen him one time! Or rather, that weekend at my parents! Not since, yet… he's on your mind?!"

"He is not on my mind Shawn! I can't believe you're acting this way! What is wrong with you?!"

"What is wrong with me is that my fuckin' future wife… is sitting here with my brother on her mind! After one meeting! Did you not say, that our problem was that we think someone is supposed to fall for us on sight?! Did you not say that?!"

"Yes I did!" Sylvia felt herself break out in sweat.

"WHY?! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HIM!?"

"Don't raise your voice at me! My God Shawn! I only said it because your mother is always talking about you two and how you were when you were younger. I don't know how many times she compared the two of you in your pursuit of girls! So… it just popped into my head what she had said about the two of you! That's all! I don't give two shits on a shingle about Jake!"

They were both breathing hard in the vehicle, looking at each other. Finally Sylvia shook her head and turned away from him looking out of her window. Trying to calm down, scared to death, she began to pray to God above that he never find out the truth. Now… full blown regret was surging through her, she was growing fearful of not telling him. She had to believe that Gert and Shanna had taken care of Jake. Her head buzzed with fear. Shawn scared her. His temper and possession of her, was what made her keep the truth from him. It would be too much if he found out. She hated violence, she hated the idea of families feuding and least of all, she could not cope with being the wedge between two brothers. She reached up and swiped at a tear rolling down her cheek, realizing just then she'd shed them. She was so much in love with Shawn and yet – loving a man like him was like owning a pet Grizzly bear. The creature was amazing, awesome and stunning to behold; powerful and demanding respect and careful treatment, and then… with the realization that if it ever turned on you… it could easily destroy you. Shawn was her grizzly… she felt faint with the unleashed power of what he could and would do if he knew that she'd been lying to him all this time. Another tear slid free.

"Hey…" He called softly.

She swallowed, unable to look at him. She'd turned the table on him, made it out like he was overreacting for nothing, when in fact he was right…. and because he was right, she felt that she deserved his reproach, his anger, his wrath… because she was lying to him. She was a coward to the outcome of it all. 'Why God… why? Jake you bastard… why did you have to mess with me… why couldn't you just leave us alone?!' She sniffed and wiped at more tears.

"…I'm sorry… Sylvie… I'm sorry…. babe…" He reached across the center consol for her, trying to get her to turn and face him. "… please… don't cry… I get… I just get crazy when it comes to Jake. You don't know what he's done to me in the past. He used to derive some sick pleasure out of going for girls I dated. He's gone to bed with every one of them. His two sons… the older two… well, their mother, was the last I dated before leaving. He did everything in his power to humiliate me. He, was one of the reasons I left home all those years ago. I grew tired of the game. You Sylvie… I couldn't take it… if he were to pull you from me… if he were to get you, to give into him, like he did them."

"I'm not like that! So don't place me in the same category with them! I love you Shawn… that's what you have to get through your thick skull… that I love you. No one else!"

"Its just that… those girls… were all crazy about me Sylvia… two claimed to be really in love with me, and yet… he got to them. You – lets face it… did not fall head over heals for me. You – you scare me Sylvia… you scare me… because I've never given a woman my heart so completely, as I have to you. I know I joke around, and play the big role of saying stupid shit like… how women want me. That's all bullshit. Its never meant a damn thing to me, and when it did – it only fucked me up and screwed up my life. You know something, there are few persons in my life I could ever really trust. My mother, Derrick and Jesse. That's it. Deidre… she… I was never really heart and soul in love with her… not like you. So I never gambled on having to trust her or to think about it. You… I need to know… I need to feel… that I never need to worry."

"You don't Shawn… you don't. We're getting married tomorrow. I'm marrying you… because its you that I want… no one else. No one."

Shawn's heart was beating fast and furious in his chest. He reached for her, grabbing her head, palming the back of it and brought her mouth to his, covering it entirely, opening his wide and inserting his tongue, kissing her hard and desperate. The noise of their mouths, smacking lips, twirling tongues was blended in with their deep breathing. Sylvia could feel him shaking with his passion for her; shaking from fear of trusting her with his heart. If he could consume her right then and there, Sylvia knew that he would. He kissed her so hard and deep it made her light-headed. He reached beside him and pushed the button for his seat to slide back all the way, then levered his steering wheel high and out of the way. He broke the kiss only long enough to pull her over to his side and onto his lap. Sylvia was shaking, realizing she couldn't control him. She couldn't stop him. He would have what he wanted of her and she would give… she would give it all if he wanted her to. The kiss resumed with her on his lap, he was hard and grinding up against her buttocks, his hand moving between her thighs.

"Shawn…" She gasped into his mouth.

"I want you…" He gasped as if in pain, his nose brushing against hers as he turned his head to fit his mouth to hers, his tongue imitating what he wished to do with his erection if he could, already his hand was rubbing at the juncture of her thighs, his long fingers reaching into the juncture of her thighs, touching her, fondling her intimately as if to let her know, that she belonged to him, and would have her now if he could, rubbing her mound, pressing at the entrance of her heat through her clothing. Her jumper would not allow him access; it frustrated him.

"Dammit why'd you wear this!" He breathed fiercely.

"Shawn… nooo, you're … Shawn… please… don't." Sylvia's heart was beating because she knew, if he were to lay her down now, he would hurt her, the power he would execute to penetrate and thrust would be too much; he was shaking with his passion, his entire body was coiled tight, hard. For once, she was glad he could not follow through on having her.

The fear in her voice worked to bring him to his senses, to bring him down. He took several deep breaths, and pulled his mouth from hers. Their foreheads leaned against each other, as they breathed to calm down. The windows were fogged up and the SUV was still running in park. Shawn reached over and turned the engine off. They were on a country road not far from home. It took a while before either could speak, when Shawn finally could, "Don't – hurt me Sylvia… I beg you… don't – hurt me."

"Shawn… I would never… I love you. I swear to God… I love you!"

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The Ramseys in Time box set features spunky heroines, brooding heroes, and a trip through time. Each of the two novellas included have a 50k word count, making this box set top off at 100k.

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Black Friday / Cyber Monday 2024 3 of 3

https://coffeetimeromance.com/alien-fury-by-janice-seagraves/?fsp_sid=131
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Down at the Shore by Karen Cino

An Author’s Twelve Days of Christmas

With the holiday season upon us, it is our time to reflect on the year gone by and start getting together a list of resolutions for the New Year. This is one of my comic relief poems. I refer to it as my quick pick-me-upper when my muse comes to a halt. This is my version of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my friends gave to me:

 	Twelve hours of nonstop writing,
 Eleven great plots ideas with a twist,
 Ten true to life characters,
 Nine boxes of tissues,
 Eight books on writing,
 Seven sites on marketing,
 Six unique promo tips,
 Five colored highlighters,
 Four packages of post it notes,
 Three colorful loose-leaf binders,
 Two boxes of colorful paperclips,
 And a bottle of Procesecco to stimulate my mind.

To all my writer friends and readers I'd like to wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season full of love and happiness! I'm sharing with you my Christmas tree and decorations.

If you stop by and leave a comment, you will be put in a drawing to receive an ebook of your choice: Roses or Seaside Reboot (Jersey Route 35 Cozy Mystery). All you need to do is tell me your favorite Christmas/Holiday treat and/or what you want Santa to bring! Good luck!
Down at the Shore
Brooke Dascoli is in a relationship that’s going nowhere. She moves into the beach house her grandmother left her at the Jersey Shore and forms a friendship with her neighbors, Flo Meadows and Jane Cummings. Flo carries around a huge secret that has haunted her since her first marriage and Jane is having a hard time dealing with a cheating husband who died shortly after their divorce. Together each woman shares their past indiscretions and future dreams, while dealing with loss, renewal and starting over.
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Down-Shore-Five-Beach-Road-ebook/dp/B09F6Z73FY
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/bzKJ7j

Where to find Karen
Her website: https://karencino.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/karencino
X (formerly Twitter): @karencino
Instagram: @karencino
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/karencino

 

1 of 3 ways to win

Black Friday / ...

Down at the Shore by Karen Cino

An Author’s Twelve Days of Christmas

With the holiday season upon us, it is our time to reflect on the year gone by and start getting together a list of resolutions for the New Year. This is one of my comic relief poems. I refer to it as my quick pick-me-upper when my muse comes to a halt. This is my version of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my friends gave to me:

Twelve hours of nonstop writing,
Eleven great plots ideas with a twist,
Ten true to life characters,
Nine boxes of tissues,
Eight books on writing,
Seven sites on marketing,
Six unique promo tips,
Five colored highlighters,
Four packages of post it notes,
Three colorful loose-leaf binders,
Two boxes of colorful paperclips,
And a bottle of Procesecco to stimulate my mind.

To all my writer friends and readers I`d like to wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season full of love and happiness! I`m sharing with you my Christmas tree and decorations.

If you stop by and leave a comment, you will be put in a drawing to receive an ebook of your choice: Roses or Seaside Reboot (Jersey Route 35 Cozy Mystery). All you need to do is tell me your favorite Christmas/Holiday treat and/or what you want Santa to bring! Good luck!
Down at the Shore
Brooke Dascoli is in a relationship that’s going nowhere. She moves into the beach house her grandmother left her at the Jersey Shore and forms a friendship with her neighbors, Flo Meadows and Jane Cummings. Flo carries around a huge secret that has haunted her since her first marriage and Jane is having a hard time dealing with a cheating husband who died shortly after their divorce. Together each woman shares their past indiscretions and future dreams, while dealing with loss, renewal and starting over.
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Down-Shore-Five-Beach-Road-ebook/dp/B09F6Z73FY
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/bzKJ7j

Where to find Karen
Her website: https://karencino.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/karencino
X (formerly Twitter): @karencino
Instagram: @karencino
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/karencino



1 of 3 ways to win

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My Fake Italian Marriage by Romy Sommer
Escape to Italy for a summer romance
As the nights draw in and winter approaches, you may be indulging in hot cocoa, woolly sweaters, and Hallmark holiday movies...or you might be indulging in dreams of summery destinations and strappy sundresses. I'm definitely in the latter camp. I don't do well with the cold, so I hibernate all winter, warming myself up by escaping to warmer climes in the pages of books. One of my favorite destinations, no matter the season, is Italy - the home of pizza, pasta, gelato, and amazing wines. (And yes, I am a tad obsessed with the taste of Italy!)

Enjoy your own escape to Italy with "My Fake Italian Marriage," a romance filled with sunshine, mouth-watering food and wine, and (of course!) a heart-warming fake marriage romance.

In the words of The Unrepentant Bookaholic: "Set in the beautiful Tuscan hills and vineyards, this story was delightful, sweetly steamy, and still romantic. Sworn off men after two failed relationships, Cleo is sent to Luca's family vineyard to protect her company's investment. Sparks fly, and a reluctant partnership is formed to keep the failing business alive. Fabulous!"

Purchase Links: 

https://www.romysommer.com/montalcino-romances

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DYUWW1

Apple iBooks: http://aps.harpercollins.com/hc?isbn=9780008353605&retailer=apple

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-fake-italian-marriage-romy-sommer/1143776409

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/my-fake-italian-marriage

Google Books: http://aps.harpercollins.com/hc?isbn=9780008353605&retailer=googleplay

Where to find Romy:

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/RomySommerAuthor

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/romy_sommer_author/

Threads:  https://www.threads.net/@romy_sommer_author

Pinterest:  https://pinterest.com/romysommer/

Mastodon:  https://romancelandia.club/@romy

Goodreads:  https://goodreads.com/author/show/6603454.Romy_Sommer

 

1 of 3 ways to win

Black Friday / Cyber Monday 2024 1 of 3

2 of 3

Black Friday / Cyber Monday 2024 2 of 3

3 of 3
Black Friday / Cyber Monday 2024 3 of 3

https://coffeetimeromance.com/m...

My Fake Italian Marriage by Romy Sommer
Escape to Italy for a summer romance
As the nights draw in and winter approaches, you may be indulging in hot cocoa, woolly sweaters, and Hallmark holiday movies...or you might be indulging in dreams of summery destinations and strappy sundresses. I`m definitely in the latter camp. I don`t do well with the cold, so I hibernate all winter, warming myself up by escaping to warmer climes in the pages of books. One of my favorite destinations, no matter the season, is Italy - the home of pizza, pasta, gelato, and amazing wines. (And yes, I am a tad obsessed with the taste of Italy!)

Enjoy your own escape to Italy with "My Fake Italian Marriage," a romance filled with sunshine, mouth-watering food and wine, and (of course!) a heart-warming fake marriage romance.

In the words of The Unrepentant Bookaholic: "Set in the beautiful Tuscan hills and vineyards, this story was delightful, sweetly steamy, and still romantic. Sworn off men after two failed relationships, Cleo is sent to Luca`s family vineyard to protect her company`s investment. Sparks fly, and a reluctant partnership is formed to keep the failing business alive. Fabulous!"

Purchase Links:

https://www.romysommer.com/montalcino-romances

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DYUWW1

Apple iBooks: http://aps.harpercollins.com/hc?isbn=9780008353605&retailer=apple

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-fake-italian-marriage-romy-sommer/1143776409

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/my-fake-italian-marriage

Google Books: http://aps.harpercollins.com/hc?isbn=9780008353605&retailer=googleplay

Where to find Romy:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/RomySommerAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romy_sommer_author/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@romy_sommer_author

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/romysommer/

Mastodon: https://romancelandia.club/@romy

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/6603454.Romy_Sommer



1 of 3 ways to win

Black Friday / Cyber Monday 2024 1 of 3

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Black Friday / Cyber Monday 2024 2 of 3

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Black Friday / Cyber Monday 2024 3 of 3

https://coffeetimeromance.com/m...
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Interview with Lucy Felthousehttps://bit.ly/4fJavT3Welcome, today we are talking with Lucy Felthouse! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Lucy Felthouse that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I try to counteract my love of chocolate by spending lots of time walking in the countryside, going to Zumba once a week and doing Yoga at home.

How long have you been writing?

Since I was a child. I was a huge reader from a young age, and loved adventure stories, so anything by Enid Blyton, that kind of thing. I would spend hours making up my own stories and scribbling into notebooks. I wish I still had them now—I’m intrigued as to whether any of it was any good!

In terms of writing for publication, it’s getting on for twenty years now, since I was at university.

What have you found most challenging about it?

That when you write in certain genres, i.e. romance, and particularly steamy romance, you will often find people look down on you and what you write. There are certain places where writers of other genres will be welcomed, but you won’t. I’ve learnt to live with it, and don’t try to insert myself where “my face doesn’t fit”, but I do find it quite annoying at times. In a lot of ways, we still live in a very narrow minded world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional? 

All of the above! I’ve made myself laugh writing, I’ve made myself cry writing. I take it as a good sign, to be honest. As the writer, I know what’s going to happen, so if I still get emotional about it, then surely that means I’m doing something right!

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I don’t have a routine. I don’t write full time, and I don’t always have a book or story on the go. So it all depends. When I am writing a book, I t...

Interview with Lucy Felthousehttps://bit.ly/4fJavT3Welcome, today we are talking with Lucy Felthouse! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Lucy Felthouse that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I try to counteract my love of chocolate by spending lots of time walking in the countryside, going to Zumba once a week and doing Yoga at home.

How long have you been writing?

Since I was a child. I was a huge reader from a young age, and loved adventure stories, so anything by Enid Blyton, that kind of thing. I would spend hours making up my own stories and scribbling into notebooks. I wish I still had them now—I’m intrigued as to whether any of it was any good!

In terms of writing for publication, it’s getting on for twenty years now, since I was at university.

What have you found most challenging about it?

That when you write in certain genres, i.e. romance, and particularly steamy romance, you will often find people look down on you and what you write. There are certain places where writers of other genres will be welcomed, but you won’t. I’ve learnt to live with it, and don’t try to insert myself where “my face doesn’t fit”, but I do find it quite annoying at times. In a lot of ways, we still live in a very narrow minded world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

All of the above! I’ve made myself laugh writing, I’ve made myself cry writing. I take it as a good sign, to be honest. As the writer, I know what’s going to happen, so if I still get emotional about it, then surely that means I’m doing something right!

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I don’t have a routine. I don’t write full time, and I don’t always have a book or story on the go. So it all depends. When I am writing a book, I t...
...

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Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café by Kris Bock
Find #Romance at a Cat Café! #books
Start the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series for only 99 cents with Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café!

Readers say: "I absolutely love this heartfelt series."

"I loved this book so much that I purchased the next in the series, and it is just as sweet!"

What do you do when you meet the guy of your dreams? Set him up with your sister, of course.

Kari doesn't have time for love when she's opening her new cat café. She's busy hiring employees, fighting with the health inspector – oh, and welcoming 16 shelter cats. She's doing this for the cats, the community, and her family. The café will give her sister, Marley, a job worthy of her baking skills.

Then a tattooed military vet wanders in claiming he's a master baker. Surely Marley will fall for a guy this sweet.

Colin has other ideas. It's Kari who makes him want to turn up the heat. But he's spent the last two years recovering from physical and psychological wounds. Is he really ready for a relationship? He's not even sure he should commit to Samson, the sweet Siamese cat who steals his heart.

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series is available in ebook or print at all major retailers. Start the series for only 99 cents! Find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC

Or at all retailers: https://storyoriginapp.com/collections/6eb320a9-c5ab-45f9-ba44-46a902be614e

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes. Each book is a complete story with a happy ending for one couple.

Get Lions and Love at the Cat Café, a sweet romance novella, free when you sign up for Kris Bock's Romance and Mystery newsletter: https://sendfox.com/KrisBock

Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, and suspense. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a billion-dollar lottery. Can they build new dreams and find love amidst the chaos? In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty....

Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café by Kris Bock
Find #Romance at a Cat Café! #books
Start the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series for only 99 cents with Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café!

Readers say: "I absolutely love this heartfelt series."

"I loved this book so much that I purchased the next in the series, and it is just as sweet!"

What do you do when you meet the guy of your dreams? Set him up with your sister, of course.

Kari doesn`t have time for love when she`s opening her new cat café. She`s busy hiring employees, fighting with the health inspector – oh, and welcoming 16 shelter cats. She`s doing this for the cats, the community, and her family. The café will give her sister, Marley, a job worthy of her baking skills.

Then a tattooed military vet wanders in claiming he`s a master baker. Surely Marley will fall for a guy this sweet.

Colin has other ideas. It`s Kari who makes him want to turn up the heat. But he`s spent the last two years recovering from physical and psychological wounds. Is he really ready for a relationship? He`s not even sure he should commit to Samson, the sweet Siamese cat who steals his heart.

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series is available in ebook or print at all major retailers. Start the series for only 99 cents! Find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC

Or at all retailers: https://storyoriginapp.com/collections/6eb320a9-c5ab-45f9-ba44-46a902be614e

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes. Each book is a complete story with a happy ending for one couple.

Get Lions and Love at the Cat Café, a sweet romance novella, free when you sign up for Kris Bock`s Romance and Mystery newsletter: https://sendfox.com/KrisBock

Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, and suspense. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a billion-dollar lottery. Can they build new dreams and find love amidst the chaos? In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty....
...

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Breaker by AK Nevermore
Check out Breaker, a Spicy Dystopian Romance...
Hey all, AK Nevermore back with the first book in a brand new series, Breaker. If you're a fan of Spicy Dystopian Romance, then this is the series for you!

Beware the Coming Storm...

On an alternate earth, a cataclysm has altered a subset of the population. Talents are persecuted for their psychic and physical mutations, giving rise to two conflicting societies based upon maintaining genetic purity. And the Source, a shadowy corporate entity dependent upon the exploitation of captive Talents, is hunting them...

Self-exiled to the Outside, Flynn Scot is oath-bound to a life of strict penance.

Cursed with a vicious temper and haunted by the blood-stained debauchery of his past, Flynn's sworn off women, whiskey, and violence, and doesn't give a damn about whispers of the coming war. He sure as hell isn't in the mood to make good on a debt when it's called in, especially when playing white knight outs him as a Talent, and the damsel in distress as his soulmate.

On the run from her future as a broodmare for the Source, escaped Talent Kara Jester is no distressed damsel.

And the last thing she wants is to be trapped in a blizzard with a surly—and frustratingly captivating—thug. Without the suppression meds holding her libido in check, her biology's primed to procreate, and Flynn's growled assurances that he won't touch her doesn't match the hunger in his eyes.

It doesn't align with what fate has in store for them, either.

With elite troops hot on their heels and the border set to close, it's a race to the North, away from Kara's horrific future and towards the dark past Flynn wants to keep buried. Clinging to the shreds of his oath, he's forced to choose between protecting the woman he's afraid to love and letting out the animal he swore he'd never be again. Either may destroy him, if Kara's secrets don't get them killed first.

Want more? It's free to read in Kindle Unlimited, and you can download the Breeder, the series prequel, for free here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/91ffk852qo

Purchase Link: Books2Read https://books2read.com/BreakerOne

Where to find AK Nevermore:

Facebook: ...

Breaker by AK Nevermore
Check out Breaker, a Spicy Dystopian Romance...
Hey all, AK Nevermore back with the first book in a brand new series, Breaker. If you`re a fan of Spicy Dystopian Romance, then this is the series for you!

Beware the Coming Storm...

On an alternate earth, a cataclysm has altered a subset of the population. Talents are persecuted for their psychic and physical mutations, giving rise to two conflicting societies based upon maintaining genetic purity. And the Source, a shadowy corporate entity dependent upon the exploitation of captive Talents, is hunting them...

Self-exiled to the Outside, Flynn Scot is oath-bound to a life of strict penance.

Cursed with a vicious temper and haunted by the blood-stained debauchery of his past, Flynn`s sworn off women, whiskey, and violence, and doesn`t give a damn about whispers of the coming war. He sure as hell isn`t in the mood to make good on a debt when it`s called in, especially when playing white knight outs him as a Talent, and the damsel in distress as his soulmate.

On the run from her future as a broodmare for the Source, escaped Talent Kara Jester is no distressed damsel.

And the last thing she wants is to be trapped in a blizzard with a surly—and frustratingly captivating—thug. Without the suppression meds holding her libido in check, her biology`s primed to procreate, and Flynn`s growled assurances that he won`t touch her doesn`t match the hunger in his eyes.

It doesn`t align with what fate has in store for them, either.

With elite troops hot on their heels and the border set to close, it`s a race to the North, away from Kara`s horrific future and towards the dark past Flynn wants to keep buried. Clinging to the shreds of his oath, he`s forced to choose between protecting the woman he`s afraid to love and letting out the animal he swore he`d never be again. Either may destroy him, if Kara`s secrets don`t get them killed first.

Want more? It`s free to read in Kindle Unlimited, and you can download the Breeder, the series prequel, for free here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/91ffk852qo

Purchase Link: Books2Read https://books2read.com/BreakerOne

Where to find AK Nevermore:

Facebook: ...
...

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Interview with Zara WestWelcome, today we are talking with Zara West! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I am a champion hand spinner with a collection blue ribbons from the New York State Fair. My spinning wheel was handmade by a local carpenter who used the same tools used during the Colonial Period.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing forever. As a child, I loved art, horses, and storytelling. I wrote hundreds of tiny, illustrated books full of talking horses, which I sold to my classmates for a penny. Then I grew up and turned to writing non-fiction. I have written magazine and academic articles, how-to-manuals, craft books, and college textbooks on a wide range of topics, including art, ethnography, weaving, technology, and writing. But for the last fifteen years I have returned to writing the fiction I love to read – historical fiction and romance.

What have you found most challenging about it?

The change to fiction from non-fiction was hard. The structure of each is totally different. The biggest difference is that non-fiction is full of telling, but fiction needs to reach deep inside a character’s psyche and show how they experience the things they are doing and the things happening to them, emotionally. When lovers kiss in a romance, the reader needs to feel that kiss as real.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing a story is pure release. I practice a technique called fast drafting (I have published a book about it Fast Draft Your Manuscript and Get it Done Now).

When I am writing, I focus totally on the story. I don’t worry about grammar or spelling or being precise. Instead, I just let the ideas and character’s voices flow out of my fingers. I am that character. I’m in that experience. I’m in the...

Interview with Zara WestWelcome, today we are talking with Zara West! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I am a champion hand spinner with a collection blue ribbons from the New York State Fair. My spinning wheel was handmade by a local carpenter who used the same tools used during the Colonial Period.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing forever. As a child, I loved art, horses, and storytelling. I wrote hundreds of tiny, illustrated books full of talking horses, which I sold to my classmates for a penny. Then I grew up and turned to writing non-fiction. I have written magazine and academic articles, how-to-manuals, craft books, and college textbooks on a wide range of topics, including art, ethnography, weaving, technology, and writing. But for the last fifteen years I have returned to writing the fiction I love to read – historical fiction and romance.

What have you found most challenging about it?

The change to fiction from non-fiction was hard. The structure of each is totally different. The biggest difference is that non-fiction is full of telling, but fiction needs to reach deep inside a character’s psyche and show how they experience the things they are doing and the things happening to them, emotionally. When lovers kiss in a romance, the reader needs to feel that kiss as real.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing a story is pure release. I practice a technique called fast drafting (I have published a book about it Fast Draft Your Manuscript and Get it Done Now).

When I am writing, I focus totally on the story. I don’t worry about grammar or spelling or being precise. Instead, I just let the ideas and character’s voices flow out of my fingers. I am that character. I’m in that experience. I’m in the...
...

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The Marquis and the Vixen by Collette Cameron
The only thing more passionate than their differences is their chemistry...
There is nothing Blythe Culpepper wants less than a Season in London. Except Lord Leventhrope. She definitely wants nothing to do with that odious (and admittedly handsome) man. So, imagine her dismay when she's saddled with both...

Tristan has no interest in social gatherings. Which is why he's as surprised as everyone else when he agrees to help present the Culpeppers to Society. If only he could determine why the sharp-tongued Blythe captivates him like no other...

Tristan and Blythe soon learn there's nothing like a little forced proximity—and a deadly enemy—to help a pair of polar opposites see what they truly mean to each other. But is happily ever after in the cards for this tormented marquis and the vivacious vixen of his dreams?

EXCERPT

The Marquis and the Vixen
Copyright by Collette Cameron®

A woman of noble character will at all times remember, calm composure flummoxes the schemes of evil-intended people. ~ Dignity and Decorum—The Genteel Lady's Guide to Practical Living

London, England, Late May, 1822

Flimflam and goose-butt feathers!

One hand hiding her mouth, Blythe Culpepper gaped as she trailed her cousin, Brooke, and Brooke's husband, Heath, the Earl of Ravensdale, into the mansion.

Surely that wasn't authentic gold gilding the ornate cornices? Squinting to see better, she surveyed the grand entrance. Yes. It is.

And not just the sculpted cornices either. The plasterwork and practically every other surface, excluding the coffered ceiling's elaborate paintings and the rose-tinted marble floor, boasted the shiny adornment.

Everything pink and gold and glittery. And costly.

"What a despicable waste of money." Flinging Heath a hasty glance, Blythe checked her muttering. It wouldn't do to offend him or their hostess within a minute of arrival.

The peeress, swathed in gold satin and dripping in diamonds—three diamond bracelets? On each wrist?—stood beside an enormous urn. Blythe fought the scowl tugging at her mouth and brows. Disgusting, this brazen flaunting of wealth.

Clamping her slack mouth closed, she relucta...

The Marquis and the Vixen by Collette Cameron
The only thing more passionate than their differences is their chemistry...
There is nothing Blythe Culpepper wants less than a Season in London. Except Lord Leventhrope. She definitely wants nothing to do with that odious (and admittedly handsome) man. So, imagine her dismay when she`s saddled with both...

Tristan has no interest in social gatherings. Which is why he`s as surprised as everyone else when he agrees to help present the Culpeppers to Society. If only he could determine why the sharp-tongued Blythe captivates him like no other...

Tristan and Blythe soon learn there`s nothing like a little forced proximity—and a deadly enemy—to help a pair of polar opposites see what they truly mean to each other. But is happily ever after in the cards for this tormented marquis and the vivacious vixen of his dreams?

EXCERPT

The Marquis and the Vixen
Copyright by Collette Cameron®

A woman of noble character will at all times remember, calm composure flummoxes the schemes of evil-intended people. ~ Dignity and Decorum—The Genteel Lady`s Guide to Practical Living

London, England, Late May, 1822

Flimflam and goose-butt feathers!

One hand hiding her mouth, Blythe Culpepper gaped as she trailed her cousin, Brooke, and Brooke`s husband, Heath, the Earl of Ravensdale, into the mansion.

Surely that wasn`t authentic gold gilding the ornate cornices? Squinting to see better, she surveyed the grand entrance. Yes. It is.

And not just the sculpted cornices either. The plasterwork and practically every other surface, excluding the coffered ceiling`s elaborate paintings and the rose-tinted marble floor, boasted the shiny adornment.

Everything pink and gold and glittery. And costly.

"What a despicable waste of money." Flinging Heath a hasty glance, Blythe checked her muttering. It wouldn`t do to offend him or their hostess within a minute of arrival.

The peeress, swathed in gold satin and dripping in diamonds—three diamond bracelets? On each wrist?—stood beside an enormous urn. Blythe fought the scowl tugging at her mouth and brows. Disgusting, this brazen flaunting of wealth.

Clamping her slack mouth closed, she relucta...
...

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