Jean C. Joachim's Blog: Stories of Love and Passion, page 2
March 5, 2025
Coming Soon!
I am re-activating this blog! I will be posting snippets of current books of mine, faves, classics, and along with snippets, inside information regarding how the books got written, personal experiences that went into developing the characters, cool details about the small towns and big cities where the books take place...including pictures!!
So stay tuned, romance coming your way. The first new installment will be posted TOMORROW!!
August 1, 2023
TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "COLD" - TWO OF HEARTS
Howdy! Today we start a new story, "Two of Hearts." It's a woman's fiction story and different from anything else I've ever written. Sorry that the opening excerpt is so long. It was necessary to include all this to establish who Terry is. Caution: there is bad language and sexual references in this story. If that b bothers you, then stroll on by.
The word prompt is "cold." Don't forget to hop on over and read all the other fabulous stories. You'll find them HERE.
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At six a.m., the creature breathing on Terry’s ear shouldhave been his wife, Clare, not their pug, Queenie, placing her cold nose against his temple. His wife, an early riser, always took the dogon the early morning walk. But he’d put Clare on a plane to Los Angeles the daybefore. Terry grumbled as he pulled on sweats, slipped on a wind breaker, andharnessed the pooch.
“Whatthe fuck, Queenie? Why do you have to go out so God damn early, anyway?”
Heshuffled down the hall to the elevator, dog prancing alongside. His wifeoccupied his thoughts. An acquaintance got her into some dumbass west coast script-writinginternship program. Exactly what would she’d be doing there? He had no clue. Ridingdown to the lobby, Terry recalled his conversation over dinner with Clare.
“Aren’tyou a little old for an internship?” He’d asked, refilling their wine glasses.
“It’snot for neophytes. Only for experienced writers.”
“Oh.” Henodded.
“This isa once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to break into the movies.”
“Isn’tthat a bit cliched?”
“Veryfunny.”
“Sorry.”
They’d polishedoff the bottle, then Clare had led him to the bedroom and seduced him. Hechuckled to himself --not like it was difficult. After great sex, Terry couldn’t deny heranything. She used lovemaking to get her way, but he didn’t care. He loved Clarewith all his heart.
“Howlong is this deal?” He’d asked, lying next to her.
“Sixmonths. That’s all. It’ll pass quickly.”
“Andyour freelancing?”
“Sarahsaid I could take a leave of absence.”
“Andyour job’ll be there when you get back?”
“That’swhat she said. We live on what you make anyway. My dippy shit little salary won’t bemissed.”
“It’snot the money. I’ll miss you.”
“You cancome on weekends. Please, Terry? I may never get another chance.”
With thepleasure from release still floating through his veins, he hadn’t been thinkingclearly. Sure, he’d fly out there at least once a month, catch up on theirlives and screw their brains out. If he made love to her eight times over threedays, that would average out, over a month, to twice a week –more than someguys got. It was only for six months, right? Easy peasy, he’d thought.Obviously he’d gone brain dead.
“You’llhave Queenie,” Clare had said.
Hearing hername, the animal had jumped up on the bed. After breathing in his face, she circled,nudging her way between them, and plopped down, resting her chin on Clare’sleg. He admitted Queenie had wrapped her little self around his heart, but shewas no substitute for his wife.
“Okay.Six months. Only six months. Then you come home, right?”
“Right.Thank you. I love you madly, truly, dearly,” she’d said and slid down his body,arousing him once more.
Once hismind worked again, he’d spent the next month looking for ways to back out ofthe deal. But he’d never seen Clare happier. She sang in the morning, initiatedlovemaking every night, and created mouth-watering dinners. How could hedestroy her hopes?
Did hebelieve she’d have a dazzling career as a scriptwriter? He doubted one coursewould turn her into Steven Spielberg, but kept his misgivings to himself.
Thefirst time the alarm went off at six instead of seven, he regretted hisdecision. Six months of getting up early, six months of walking the damn dogbefore he’d had his second cup of coffee, and six months of no sex –what thefuck had he been thinking?
That's it. Thanks for stopping by.
June 22, 2023
It's summer and time to scoop up incredible books for yo...
It's summer and time to scoop up incredible books for your summer reading list. Here are some I especially recommend because they are quick, short reads, or suspenseful reads, or just heart-warming love stories. Take your pick!
Looking for the audiobook versions? Scroll down.
Let's start with summer's biggest sport - BASEBALL!
DAN ALEXANDER, PITCHER (baseball romance)
Fed up withcheating women, Dan Alexander, star pitcher for the New York Nighthawks, grewrestless. Searching for something more than a bar babe, he zeroed in on a girlin the stands. He never expected to see a beautiful chick pushing frankfurters.But the hot dog girl looked as smokin’ as the food she was selling.
Holly Merrill found a place to hide inplain sight, as a vendor at Nighthawks’ stadium. Keeping her secret safe andsimply happy to stay alive, she never considered finding love an option. Afterall, a bad girl doesn’t deserve a decent guy, does she?
Coming off his best season ever, Dan wentinto the playoffs, hell bent on winning the pennant and playing in the WorldSeries. But could he maintain his focus on the field, where everything wasgoing right, when off the field everything was falling apart? Locker room language. Full novel.
https://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Pitcher-Bottom-Ninth-Book-ebook/dp/B01M0UT7CS/
BARNES & NOBLE
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dan-alexander-pitcher-jean-joachim/1124673500?ean=2940153518251
APPLE BOOKS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id115...
KOBO
http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=9780997183399
SMASHWORDS
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/667364
AMAZONU.K.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M0UT7CS
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DANGEROUS LOVE DUET
Dangerous missions, a desertedisland, terrorists –and heart-stopping love affairs with strong, sexy men willkeep you up nights, turning the pages to find out what happens next. The twofull-length romantic suspense novels, LoveLost & Found, and its sequel, DangerousLove, Lost & Found, come together in one volume, bursting with actionand romance. This rip-roaring saga of two Marine buddies will keep you on theedge of your seat.
This secondedition collaboration of an experienced romance writer and a retired Marine isaccurate to a fault, and weaves in two love stories that will leave yousighing. The second story won FirstPlace in the suspense category in the OklahomaRomance Writers of America International Digital Awards contest. Caution: some cursing. TWO COMPLETE NOVELS IN ONE VOLUME!
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07923H98W
AMAZON U.K.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07923H98W
APPLE BOOKS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1438403142
BARNES & NOBLE
KOBO
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/love-lost-found-duett
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HEATHER & MIKE: THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY (Echoes of the Heart series, Book 1)
Mike Sullivan’s dating Amy, theperfect woman. Everyone says she is, even his best friend, Bill. She urges himto move in with her, and he agrees. To Mike, living together means gettingengaged. He’s picked out the ring and is ready to pop the question, isn’t he?
If Amy is the one, why can’t Mike forget Heather? He’dspent a magical ten days with her on Fire Island, ten days that changed hislife. Then he’d screwed it up. As quickly as she entered his world, Heatherdisappeared, blocking his calls, and leaving him bereft.
That was five years ago. Finally ready to accept the factthat he’ll never see Heather again, Mike’s poised to take the big step -- untila magazine article turns his universe upside down. Quick read novella.
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D5FRKPG
BARNES & NOBLE
ITUNES/APPLE BOOKS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1387172571
KOBO
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/heather-mike
GOOGLEPLAY BOOKS
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=JYKKDwAAQBAJ
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UNMPREDICTABLE LOVE (Pine Grove series, Book 1)
When SSGT Trent Stevens receives a letter and hot picture from Jory Walker,he thinks his dreams have come true. Deployed in the Middle East, the lonelysoldier writes back right away and waits impatiently for a reply.
Uh oh. Amber signed her sister's name on a pen pal letter to a Marine, andJory is stuck fixing the little white lie.
As letters pour in from SSGT Trent Stevens, Jory has no choice but torespond, though, he's probably drooling over Amber's bikini photo, thinking it’sJory. What harm could it do if she sends him a few letters? After all, they'llnever meet, right?
When love sneaks up on Jory, will her charade boomerang? Is unpredictablelove destined to break two hearts? Full novel.
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DM4EOUW
BARNES& NOBLE
GOOGLEPLAY
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=SGKCDwAAQBAJ
APPLEBOOKS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1098064633
KOBO
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/unpredictable-love
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LIZ & NICK: NO REGRETS (Echoes of the Heart, Book 3)
Called “the Odd Couple” in high school, athletic Nickand brainy Liz hit it off. From tutor and pupil to lovers, they formed a tightbond –until college. Heading off in different directions, they agreed to cut theirties with no regrets. That was the last time they saw each other.
Tenyears later, Nick still searches for a woman as smart at Lizzie who could lovea jock. He’s still single. Unable to find a big-hearted man who isn’tintimidated by her smarts, Lizzie remains unmarried. When Fate steps in, will thelovers find the answers to their dreams or is it simply too late?
Quick read novella.
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLBMPWF
BARNES & NOBLE
APPLEBOOKS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1396077000
KOBO
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/liz-nick
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AUDIOBOOKS
These books are available in audio from Chirp:
Dan Alexander, Pitcher Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dan-alexander-pitcher-jean-joachim/1124673500?ean=2940169081541
Love Lost & FoundBarnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-lost-found-jean-joachim/1122636941?ean=2940169081572
Dangerous Love Lost & Found
Barnes & Noble
Heather & Mike: The One That Got Away
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heather-mike-jean-c-joachim/1140300554?ean=2940171809225
Liz & Nick: No Regrets
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liz-nick-no-regrets-jean-c-joachim/1128885953?ean=2940169081404
And here's a bonus -- Dan in a beefcake pose!
ENJOY LOVE AT THE BEACH!
September 12, 2022
FAVORITE SCENES
I have always said I don't have a favorite book. In fact, I love most of my books. But I do love a few more than the others. Shh. Don't tell them.
I'm going to be posting favorite scenes from some of my most cherished books here. If you're intrigued, I'll post links where you can buy the book.
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The first book up is "TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE." It's book 4 in the Manhattan Dinner Club series. I started rereading this book for a new project I'm working on and I got sucked right in. The meet/cute drew me into the story. I hope it does the same for you.
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TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE
Jean C. Joachim
Chapter One
Central Park
Wham! A huge, shaggy, golden retriever sent runner Penn Roberts flying through the air. Intent on his prey—a gray squirrel—the dog never missed a beat, racing full speed after the wily rodent. The furry target scurried safely up a tree, leaving the canine barking in frustration on the ground.
Struggling to breathe and shirtless, Penn lay flat on his back in the dirt. Pebbles dug into his bare skin. The fall had knocked the wind out of him. The perpetrator trotted back to lick Penn’s face. He looked up into a pair of soulful brown eyes belonging to the handsome pooch. Buddy! Was it Buddy? His beloved golden, died seven years ago. As he reached up to touch the dog he didn’t believe was real, he heard a voice.
“Are you hurt? Should I call 911?”
Penn switched his gaze from the canine to the most beautiful teal blue eyes, framed in black lashes, he had ever seen. The woman’s peaches-n-cream complexion was set off perfectly by long hair as dark as midnight. Her left hand held two more leashes. One with a pug at the end, the other linked to a Boston Terrier.
“Lucky didn’t mean to knock you over,” she said. The dog licked him again. “See? He’s sorry. Are you okay? Can you talk?” She leaned over, providing a perfect sneak peek of a pair of tantalizing breasts. Penn’s gaze was riveted.
He pushed up on his elbows. “I’ll live. Is this your dog?” He petted Lucky.
“I’m his dog walker.”
“Some dog walker…can’t keep control of one this big, eh?” His regard moved from Lucky to the luscious figure of the stunning woman crouched before him. She wore black bicycle shorts topped by a low-cut, turquoise tank top. The outfit molded her figure perfectly, leaving little to his imagination, kicking his libido into overdrive.
“You’re okay?” Her brows knitted.
“No thanks to Lucky, here…or you, for that matter.” He tried to scowl but was unsuccessful.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. When he sees a squirrel, he bolts. My fault all the way. I’m Miranda Bradford.” She stood then extended her hand.
Penn used it to pull himself up. “Penn Roberts.”
“What can I do to make it up to you?” Miranda picked up the dog’s leash.
That’s a leading question, honey. I can think of lots of things. Embarrassed by his own X-rated thoughts, he sensed heat rising from his chest to his face.
“Have breakfast with me at The Boathouse.” He shaded his eyes from the brilliant, June sun. Squinting, he located his Aviator sunglasses, knocked away by the collision. He brushed dirt off his shorts. Sweat from running glued the loose soil of the bridle path to his back. He handed her a handkerchief and turned around. “Would you mind?”
Miranda turned over the leashes to Penn. She flopped the cloth over her small hand then touched him softly.
He squirmed. “Hey, that tickles!”
“Sorry.” She increased the pressure, brushing away the debris. Her delicate nails dislodged a few stubborn pebbles embedded in his skin. At her touch, a tingle ran up his spine then straight down to his groin. Penn was in no hurry to move away from her warm fingers. After a few more caresses, she dropped her arm.
“Thank you. Breakfast?” He faced her, his gaze warm.
She handed him the dirty linen. “I can’t…Lucky, here. Romeo and Blackie, too.” She gestured to the two small dogs sniffing the ground.
“They’re allowed to sit with us in the outdoor section.”
She tried to hide a smile. “Glad to see your injury hasn’t killed your appetite.”
“Nope. Stomach’s fine. Will you join me?”
“Guess so. If you’re a serial killer, Lucky’ll protect me.”
“By licking me to death?” Penn cocked an eyebrow. A grin played on his lips.
“Pen, like the writing implement?” she asked, casting a long gaze over his form.
“Two ‘n’s,’ short for Pennington,” he explained.
“Family name?”
“How’d you guess?”
She laughed.
“You walk three dogs three times a day?”
“Only twice a day. I have others, too.”
“A lot to keep track of…” he commented, putting his hand in front of each pooch’s nose to get acquainted.
“I’m used to it.”
“You’re a professional dog walker?” He crouched down to pet the animals.
“I’m a playwright, actually. But this pays the bills.” Her frank stare roaming over his body warmed him.
Not surprised Miranda checked him out, he prided himself on his tall, lean, muscular build. Clear, light gray eyes and straight, dark, almost black, hair constantly annoying him by falling over his forehead completed the picture. He rubbed his face, shadowed with a day’s growth of beard, wondering if this woman appreciated his scruff or preferred a smoothly shaved face. He’d been told the shadow on his square jaw coupled with his dark eyebrows gave his face an expressive quality.
“I’ve never met a playwright before. Would I know your work?”
“My plays haven’t been produced yet, but I’m getting close…long story.” She gathered the leashes to continue her walk.
She’s more embarrassed about not having a play produced than obviously giving me the once-over. Interesting.
Miranda pulled the leads tighter, drawing the dogs closer to her as they approached the road snaking through the park. She headed for the big hill leading to The Ramble, a maze of paths winding around trees and artfully planted shrubbery.
Penn tugged on her hand. “Let’s go this way, by the Shakespeare Garden,” he said.
“But that’s a longer route,” she protested.
“The roses are in bloom, and they’re amazing right now.”
“You know this how?” She lifted an eyebrow.
“I run in the park every day.”
She followed along, turning right toward the Swiss Chalet puppet theater then making a sharp left. Penn didn’t drop her hand as she fell in step with him. When they rounded the chalet, pink and white roses bloomed abundantly, climbing the long, winding split rail fence on both sides of the path. The sweet fragrance of their perfume drifted toward the pair, enticing them farther along the way, as lovely as it was fragrant. The canines stopped to sniff.
“You were right. This is amazing. Do they do this every year?”
“Roses are perennials, so the answer is ‘yes’.”
“You’re into gardening?”
“I’m into beauty,” he said, tightening his grip on her hand, pleased at the blush coloring her cheeks. They walked slowly on the rose-petal-strewn trail, giving the dogs a chance to get their fill of the scent. Next came the Shakespeare Theater.
“Do you ever come to Shakespeare in the Park?” she asked him as they lingered for a moment in front of the statue of Romeo and Juliet.
“I used to. I haven’t been in a long time,” he admitted.
“I come every year. They do different plays, so it’s worth it. And it’s free.”
“But you have to get here at daybreak to get in line for tickets.”
“I have friends…we each take a shift. I bring breakfast and catch up on some sleep or read.”
“If you get up so early, can you stay awake through the show?”
“It’s Shakespeare. You’re kidding, right?”
He looked at her quizzically.
“My name is Miranda. My dogs are Romeo and Juliet. See a pattern here?”
“You’re a Shakespeare nut?”
“My father was Shaw Bradford, a Shakespearean actor. My folks named us after characters from his plays. My sister is Cressida,” she said as they passed the turtle pond, heading for the edge of The Ramble.
“Was?” He dropped her hand to lean on the railing.
“He passed away when I was seventeen.”
“I’m sorry. I know what that’s like. Both my parents died when I was fifteen.”
“Both?” she exclaimed, putting her hand on his forearm, and squeezing it, her eyes wide.
He nodded and stared at the pond, avoiding her gaze. Six turtles rested on rocks, basking in the sun. She put her hand in his again, and they walked on in silence. Coming down the steep path toward The Boathouse, Miranda gasped when she saw the riot of bright yellow and dazzling red tulips in front of the private dining room.
“I try to come by here every few weeks because they change the flowers often, and each display is more beautiful than the last,” he said, tightening his grip on her fingers.
Lucky barked at a squirrel. Romy and Blackie sat down and panted. Miranda tried to quiet the retriever. Lucky jerked again, trying to get loose. He caught Miranda off balance, bringing her down hard on her knees on the pavement. Tears filled her eyes.
Penn grabbed Lucky’s leash and yanked him back. “Bad dog!” he said to the animal, who promptly sat and looked shamed. “Are you all right?” he asked, helping her up, a frown creasing his forehead.
When Miranda stood up, the cut on one leg started to bleed. Her eyes watered, but she blinked rapidly to hold back the flow. Her lip quivered. “I’m okay,” she answered in a wobbly voice.
“Come on.” He took the leashes in one hand, putting his other around her waist to support her, ignoring the sparks he felt when he touched her. He settled her in a chair at the restaurant and went to the men’s room, returning with some wet paper towels, one with soap.
She held the dogs while he knelt down and cleansed her wound. His long fingers gently washed off the lather with a wet towel and then dried the gash. Bruising and swelling had already begun. He tried to keep his attention focused on her knee, but managed to steal a peek at her chest when she leaned forward.
“Ice. I’ll be right back,” he said, jumping up.
“No, no…it’s okay,” she called, but he was already halfway to the counter before he heard.
Upon returning, Penn examined her wound. The bleeding had stopped. It looked angry, but clean. Penn wrapped a few ice cubes in a paper towel and held it on the area. “I think this injury calls for a big breakfast, coffee alone won’t do. What would you like?”
“Oh, I…” she stumbled, clearly embarrassed.
“Come on. I’m hungry, too. Getting all those paper towels gave me an appetite. Keep me company. They have great bacon here.” He coaxed her.
“Okay, okay. Bacon and scrambled eggs sound great.”
“How do you like your coffee?”
“I prefer tea, if that’s okay…with milk and a little sugar,” she replied, making eye contact with him.
“Done,” he said, reluctantly pulling his gaze from hers and rising.
* * * *
Miranda sat on the wrought iron chair, holding the leashes, and watching Penn walk to the counter. God, he is poetry in motion, she thought, focusing on his confident gait, broad shoulders, and cute butt, unable to keep a grin off her face despite the sting in her knee.
Once he placed his order, he turned to look at her. Cupping his hands in front of his mouth, he hollered, “Ice!”
She smiled and waved then returned the small, makeshift ice pack to her injury. The cold made the pain subside. When he returned, carrying a tray with beverages as well as two paper plates loaded with bacon, eggs, and toast, he straddled the chair opposite her.
“I got you whole wheat toast…since you’re in such good shape…I mean, you look like you work out. You’re wearing running gear. Anyway, I figured you eat healthy,” he said, stammering to cover his obvious appreciation of her body.
“Good choice,” she responded, staring at his chest, covered with a smattering of dark hair. She flushed when she raised her gaze to his then looked down, flustered, and focused on her toast. Penn blushed slightly then yanked his T-shirt from the waistband of his shorts and slipped it on. God, he saw you staring at him, checking him out, like a schoolgirl.
“So, you write plays. What kind? Drama? Comedy?” he asked, slipping a forkful of eggs into his mouth.
“Comedy,” she answered, delicately fingering a piece of bacon.
“I love comedy.” His eyes lit up.
“Most people do, but it’s the hardest to write.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know, but that’s what they say. Seems like it should be harder to make people cry than laugh, but it isn’t. Say, what did you called Lucky? Buddy?” She changed the subject.
“He reminds me of a dog I used to have. He looks just like Buddy.”
“When you were a kid?”
“I got him as a consolation prize right before my parents flew off to a week’s vacation in the Bahamas, leaving me behind. They never made it.”
“What happened?”
“Their private plane went down, and they were killed…together. I was left with Buddy.”
Miranda looked away from him as tears pricked her eyes, thinking about the lost fifteen-year-old boy, suddenly on his own.
“Buddy died seven years ago. I still miss him.” Penn’s gaze rested on Lucky.
She tore off a small piece of toast for each dog and fed it to them.
“You treat each one as if he’s your own,” he observed, breaking the silence.
She laughed. “Walking them every day, they feel like mine,” she admitted. “What happened to you after…after you lost your parents? You were only fifteen.”
“My uncle Alfred, my father’s brother and business partner took me in for three years. Then, I went off to college. My father left me his half of the business, and I’ve been running it for the past ten years.”
“What business are you in?”
“Real Estate are you uh, seeing anyone, in a committed relationship?” He glanced at her naked ring finger before making eye contact again.
“Not now. I’m kind of busy.”
“Too busy for dating?” He raised his eyebrows.
“My life is complicated,” she replied, petting Romeo and avoiding Penn’s eyes.
“Isn’t everyone’s?"
“I mean I have responsibilities. It isn’t only about me.”
“Children?”
“No kids. Look, I have to go.” She put down her fork and stood up.
“Wait.” He grabbed her elbow.
A stab of pain in her knee and Penn’s tug on her arm made her sink down again.
“You’d better let your knee rest for a bit more. Tell me, what responsibilities?”
“I take care of my mother and sister. My sister just graduated from F.I.T. I hope she can get a job soon. My mother has emphysema and can’t work. And the two pugs. I have baggage. Most guys aren’t interested in someone like me…who can’t spend the night whenever they want or be available all the time to focus on them. I can’t,” she said, facing him.
“I run a company. I understand about responsibilities,” he said, taking her hand.
“Do you? You live alone?”
“Yes.”
“No pets…of any kind?”
“No.”
“Then you don’t have the same idea about responsibilities. Mine are twenty-four seven, not only nine to five,” she said, pulling her hand away from his to pet Lucky. Miranda adjusted the leashes in her grip. “Do you have a girlfriend?” she asked after a pause, looking into his eyes.
“I play the field. Safety in numbers.” He chuckled.
“A commitment-phobe with no responsibilities beyond himself. Nice to meet you and thanks for breakfast,” she mumbled, standing up. Miranda winced with the pain but continued anyway. She untangled the leads.
“Can I see you again?”
“Why?”
“Because I like you.” He blushed.
“I come to the park every day it doesn’t rain. Thanks again for the food and for the medical care.” She moved away with the dogs.
“What time?” he called after her.
“Same time as today.”
Penn turned and headed south while Miranda went north.
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If you liked the beginning and want to read more, you can find it free if you have Kindle Unlimited. If not you can buy it from Amazon. Get the book here:
AMAZON U.S.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014YTQTXY
AMAZON U.K.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014YTQTXY
AMAZON CANADA
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B014YTQTXY
AMAZON AUSTRALIA
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B014YTQTXY
August 1, 2022
TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "CRAZY" - THE KICKER'S STORY - PART ONE
Welcome! This week we are starting something new. The Kicker Story is actually a book in two parts. We started with the kicker's story, which is part two! This week, we'll start the kicker's story part ONE! Yes, this is the story that comes first. I know, it's backward. But both stories are stand-alones. They will be tied together in an extensive epilogue at the end.
In the meantime, the word prompt this week is "crazy". Don't forget to read the great Tuesday Tales stories you can find HERE. Thanks for stopping by.
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Robbie Anthony, kicker of the Connecticut Kings, and seducer extraordinaire, parked his car in the small house he owned in Shelton, Connecticut. He locked his vehicle, and entered the house from the back door to the kitchen.
He flipped on the central air conditioning, and poured himself a Coke. No alcohol during the season. He kicked off his shoes, and stretched out on his sectional sofa.
He flipped on the TV. It was nine already. He wasn’t hungry because he chowed down before the four o’clock game. He marveled that he wasn’t in the mood for porn, and channel surfed.
His cell buzzed. Ugh, it was Cathy. No way could he listen to her bitching at him again about not calling. He sent the call to voicemail.
Again, his phone sounded. Phylicia. Oh, boy, he knew better than to pick that one up. She’d spotted him at The Savage Beast cozying up to a new waitress there. He’d lied to her about having to practice, so when she spied him, Coke in hand, breathing down the neck of the new girl, Phylicia went crazy! She yelled, screamed, and called him names.
Carla, the owner, had to have her husband, Trunk Mahoney, defensive lineman for the Kings, toss her out – nicely. Trunk threw a dirty look at Robbie, who slunk away and went home. Damn, that waitress, what was her name? Connie? Maybe. She was fine, though. And stupid Phylicia wrecked his chances with her. He’d be damned if he’d answer the phone.
Words that night from his teammate, Trunk, echoed in his head.
“Some day, Anthony, you’re gonna meet the girl you can’t get. And it’s gonna drive you fuckin’ nuts. I just hope I’m around to see it.”
Robbie smirked. Yeah, like that was really gonna happen to him.
That's all. Thanks for stopping by...
April 9, 2021
BEST OF...ADORA SMUTZ ROUND TABLE INTERVIEW
ADORA SMUTZ ROUND TABLE INTERVIEW
Adora Smutz, here. We have a roundtable discussion today. I have four heroes of Jean’s books with me today. Please welcome, Tunney Nichols and Jim Caterson from “The Renovated Heart” and Mac Caldwell and Danny Maine from Now and Forever 2 and Now and Forever 3.
Leave a comment and be eligible to win a copy of The Renovated Heart!
Mac:Hey, guys, I thought this was a bowling alley.
Danny: Adora Smutz! What are you doing here?
Adora: Hi, guys. *grins* Fooled you, didn’t I? That free bowling coupon works every time.
Tunney: Who is this babe?
Adora: Ahhh, he called me a babe! Tunney, you’re such a sexy guy.
Tunney: *backs away*, hey, hey. Down, girl. Kit would never approve of this.
Adora: Who’s Kit? What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her, right? *bats her eyelashes*.
Jim: How do we get out of here?
Adora: The doors are locked gents. So sit down. You’re my captives for a while. This is a round table discussion. Here *passes out beer*, might make you more comfortable. *sound of beer bottle tops popping*.
Mac: What do you want, Adora?
Adora: Just want to ask you all a few questions. Let’s see…hmm, which do you prefer, blonde, brunette or redhead? Mac, you’re the oldest, you start.
Mac: Thanks a lot for the age crack. Let me think, slam dunk, I prefer chestnut hair and blue eyes on a woman. Danny?
Danny: Blonde and green eyed. Jim?
Jim: Big blue eyed brunettes do it for me. Tunney?
Tunney: blonde and blue-eyed.
Adora: What a bunch of creeps! Those are the descriptions of your girlfriends and wives. Brother, how unoriginal. Okay…*tosses out index cards*…so much for Jean’s questions. Now you’re gonna get my questions! *the men shift in their seats* What’s your favorite position for sex? Danny, let’s start with you.
Danny: Whoa, Adora! Not answering that one. *raises his hand*.
Adora: Coward! Mac…how many times a week do you have sex?
Mac: *blushes*…uh…I don’t remember.
Adora: A likely story! Tunney…ever do anything kinky in the bedroom?
Tunney: Uh…hmm…define ‘kinky’ Adora.
Adora: You know what I mean! You faker! Jim, your turn…How many times in one day do you have sex with Sarah?
Jim: *blushes deep red* uh…don’t think I’ve ever kept track, Adora.
Adora: You are all a bunch of phonies, killjoys! *stomps her foot*.
Danny: *gets up close to Adora. Puts his arm around her* But maybe we can set some new records with you, Adora…
Adora: Oh? Really? Raises her eyebrows.
Danny: Sure…*slips door open, signals to Mac to leave*…yup. How many times a week do you want to have sex?
Adora:*gets shy* well, gee…I haven’t thought about it…
Danny: *shoos Jim out the door* Think about it. There are four of us and one of you…
March 28, 2021
NEW RELEASE - "SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL"
NEW RELEASE! "SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL"
Dear Readers,
I struggled to write "Some Kind of Wonderful", book 7 in the Pine Grove series (but reads as a stand-alone) this during the last six months as pandemic sapped by strength and focus. But I love Jackie & Jeff and had to get their poignant story written and now it is. SO, I am posting the blurb and an excerpt today.
I will post a new excerpt every day for a week. If you don't buy the book on the first day, be sure to come back and read the other snippets until you are so hooked you have to have the book!
Here's the blurb:
Life sucks for Jeff Barrett. His girlfriend hates his hometown, and his mother hates his girlfriend. His alcoholic father dies and leaves his ramshackle bar to Jeff. He can’t even tear down the dilapidated building because it’s landmarked! He puts it on the market with one caveat – the buyer can’t make it a bar again.
Jackie Stone’s life grinds to a halt when the IRS closes the restaurant she managed, and her boyfriend skips to Montana with another woman. While visiting tiny Pine Grove, looking for a bar to own and run herself, Jackie gets lost. She flags Jeff down to ask directions. The attraction is instantaneous.
It’s smooth sailing on the sea of relationships until Jackie makes an offer for his bar and Jeff refuses. The irresistible force meets the immoveable object. Who wins the tug-of-war? Will the winner find a tornado of trouble is just picking up steam?
Now, the excerpt:
July, New York City
Jackie Stone narrowed her eyes to read the sign on the door of Chuck’s Wagon, the steakhouse where she worked as a manager.
SEIZED!
Big black letters on a bright orange piece of paper plastered on the inside of the glass door shouted out. A huge padlock secured the knob and prevented entry. Puzzled, Jackie tugged on it anyway. The door rattled but stayed shut. She shook her head. How stupid. Like the padlock is gonna fall off because you pull on it?
She whipped out her cell phone and dialed her boss, Chuck Gregory.
“Hey, Chuck. What’s going on? The door’s padlocked. There’s a sign saying ‘seized’ in the window. What the hell?”
“Tax man cut us off.”
“What do you mean, the tax man cut us off?”
“I’m a little behind in taxes. So, they took the restaurant.”
“A little behind?” She paced up and down on the sidewalk in front of the big plate glass windows of the empty eatery.
“Okay. Maybe a lot behind.”
“Chuck. You lost the restaurant?” She stopped, her mouth fell open.
“Yeah, so I’m going out west. Sindara’s got a house in Montana. I figure I’ll find a place out there and open another steakhouse.”
“You’re going where?” She fished a bottle of water from her purse.
“Montana. Is there something wrong with your hearing, Jackie?”
“Nothing wrong with my hearing. Just my choice of boyfriends.”
“You and I were never serious.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. How could you let this happen? I told you to put money in a separate account. And then when tax time came around, you’d have it.”
“Yeah, well, Sindara wanted to buy a house. She needed the down payment.”
“You gave your tax money to your other girlfriend?” She shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand.
“It was a good move because now I have a place to go.”
“What about me? And our staff? Have you told anyone else?” The sun beat down on the back of her neck.
“Nope. They’ll find out soon enough. Like you did.”
“I can’t believe this.” She resumed pacing.
“Believe it. Have a good life, Jackie. I’m changing my number, so don’t try to get in touch with me.”
“What about my stuff?” She guzzled water.
“What stuff?”
“Change of clothes, some baking stuff.”
“Sorry. Everything in there belongs to the tax man now. Gotta go. Good luck.”
Her phone went dead. Screwing her face up, her hand drew back as if to throw the phone but stopped. Hell, it was her phone. She’d have to pay to replace it. Pay. Pay with what? She didn’t have any income, as of like ten minutes ago.
She sank down on a nearby stoop. Tears burst forth. Chuck—what a dirty, lowdown bastard. Two-timing her and squandering the restaurant’s money. Leaving her with nothing. Branded a failure. Thirty years old and no job, a small savings account, and no place to go.
Opening her phone again, she scrolled through her contacts. When her father’s name came up, she hesitated for a moment before pressing the button.
“Jackie?” The familiar gruff voice set her on edge.
“Hi, Dad.”
“What’s up? Aren’t you working today?”
“That’s what I’m calling about.”
“Oh?” She could hear her father raise his eyebrows.
“Yeah. See, uh, Chuck…kinda didn’t pay his taxes.”
“What?”
“Yeah.”
Silence.
“So the feds shut him down, right?”
Jackie closed her eyes and took a deep breath, preparing herself for the giant “I told you so.”
“Yeah.” Her voice was almost a whisper. She drew her knees up and rested her forearms on them.
“So you’re out of a job?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, then…”
“Aren’t you gonna say it?” Her head bowed.
In a soft tone she’d not heard since she was six, he said, “I’m not gonna say it. Why don’t you come home for a while? You could use a break.”
“Come home?”
“Yeah. I’ll fire up the grill. I’ve got some chops in the freezer.”
“Really?” She sat up straight.
“Sure. You work plenty hard. Take a couple of weeks off. Come out here. We’ll put our heads together and come up with something.”
“Really?”
“Are you hard of hearing or something, Jackie?”
She laughed. “Chuck asked me the same thing.”
“I hope that scoundrel is out of your life now.”
“Oh, he is. Count on it. We’re so done.”
“Every cloud has a silver lining. Hold on a sec.”
Jackie grinned. Could it be true old Cecil Stone would actually come through for her? And without a lecture? Maybe the lecture was yet to come? She’d deal with it.
“Okay. I’m back. The schedule says there’s a three thirty train. Can you be ready in time?”
“I can.”
“Good. I’ll pick you up at the station.”
Her tears returned. “Thanks, Dad. You’re the best. I didn’t think. I just—”
“Oh, hush. That’s what dads are for, see you at four fifteen.” He ended the conversation.
Buy the book here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09157583H/
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KOBO
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March 25, 2021
Have you heard about my new sweet historical romance, "Ab...
Have you heard about my new sweet historical romance, "Abigail's Journey"? It's book 1 in the Catskills Saga, takes place in Colonial America, and is being read faster than you can flip a page in Kindle Unlimited! Reviews are glowing, with the book achieving a 4.6 overall rating. How about an excerpt?
First, a bit about the book:
Abigail Chesney has it all; a husband more loving than she could have dreamt, three healthy children, and a house on thriving farmland. She’s happy in her little world until it crashes down around her.
Losing almost everything tests Abby in ways she never expected. Can she learn to accept what she can’t change and trust those she loves? Relying on help from the people of Fitch’s Eddy, a tiny Catskill logging town, Abby discovers her own strength. Will Fate’s cruel blows crush her? Or will love give her a new reason to go on?
Abigail’s Journey – travel back to Colonial America, 1786, with this heartfelt, sweet, historical romance, where the flavor of the past leaps off the page.
***************************
EXCERPT
May 1786
“Pack up and get out, Chesney. I’m moving in.”
No sooner were the words out of the scoundrel’s mouth than George Chesney hit him square on the jaw. The man exploded in rage and landed two on George before bystanders pulled him away. Chesney had never been much for fighting to settle a dispute. However, when the welfare of his beloved family hung in the balance, he’d gladly trade fisticuffs with the devil himself.
Leaving the Danbury Inn, he wiped the blood off his nose. Tramping through town, he breathed deeply. The bell of the town crier stopped him.
“Seven o’clock and all is well.”
He compressed his lips together as bitterness soured his mouth. It might be seven o’clock, but all was not well, not for the Chesney family. Old Luke Morton had gambled away the deed to their farm. He had been Morton’s tenant, working the farm for the past ten years. He figured to own it outright in another five. Luke’s one whiskey too many and his losing hand at cards smashed George’s dream to bits.
Laughing in his face, the winner had dashed any hope of staying to farm the land. So, he’d lashed out at the man who’d threatened his future but had come out the worse for it in the end.
Fear spiked in George’s chest, slowing his pace. For once, he dreaded returning home. Since he was late, his beautiful wife would have kept a plate of dinner aside for him. She’d be wondering where he was. How could he tell her Morton didn’t own their farm anymore and they had to pack up and leave?
As he struggled to find words, his heartbeat sped up. Sweat poured off his forehead and soaked his shirt. He wiped his face with his sleeve and shivered in the chilly May wind under the cold light of a full moon. The sweet smell of freshly turned earth met his nose. Crops were already planted, but he’d not be around to harvest them. Where would they go? Farming was all he knew. How would he make a living and feed his family?
It didn’t help that his face had swelled and the flesh around his eye throbbed. Gently, he fingered his nose and flinched in pain. He grew angry. It wasn’t his fault Morton was an old, drunken fool.
Seemed like bad luck had dogged his steps lately. They’d lost a goat through a hole in the fence. Fox killed two chickens. He figured it was timing. He’d had the best fortune in the world to win lovely Abigail’s hand. And the three wonderful children she’d given him had brought him much joy. Now he was thirty-six years old, maybe his luck had turned.
As he drew near to the little farmhouse he’d called home, emotion choked him. How could he tell his family they’d have to leave the life they loved—the only life they knew?
Smoke curled up from the chimney and the aroma of burning logs drifted his way. Yep, his son, Samuel, had remembered to bring in wood. He could almost taste his wife’s fine stew and smell the freshly baked bread his daughter, Sarah, had put up in the afternoon.
George directed his gaze upward and uttered a prayer as he approached his home. He stopped halfway up the path to swallow hard and wipe his cheek. The wetness wasn’t blood, but tears. He took a deep, shuddering breath. No nice way to break such bad news. They were losing their home—he’d come right out with it.
He pushed the door open.
“George! I’m so glad you’re home. Where were you? We were worried.”
Speech eluded him. He stood, solid, feet spread slightly, and reached for words that wouldn’t come. His gaze hopped from his wife to each of his children in turn. They stopped what they were doing. She approached and put her hand on his arm.
The smile faded from her face. “You’re bleeding. What happened? Are you all right?”
He shook his head. “No, I’m not. And nothing is going to be all right again for a very long time.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
“Sarah, put Lizzy to bed then come back. You and Sam are old enough to hear the truth.” He ran his palm over his face then sighed, sinking into a chair. His wife picked up a dish towel, removed a plate from the warming oven and placed it on the table in front of him.
“Hungry?” She raised her gaze to his.
“Not really.” But the aroma of the stew set his mouth to watering.
“Eat. Whatever it is will wait.” She poured a cup of tea for him and one for herself.
“You deserve better,” he mumbled, picking up his fork.
“Better?”
“Better than me.”
“Hush, George Chesney! I don’t know what happened today, but I married the finest man in all of Danbury. And don’t you dare disagree with me.” The fire in her eyes, and her high spirit turned her cheeks a becoming rosy shade.
“If you aren’t the prettiest woman in all of Connecticut, I don’t know who is.” He leaned over to plant a gentle kiss on her lips then took her hand and raised it to his. “And you make the best stew in God’s creation.”
His daughter returned. She joined Samuel on a bench across from their parents. Sarah fiddled with her long hair, while Sam tried to twirl a penny on its end.
“What is it, Papa?” her young voice squeaked. The children raised their gazes to meet his.
He poured out the story. Shame filled him to admit he’d struck the first blow and yet had still come out the worse for the battle. When he finished, silence blanketed the room. The only sound was the scraping of his spoon against the plate as he finished the last drop of gravy.
“Don’t worry. We’ll be all right,” she said.
“How, Mama? How?” The boy’s eyes filled with fear.
“Your mother’s right. We’ll be all right. Go on to bed now. We need you to be ready to help at sunrise.” He stood.
The children hugged him and left the room. When he turned around, Abigail fisted his shirt and pulled him toward her. Gently, she cleansed his face then brushed her fingers through his hair.
He drew her into his embrace. “I’m so sorry.”
“Stop apologizing. It’s not your fault.”
“We’ll manage.”
“Yes. We will. “Get some rest. You look all in.”
He trudged off to their room. “You coming?”
Get your copy here, free in Kindle Unlimited:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KWGRBWF/
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AMAZON AUSTRALIA
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AMAZON INDIA
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Watch for book 2, "Sarah's Dilemma" coming in April!
March 20, 2021
Now and Forever 2, The Book of Danny - Free for 5 Days!
`
FREE FOR EVERYONE UNTIL MARCH 24!
My journey writing this book.
I don't talk much about the Now and Forever series these days, though it's still one of my favorites. It was one of my first. I have re-edited it and put out second editions for all the books. Yes, I had visions of Mac Caldwell in my mind as I wrote his story, which is book 1. But during that book, and "Callie's Story", Danny Maine kept coming back demanding attention.
When I finished writing book 1, Danny came to me and wanted his story told. He wasn't my usual book boyfriend. Danny's scarred, inside and out. He's got PTSD, which gives him nightmares from time to time. In the Army, he was a killer, a sniper. He's having a hard time leaving it behind.
What shone through for me was his strength, loyalty, and humanity. Danny is all in when it comes to protecting the ones he loves. So I had to tell his story. And I felt like he sat on my shoulder, dictating every word. He lived inside me while I wrote this emotional, suspenseful tale.
This book took me on a journey. It was the first time a character took over, refusing to let me direct the story. He took it places I hadn't imagined. I couldn't wait to get my fingers on the keyboard each day to see where the story would go.
Danny took a journey. He came back to life. I was privileged to go along for the ride. Still one of my favorite books, I'm pleased to offer you, "Now and Forever 2, The Book of Danny" for free until March 24. I hope you download it, read it, and enjoy it...and fall in love with Danny, just the way I did.
Here's a bit about the book:
Killer? Lover? Professor? Which one is Danny Maine? Leaving the Army to teach college didn't mean the war left him. Scars to his body, heart, and soul haunt him. Capt. Danny Maine seeks a normal life. He struggles to free himself from crippling war memories and dangerous men, hoping love and a new Glock will bring him peace.
Eliza Baines, widowed dean at the university, finally has life exactly the way she wants it, doesn’t she? When Danny Maine blows into town, he fires up her hunger for love and affection. Can she throw aside convention to build a life with a much younger man?
An engrossing, tale of love, loss, mind-blowing surprises, and facing off against insurmountable obstacles, the Book of Danny will touch your heart.
Caution: Occasional cursing and violence.
“...it was a wonderful read that tore me up in the middle, but left me satisfied in the end.”
HERE'S A TASTE OF THE BOOK:
“This way, Danny.” Cal motioned.
“No, don’t go that way…” Danny hollered.
Too late. The explosion might have deafened him, but Danny got lucky. Running away from a bomb one minute, the next, he woke up in an army hospital in Germany. Still, he was the charmed one—getting the Purple Heart and a trip home. Cal hadn’t been so blessed.
Danny had only been out of the hospital for three days when he hitched a ride on a military transport back to the United States. A long plane ride provided the chance to say goodbye to his buddies.
“Hey, Captain, ever get the guy in Iraq who killed your brother?” asked Sgt. Josh Benson.
“Sure, Benson. Him and the rest, too. All those bastards,” Danny replied.
“You got the highest score. How many killed?”
“Lost count.”
“More than me.”
“Everybody got more than you, Benson. Jenny behind the desk hit more than you.”
“Can’t see nothin’ on you. Looks like they never touched you.”
“Yeah, looks can be deceiving. How’s your leg doing?” Danny asked, moving away to make more room for Benson’s leg cast.
“Good,” he lied.
Danny saw the beads of sweat on Benson’s forehead, his pale face. Benson had always been a good liar.
“Glad to be delivering you back to your sister. Say what does she look like again?”
“Stay away from her, Captain. She’s got enough to do takin’ care of me. She can’t be cryin’ her eyes out over givin’ it up to you.” Benson chuckled.
“Too bad. But if she looks like you, maybe not!” Danny laughed.
“I’m not tellin’.” His brow furrowed, Benson asked, “Say Captain…you sleep good?”
“Okay, I guess,” he said, side-stepping the truth.
“I see things. I wake up. I don’t sleep all night,” Benson said quietly.
Danny nodded, looking away.
“Will those things go away? Will I always be seein’ Joe or Cal when I go to sleep?”
“I hope not,” Danny said, looking down at his hands.
“At least I’m still here. Thanks to you.”
“I told you, just shut up about what happened,” Danny snapped, making a fist.
“Why?”
“Everybody here does his bit. I did mine…with you. Don’t talk about it,” Danny said in a low voice.
“Okay, okay.”
“You’re one brother I’m returning home,” Danny said to himself.
“Hey, Maine, we’re coming down over Syracuse. This is your stop, right?” the pilot hollered. Danny moved up to the cockpit.
“Yeah. That’s me.”
“Where do you go from here?”
“I got a ride with Sgt. Marie Willis to Willow Falls,” Danny said.
“Some hick town?”
“College town.”
“You going to school?”
“Teaching.”
“Marie, huh?”
“Better warn her about the Captain,” Benson piped up from the back.
“Shut up Benson or I’ll have to break your arm, too,” Danny called.
“Ever see her, Benson? Don’t think the Captain’ll be interested.”
“She’s female, isn’t she?” Danny cocked an eyebrow.
“As far as I know.”
“I’m interested,” Danny said with a snicker.
“Your vitamin E pack, Captain.”
Accepting the pouch from Benson, he put it in his duffle bag. “Thanks.”
The plane landed. Danny parted from Benson and two other members of his squad. Marie Willis stood at the gate jingling car keys in her hand. Danny stored his gear in her trunk then got in next to her.
“How long a trip is this, Sergeant?” Danny asked the washed-out brunette.
“Call me Marie.”
“Okay, Marie. How long?”
“Maybe four hours?”
“Too bad. Thought we might need to stop for the night,” he said, looking her over.
“That could be arranged,” she said, smiling.
You'll find the ebook free only on Amazon here:
All of the Now and Forever series books are available in Kindle Unlimited.
And as a boxed set, too
Get the boxed set here:
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F46WY2Q
AMAZON U.K
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07F46WY2Q
AMAZON CANADA
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07F46WY2Q
AMAZON AUSTRALIA
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07F46WY2Q
AMAZON INDIA
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March 18, 2021
SNEAK PEEK! PREVIEWS OF "SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL" COMING MARCH 28!
Welcome! For the next few days, while my editing team gets this book ready to be published, I'll be posting excerpts. Feel free to stop by and get a taste of the story to come. Before you start, here's a bit about the book:
Life sucks for Jeff Barrett. His girlfriend hates his hometown, and his mother hates his girlfriend. His alcoholic father dies and leaves his ramshackle bar to Jeff. He can’t even tear down the dilapidated building because it’s landmarked! He puts it on the market with one caveat – the buyer can’t make it a bar again.
Jackie Stone’s life grinds to a halt when the IRS closes the restaurant she managed, and her boyfriend skips to Montana with another woman. While visiting tiny Pine Grove, looking for a bar to own and run herself, Jackie gets lost. She flags Jeff down to ask directions. The attraction is instantaneous.
It’s smooth sailing on the sea of relationships until Jackie makes an offer for his bar and Jeff refuses. The irresistible force meets the immoveable object. Who wins the tug-of-war? Will the winner find a tornado of trouble is just picking up steam?
New York City
Jackie Stone narrowed her eyes to read the sign on the door of Chuck’s Wagon, the steakhouse where she worked as a manager.
SEIZED!
Big black letters on a bright orange piece of paper plastered on the inside of the glass door shouted out. A huge padlock secured the knob and prevented entry. Puzzled, Jackie tugged on it anyway. The door rattled but stayed shut. She shook her head. How stupid. Like the padlock is gonna fall off because you pull on it?
She whipped out her cell phone and dialed her boss, Chuck Gregory.
“Hey, Chuck. What’s going on? The door’s padlocked. There’s a sign saying ‘seized’ in the window. What the hell?”
“Tax man cut us off.”
“What do you mean, the tax man cut us off?”
“I’m a little behind in taxes. So, they took the restaurant.”
“A little behind?” She paced up and down on the sidewalk in front of the big plate glass windows of the empty eatery.
“Okay. Maybe a lot behind.”
“Chuck. You lost the restaurant?” She stopped, her mouth fell open.
“Yeah, so I’m going out west. Sindara’s got a house in Montana. I figure I’ll find a place out there and open another steakhouse.”
“You’re going where?”
“Montana. Is there something wrong with your hearing, Jackie?”
“Nothing wrong with my hearing. Just my choice of boyfriends.”
“You and I were never serious.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. How could you let this happen? I told you to put money in a separate account. And then when tax time came around, you’d have it.”
“Yeah, well, Sindara wanted to buy the house. She needed the down payment.”
“You gave your tax money to your other girlfriend?” She shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand.
“It was a good move because now I have a place to go.”
“What about me? And our staff? Have you told anyone else?”
“Nope. They’ll find out soon enough. Like you did.”
“I can’t believe this.” She resumed pacing.
“Believe it. Have a good life, Jackie. I’m changing my number, so don’t try to get in touch with me.”
“What about my stuff?”
“What stuff?”
“Change of clothes, some baking stuff.”
“Sorry. Everything in there belongs to the taxman now. Gotta go. Good luck.”
Her phone went dead. Screwing her face up, her hand drew back as if to throw the phone, but stopped. Hell, it was her phone. She’d have to pay to replace it. Pay. Pay with what? She didn’t have any income, as of like ten minutes ago.
She sank down on a nearby stoop. Tears burst forth. Chuck—what a dirty, lowdown bastard. Two-timing her and squandering the restaurant’s money. Leaving her with nothing. Branded a failure. Thirty years old and no job, a small savings account, and no place to go.
But she did have a place to go, didn’t she? She pulled up the bottom of her T-shirt to blot her eyes. An older man walking by stopped.
“Keep going. Show’s over.” She shot him a cold stare, and he hurried away.
Opening her phone again, she scrolled through her contacts. When her father’s name came up, she hesitated for a moment before pressing the button.
“Jackie?” The familiar gruff voice set her on edge.
“Hi, Dad.”
“What’s up? Aren’t you working today?”
“That’s what I’m calling about.”
“Oh?” She could hear her father raise his eyebrows.
“Yeah. See, uh, Chuck, kinda didn’t pay his taxes.”
“What?”
“Yeah.”
Silence.
“So the feds shut him down, right?”
Jackie closed her eyes and took a deep breath, preparing herself for the giant “I told you so.”
“Yeah.” Her voice was almost a whisper. She drew her knees up and rested her forearms on them.
“So you’re out of a job?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, then…”
“Aren’t you gonna say it?” Her head bowed.
In a soft tone she’d not heard since she was six, he said, “I’m not gonna say it. Why don’t you come home for a while? You could use a break.”
“Come home?”
“Yeah. I’ll fire up the grill. I’ve got some chops in the freezer.”
“Really?” She sat up straight.
“Sure. You work plenty hard. Take a couple of weeks off. Come out here. We’ll put our heads together and come up with something.”
“Really?”
“Are you hard of hearing or something, Jackie?”
She laughed. “Chuck asked me the same thing.”
“I hope that scoundrel is out of your life now.”
“Oh, he is. Count on it. We’re so done.”
“Every cloud has a silver lining. Hold on a sec.”
Jackie grinned. Could it be true old Cecil Stone would actually come through for her? And without a lecture? Maybe the lecture was yet to come? She’d deal with it.
“Okay. I’m back. The schedule says there’s a three thirty train. Can you be ready in time?”
“I can.”
“Good. I’ll pick you up at the station.”
Her tears returned. “Thanks, Dad. You’re the best. I didn’t think. I just.”
“Oh, hush. That’s what dads are for, see you at four fifteen.” He ended the conversation.
Stories of Love and Passion
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