Jade C. Jamison's Blog, page 21

A to Z Challenge: Z is for ZIGZAG

Today is the last day of the A-to-Z April Blogging Challenge, and I’m writing a story about a character named Codie Snow. If you’re just joining me, you’ll want to start with these earlier posts so you’re not completely lost:

A is for ACCEPTING the Challenge
C is for CODIE

Codie sat in a black leather chair in Matthew’s office. He’d told her a couple of months ago that his office was moving as he’d been acquiring more duties, and Slade had given him a budget to redecorate.

It was definitely Matthew. Accents of black here and there, two pieces of abstract art on the walls and a three-foot vase in the corner, but the centerpiece was his desk. What was striking was that the desk looked more like a dining room table, save the computer and phone on one side and the paper tray in the other corner. But, typical of her bestie roommate, what struck her most about the room was its simplicity and cleanness.

Oh…and feeling of money. Lots and lots of money.

She had no idea how much Slade had let Matthew spend on making the room his own, but it felt like a lot. And that was when Codie figured out that Matthew would likely continue working for Slade as long as her ex would let him.

By all accounts, Slade was a good employer. He was lax with time when he could be (like if Matthew wanted to leave early once in a while or take a long lunch) but that was probably because Matthew didn’t abuse the privilege—and he earned it. Matthew had started with Slade when the attorney had been fresh out of law school, and he’d pretty much been Slade’s Girl Friday—his everything and everyone. But, as his practice grew and his wallet fattened, he’d begun having Matthew take online courses (all paid by Slade) and had been giving him more and more duties. Matthew had told Codie all this, but she hadn’t realized her roommate had all but become Slade’s right-hand man. From what she could tell, her ex now had four or five more employees.

Slade and Codie sat in the leather chairs across from Matthew while her roommate tapped on his computer keyboard. She could feel Slade’s eyes on her and it made her feel uncomfortable and hot all at once. She knew how to handle her ex, though, and that was to keep him off balance—if she could. Often, that involved either doing or saying something completely inappropriate or broaching an unexpected subject.

She wished she could do both in one fell swoop, but she was grasping at straws.

So she blurted out what was on her mind. “Looks like you’ve moved up into the big leagues, Slade. I didn’t know Dalton had this kind of money floating around.”

If she’d jostled Slade, there was no telling from his dark eyes. As always, the man looked cool and collected. “Codie, I’ve told you more than once that anywhere you go, there will always be someone holding some fat purse strings. Even shit holes have kings who are collecting taxes.”

Yes, she had heard that one before.

“Okay. Fair enough. I just didn’t realize the kings had hired you.”

A slight smirk moved Slade’s lips, but it felt calculated, as if he were holding back. “Let’s just say that I’ve acquired as clientele some big Dalton players.”

Yeah, it showed. Not that Slade looked any different. The man had always played the part, and having a rich father hadn’t hurt at all. Codie was trying to prepare a smart ass comment when Matthew said, “Aha! Yep. Michelle Clark married Caleb Dinsmoor almost three years ago.”

“So that’s her?”

“Yes.” Matthew turned his monitor so that she could see the screen. Somehow, he’d found the wedding announcement that had been printed in Dalton’s daily back when it had happened. She imagined Matthew had access to more information than she’d ever need. “You gonna be okay, girlfriend?”

God, Matthew knew how she was going to feel even before she did. Yes, this upset her. Greatly. Michelle had never been a best friend to Codie, but they’d had a lunch or two together, and Codie remembered the young woman as vibrant and caring—a real sweetheart. In fact, at their pinning ceremony, one of their instructors had said Michelle embodied the spirit of Clara Barton more than any other student she’d ever had the honor to teach. Codie swallowed and gathered her thoughts. “Yes, I’ll be all right. I just…” She shook her head. “It’s so hard to believe that Michelle would be murdered, much less would commit suicide—which is strange too, that someone would set it up to look like she’d killed herself.” Codie regretted not having kept in touch with the woman, not that she could have helped her, but she couldn’t stop that thought from crossing her mind.

“Stop it right now, Codie. You couldn’t have done anything.”

Matthew, always spot on. “Get out of my head, weirdo.”

A big grin crossed her roommate’s face. “I love you!”

“Love you back.”

Slade tolerated the way the two of them interacted, not that they would have cared what he thought. Codie was going to bring the subject back to Michelle when Matthew’s phone started talking.

Well, it was actually the receptionist out front talking through his phone. “Matthew?”

“Yes.”

“There’s a Mr. Strong here to see you.”

Slade sat up, but there was nothing urgent about it. “You need the two of us to clear out of here?” Why did that sound to Codie like they were a couple again?

“No, I can just take him into one of the interview rooms.”

Matthew said into the phone. “I’ll be right there.” He looked at Codie. “Don’t make dinner tonight. I have a new recipe I want to try out.”

“Okay, bossy.”

Matthew grinned and looked at Slade. “I love this girl.”

Why Codie had never figured out before that Matthew had been part of why Slade probably continued to pursue her, she’d never know. Of course. It was all a big matchmaking game for her friend. That was why she’d been at dinner with the two of them and—

“Will you be okay?”

That…that was unlike Slade. He didn’t usually worry about feelings or emotions, especially girly ones. Somehow, though, he was sensing just how upset Codie was over Michelle’s death, and maybe it was because, even though the young, vibrant woman was unlike Codie in more ways than they were similar, she had always felt like one of the good ones—pure and sweet. She should have been shining her light on people until it was time for her to pass…much like Mother Teresa. Those were Codie’s thoughts as she absentmindedly answered, “Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

But she wasn’t going to be. Not by a long shot.

And so that was how she found herself in Slade’s arms, letting the man kiss her with unbridled passion while a tear fell down her cheek.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading the story so far and watching how I develop it as I go.  This story is, perhaps, half finished–for the rough draft, that is.  There will be plenty of revision to do after that.  For now, I’ll be “closing the door,” meaning I’ll finish writing the story without sharing, but I want you to know if you’ve enjoyed it, I do plan to share it on Wattpad next, so you’ll be able to read the polished product when it’s done and before I publish it.  I do believe I might be changing the title (and I think I’ve finally written the blurb), but if you’d like to follow along, you can find me here:  https://www.wattpad.com/user/JadeCJamison

I don’t want to leave you completely high and dry, wondering what will happen next.  I don’t want to give it all away, but I do want to kind of give you a sneak peek into what will happen next (also part of my writing process–having an idea of where I’m going but having no clue how I’m going to get there):

Codie attends Michelle’s funeral and continues to follow the investigation in the news.
She feels frustrated that the investigation seems to stall and does a little investigating herself–which, in turn, frustrates the hell out of Pete.
She and Slade toy with getting back together, but she’s not ready.  He still refuses to make any kind of commitment.  Besides, there’s Pete…
Codie realizes that investigating Michelle’s murder has given her the zest for life she’s been looking for (ah…so Z is also for ZEST!

A to Z Challenge: Y is for YOUNG

This is the final week of the A-to-Z April Blogging Challenge, and I’m writing a story about a character named Codie Snow. If you’re just joining me, you’ll want to start with these earlier posts so you’re not completely lost:

A is for ACCEPTING the Challenge
C is for CODIE

The next day, Codie was at work and thought off and on about the newspaper article. She knew several copies of the paper floated around the center each day, and she just had to wait until she found one. She was so busy throughout the day, though, that she didn’t have much of a chance to look. So, when she left at the end of her shift, she snagged one off one off a table in the lobby.

It would never be missed.

When she got to her car, she unfolded the paper. Typical of Dalton, it was on the front page—because a suicide might just get an obit, but a murder was a big deal. They just didn’t happen that often in Codie’s small town.

She quickly scanned the article about the suspected murder of Michelle Dinsmoor, a former CNA and nursing student at the local community college, and then started up her car, intending to run to the grocery store for a few fresh veggies, and then she planned to read the article in more detail—but, as she drove down the main highway through town, her mind started connecting dots. While her car idled at a red light, she picked the paper off the passenger seat so she could stare at the grainy wallet-sized color photo next to the article.

Holy shit. Did she know this woman?

She was pretty sure she did, but she wanted to ask Matthew’s opinion. She’d parked her car in front of Slade’s office without even thinking and didn’t even question her judgment until she was walking up to the tinted glass door and saw in the reflection that she was still wearing her scrubs.

She didn’t give a crap.

When she walked in Slade’s place, she noticed a couple of things. Not having been there since last Christmas, she was surprised at how much had changed in that short time, but it had. Matthew, normally attending to the front, was nowhere to be seen, but a cute girl who’d probably just graduated high school the year before sat at the front desk and beamed at Codie as the woman’s eyes adjusted to the indoor light.

It was then that the rest of the details surfaced. The entire place had been renovated. That in itself wasn’t a huge deal, but the fact that Matthew had never said a word about it seemed strange. Or maybe he had and she’d just missed it…but she was beginning to wonder if she’d walked in the right place. Before she could ask, the young lady said, “How can I help you this afternoon?”

Ah…an employer’s wet dream. Attentive, proactive, friendly without being overly so, open question to the client. And, from what Codie could see, the girl wore a sharp suit to boot. Codie took a deep breath to ease herself out of the disoriented feeling and then said, “I’m looking for Matthew.”

The girl’s brow moved ever so slightly but the smile remained in place. “I don’t have him down for any appointments…” She turned to the computer screen and began tapping.

“It’s not an appointment. I’m his roommate and just wondered if he had a minute or two.”

“Oh.” The girl looked up again, smile cemented back on her mug. “Of course. He’s in with Mr. Sheppard at the moment, but let me see if he’ll be available momentarily.” She pressed a button on her phone and in seconds was speaking through the headset she was wearing. “Matthew has a visitor. A—” She paused and looked up at Codie. “I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name.”

Codie felt her lungs deflate. If she was on speakerphone in Slade’s office—and Codie would have bet a thousand to one that she was—then her ex would also know she was there…and she knew he wouldn’t resist the opportunity.

Especially after tucking her in a couple of nights earlier.

But she was already committed. It wasn’t like she could just walk out now—not without drawing attention. “Codie.” The girl raised her eyebrows and Codie stifled a sigh as she added, “Snow.” Did the girl not get that she was Matthew’s roommate? Sheesh.

The young woman repeated Codie’s name into the mike on her headset and, after a few seconds, looked up at Codie. “He’ll be out in a few moments. If you’d like to take a seat,” she added, glancing over at the small waiting area that Codie noticed had also been rehabbed with plush stuffed gray chairs and accessories of highly polished wood—but not so polished that potential clients couldn’t appreciate the natural grain.

Definitely felt like Slade with a side of Matthew.

But Codie didn’t even have a chance to plop her butt into one of the comfy-looking chairs before Matthew was rushing into the lobby. “Codie!” His voice was just shy of a yell and, as Codie turned around to greet him, he swept her off her feet and into a bear hug.

Yep. A typical Matthew greeting. How could she not love this guy?

She grinned, hugging him back as much as her trapped arms would allow. He set her down and said, “What are you doing here, girlfriend?” He took a second to assess her before saying, “You’re still wearing your work clothes. What’s going on?”

Well…maybe to Matthew, wearing work clothes when not at work might have been a cardinal fashion sin, but he knew Codie didn’t give a shit. It still didn’t stop the guy from trying. She swallowed and took his cue as he started walking back toward the room from where he’d come. “Do you remember Michelle Clark?”

Her roommate blinked a couple of times, his lips pursed. “A grade younger than us?”

Codie struggled for a moment, trying to remember the girl in school and answered, “Maybe,” but Matthew was already forming his next question.

“Went through CNA training with you?”

She nodded. “Yes.” As they paused in the doorway, she asked, “Do you know if she got married?”

“I don’t know. We could find out in two shakes, though.”

Before she could form her next question, she noticed someone approaching her as she and Matthew walked through the door. She knew, before she even turned her eyes to him, that it was her charismatic ex, because for some reason, she could sense his raw sexuality today more intensely than she had in a long time.

Probably thanks to her recent rejection.

No matter. Slade had often affected her female parts in strange ways. Today was no different. “Good to see you, Codie,” he said, a slight smirk on his face.

Maybe this hadn’t been such a good idea after all.

Or maybe it wasn’t so bad. Only time would tell.

UP NEXT:  Z is for ???

A to Z Challenge: X is for It Takes X Times to Get a Clue

This is the final week of the A-to-Z April Blogging Challenge, and I’m writing a story about a character named Codie Snow. If you’re just joining me, you’ll want to start with these earlier posts so you’re not completely lost:

A is for ACCEPTING the Challenge
C is for CODIE

NOTE:  So you’ll see it when you get there–in the second scene of today’s post, I introduce a character named Kelly.  She might disappear at revision if I can’t find a better reason to keep her there and, upon reflection, I think it might make the scene even better if I had some interaction between her and Codie before the character Carmen joins the scene.  Both women could be characters later in the story, so I don’t want to lose them yet.  You’ll have to let me know what you think–but I can tell you this:  you don’t introduce ideas or characters in your story that aren’t important.  You definitely don’t give a character a name if you’re not going to use them.  So I’ll definitely have some work to do there…

Before Codie and Pete could make real plans for lunch or dinner, he was called away by his employers, that annoying dispatch woman who managed to steal his attention away from her “gorgeous tits.” She’d never admit it, but Pete’s rejection—yes, that’s what it was—hurt more than she would like to admit. Yeah, sure, they were friends, but she’d been under the impression that it was developing into more.

Stupid—because Pete had never said that or even indicated it, not once. It was just her own damn fantasy.

She let out a long sigh after she closed the door behind him and tried to decide if she wanted to dig out a drink—something she could take a shot of that would help her go to sleep—or if she wanted to let a few tears fall and then watch some TV until she drifted off. Whatever the case, sleep should have been her priority (should have been all along, but she’d allowed her heart to rule), because she had to work the next morning. Hell, the rockin’ orgasm she’d experienced thanks to Pete should have made her sleepy—but her emotions trumped anything her endorphins could offer.

She knew she was being silly and so she decided to go to bed, but before she could even make it out of the kitchen, Matthew slid on the linoleum, wearing nothing but ankle socks and navy blue boxer briefs. “I have a big hug for you, girlfriend!” He nearly crashed into Codie, sweeping her into his arms and lifting her up off the floor while squeezing her around the ribs.

When he let her go, she said, “Thanks, Matthew.”

“You know I love you.”

She grinned. “Back at ya.”

Matthew’s eyes lit up and he dropped his voice, his hands holding Codie’s shoulders. “Oh, my God. I have a beast in my room.”

Codie felt her eyebrows furrow. “A beast? What do you mean?”

Matthew’s eyes got bigger and he put a finger to his lips. “Shh. He’ll hear you.”

She lowered her voice to a loud whisper, echoing Matthew. “He?”

“Holy God in heaven! He’s a bouncer—well, the bouncer—at My Cousin’s Place. I’ve been flirting with him for weeks now and tonight he finally came home with me.” Codie smiled, but before she could offer words of congratulation, Matthew added, “Boy, did came all right. I think I’m gonna need to have the carpet cleaned.”

“TMI, Matthew.” One thing Codie knew for certain was that her bestie was never going to change. He liked sex and burly men and oversharing was part of his makeup. The day Matthew didn’t tell her way too much would be the day Codie would know he was in love.

“Not even. I had lots more to tell you this weekend. In the meantime, the big lug probably needs some cuddles. But…I didn’t hear all of it, but it sounded like Mr. Asshole was giving you the brush off, and I wanted to offer my shoulder.”

“I’ll be okay. I think…I think Pete’s just in a weird place.”

“Um, yeah. It’s called Assholeville.” Codie laughed. “I can’t believe you gave him a second chance after high school, Codie. He didn’t deserve you then and he definitely doesn’t deserve you now.”

“That’s not fair, Matthew.”

Her friend’s face took on the look of a mother gently encouraging her children to wise up. “It’s totally fair. You’re just infatuated—probably from seeing his macho policeman act—and with a little distance, you’ll see what I mean. The cops in this town act like this is Denver or something and they love to throw their weight around—and they don’t care what breaks when they do.”

Codie wrapped her arms around Matthew. She didn’t want to debate it with him. Hell, she wasn’t even ready to talk about it yet. It was still too fresh, too raw. No, she didn’t love Pete now like she thought she had in high school, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have wounds to nurse. “Love you, buddy.”

“Love you too, sis. Now get some sleep.” Almost as an afterthought, he added, “I have a boss who’s still pretty damned fond of you.”

She shook her head. Nope. She wasn’t ready for Slade’s brand of heartache either. Maybe she needed to find a way to relish being single…because it was starting to look like she was going to be that way for a while.

* * *

After work the next day, Codie was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to sleep, but the one thing that had kept her going was thinking about what Pete had told her—not the let’s be friends bullshit, but the information about the woman who hadn’t actually committed suicide. For some reason, Codie was fixated on it, probably because it felt like she’d been personally involved. She definitely hadn’t had training on how to keep one’s emotions out of police work, because she’d felt a range of feeling while on the ride-along. If she ever would decide to enter law enforcement, she’d have to learn how to turn that part of herself off—or at least subdue it while working. It wouldn’t help a victim’s family if Codie was crying and carrying on that a lovely human being was found dead. She suspected that was why some cops did seem like assholes—because it was a shield to protect themselves.

For now, though, she was no cop, not by a long shot. She was merely a concerned citizen who was curious as hell and wanted to know more. She didn’t know if Pete had been giving her the runaround or if there really was no more information available, so she decided to take matters into her own hands.

She went to the police station.

Codie had actually been there quite a bit recently, mainly because she’d been setting up the ride-along in the first place, so she knew a few people there. She lucked out, because Kelly, a receptionist she’d developed a warm relationship, was near the front desk and spied her. As she stood, though, a woman Codie thought was the office manager or someone who held that kind of role, approached the window. Codie was pretty sure her name was Carmen, but the woman had never gone out of her way to introduce herself—they’d only seen each other while Kelly had processed Codie’s ride-along paperwork.

Through the glass, Codie saw Kelly shrug and then wave before returning her eyes to her computer monitor. Carmen asked, in a voice so monotone she could put zombies to sleep, “Can I help you?”

“Hi. I’m Codie Snow. I don’t know if you remember me…” Codie paused, waiting for some type of acknowledgement, but the woman’s brow barely budged a millimeter. Codie felt her breath pause in her lungs, and she wondered why she found this woman intimidating. Sure, she was a large gal, but she didn’t seem physically aggressive. It certainly couldn’t have been her penciled-in brow or the long fake fuchsia nails.

And then Codie hit the nail on the head. It was because the woman was a gatekeeper. But she pulled the rest of the air in her lungs and reminded herself that it didn’t matter. If the woman said no, Codie would just go on. It wasn’t like she had a personal stake in the matter. “I, uh, went on a ride-along with Pete Olsen earlier in the week and we were at a crime scene. Only we didn’t know it was a crime scene at the time. They thought the woman had committed suicide, only now they maybe think it’s murder?”

The woman’s face didn’t crack.

Her eyes didn’t light up.

She didn’t even acknowledge that she had any frigging clue what Codie was talking about.

But Codie chose to plow forward just the same. “So I was wondering—as a concerned citizen, of course—what information I could get about that.”

Monotone again. Delivered like a parrot. About as much warmth as a glacier. “I’m not at liberty to divulge any information while an investigation is ongoing.”

“Oh.”

Codie took that as a signal to leave and got ready to wave goodbye to Kelly if she could grab her friend’s attention. Before she could do that, though, Ms. Warm and Friendly added one last little nugget. “There’s going to be something in the paper tomorrow about it.”

Maybe she wasn’t so bad after all. “Great. Thanks!” She felt a huge smile on her face. “Have a good one.”

“Hah.” As Codie walked away, she kept her spirits up by imagining that the poor woman at reception probably just needed to get laid…

UP NEXT:  Y is for ???

A to Z Challenge: W is for WAITING

This is the final week of the A-to-Z April Blogging Challenge, and I’m writing a story about a character named Codie Snow. If you’re just joining me, you’ll want to start with these earlier posts so you’re not completely lost:

A is for ACCEPTING the Challenge
C is for CODIE

Codie lay with her head resting against Pete’s chest, relishing the feel of his arm hairs under her fingers as she brushed them back and forth. He smelled really good tonight. She’d expected him to smell a little more like he’d been exerting himself, considering the weather had been warming up quite a bit lately and he had to wear that starchy uniform, but he smelled almost as fresh as if he’d just showered.

It made her almost want to lick him.

Instead, she let her senses rule her mind for a bit as she wondered what this meant for them. Were they going to really get together now, after walking away from each other all those years ago? Could they see past their juvenile differences and become adult lovers meant for one another?

Codie continued to ponder it until she remembered something else very important. She sat up a little so she could look in Pete’s eyes. “So what exactly were you talking about on the phone earlier?”

He lifted his eyebrows but his eyes were shut tight. “Hmm?”

Was he pretending he didn’t know what she was alluding to? “You know…what you said about checking the paper in the morning.”

“Oh, yeah, that.” He half-shrugged his free shoulder but he didn’t open his eyes to look at her. “You know that woman at that religious house? Name of Dinsmoor?”

“Yeah.”

“They’re saying it wasn’t suicide.”

Codie sat up. “Seriously?”

“Yeah. They’re not saying murder yet, but…”

After a few seconds, Codie added, “That’s what they suspect?”

“I think so. But that’s all I can say. It’s still under investigation.”

“Of course.” She tried resting her head on his chest again but she knew he was going to have to get up in a little bit anyway. She imagined he was pretty strict about getting back to work on time—that was just the way Pete was. “You should come over for dinner sometime.”

“Dinner?”

“Yeah, you know—the evening meal. But since you have lunch around two in the morning, I could make you pancakes and bacon before you go to work.” She grinned. “Or we could do it when you have a night off.”

Pete shifted underneath her, and she could tell he was trying to squirm his way out from underneath her. Yes, squirm…and she felt herself grow angry before he could even say a word.

Angry, because the alternative was hurt.

He sat up and made sure he was sitting on the edge of the bed before he said, “Why can’t this just be for fun? Why do we have to make it something more?”

Jesus Christ. And she’d thought Slade was commitment-phobic.

She pursed her lips together so hard they started to feel numb and then, as he was pulling on his underwear, she let out a breath. “I didn’t realize inviting you over for dinner was a huge deal.”

Pete shrugged and stood. When he finally looked at her, he said, “I guess it doesn’t have to be. It just feels that way.”

That was it. She couldn’t help the feelings in the pit of her stomach. She felt unloved and used. That wasn’t the Pete she remembered. “Um…I kind of think sticking your dick in me feels kind of huge.”

Both of them had upset and shocked looks on their faces for all of two seconds, until the humor of what Codie had uttered washed over them. They both started smiling until Pete said, “Thanks, I think.” Codie tried to hold onto the anger, because she had a lot more venom to spew at him, but before she could, he said, “Look, Codie, we haven’t done a good job at keeping in touch, even with shit like Facebook, so maybe you don’t know that I just got out of a pretty serious relationship the end of last year. I like you. I’ve always liked you. But I’m just not ready for anything heavy. I don’t know when I will be.”

Okay, well…now Pete didn’t seem like such an asshole. Still, it would have been nice to know his feelings going in. Maybe she could have protected her own. In light of his honesty, it only seemed fair to return the favor. “I don’t know that I can be a friend with benefits.” But wasn’t that almost what she and Slade were to each other? She felt confused and alone—and still angry. But she didn’t know that directing those emotions at Pete would be such a good idea.

“Fair enough.” Pete picked his pants up off the floor and began sliding them over his legs. “Can we be friends, though? I’ve missed that, Codie.”

That hurt too. Yes, she’d missed Pete in her life as well, though she never would have thought so before the past week. “Yeah, of course.” She sighed, looking on the bed for the t-shirt she’d worn as a nightie and began pulling it down over her head.

“I don’t know if I told you back in high school, but you’ve got gorgeous tits.”

Ugh. Really? Talk about ruining a moment. “Thanks. I think.”

He grinned while buttoning up his shirt. “Maybe we could go to lunch sometime.” Before she could protest or get angry again, he said, “Real lunch. Catch up. It’s been a long time. Maybe we could start there and see what happens.”

A small smile crept up on her face. “Yeah. I think I’d like that.” More than she’d say out loud even.

QUICK NOTE:  Something happened while writing the beginning of this chunk of story, something that often happens to me while writing.  Basically, the story or the characters (or my crazy brain–whatever the case may be) decided to do a quick zigzag:  I had one direction in mind for the story and they took me down another path.  As long as it adds to the story or makes it better, I’m all for it, and the zigzag basically added an emotional element that I’m happy to take.    I love when that happens!

UP NEXT:  X is for ???

A to Z Challenge: V is for VOICEMAIL

For the A-to-Z April Blogging Challenge, I’m writing a story, aiming for 1000 words a day (every day except Sundays). Continuing today with the next part of the story about the character Codie Snow.

If you’re new to this series of posts, you might want to start here:

A is for ACCEPTING the Challenge
C is for CODIE

Codie awoke with a hell of a headache, but sweet Slade had set her alarm before leaving their apartment, and she managed to make it to work on time.

God, she hated working as a nursing assistant. She worked in one of the local nursing homes—she’d considered working for the pricks at the hospital, but she was afraid of getting lazy and complacent and waking up one morning past forty, wondering why the hell she’d worked there half of her entire life, wasting her youth away doing something she’d hated. That had been a huge part of the motivation for going with Pete on the ride-along. She wanted something exciting, challenging, and halfway fun. After shadowing Pete, though, she wasn’t sure being a cop was what she wanted. She knew she’d have to try it another time or two to find out for sure.

She knew CNA work was not what she wanted, though. Not by a long shot.

Ugh. Codie felt sorry for the people she helped—many of them weren’t even wanted by their families, but some of them were just too difficult to care for. Some of them needed to be changed several times a day, and it wasn’t like changing a baby’s diaper. Quite a few of them were mean and hateful—not that Codie could blame them. She fucking hated being here, so why wouldn’t they? At least she got to leave every day.

Worse, though, was the nurses she worked for. What a bunch of nasty bitches.

Elaine, the worst of them, was the Charge Nurse of the day. When she was running the show, everyone was grouchy, because Elaine made them all feel like they couldn’t do anything right. As usual, though, Codie just tried to ignore her, even when a fellow CNA tried to coax her into gossiping and grousing all day. She tried to remember that Elaine should have her respect due to her education and her experience, but Codie hated her…and her caterpillar eyebrows. Thank God for the eyebrows, because they reminded Codie that Elaine wasn’t perfect.

See, that was something Codie had realized after several years of working there. Sure, she could complain and mutter and mumble behind her shift leader’s back—something she’d done a long time ago—but it never helped the situation improve, and it certainly didn’t make her feel any better. She found that if she simply shoved a piece of gum in her mouth and chomped on it, taking out her aggression on the chewy pink sweetness between her teeth, it wasn’t so bad.

Today, though, it was getting to her. And she knew it was because she’d already had a taste of freedom. When it was time to go, Elaine stopped her. “Hold up, Snow,” she snapped from the nurse’s station. “Did you finish your final rounds?”

“Yes. And I let Latisha know that Mr. Graham will need checked again in about half an hour.” Elaine wanted to pretend like the CNAs under her charge were stupid and lazy, but they always checked with each other when changing shifts. None of them liked surprises, so they all kept one another informed.

But Elaine obviously didn’t care. “You finished your charting?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Codie knew it grated Elaine’s nerves when she called her ma’am, so she did it as often as needed.

Elaine didn’t give away her displeasure, but Codie saw the corner of an eyebrow move ever so slightly. That made her satisfied. “Let’s check a couple of your charts.”

“I’ve already clocked out. They’re fine.” Elaine stood. “And if they’re not, I know you’ll be sure to go over them with me tomorrow. I just want to go home.” Codie didn’t flip her the bird, much as she wanted to, but she started walking toward the front door.

“What the hell’s the matter with you today, Snow?”

Codie wanted to tell her that she was ready to tell the nurse to shove Codie’s job up her ass, but without a plan, she couldn’t take that risk. So she told her the other half of what her problem was. “I don’t feel good today.”

And who cared if it was her own damn fault?

* * *

After going to bed early that night and going to work the next day, falling back into the old routine, Codie felt restless and knew she had to quit her job. There was no way she was going to be a certified nurse’s bitch for the rest of her life. She needed more out of life.

And she knew, while she sat at the kitchen table that night, stabbing at an innocent piece of lettuce, that it was more than her love life. Sure, she’d been agonizing over Slade and Pete, trying to decide who’d be the better guy to end up with, but she knew that she needed to get her own life together first.

She needed to be happy sans a man first.

So it didn’t help when Pete called her later, just as she was getting ready for bed. It might have been late, but no way was she letting him go to voicemail. “You remember all the different scenes we went to the other night on my shift?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I can’t say much except…check the paper tomorrow.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Not even a hint?”

She could hear the firmness in his voice and it made her feel tingly as she remembered his tongue against her lower lip. She let out a slow breath and closed her eyes, hoping to keep it together. Before she opened them again, Pete said, “You gonna come on a ride-along again soon?”

She couldn’t help but smile. “Maybe.”

“I could show you a lot more.”

The giggle that ruptured from her mouth couldn’t be stopped. “I don’t think so. I pretty much saw it all, I think.”

“On patrol, Codie. Man, your mind went in the gutter fast.”

Her voice sounded strange to her own ears, throaty and full of desire. “I thought you liked it that way.”

He chuckled, but she could hear it in his voice too. “You tryin’ to get me in trouble?”

“No…but, um, I just wondered what you were doing for lunch.”

Fortunately, Pete understood that Codie meant his lunch break, not hers…

UP NEXT: W is for ???

A to Z Challenge: U is for UP

For the A-to-Z April Blogging Challenge, I’m writing a story, aiming for 1000 words a day (every day except Sundays). Continuing today with the next part of the story about the character Codie Snow.

If you’re new to this series of posts, you might want to start here:

A is for ACCEPTING the Challenge
C is for CODIE

Wow!  This is the last week of the challenge.  I see the finish line!!!    This has been lots of fun.  Thank you to those of you who have been following my progress and playing cheerleader.

So…notes about today’s story chunk.  I like the progress, but there’s not nearly enough action.  Too much internal processing, I think. I’m too close to the story right now to evaluate, but those are my initial thoughts.  Still…I really like the exchange between Codie and Slade near the end.  You’ll have to let me know what you think!

Dinner was agonizing…and Codie wound up drinking way too much of Slade’s expensive wine. She was pissed at herself for once more falling for his charms when she was supposed to be emotionally detached. It didn’t help that the waitress drooled over him the entire night.

Or that Slade coaxed said waitress.

It also didn’t help that his competition—the defendants in the bar—came to their table and congratulated him. And, much as she hated to admit it, Codie knew that cockiness looked good on Slade.

Really good. Like a well-tailored suit, it emphasized the sexy stuff in all the right places and made the bad stuff fade away. And, by the end of the night, as Slade drove her and Matthew back to their apartment, she was in lust with the guy once more.

And pissed at herself.

But as long as it was the two of them with Matthew, she was safe. After all, Slade’s charms could only go so far when there was another party around, especially since he wasn’t big on public displays of affection. Codie had learned over the years that no matter how much he might care about her, it didn’t mean that he wanted the world to see them in an embrace—or something even more…emotional. Slade preferred to play it cool.

Like now, walking up the stairs to her apartment. In spite of how mad she was at herself, the wine had her feeling floaty and happy at the same time, and Matthew had just made a dumb but funny joke. She was laughing hysterically and she caught that look in Slade’s eye—yeah, that look, the one where he wanted to roll his eyes but also shove her into the wall and lay a thick and heavy kiss on her—but he instead followed behind them several steps.

Good. Made her want to laugh even louder.

Instead, she ignored him. When they got to their apartment, Matthew tried shoving the key in the lock twice. “Yes, girlfriend, when I hook up tonight, I’m definitely going to have to be the receiver.”

Codie knew exactly what he meant and laughed too, but she knew Matthew was in no shape to go out for the evening.

Slade knew it too but he wasn’t loud about it. He merely said, as Matthew finally twisted the gold key in the lock, “Don’t forget we have a big day tomorrow.”

“We d—?” Matthew’s face turned sober and his eyes grew wide. “Oh…” Then his lips pursed until he loosened them in a laugh, spewing spittle into the doorway. “We do!” Codie started giggling again too. Matthew was a fun drunk, but she suspected his head was going to be pounding by five AM.

Slade pulled the door closed behind him. His body was stiff but his voice was kind. “How about we get you tucked in, buddy?”

“Tucked in? Slade…I didn’t think you were that type.”

“I need you tomorrow, my man. Big day. You need your rest.”

Matthew frowned. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

Slade draped an arm around Matthew’s shoulders, leading Codie’s roommate out of the kitchen. She frowned and sat at the table. This was not good. Not good at all. It meant that she’d have to see Slade out—and she was in a weakened state. This wasn’t good.

She closed her eyes, trying to think, but her head felt like it was spinning. She peeked her eyes open, looking at the white wall across from the table, and the room stilled once more. So she closed her eyes and let the world move invisibly. Unlike her friends who used to complain of feeling dizzy during her partying days, Codie didn’t mind the sensation they’d all called bed spins. It didn’t make her feel sick or woozy. It just felt like she was moving around and around. No, it felt like she could sense the earth’s motions and she was aware of moving with it—almost as though the drunken state had heightened her senses.

She knew better, though. She was numb and goofy. Loving life but definitely not the sharpest tack in the drawer at the moment.

It seemed like an hour had passed by the time Slade got back to the kitchen, long enough that she’d rested her head in her arms on the table and was starting to think she was ready for bed too. And she’d need to be, because she had to work in the morning. She could still taste the wine in her mouth and it emanated from her chest, so she knew she’d likely not be top notch tomorrow either.

But when she felt Slade’s hand on her shoulders, she thought maybe she knew a way to combat the potential hangover. She immediately regretted even thinking it, knowing it was merely his magnetism drawing her in. As soon as he left, she’d be thinking about…maybe Pete. Maybe not, but she knew Slade’s draw was always less powerful when she was out of his orbit.

“Codie? Do I need to tuck you in too?”

She lifted her head, noticing that it felt heavier now. “What the hell did you put in the wine? You’re driving like a pro, and Matthew and I are acting like teens who found the key to dad’s liquor cabinet.”

Slade slid a hand under her elbow to help her stand. He smiled at her and said, “Responsible drinking.”

“Oh, so we are kids.”

“I didn’t say that. I knew I had to be the designated driver. Besides, I drink wine enough that it doesn’t affect me the same way.”

Hmm. Sounded pretty fishy to her, but she wasn’t going to argue. He was gently leading her toward her bedroom too, and it almost felt like old times. He was being really sweet.

And that made him irresistible once more. Just inside her bedroom, she said, “Slade?”

“Yeah, honey?”

Oh. And that too. “Why can’t we ever make it work?”

He smirked. “I have my theories about that.”

“And they are?”

“Perhaps a discussion topic for another day. You’re far too light-headed and vulnerable.”

Before she fell onto the bed, she grabbed his lapel. “Kiss me, Slade.”

His lips were still curled in a smirk. “Maybe tomorrow.”

Codie was too drunk to feel as angry as she wanted to. “You’re just afraid I’ll keep you up.”

Slade’s grin grew cockier but it didn’t fade. “Yeah, that’s it. I don’t want you to keep me up. Now…night-night, sweet Codie.”

UP NEXT:  V is for ???

Author Interview: Maria Bernard

Maria Bernard writes rock star romance, and that’s how we met. You can learn more details by reading my interview with her here!

Maria, thank you for answering questions for me today. I first met you through the Rockstars Among Us Facebook Group I was invited to a while back. Can you tell readers what the difference is between the two groups (Rockstars Among Us and Rock Star VIPs: Main Stage) and your level of involvement in each (because you seem—to me, at least—to be instrumental in both).

You are welcome, Jade, and thank you for giving me this opportunity to share.

Now to answer your question…

Early January 2015, I started Rockstars Among Us Facebook Group. I could not find a Facebook Book Group dedicated to the rockstar genre, so I created my own. I wanted a group where our genre would not be lost amongst the multitudes of other genres.

I wanted to form a group where I could invite my readers to discuss and promote my books. However, I did not want to make it only about me, Maria Bernard.

Shortly after creating RAU, I started inviting other authors of rockstar romance. My goal was to create an easygoing, casual atmosphere where authors and readers could get to know each other and discuss favourite books, bands, and musicians.

Through my involvement with the group, I’ve met many readers and writers I now consider good friends. Author Lashell Collins shared a similar vision and is now co-admin for RAU. Together with Author Bella Jeanisse, we have made the group into what it is today.

Rockstars Among Us Facebook Group is open to all authors of rockstar romance. Promotion by authors is welcome and encouraged (as long as promos are rockstar related). Participation of all members (readers and writers) is also encouraged.

Early 2016, I was invited to join Rock Star VIPs: Main Stage (Group), an author/reader group dedicated to the Rock Star Romance genre. The Rock Star VIP Group features a core 15 authors of rock star romance with minimal promo.

I am excited to be in both groups. I believe the two groups have similar goals. The only major difference is VIPs is dedicated to the promotion of its 15 core authors, while RAU is open to all authors of the rock star genre.

You and I both write rock star romance. Can you tell me how many rock star books you ’ve written? What has inspired you to write in this particular romance subgenre?

So far, I have written twelve books. I have self-published two completed series of four books each, two spinoffs, and two stand-alone books. I am currently preparing my thirteenth book, House of Goths, for release.

What inspired me to write rock star romance was my frustration at not finding the genre when searching through bookstores. I didn’t want to read about billionaires, cowboys, and dukes. I wanted to read about rockstars. I was tired of the same old tried and true romance genres. I wanted something different. I was unable to find it. Therefore, I wrote my own. Then after discovering the world of ebooks and self-publishing, I realized I was definitely not alone.

There are actually further niches in rock star romance. I haven ’t yet had a chance to read yours. Do you write sweet rock star romance? Gritty? Realistic? Tell me what makes yours stand out from the crowd.

My books are considered by readers as highly romantic and sweet with a healthy dose of steam. My bands feature realistic characters with enough quirks to suck readers into their angsty little worlds and hold them there. The bands and individual artists in my books are not world renowned musicians. The stories mostly focus on up-and-coming musicians. One or two books feature rockers who’ve achieved a certain level of fame to then suffer the consequences of that very same fame. I like writing about the different aspects related to being in a band and how each member brings with them their own individual personalities and talents.

Do you have a bestselling or “breakout” book you ’d like to tell me about?

How to choose… Wow, tough question. Okay, I’ll have to go with… Falquen’s Nest.

Falquen’s Nest is the first of four books in my These Bones series. Wow, who would have thought Goths were so compelling? Well, I did. That’s why I wrote the series. Talk about sub-genres. I wanted to write about Goths because the subculture fascinates me. The response has been wonderful!

Often Goths are misunderstood. They’re looked upon with fear, mistrust. I’ve had readers confess they were wary of reading the series to then fall in love with the characters. I’ve had a reader thank me for writing about Goths in such a positive manner because they are tired of the negative way in which Goths are often portrayed. As a writer, that makes me so happy because that was my goal.

I often use the tagline, “These Bones – Fear Us Not” when promoting the series. These Goths are in no way scary or intimidating individuals. It is my hope that readers will step out of their comfort zones and take a chance on these captivating characters who have been lovingly nicknamed “Modern Day White Knights” dressed in black leather.

Have you written in other genres or do you plan to? Please tell me about them.

Indeed, I have written a paranormal romance.

The Balcony is a stand alone rockstar romance with a paranormal twist. While technically it is a rockstar romance, this book is completely different to the rest of my books. In fact, it’s a tough one to categorize. That’s why I call it “Rockstar Romance with a Paranormal Twist.”

So, to answer your question more accurately, no, I haven’t written outside of the rockstar genre. I don’t know if I will. I won’t say never, but I haven’t had the desire to explore that route as of yet.

It seems a good many authors struggle with writer ’s block. How do you cope with that particular problem?

Writer’s block is not my problem. Procrastination is. I’m a big daydreamer. Distraction is another challenge. Between writing, maintaining a presence on social media, and promoting, time is not always on my side.

Any rituals you perform before, during, or after you write? Anything you do to get “in the zone”?

I don’t have an actual ritual, but music helps to put me in the right mind frame beforehand. Although, when I’m actively writing, I don’t like listening to music because it will greatly influence my writing and that’s not always a good thing.

Any of your characters you love more than any others? Hate? Any of them “speak” to you more loudly?

Speaks the loudest:

There are more than one and they all happen to be the singers of the individual bands, Ashton Wright – Hand In Glove, Jet – Dream Crush, Sage – A Dream for Winter, Gabriel (Phantom) – The Balcony, Gray Forrester – Bleed Out Your Heart, Crispin – House of Goths.
I love them all, but I do have favourites.

Sage Winters Lane, the original Gothstar from A Dream for Winter will always have a special place in my heart. Darien River from Joy and Sorrow is my dream come true, and I absolutely adore Becky Sparks from my upcoming release, House of Goths.
I don’t hate any of my main characters. But there are a couple of villains I may not like.

How much of you can we find in your characters? Can you give us an example?

Besides being a writer, I am a visual artist. I studied Fine Arts, Drawing and Painting at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD). This trait is found in quite a few of my characters. For example, Falquen Forrester from Falquen’s Nest is a bass player and a painter who owns an art supply shop. His love interest, Janie Drago is a watercolorist. Chloe Martin from Hand In Glove is also an artist, as well as her sidekick Audrey from Sound Shelter who is a Graphic Designer.

If we had to read one book of yours, which one would you recommend and why?

I would recommend Falquen’s Nest since it is the first book of four in my These Bones Series. Hopefully, by reading it, you would then get hooked and read the rest. Also, I really enjoyed writing it. The characters are unique. They’re goths, they’re rockstars, but they also have other interesting qualities that make them who they are.

Tell me about something exciting or weird that ’s happened to you since becoming an author.

The most exciting thing was getting an email from a reader very early on, when I first released Hand In Glove. The fact that she took the time to reach out to let me know how much she enjoyed reading my book basically inspired me to continue. To this day, my favourite part of this process has been getting feedback from happy readers.

Maria Bernard is an author of rock star romance (heavy on the romance with a healthy dose of steam.) You can find her in the following places:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariaBernardWriter

Amazon Author Page US: amazon.com/author/mariabernard

Amazon Author Page UK: http://amzn.to/1JfJboa

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8284044.Maria_Bernard

Website1: www.stickshiftlips.com

Website2: www.thesebones.com

A to Z Challenge: T is for TITLE

For the A-to-Z April Blogging Challenge, I’m writing a story, aiming for 1000 words a day (every day except Sundays). Continuing today with the next part of the story about the character Codie Snow.

New to this series of posts? You might want to start here:

A is for ACCEPTING the Challenge
C is for CODIE

Okay, so I’m taking a little break today from the storytelling, because it’s time to look at something that’s very important to writers: the title of their book. Choose the wrong title and you’ve already got a huge strike against you (I know that from personal experience), but if you pick a good one, you’re on your way to generating reader interest.

So, the Codie Snow story that a good many of you have been following from the beginning (and some of you have joined later on)…it’s going to need a title eventually. I already know what I’m going to title it and the remaining books in the series (I’ve planned seven total). I have a loose storyline for the seven (HINT! One of the “crimes” that Codie witnessed on her ride-along with Pete will be featured throughout the series) and I’m sure you’ve already picked up on the fact that there’s a love triangle going on. I had thought I knew who Codie was going to end up with but—in true Jade fashion—now I have no idea. I let the story and characters tell me what’s going to happen as we go and that’s why I don’t have a clue right now!

But let’s talk about title choices since, after all, that’s the focus of this post. I’ve chosen titles many different ways—sometimes, I let a line in the book inspired me (that’s where Fabric of Night came from). Other times, I let a theme rule (as I have in the Nicki Sosebee series—some readers have figured out what that is already). Then there are the ones where I let an idea from the book be the title—as in the case of Bullet. I had one reviewer say that the title (not to mention the cover) wasn’t doing it any favors but that it was a good book. I laughed a little at that, because that title felt so natural—and, if you’ve read the book, you might agree. Once I’d chosen the title, I found myself using so many bullet idioms. Again, if you’ve read the book, you’ve probably caught them. I’ve also used (and regretted!) another tactic, and many of you in the past heard me bemoan that choice. The book formerly known as Worst Mother was loved by several readers but lots of readers told me they’d avoided the book forever (or regretted having done so after reading the book) because of the title and the cover (the old cover was of a young preteen blonde girl—with a dirty face and wearing makeup that had smudged on her face because of her tears). I loved the cover and really loved the title, because I struggled for so long with it. I had an assortment of shitty titles and my husband suggested Worst Mother and I fell in love. The main character is not a bad mother, not by a long shot, but she feels like she is the worst mother on the planet (due to what happens in the story). But when readers saw the picture and read the title, they imagined the worst and stayed away in droves! I have since renamed it (and coming up with a new title took me forever too!) and given it a new cover. The title Laid Bare also represents how the main character feels in the book, but perhaps in a less intimidating fashion.

Suffice it to say that choosing a title is never easy, nor does it always come naturally.

So…the Codie Snow series. I wanted the series theme to be easily recognizable (think Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series or Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone series—you don’t have to be one of their readers to recognize the titles One for the Money [Evanovich] and A is for Alibi [Grafton], even if you’ve never read them). And, for some reason, thinking about those books helped me (easily, actually!) come up with my titles. I’m not going to share them all yet, but I can and will tell you what the first book’s title will be: Once Around the Block. Figuring out a title for this story is a huge weight off my shoulders for many reasons, because it’s easier to “pimp” a book and get people talking about it if they can tell other readers the title of the book. And, once I have a title (and the story, of course), it’s much easier to get the cover made. The cover will be important because, as many of you know, I intend to take this story to Wattpad as (or after!) I revise it. The plan right now is to post a new chapter every three or so days (or once a week at the latest), and once the story’s actually written, that should be fairly easy. I’m given to understand I’ll need a cover for Wattpad. I might do some other fun things with this story before actually publishing it, but it’s been a lot of fun just writing it and sharing my process. It’s also made me a little nervous, because you’re seeing what Anne Lamott calls a “shitty first draft” and you’re seeing it live. I’m not holding anything back. It’s kind of scary but a lot of fun too. What I’m finding the most fun is where I hit those points where I stop and say, “Okay, this here? Lemme tell you about it.” I like telling you what’s going on “behind the scenes,” and that’s what has been making it fun for me. So know that I haven’t regretted for a second signing up for the A-to-Z Challenge and I plan to do it again next year.

Anyway…thanks for bearing with me while I digressed. I’ll write more story on Monday. I promise!

UP NEXT:  U is for ???

A to Z Challenge: S is for SLADE

For the A-to-Z April Blogging Challenge, I’m writing a story, aiming for 1000 words a day (every day except Sundays). Continuing today with the next part of the story about the character Codie Snow.

If you’re new to this series of posts, you might want to start here:

A is for ACCEPTING the Challenge
C is for CODIE

NOTE:  I don’t really like what I wrote today, but I have to plow through it.  Revision can happen later.  I’m not sure what it was that wasn’t working for me, but I’ll make it work later.  I think I need to get into Codie’s head in the second part of this scene more and, once I do, I think it’ll be better.  For now, though, here’s what I’ve got!

Lovely, eh? So Slade was gonna lay it on thick.

It wouldn’t be the first time. Codie recognized the pattern. After being separated for a few weeks, Slade was beginning to realize (again) how much he liked having her around. He’d said as much before. This time, though? Too damn bad.

He pulled her into a tight embrace before she could even try to rebuff him. “I’d like for you to come to dinner as well.” Slade was talking in his bigshot lawyer voice. It was not an invitation; it was an order. And, for some reason, that always affected her. In spite of the fact that she hated feeling bossed around, Slade acting forceful was a bit of a turn on.

But that wasn’t going to happen tonight. “Thanks, Slade, but—”

Matthew leaned over—a little too close to both of them, but that wasn’t anything unusual for her sometimes touchy-feely friend—and said, “Yeah, Codie. You have to come with us. It’ll be fun!”

“No, really, I—”

“I insist. I’ll be buying the finest wine in the house.”

Matthew tittered. “Not if I pick Burger King.”

Slade frowned, his brow lovely when he used it to show frustration. “That’s right. I told you you could pick.” He sucked in a breath through his nostrils. “Choose wisely, my friend.” Matthew wiggled his eyebrows, taunting Slade, but the lawyer said, “If we go to a fast food burger joint tonight to celebrate a victory like the one we had today, I will never let you pick again.”

Codie couldn’t believe Slade even tried to lecture Matthew. Her roommate had champagne taste beyond that most people’s imagination. She knew he would never blow this chance to experience something he rarely did.

Matthew’s lips curled upward slowly before he asked, “Are we limited to places in Dalton?”

“Yes, my friend, we are, because you and I have work tomorrow.”

“Damn.”

While Matthew fretted over his decision, Slade returned his attention to Codie, his brown eyes burning into her brain. How had she forgotten his captivating aura? As much as she wanted to say no to him, she was already contemplating going with them—wherever it might be. But she didn’t want to say that. “What were you planning to have for dinner, Codie?” She started to say she didn’t know, but before she could, Slade added, “Be honest. I’ll know if you’re lying.”

Part of her flared anger at that statement, because it was actually none of his damn business nowadays, but she found herself telling him anyway. “A peanut butter sandwich. Because I’m not that hungry.”

Slade’s face remained neutral—something he was able to do when presenting a case as well—but Codie could see the twinkle in his eyes. “You could have sirloin and a fine red, but you’d rather eat a sandwich?” He blinked once before saying, “Go change. We’ll wait.”

Time to dig in her heels. “I’m not going.”

Slade blinked twice more. “I won’t force you, Codie, and this is the last time I’ll ask…but Matthew and I would love the pleasure of your company.” The purr of his voice was what convinced her.

* * *

Half an hour later, Codie was sitting in Dalton’s only French restaurant, feeling underdressed. She’d put on a summery dress, but next to Slade, she felt like she was slumming. Yes, Matthew was dressed casually, but she just felt out of place.

Well, truthfully, it wasn’t the clothes making her feel that way. It was Slade. He’d invited her along but had hardly spoken to her since they’d arrived.

He had made it a point to flirt with their waitress…a girl who very obviously knew and liked Slade. A lot.

The girl had brought the wine to the table and she and Slade were discussing grapes. Codie had never cared much for wine, and so she certainly didn’t give a shit about how the proper choice of a wine signaled a person’s place on in the hierarchy of affluence. If wine choice indicated a person’s financial state, then she was nonexistent.

And she definitely felt that way right this minute.

The girl giggled. Matthew had been chatting with Codie, trying to keep her mind and eyes off Slade, but it wasn’t working. After blushing, the girl touched Slade’s shoulder, and Codie felt a flare of anger burn in her belly.

Okay…so it was jealousy.

“Mr. Sheppard, I heard about your win today.”

“You did, did you? Word gets around that fast in Dalton?”

“No.” She tilted her head toward the other part of the restaurant—the bar area. It wasn’t the kind of place where one of Dalton’s homeless could wander in with loose change gathered from sympathetic passers by. It was a place the moneyed people in town would go when they wanted a drink or two. “The defendants are nursing their wounds with some thirty-year-old Scotch.” She leaned over and whispered loudly. “I heard something about an appeal.”

Slade sneered. “Let them bring it.”

God, Codie hated this place. She’d never been a fan anyway. The few rich people in Dalton gathered here while the rest of the town slaved away to make them feel pampered. Most of the rich had left Dalton long ago, especially after the local MC made the town feel its influence, but there were a few old ones left—ones who’d made their money in Dalton and planned to die there.

Like Slade’s dad, for instance.

But Codie was trying to choke down her bitter feelings, because, much as she wanted to scratch the waitress’ eyes out, she found herself remembering how desirable that man was: wanted by every woman in town, rich and working girl alike, and he seemed to only have eyes for Codie.

Except tonight.

UP NEXT:  T is for ???

A to Z Challenge: R is for REMINISCING

For the A-to-Z April Blogging Challenge, I’m writing a story, aiming for 1000 words a day (every day except Sundays). Continuing today with the next part of the story about the character Codie Snow.

If you’re new to this series of posts, you might want to start here:

A is for ACCEPTING the Challenge
C is for CODIE

Codie didn’t realize at first that she was holding her breath—why, she didn’t know. Matthew marched with zest to the front door and Codie leaned against the kitchen counter, letting it hold her up.

As if trying to distract herself from the agony she was beginning to feel, she pursed her lips. She hated the fact that the first room in the apartment was the kitchen. In a way, that was a blessing, because they had to keep the kitchen clean at all times for visitors, and Codie knew she’d prefer to be lazy on occasion. But who was she kidding? Her roommate was a neatnik. No way would he ever allow their apartment to get out-of-control messy, whether Codie was motivated to help or not.

She frowned as she watched Matthew’s hand wrap around the doorknob. Feeling nervous was stupid. She and Slade were broken up, had been broken up for several weeks now. Making love with Pete had not been cheating on Slade because she wasn’t with Slade anymore.

No…it didn’t matter that the breakup was part of a pattern with them. Maybe Codie’s actions were breaking the cycle.

It didn’t matter. She had butterflies in her stomach and there they would stay until Matthew and Slade left the apartment. So now she could only wish for short and sweet. And, realistically, she knew she couldn’t avoid Slade forever. Dalton was a small town. The only way she’d be able to miss seeing him entirely would be to move—far away. Like Grand Junction far away. Or maybe Salt Lake City. Because anywhere on Colorado’s Front Range would put her within his reach.

God, she made it sound like he was a stalker who would track her down. No, that wasn’t Slade’s thing, but damn, he did manage to be in the right place at the right time more times than she’d like to remember. But with Matthew still being his employee and Codie still living in her hometown, there was no way she could go with never seeing him.

So…brace herself it was. She’d have to get it over with sooner or later, so why not now?

She blinked as Matthew opened the door. She’d half expected Slade to make immediate eye contact with her, so when he didn’t, she felt even more anxious as the tension built in her core. She took a deep breath while she watched the two men interact. “That didn’t take you any time at all!”

Codie could barely see Slade past Matthew’s shoulders, but she saw the two men shake hands. “I want to thank you again, Matthew. This win belongs to both of us.”

“Nonsense.”

“You need to know you’re an asset to my practice. Your research helped. That’s why we’re celebrating tonight—and you get to choose where.”

By this point, Matthew had stepped inside the apartment and was holding the door for Slade to enter. Codie watched the two and could tell by looking at Slade’s face that he saw her. The man’s peripheral vision lost nothing. Moms with eyes in the backs of their heads had nothing on her ex.

He came into full view and Codie felt her engine start to rev. This man—no matter what they’d gone through over the past few years and no matter how much she’d swear they were done for good, as soon as she’d lay eyes on him, all bets were off.

In full view now, Slade took up all of Codie’s line of sight…and she didn’t look away. He still wore the suit she knew he must have donned for court. In the office, he tended to be a little more casual—lots of times, the tie and jacket were gone, leaving him in a dress shirt and slacks—and leaving less for the imagination. Codie felt saliva pooling in her mouth as she pictured him in a white button-down shirt—not tight or even snug but close enough fitting that she could almost see the definition of his pecs and abs. She hadn’t forgotten what his body looked like. But the suit. She needed to focus.

The suit was black, an indication that he had gone into court not sure if he’d win the case or not. When he was positive he’d win, he’d stray from the black-and-white look, but when he had doubts, there was one look and one look only. There were lots of reasons, and Codie could only remember a few of the ones he’d given her, making her wonder if he really had a reason or if it was merely a superstitious thing the man did. He was highly intelligent which was why Codie suspected superstition—because coming up with other reasons would mask his real intentions. She could remember one time he said he wore black and white to lull the opposition into a false sense of security; another time, he’d said he kept it simple because the focus needed to be on the case, not the lawyer.

But damn. The guy’s charisma leapt off him like a tiger. It wasn’t just Codie, even though Slade’s presence always had a profound effect on her, but she’d seen it happen time and time again—in the courtroom, in public…even in the gym. Men and women alike couldn’t help but notice his commanding presence.

Codie couldn’t even now while leaning against her kitchen counter and trying to fade into the background.

Her heart ached as she took in the details—his black hair slicked back reminded her off all the times she’d woven her fingers through it while demanding he give it to her roughly. His sharp brown eyes looked as lively as ever, especially because she knew he was taking in everything, even details about things he’d never look directly at. The past year, he’d grown facial hair too—it was shaved close, but he had a full beard just the same, and it made him looked just a little rugged in the midst of the city suaveness he’d always oozed. Codie could picture the cute cleft in his chin just the same and it was almost as though her heart clenched in her chest cavity, pining for something she knew she shouldn’t have.

She and Slade were shitty together.

But as he turned and focused his warm gaze on her, she knew they probably weren’t over yet. In that regard, she supposed, the man was like a drug—and she was most certainly an addict. “My lovely Codie,” he said, striding across the room as though he owned it and her. “How have you been?”

The answer was not Lost without you…even though her heart sounded to her mind like it was singing that tune…