M.J. Kane's Blog, page 15

#FREE READ Sunday! Crossroads…a Butterfly Memoir Mini- Chapter 5

Welcome back!

Last week we revisited Trevon and got to learn more about him. He loves basketball and coaches a youth basketball team in his down time. You also meet one of his good friends, Andre, and watched as her ran out the gym to meet his wife at the hospital as they welcomed a new life into the world. Left alone, Trevon now has his evening plans set; shower, shave, and head out to a local bar for drinks and well….who knows…

Where does that leave Ebony?

 

*Just tuning in? Catch up by following these links to the previous chapters!*

Previous Chapters:

Chapter 1     Chapter 2     Chapter 3     Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Ebony

 

“Oh, my God, they are so cute!” Dr. Tucker and I were in the back office of the zoo, watching a stream of photos taken of the baby pandas. The image of the pink-skinned, hairless newborns that lay against their mother’s fur attached to nipples, suckling, was huge on the computer screen. Their eyes were sealed shut. “Twins, how amazing!”

My boss chuckled. “Having a flashback?”

I giggled. “Maybe. Being a twin has been pretty cool. Though I’m sure if Trevon was a girl instead of a guy it would have been way cooler.”

“You have a twin?”

I glanced over at Kenneth, our go to person since the day Dr. Tucker and I started training at Zoo Atlanta. He watched me intently with chocolate eyes, waiting for a response.

I realized that in my enthusiasm to learn more about the pandas through the video slide presentation he shared with us, I’d slid my chair over too close; our shoulders were nearly touching. I inched back.

Without thinking, I inhaled, taking in the musk of his cologne. It was different from what Brian wore.  His sent was sexy, male and held a hint of sweetness. Kenneth’s was…

Oh god, why did I care what his cologne reminded me of?

“Yes.” I kept my response short and turned my attention back to the screen.

Kenneth had been flirting with me since the day we arrived. I made it known from the beginning that I was a happily married woman and had no intention of having a fling while away. He didn’t seem to care and used every opportunity he could to try and get to know me outside of work.

And by the look he had in his eye right now, another invitation to dinner was in the works.

“Alright, guys, that’s all for this evening. As you see, we like to leave on time and it’s already after five. What do you two have planned for your days off?” Though his question was to both of us, it was obvious my answer was the only one he cared about.

“Sightseeing,” Dr. Tucker replied while closing up his binder full of notes. “What about you, Ebony?”

“Spending the weekend with Brian. He’s flying in tonight.” I forced myself to mean it, making sure the lie was hidden in my eyes and voice.

It seemed to work; Kenneth’s shoulders slumped.

Soon, I was in my rental car and headed back to the hotel for a weekend that consisted of food from the hotel’s kitchen, and going over the compiled research notes provided to us from the Zoo Atlanta staff. While I did have a scheduled date with my husband, the only way I would see Brian would be through our Skype session.

At the hotel, I took a shower and ordered room service. My fluffy robe was my only source of comfort. I snuggled between pillows on my bed and pulled the lapels up. The TV was on for background noise while I was in the shower, but now I flipped through the channels to find some form of entertainment. I stopped when the show my best friend Kaitlyn, worked on as Head Costume Designer came on.

Before I knew it, I was wiping a tear from the corner of my eyes. Though I missed my husband like crazy, I missed my friends as well.

Kaitlyn and her chubby baby girl and new man, Antonio, who made her the happiest I’d seen in a long time. After a rough patch, it was good for her to have happiness in her life.

Then there was Yasmine and her bouncing twins. At six months, they were a handful. Listening to her share the adventures she and Zack had as parents was very entertaining.

As satisfied as I was with my life, why did I feel like something was missing?

Deciding not to focus on anything negative, I retrieved my backpack out of the closet and pulled out the research papers on the Panda breeding program.

The binders supplied to us the first day of our training at the zoo were jam packed full of information about the joint breeding program. Years of research was being conducted  at Zoo Atlanta and the Chengdu Zoo and Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China. There was a lot to learn.

After flipping through the Table of Contents, I selected the chapter on Captive Giant Panda Maternal Behavior.

And there it was, babies again. Why did it feel as if this was a theme I could not run away from?

The beep on my laptop shown the incoming connection from Brian. I forced the irritation out of my mind and off my face so he didn’t get the wrong impression, then clicked the accept button.

“Ebony, baby, God, I miss you.” I watched my husband’s blue-eyed gaze travel across the screen as if taking in as much of me as the screen could allow; his visual confirmation that I was okay.

“Hey, baby, you’re early tonight. I thought you had to work for a few more hours.”

“I forced the guys to get done early so I could see my wife. You look tired. Are you sleeping okay?”

“I’m fine.” I chuckled as Brian’s eyebrows creased in disbelief. “Physically, I’m fine. Work is great, but I really miss you.”

Brian’s sly grin spread. “You know, you can always quit and come home.”

“Uh, no, and stop trying to be slick.” I shook my head, but my smile was genuine.

Brian chuckled, too, before becoming serious. “I’d never ask you to quit. You know that, right?”

I nodded. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have your support. I’m still sorry things had to be this way in order for my career to advance.”

“Hey, my job was the same way and you supported me. I’d be a jerk if I didn’t give you what you wanted.”

The words coming from my husband were sincere, of that I had no doubt. Yet, there was something in his eyes that said something different.

We were on the same page…yet we weren’t.

My stomach tightened. Although Brian had been supportive in my coming to Georgia for two months, there were still some things I felt hadn’t been addressed before I left. It wasn’t as if we had a lot of time to thoroughly talk the situation through.

When the job offer was made, I had a limited amount of time to accept it. Once I did, time was of the essence. The San Diego Zoo was looking to start its own Panda Breeding Program, and the two people who would be in charge of it, Dr. Tucker and I, needed to be trained. Zoo Atlanta was one of the few zoos in the country who had an ongoing breeding success rate.

The one female panda at the zoo that had given birth to several cubs was due to be fertile in a few weeks. A panda’s fertility cycle was amazingly short, only thirty-six hours. There was a lot of work and timing needed to make sure that brief window of time was not missed.

I was on a plane to Atlanta within two weeks.

To make matters worse, my job was now hours away from where we lived.

Between the crazy L.A. traffic and early hours, I would spend more time away from home than he would. The only way we could balance things out would be for us to move closer to my job. Unfortunately, that would put more distance between Brian and the studio he worked out of.

Not to mention his family.

Unlike me, Brian had spent his entire life living near his family. While I had left home and moved over three thousand miles away at a young age, Brian had never been more than twenty minutes away from his childhood home.

And now, he was left to search for our new home, alone.

Brian was not happy about it.

“I managed to do some scouting today.” His eyes left the screen and went off camera as he started to type. “Check your email. I just sent pictures of three properties I thought you may like.”

I forced the lump of uneasiness in my stomach away, shrunk his image to half the size of my computers screen, and signed in to my email.

“You know what I like, baby. I’m sure you’ll find something for us.” His delayed response had me glancing back at his image.

His brow was creased as if he were formulating the correct way to word what he wanted to say.

“I’ve been thinking about it, Ebony, and while we both agreed it would be simpler for us to rent another house, I think we should explore the option of buying. What’s going on with your job is not something that’s temporary. I have a feeling your time at the San Diego Zoo is going to be for some years. Why rent if we can buy? I don’t like the idea of moving at all, but if it’s what we have to do, I want it to be one move, not something we do for a year and then do again, you know?”

I studied my husband’s face. He was serious. “What do you have in mind?”

“Planning for the future and not just the present.” He paused before looking directly at the camera. “We talked about finding something that had two bedrooms; I think we should look at a three, maybe four-bedroom place instead. The difference in prices in the neighborhoods we’re interested in are higher, but think about it. If…when we decide to expand our family, we won’t have to move again.”

And there it was; he was thinking about having a baby.

“Did you get my email?”

I swallowed hard. “Yeah, it just popped up. Give me a second.” I clicked on the file.

“Look at the second link.”

I did as instructed; my breath caught. The home Brian selected was a two-story traditional styled home. It had the same type of stucco finish and Spanish tiled roof as his childhood home. I cycled through the photos that showed pictures of what had to be every room in the house. The floors were a mix of tile and carpet. The rooms seemed to be huge. There was a simple manicured backyard that was fenced, and a sparkling pool was the centerpiece.

I imagined family cookouts and children running around the manicured lawn. So did the worry of someone falling into the pool and getting hurt.

I forced the images out of my head. Despite the crazy dreams I’d been having about fish and children, it wasn’t something I saw in my immediate future. Yet, Brian seemed to be planning that far ahead.

“It’s beautiful, Brian. It looks like your parents’ house.” His laugh drew my attention to the screen.

“I thought the same thing. The minute I saw the place, I had flashbacks to growing up with my sisters in a house full of warmth and love. I want those types of memories for us, too.”

My attention went to Brian as he scratched his shoulder. He wore a short sleeve t-shirt that left his tattooed biceps exposed. I studied the images that represented the family he’d grown up with and the one he wanted to have of his own.

Though he hadn’t exactly said it, it was obvious what Brian wanted.

I’d been religious with my use of birth control…ever since the incident. The one where a night of passion before he left town for his three-month tour led to unprotected sex. Instead of being scared of getting pregnant, it was the night we confirmed our desire to become a permanent couple.

It was the night Brian let it be known he wanted to marry me…pregnant or not pregnant.

And then my world went to hell after I was raped.

Instead of telling Brian what happened, I took matters into my own hands and took  a morning-after pill to reduce the chances of getting pregnant by the man who forced himself on me.

Was I pregnant at all? That’s an answer no one but God would know.

But one thing I did know was that when the truth had come out, Brian was angry. About the attack. About the unknown possibility of a child that may or may not have been.

Once he completed his court ordered anger management counseling sessions, pregnancy was the one topic we tended to stray away from.

Until now.

His mention of buying a house big enough to fulfil any future changes in our family was him putting what he wanted on the table.

And despite the dreams I’d been having, I wasn’t ready.

I just couldn’t tell him that.

Not yet.

####

Chapter 6, coming next Sunday!

####

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  5 Prince Publishing

 

 

#FREE READ Sunday! Crossroads…a Butterfly Memoir Mini- Chapter 4

Welcome back!

So, it seems Ebony is settling in at Zoo Atlanta and looking forward to learning more about the Panda Breeding Program. Her focus is on the animals, but someone has got his eye set on her. How will she handle it and the mixed feeling of uncertainty she’s having about what path she and Brian will be taking upon her return home? Only time will tell…

In the meantime, it’s time to catch up with Trevon….

 

*Just tuning in? Catch up by following these links to the previous chapters!*

Previous Chapters:

Chapter 1     Chapter 2     Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Trevon

 

“Alex, throw the ball!”

I forced myself to groan instead of curse. The last thing I needed was for any of the parents of the kids I worked with to hear that Coach Campbell cursed them out during practice.

I gestured for the young man to come to the sideline.

“Alex,” I put a hand on his shoulder to get his full attention. “Teamwork is all about the team.”

“But coach─”

I put up a finger. “Listen,”

His mouth shut as he rolled his eyes.

“You can grandstand on your own time. We have plays to run through before the next game. This play needs you to pass the ball to Geoffrey─”

“Coach, Geoffrey dunno know how to─”

I clamped my teeth together and inhaled, praying for patience. “This isn’t the NBA, Alex. How is Geoffrey going to learn if you don’t show him? You’re the team’s leader…so lead.”

Alex hung his head and sighed. “Fine. I’ll pass da─”

I shot him a look.

He grimaced. “…the ball,” he finished.

“Better. You’ll learn proper English if it’s the last thing I do. Now, get back in there and show your team how it’s done!”

I shook my head as Alex rejoined the guys on the floor. He reminded me of myself at his age. Talented with big dreams and arrogant as hell.

Coaching youth basketball in my spare time was the closest I would ever get to the NBA. But, man, I’d been close. I’d gone to college on a basketball scholarship and had the eye of scouts during my career. That is until I got injured.

“Yo, Tre, what up?”

“Andre!” I acknowledged my friend as he walked towards the the bench. “We’ll be done in ten minutes.”

“No problem.” He set his gym bag down and joined me on the bleachers.

“Is your brother meeting us today?”

Andre pulled his phone out of his pocket. “I don’t know. He hit me up yesterday, saying he was having problems with his girl.”

I snorted. “Which one?”

Andre shook his head. “His main one. I keep telling him he needs to stop yanking that woman’s chain. She’s too good to be treated like that. Hard working, smart, sexy…that woman’s got a job with benefits, too.”

My attention went to the boys as they worked out the moves for the play. They were getting better. “Watch it, Andre. Sharice is a bit touchy about that wandering eye thing.”

He chuckled. “I know. Even though I tell her she’s sexy all the time.” A wry smile spread across his face.

“Still sexy while carrying your baby, huh?”

“Oh yeah.”

I shook my head. “I’m guessing this is because you weren’t with Kim when she had Ashanti.”

“Maybe. Mostly it’s because I’m in love with my wife. Besides being there every day, watching her tummy grow because of me…” He stopped talking. “What?”

My hand was on my face, rubbing my eyelids in an effort to destroy the unwanted image of his wife’s exposed and very pregnant belly. “TMI, man, TMI.”

Andre chuckled. “Whatever, man. Get married, start a family and you’ll understand.”

“Not about to happen. I’m in no rush to join that club.”

Andre shrugged. “Suit yourself, but believe me, that player action is going to get old one day. Mark my words.”

I pursed my lips. “Not for me.”

Andre’s phone chimbed an incoming text. He read, then replied. “Looks like it’s just you and me. Malik says he’s got to live up to his promise so he can get out of the dog house.”

I acknowledged Andre’s comment before blowing my whistle. “Run that play again. Good work Alex!” I clapped my hands. My attention went back to my friend. “Is Malik still engaged?”

“Yep, has been for over a year now.”

“Damn. If he’s into this woman, what’s the holdup?”

“The hell if I know. I try to stay out of his mess. He’s my brother and all, but that doesn’t mean I support his shit. It’s worse, though, because his woman is a friend of Sharice. Women talk, which means, whether I like it or not, I get dragged into the chaos of his relationship issues.”

“Ouch. Sucks to be you.”

“Tell me about it.”

“How the hell did Malik get mixed up with a family friend?”

“They met at our wedding. Long story short, she’s too close to the family to be getting screwed. If he doesn’t get his shit together soon, we’re all going to be pulled into this mess.”

I laughed and put my hands up. “Not me, I don’t even know who she is.”

“Well, be glad, because I don’t have an out. I’m a blood relative to the asshole.”

“Yep, really sucks to be you.” The alarm on my phone signaled the end of practice. I blew the whistle again and gestured for the guys to bring it in. “Alright, not bad. Good job working together as a team. You’re getting better and better every week. Everyone, work on those plays in your spare time. I expect you to be able to run it without an issue next week.” I clapped my hands and stood. “Go hydrate, hit the showers, and don’t drag this time. A lot of your mommas called me last week, complaining about you taking too long to get outside after practice.” Beside me, Andre snorted. I waited until the guys disappeared into the dressing room. “Hey, you laugh, but I’m serious. A lot of these women are single and looking for a male rolemodel. I’ve been invited over for dinner one too many times.”

Andre continued to laugh as he jogged across the gymnasium to retrieve a basketball, dribbled, then shot from where he stood at the half court line. All net.

“So, three games to twenty-one? Winner pays for drinks?”

“You’re on.” I pulled my whistle over my head and set it on my gym bag. Coaching time was over, now it was all about me.

I may not have been able to make it to the NBA, but that didn’t mean I had lost my skills.

An hour later we were on game three when Andre’s phone rang. “Time out, that’s Sharice.” He jogged over to where it sat.

I walked over to my bag and pulled out a towel, wiped the sweat off my face. “You have a special ringtone for her?” I chuckled. “Since when?”

“Since she’s gotten closer to her due date.” He snatched the phone up and answered. His eyes widened. “Are you sure?” His movements became frantic as he grabbed his water bottle and fumbled with the zipper of his gym bag before dropping the phone. “Shit! Baby, I’m sorry, I dropped my phone. Okay, how far apart are they?”

My brow went up as I watched my friend lose all sense of coordination.

“I’m on the way!” He disconnected and stared at me.

“Everything alright?”

“No…yes. I’m going to be a dad! Again! Sharice is going into labor. I’ve got to go!”

“Ah man, congratulations!” I patted Andre on the back and laughed at his expression. A mixture of excitement and worry was on his face.

Even though he had one child already, he was not there to witness the birth of his daughter. Back then, he’d been a kid, really, a senior in high school. The grandmother of his baby didn’t want him anywhere near the hospital. It pained him that he’d been unable to witness his daughter’s birth.

He swore to me that this time he would be there, one hundred percent.

“Be careful, Dre. Don’t get a speeding ticket or else you’re going to piss off Sharice.”

“By the time she goes into full blown labor she’s already going to be pissed off. Here,” he dug into his wallet, retrieved some bills, and shoved them into my hands, “I was losing anyway. Have a few rounds on me. I’ll call you later and let you know how she is.”

I laughed and shoved the money in my pocket. “I’ll be listening out for the phone. Good luck, man.”

Andre ran out of the gym, which left me alone with no plans.

Then again, now that I had a pocket of free cash, I might as well go get that drink.

I shot a few more hoops, then grabbed the remaining balls left over after practice from around the gym, and settled them back on the ball cart.

Home, hot shower, clean clothes, and quick shave, then hit a bar that was close to my condo. Midtown was a hot spot for art and bars. In fact, there was one I liked to frequent within walking distance from where I lived.

A few drinks would be a great way to unwind for the night. And if I was lucky, I wouldn’t spend the evening alone.

####

Chapter 5, coming next Sunday!

####

Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!

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  5 Prince Publishing

 

#FREE READ Sunday! Crossroad…a Butterfly Memoir Mini- Chapter 4

Welcome back!

So, it seems Ebony is settling in at Zoo Atlanta and looking forward to learning more about the Panda Breeding Program. Her focus is on the animals, but someone has got his eye set on her. How will she handle it and the mixed feeling of uncertainty she’s having about what path she and Brian will be taking upon her return home? Only time will tell…

In the meantime, it’s time to catch up with Trevon….

 

*Just tuning in? Catch up by following these links to the previous chapters!*

Previous Chapters:

Chapter 1     Chapter 2     Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Trevon

 

“Alex, throw the ball!”

I forced myself to groan instead of curse. The last thing I needed was for any of the parents of the kids I worked with to hear that Coach Campbell cursed them out during practice.

I gestured for the young man to come to the sideline.

“Alex,” I put a hand on his shoulder to get his full attention. “Teamwork is all about the team.”

“But coach─”

I put up a finger. “Listen,”

His mouth shut as he rolled his eyes.

“You can grandstand on your own time. We have plays to run through before the next game. This play needs you to pass the ball to Geoffrey─”

“Coach, Geoffrey dunno know how to─”

I clamped my teeth together and inhaled, praying for patience. “This isn’t the NBA, Alex. How is Geoffrey going to learn if you don’t show him? You’re the team’s leader…so lead.”

Alex hung his head and sighed. “Fine. I’ll pass da─”

I shot him a look.

He grimaced. “…the ball,” he finished.

“Better. You’ll learn proper English if it’s the last thing I do. Now, get back in there and show your team how it’s done!”

I shook my head as Alex rejoined the guys on the floor. He reminded me of myself at his age. Talented with big dreams and arrogant as hell.

Coaching youth basketball in my spare time was the closest I would ever get to the NBA. But, man, I’d been close. I’d gone to college on a basketball scholarship and had the eye of scouts during my career. That is until I got injured.

“Yo, Tre, what up?”

“Andre!” I acknowledged my friend as he walked towards the the bench. “We’ll be done in ten minutes.”

“No problem.” He set his gym bag down and joined me on the bleachers.

“Is your brother meeting us today?”

Andre pulled his phone out of his pocket. “I don’t know. He hit me up yesterday, saying he was having problems with his girl.”

I snorted. “Which one?”

Andre shook his head. “His main one. I keep telling him he needs to stop yanking that woman’s chain. She’s too good to be treated like that. Hard working, smart, sexy…that woman’s got a job with benefits, too.”

My attention went to the boys as they worked out the moves for the play. They were getting better. “Watch it, Andre. Sharice is a bit touchy about that wandering eye thing.”

He chuckled. “I know. Even though I tell her she’s sexy all the time.” A wry smile spread across his face.

“Still sexy while carrying your baby, huh?”

“Oh yeah.”

I shook my head. “I’m guessing this is because you weren’t with Kim when she had Ashanti.”

“Maybe. Mostly it’s because I’m in love with my wife. Besides being there every day, watching her tummy grow because of me…” He stopped talking. “What?”

My hand was on my face, rubbing my eyelids in an effort to destroy the unwanted image of his wife’s exposed and very pregnant belly. “TMI, man, TMI.”

Andre chuckled. “Whatever, man. Get married, start a family and you’ll understand.”

“Not about to happen. I’m in no rush to join that club.”

Andre shrugged. “Suit yourself, but believe me, that player action is going to get old one day. Mark my words.”

I pursed my lips. “Not for me.”

Andre’s phone chimbed an incoming text. He read, then replied. “Looks like it’s just you and me. Malik says he’s got to live up to his promise so he can get out of the dog house.”

I acknowledged Andre’s comment before blowing my whistle. “Run that play again. Good work Alex!” I clapped my hands. My attention went back to my friend. “Is Malik still engaged?”

“Yep, has been for over a year now.”

“Damn. If he’s into this woman, what’s the holdup?”

“The hell if I know. I try to stay out of his mess. He’s my brother and all, but that doesn’t mean I support his shit. It’s worse, though, because his woman is a friend of Sharice. Women talk, which means, whether I like it or not, I get dragged into the chaos of his relationship issues.”

“Ouch. Sucks to be you.”

“Tell me about it.”

“How the hell did Malik get mixed up with a family friend?”

“They met at our wedding. Long story short, she’s too close to the family to be getting screwed. If he doesn’t get his shit together soon, we’re all going to be pulled into this mess.”

I laughed and put my hands up. “Not me, I don’t even know who she is.”

“Well, be glad, because I don’t have an out. I’m a blood relative to the asshole.”

“Yep, really sucks to be you.” The alarm on my phone signaled the end of practice. I blew the whistle again and gestured for the guys to bring it in. “Alright, not bad. Good job working together as a team. You’re getting better and better every week. Everyone, work on those plays in your spare time. I expect you to be able to run it without an issue next week.” I clapped my hands and stood. “Go hydrate, hit the showers, and don’t drag this time. A lot of your mommas called me last week, complaining about you taking too long to get outside after practice.” Beside me, Andre snorted. I waited until the guys disappeared into the dressing room. “Hey, you laugh, but I’m serious. A lot of these women are single and looking for a male rolemodel. I’ve been invited over for dinner one too many times.”

Andre continued to laugh as he jogged across the gymnasium to retrieve a basketball, dribbled, then shot from where he stood at the half court line. All net.

“So, three games to twenty-one? Winner pays for drinks?”

“You’re on.” I pulled my whistle over my head and set it on my gym bag. Coaching time was over, now it was all about me.

I may not have been able to make it to the NBA, but that didn’t mean I had lost my skills.

An hour later we were on game three when Andre’s phone rang. “Time out, that’s Sharice.” He jogged over to where it sat.

I walked over to my bag and pulled out a towel, wiped the sweat off my face. “You have a special ringtone for her?” I chuckled. “Since when?”

“Since she’s gotten closer to her due date.” He snatched the phone up and answered. His eyes widened. “Are you sure?” His movements became frantic as he grabbed his water bottle and fumbled with the zipper of his gym bag before dropping the phone. “Shit! Baby, I’m sorry, I dropped my phone. Okay, how far apart are they?”

My brow went up as I watched my friend lose all sense of coordination.

“I’m on the way!” He disconnected and stared at me.

“Everything alright?”

“No…yes. I’m going to be a dad! Again! Sharice is going into labor. I’ve got to go!”

“Ah man, congratulations!” I patted Andre on the back and laughed at his expression. A mixture of excitement and worry was on his face.

Even though he had one child already, he was not there to witness the birth of his daughter. Back then, he’d been a kid, really, a senior in high school. The grandmother of his baby didn’t want him anywhere near the hospital. It pained him that he’d been unable to witness his daughter’s birth.

He swore to me that this time he would be there, one hundred percent.

“Be careful, Dre. Don’t get a speeding ticket or else you’re going to piss off Sharice.”

“By the time she goes into full blown labor she’s already going to be pissed off. Here,” he dug into his wallet, retrieved some bills, and shoved them into my hands, “I was losing anyway. Have a few rounds on me. I’ll call you later and let you know how she is.”

I laughed and shoved the money in my pocket. “I’ll be listening out for the phone. Good luck, man.”

Andre ran out of the gym, which left me alone with no plans.

Then again, now that I had a pocket of free cash, I might as well go get that drink.

I shot a few more hoops, then grabbed the remaining balls left over after practice from around the gym, and settled them back on the ball cart.

Home, hot shower, clean clothes, and quick shave, then hit a bar that was close to my condo. Midtown was a hot spot for art and bars. In fact, there was one I liked to frequent within walking distance from where I lived.

A few drinks would be a great way to unwind for the night. And if I was lucky, I wouldn’t spend the evening alone.

####

Chapter 5, coming next Sunday!

####

Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!

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  5 Prince Publishing

 

#99Cent Sale and #Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!!!

It’s May and we are another month closer to the release of the next novel in The Butterfly Memoirs Series, NOBODY’S BUSINESS!!! Did you miss the cover reveal? Follow this link! The cover artist did an amazing job, and I can’t wait until you guys get a chance to read the story!

In the meantime, I’m happy to announce that the second novel in the series, JADED is now #.99cents for a LIMITED TIME ONLY! If you took advantage of last months sale of A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN, then now is the time to add to your collection and find out what happened to Ebony’s best friend, Yasmine.

Get a chance to learn about the characters of JADED by following these links for character bios, and a FREE SHORT STORY that picks up at the end of JADED.

The party continues with another AMAZON gift card GIVEAWAY! All you have to do is follow the instructions listed in the Rafflecopter Giveaway. Feel free to enter as many times as you want to increase your chance to win!

Blurb:

A devastating breakup leaves Yasmine Phillips in shambles. Unable to trust another man with her heart, she focuses on the one thing she can control—starting her own business.

When her computer crashes, taking months of hard work with it, she must rely on computer genius Zachariah Givens to save her. A complete opposite of men from her past, she doesn’t expect the passion that ensues. But just as she finds happiness, she learns the truth about the other women in Zachariah’s life.

availablein eBook and Paperback! 

Amazon     B&N     iTunes

*Also available at B&N IN STORE location:

Barnes & Noble

1939 Mount Zion Road

Morrow, Georgia 30260

Ph: 770-471-2227

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S.- If you haven’t already, go over to the sidebar and SUBSCRIBE to my website so you don’t miss future announcements or contests.

Also, if you’ve missed an installment of CROSSROADS, a mini memoir novella that is exclusive to my website, follow this link to catch up! The next chapter will be posted on Sunday!

Thanks to each and everyone of you for stopping by and helping to share the news! Good luck, and HAPPY READING!!!

####

Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!

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  5 Prince Publishing

#FREE READ Sunday! Crossroads..a Butterfly Memoir Mini- Chapter 3

Happy Mother’s Day!

Last week you met Trevon Campbell, a man full of confidence and loving life…and his car. While his sisters are enjoying the married life, he’s made it known that he has no intentions of settling down just yet. How long will that last? Stay tuned to find out. In the meantime, lets find out what’s happening with Ebony….

 

*Just tuning in? Catch up by following these links to the previous chapters!*

Previous Chapters:

Chapter 1     Chapter 2

 

Chapter 3

Ebony

 

How in the world did I end up running late? If Brian saw me now, he’d be laughing his butt off.

Me, the queen of getting to work on time. A second night in a row of sleeping alone left me tossing and turning for most of the night. And of course, by the time I got some sleep, it was nearly time to get up. If it wasn’t for Dr. Tucker calling me to meet for breakfast, I’d still be in bed dreaming.

Swimming pools filled with fish and blue-eyed babies with golden brown hair.

In the bathroom, I splashed water in my face.

Babies. The dream was nothing but the manifestations of conversations with my mother and the fact my sister was pregnant. What else could it be? I had too much going on to even think about going down that life path.

Brian and I wanted to have kids one day. We’d been married for a year and a half but had not set a timeline on when to reach our goal. We lived our lives and enjoyed the benefits of hard work. With our hectic schedules, it often felt as though we spent more time passing each other on the way to and from work. That didn’t stop us from spending quality time together, not by a long shot. When Brian had recording sessions at the studio that worked late into the night, I set the clock in order to wake up and greet him when he returned, even if I had to get up early the next morning. On the evenings he had off, he planned special dates and greeted me when I returned home after a long day at work.

Our schedules, while as crazy as it seemed, worked because we supported each others goals.

Now, after eight long years of hard work, I’d graduated from college and earned my veterinarian degree.

Dr. Ebony M. Young, DVM.

For years I imagined the degree ending with my maiden name of Campbell, but I liked seeing my married name on the license. I ignored my sister’s suggestion of hyphenating my last name, though. As independent as I was, I believed in the age old tradition of taking my husband’s last name and leaving my maiden name behind.

Besides, when we did have kids, how would it read on the birth certificate?

Wait a minute, why was I thinking about babies again?

I brushed my teeth, threw on my clothes, thankful for the fact that I’d taken a shower before climbing into bed, and headed downstairs to meet Dr. Tucker. No more thinking of babies or starting a family. Right now, my time was all about me.

****

“And this is the break room,” the tour guide said.

Dr. Tucker and I were being given the grand tour of Zoo Atlanta, behind the scenes. Everyone here seemed cordial. That was one thing I loved about the South. Smiles and hellos were hard to come by in L.A. Everyone seemed content with not speaking and minding their own business. I had gotten used to it after residing there for nearly nine years.

“Next stop, the Panda Exhibit.”

My attention perked up.

We walked down a narrow path until we came upon a sign on a door labeled with a cartoon drawing of a panda. Excited, my heart raced. The minute we stepped inside, I inhaled the scent of the animals and the bamboo.

We were directed to a set of large observation panels that looked into a room where the animals were housed at night.

Our guide, Felicity, went to the window and held out her arms, Vanna White style. “Let me introduce you to Mei Lun and Mei Huan!”

“They are gorgeous!” I managed to keep my voice a whisper as I squatted down next to the window and placed my hand on the glass.

The twins lay on their backs, but when they realized there were new people in the facility, they lazily rolled over on their sides. It appeared they were waking from a nap.

One of the more curious pandas made it’s way over to the window, observing us with large dark eyes. The wide, black, nose sniffed before licking the glass as if trying to catch our scent.

“Let me share some little known facts about our panda family…”

I listened with enthusiasm as our guide shared details about the Pandas inhabiting their zoo. Though I’d researched the care of the animal for the past few weeks, there was nothing like getting information from the source.

Next, we followed her to another holding pen where the mother and father pandas were kept.

“Now, let’s go to where the fun really happens.” We followed Felicity through a door that led to a room where several workers were wheeling barrels of bamboo toward the Panda’s holding pens. “It’s feeding time!”

I kept my girlish giggle inside and watched as bamboo was distributed to each animal. Observing the activities was an amazing experience. Without thinking, I was making mental notes of the steps being taken by the staff and imagining what it would be like to do this for the pandas in San Diego.

“You seem to really be into it.” A deep chuckle came from behind me.

“I can’t help it. They are beautiful!” The joy I felt inside kept my checks spread in a goofy grin. I looked up to see who had spoken to me.

My eyes traveled to a man who stood with both hands in his pockets, and a soft smile on his face. He appeared to be a few years older than me, and had dark skin and dark brown eyes. His shirt was different from the others which meant he must be the man in charge.

“Welcome to our facility. My name is Kenneth. And you are?” He held out a hand to my boss, his attention leaving me.

“Dr. Tucker, but you can call me Barry.” They shook hands before Kenneth’s gaze turned in my direction.

“Ebony.” I smiled and accepted the handshake he offered.

“Ebony, it’s nice to meet you.” Kenneth didn’t rush to let go of my hand, and instead looked me up and down.

My smile faltered ever so slightly. It had been a long time since I ran into a man that made me pause.

Not since the night that I meet my husband.

Kenneth stepped away and went to the aid of his workers. But when he had a moment, his attention came back to me.

Oh boy, this was going to be trouble.

####

 

Chapter 4, coming next Sunday!

####

Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!

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  5 Prince Publishing

#FREE READ Sunday! Crossroad…a Butterfly Memoir Mini- Chapter 3

Happy Mother’s Day!

Last week you met Trevon Campbell, a man full of confidence and loving life…and his car. While his sisters are enjoying the married life, he’s made it known that he has no intentions of settling down just yet. How long will that last? Stay tuned to find out. In the meantime, lets find out what’s happening with Ebony….

 

*Just tuning in? Catch up by following these links to the previous chapters!*

Previous Chapters:

Chapter 1     Chapter 2

 

Chapter 3

Ebony

 

How in the world did I end up running late? If Brian saw me now, he’d be laughing his butt off.

Me, the queen of getting to work on time. A second night in a row of sleeping alone left me tossing and turning for most of the night. And of course, by the time I got some sleep, it was nearly time to get up. If it wasn’t for Dr. Tucker calling me to meet for breakfast, I’d still be in bed dreaming.

Swimming pools filled with fish and blue-eyed babies with golden brown hair.

In the bathroom, I splashed water in my face.

Babies. The dream was nothing but the manifestations of conversations with my mother and the fact my sister was pregnant. What else could it be? I had too much going on to even think about going down that life path.

Brian and I wanted to have kids one day. We’d been married for a year and a half but had not set a timeline on when to reach our goal. We lived our lives and enjoyed the benefits of hard work. With our hectic schedules, it often felt as though we spent more time passing each other on the way to and from work. That didn’t stop us from spending quality time together, not by a long shot. When Brian had recording sessions at the studio that worked late into the night, I set the clock in order to wake up and greet him when he returned, even if I had to get up early the next morning. On the evenings he had off, he planned special dates and greeted me when I returned home after a long day at work.

Our schedules, while as crazy as it seemed, worked because we supported each others goals.

Now, after eight long years of hard work, I’d graduated from college and earned my veterinarian degree.

Dr. Ebony M. Young, DVM.

For years I imagined the degree ending with my maiden name of Campbell, but I liked seeing my married name on the license. I ignored my sister’s suggestion of hyphenating my last name, though. As independent as I was, I believed in the age old tradition of taking my husband’s last name and leaving my maiden name behind.

Besides, when we did have kids, how would it read on the birth certificate?

Wait a minute, why was I thinking about babies again?

I brushed my teeth, threw on my clothes, thankful for the fact that I’d taken a shower before climbing into bed, and headed downstairs to meet Dr. Tucker. No more thinking of babies or starting a family. Right now, my time was all about me.

****

“And this is the break room,” the tour guide said.

Dr. Tucker and I were being given the grand tour of Zoo Atlanta, behind the scenes. Everyone here seemed cordial. That was one thing I loved about the South. Smiles and hellos were hard to come by in L.A. Everyone seemed content with not speaking and minding their own business. I had gotten used to it after residing there for nearly nine years.

“Next stop, the Panda Exhibit.”

My attention perked up.

We walked down a narrow path until we came upon a sign on a door labeled with a cartoon drawing of a panda. Excited, my heart raced. The minute we stepped inside, I inhaled the scent of the animals and the bamboo.

We were directed to a set of large observation panels that looked into a room where the animals were housed at night.

Our guide, Felicity, went to the window and held out her arms, Vanna White style. “Let me introduce you to Mei Lun and Mei Huan!”

“They are gorgeous!” I managed to keep my voice a whisper as I squatted down next to the window and placed my hand on the glass.

The twins lay on their backs, but when they realized there were new people in the facility, they lazily rolled over on their sides. It appeared they were waking from a nap.

One of the more curious pandas made it’s way over to the window, observing us with large dark eyes. The wide, black, nose sniffed before licking the glass as if trying to catch our scent.

“Let me share some little known facts about our panda family…”

I listened with enthusiasm as our guide shared details about the Pandas inhabiting their zoo. Though I’d researched the care of the animal for the past few weeks, there was nothing like getting information from the source.

Next, we followed her to another holding pen where the mother and father pandas were kept.

“Now, let’s go to where the fun really happens.” We followed Felicity through a door that led to a room where several workers were wheeling barrels of bamboo toward the Panda’s holding pens. “It’s feeding time!”

I kept my girlish giggle inside and watched as bamboo was distributed to each animal. Observing the activities was an amazing experience. Without thinking, I was making mental notes of the steps being taken by the staff and imagining what it would be like to do this for the pandas in San Diego.

“You seem to really be into it.” A deep chuckle came from behind me.

“I can’t help it. They are beautiful!” The joy I felt inside kept my checks spread in a goofy grin. I looked up to see who had spoken to me.

My eyes traveled to a man who stood with both hands in his pockets, and a soft smile on his face. He appeared to be a few years older than me, and had dark skin and dark brown eyes. His shirt was different from the others which meant he must be the man in charge.

“Welcome to our facility. My name is Kenneth. And you are?” He held out a hand to my boss, his attention leaving me.

“Dr. Tucker, but you can call me Barry.” They shook hands before Kenneth’s gaze turned in my direction.

“Ebony.” I smiled and accepted the handshake he offered.

“Ebony, it’s nice to meet you.” Kenneth didn’t rush to let go of my hand, and instead looked me up and down.

My smile faltered ever so slightly. It had been a long time since I ran into a man that made me pause.

Not since the night that I meet my husband.

Kenneth stepped away and went to the aid of his workers. But when he had a moment, his attention came back to me.

Oh boy, this was going to be trouble.

####

 

Chapter 4, coming next Sunday!

####

Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!

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  5 Prince Publishing

#CoverReveal!!! NOBODY’S BUSINESS (Book 4 of The Butterfly Memoirs)

Alright peeps, this is what’ you’ve been waiting for!!!

RELEASE DATE: JULY 2, 2015!!!

Trevon Campbell’s world changed the moment his ex-girlfriend announced he was a father. Determined to make up for his past mistakes, he gives Trina what she wanted before their breakup, what feels like his soul, which means forgetting the woman he had a one-night stand with, the woman who stole his heart.

Kai Malone doesn’t want to play by her family’s rules. Instead of working for the family business, she became a firefighter. Being a female of multicultural descent, working in a field dominated by men, Kai focuses on her job to ignore the infidelity of her fiancé. Tired of his deceit, she gave in to a one-night stand with a complete stranger, someone she’d never have to see again…or so she thought.

When tragedy strikes, their worlds collide, leaving them no choice but to deal with each other again. It doesn’t take long for them to realize the attraction that brought them together the first time is stronger than ever, forcing Trevon to make the biggest decision of his life.

****

Release date: June 2, 2015!!

Coming to Amazon, B&N, and iTunes!!! Ebook and Paperback!!

Get to know Trevon before the novel is released!

CROSSROADS- A Butterfly Novella (Website Exclusive!) 

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Follow my blog to stay in the loop for the next chapters, coming at you every Sunday!

####

Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!

Twitter     Facebook    Pinterest   Instagram  Google+  YouTube  Goodreads     Linkedin   Email

  5 Prince Publishing

#FREE READ Sunday! Crossroads…a Butterfly Memoir Mini- Chapter 2

Welcome back!

Last week we took a peek into Ebony’s life. It’s been over a year since she and the love of her life, Brian were married. Life is good, both are making moves in their careers yet, Ebony fears her career goals are going to put a strain on her marriage.  If you missed it, follow this link! So what’s happening this week?

Meet Trevon!

 

 

Chapter 2

Travon

 

“Baby brother!”

My twin sister leapt, toward me, wrapping her arms around me in a fierce hug.

“Baby, yeah, right. Then why do you have to jump like Jordan to hug me, shorty?”

Ebony laughed and kissed my cheek. “Don’t be mad, Trevon. You know that being born five minutes after me makes you the youngest.”

I lowered her to her feet, then stepped back to appraise her. It had been a year since I saw her face-to-face, the last time had been at her wedding in California. And now she’d found her way to Georgia.

She appeared to be happy, tanned, if that was even possible for black folks, and with newly braided hair, a bit younger.

I pointed to her braids. “Nice natural facelift you got there.”

As expected, my comment was rewarded with a punch in the ribs. Just like old times.

“Don’t knock the hairdo. Unlike California, Atlanta is too humid. I have no intention of having my natural hair look like a huge ball of twine while at work.” She ran a hand over it. “And the fact that these tight braids pull on my skin a bit to give me a ‘youthful look’ is just a happy side effect.”

I chuckled. “What did my brother-in-law have to say about it?”

“Brian loved it. He said it made him feel like he was sleeping with another woman.” She rolled her eyes. “You men are crazy.” She locked her arm in the crook of mine. “So, where are we going for brunch?”

I guided my sister out of the hotel lobby and into the parking lot. “Depends on what you’re in the mood for. Hotlanta’s got a bit of everything. I say we hit up an all you can eat Chinese buffet. You’ll find Chinese food and soul food at the same time.”

Ebony’s eyes shot to me in disbelief. “Are you serious?”

I nodded, then hit the key fob for my car. She stopped dead in her tracks and stared at my ride. I smiled with pride. My Dodge Charger was jet black, with tinted out windows, and had yellow rims that set off the yellow racing stripes on the hood and doors. The interior was even sexier, carrying the black and yellow theme with black seats and a yellow trimmed dashboard.

Her brow shot up as she walked around taking it in from all sides. “Um…compensating for something?”

“Hell, no. I’ve got a phone book full of women eager to attest to the fact that I’m not lacking in any department.”

Ebony burst out laughing. “Damn, I was just kidding. You men are way too sensitive when it comes to that. Honestly, women don’t care so much about size. It’s the technique that matters most.”

I opened my mouth to reply, but she held up a finger that made me pause.

“My man ain’t lackin’ so don’t even go there.”

I threw my head back and howled. “So how is old Mr. Ed anyway? I’m surprised he let you out of his sight. How long are you supposed to be here?”

“Eight weeks.”

I snuck a peek at her before pulling out of the parking lot. Though she appeared excited, I caught a brief glimpse of uncertainty. “Can you handle it? The time apart?”

She released a long breath. “It’s not the first time we’ve been apart, and it won’t be the last. At least it won’t be as long this time. Besides, training in Atlanta is a requirement of my new position.” She dug her phone out of her purse, fingers gliding quickly over the keyboard, no doubt letting her husband know that she was with me. “Brian understands that. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.”

“I don’t understand. You’ve got a good job now. Why do you have to come here for a promotion?”

Beside me, Ebony adjusted her seat belt. “It’s not really a promotion, it’s an opportunity.”

I glanced her way. “For?”

“For the past few years I’ve worked with orangatans at the Los Angeles Zoo. I’ve made a name for myself. I’ve also let it be known that I want to work with different animals, large ones to be exact. The San Diego Zoo had an open spot for a veterinarian in their Panda habitat, I applied and got the job. Now I’m going through training for the Panda breeding program. It just so happens that Zoo Atlanta has a panda nearing her mating cycle . So, we’re here to learn from the staff on what we need to do with our pandas.”

“For two months.”

“Yes, for two months.”

“Y’all are better than me. I’d never be able to let my woman leave for that amount of time.”

Her phone vibrated, and she typed again before slipping it into her purse. “And that is why you’re single.”

I accelerated as we merged with highway traffic. The purr of the engine and kick of speed fueled my high. Damn, I love my car.

“I’m single by choice, Ebony.”

“Why? Because your having a tough time finding the right woman? I could have sworn you were ready to settle down a few years ago.”

The right woman? Try finding a real woman. I want a woman who is caring and supportive; a woman who can put others before herself and isn’t matrerialistic. I want a woman who has beauty and intelligence. Someone who can keep me engaged when our clothes were on, and fulfill my needs when they were off.

My ex-girlfriend Trina was smart and funny. We had the potential for our relationship to turn into a real commitment, but the minute she started talking about marriage, I freaked and screwed up. She retaliated and did the same. In the end, the damage was done and we parted ways. I haven’t seen or heard from her in two years. It’s as though she’s dropped off the face of the earth.

“Things change,” I mumbled.

“You can say that again. So, that’s enough about each other’s love life. You ready to be an uncle again?”

My attention shot to the passenger side of the vehicle. “You’re pregnant?”

An expression of horror crossed her face. “Not me, LaShana. She’s on baby number two.”

“She can have it. I’m not ready for all of that just yet.”

I was happy with my life, despite what happened between Trina and me. For two years we were together, and for two years I’d been faithful. Since our breakup, I’d been enjoying the player status, and sitting back watching my friend Andre enjoy the benefits of marriage and being a family man.

Andre had been married to Sharice for over five years, and they were about to welcome their first child into the world. Well, her first, his second. The whole ex-girlfriend/baby momma situation was too much for me. For years, the mother of his child held it over Sharice’s head that while she may have married him, it was her who bore his first born.

Caught between two equally strong women with claims to his heart and wallet, Andre somehow managed to stay sane.

If there was one thing I could be proud of as a man, it was the fact that as many women who’d crossed my mattress over the years, never once had there been an issue of sexually transmitted diseases, nor one near miss of baby momma blues.

Yet, deep down I knew if I ever found Mrs. Right, I wanted it all, the entire package. Brick house, picket fence, 2.5 kids, and a dog.

Did I have a prototype? Not really. Why bother? Women changed their appearance so much it was like mixing and matching.

Big boobs or little ones? Small ass or fat ass? Short hair or waist length extensions? Eye color was just a matter of spinning the color wheel. And style of dress? It was damn near impossible to tell what woman was dressed to attract or who was out to make money.

The only thing I knew for sure was if I ran into a woman meant for me, she’d knock me off my feet before I realized it.

Until then, I was a free agent.

“I’ll cross that bridge when it’s time. Right now, I’ll keep having fun being single. You and Shana can enjoy married life.”

Ebony laughed. “Mom’s been hinting at the fact she’d like to see me and Brian pop out a grandchild soon.”

I cringed. “She knows not to ask me that question. I have no intention of having kids until I settle down. My seed is too special to land anywhere.”

“Eww. Not an image I want to have.” Ebony made a face and shook her head.

I chuckled. “I take it you guys aren’t making plans yet.” I shot a glance in her direction as laughter ceased.

I may not have been around my sister for a while, but I know when something bothered her.

“I honestly don’t know, Tre. I’ve watched my friends have kids, and I love babysitting. Sometimes Brian and I watch them together. It feels like we’re playing house. Brian will get this glow in his eyes when holding Yasmine’s son, like he wants one of his own.” Her gaze went to her hands. “Did I ever tell you I could have been pregnant once?”

I started to make a smart remark about need to know, but her voice indicated there was something serious about to be shared. “No. When?”

She took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving her fingers. “Before I was raped.”

My grip on the steering wheel tightened so hard that my knuckles turned white. Hearing those words pissed me off all over again. If I’d known what had happened to her, I would have been on the first flight to Los Angeles to kick the ass of the man who hurt my sister. Knowing Brian had done it in my place made me feel a little bit better, but it didn’t keep me from fantasizing about it.

“Was it Brian’s baby?”

Her reply came as a shrug in my peripheral. “Ebony, what do you mean you don’t know?”

“It’s complicated.” She paused, cleared her throat. “I had to make a decision that I’ve lived with for the past year and I can’t help thinking I took something from us…from Brian.”

I risked a peek at Ebony as I slowed to turn into the parking lot of our destination. “Has he mentioned having kids?”

“No, and he won’t because he knows how I feel about my career.”

“And now you’re in Georgia for two months following that career, and you suspect he really wants to be doing something else with your future.”

She nodded.

“Hate to tell you this, Eb, but you’re here now, It’s too late to go back.”

My sister blew out a long breath. “I know.”

#####

Chapter 3, coming next Sunday!

####

Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!

Twitter     Facebook    Pinterest   Instagram  Google+  YouTube  Goodreads     Linkedin   Email

  5 Prince Publishing

#FREE READ Sunday! Crossroad…a Butterfly Memoir Mini- Chapter 2

Welcome back!

Last week we took a peek into Ebony’s life. It’s been over a year since she and the love of her life, Brian were married. Life is good, both are making moves in their careers yet, Ebony fears her career goals are going to put a strain on her marriage.  If you missed it, follow this link! So what’s happening this week?

Meet Trevon!

 

 

Chapter 2

Travon

 

“Baby brother!”

My twin sister leapt, toward me, wrapping her arms around me in a fierce hug.

“Baby, yeah, right. Then why do you have to jump like Jordan to hug me, shorty?”

Ebony laughed and kissed my cheek. “Don’t be mad, Trevon. You know that being born five minutes after me makes you the youngest.”

I lowered her to her feet, then stepped back to appraise her. It had been a year since I saw her face-to-face, the last time had been at her wedding in California. And now she’d found her way to Georgia.

She appeared to be happy, tanned, if that was even possible for black folks, and with newly braided hair, a bit younger.

I pointed to her braids. “Nice natural facelift you got there.”

As expected, my comment was rewarded with a punch in the ribs. Just like old times.

“Don’t knock the hairdo. Unlike California, Atlanta is too humid. I have no intention of having my natural hair look like a huge ball of twine while at work.” She ran a hand over it. “And the fact that these tight braids pull on my skin a bit to give me a ‘youthful look’ is just a happy side effect.”

I chuckled. “What did my brother-in-law have to say about it?”

“Brian loved it. He said it made him feel like he was sleeping with another woman.” She rolled her eyes. “You men are crazy.” She locked her arm in the crook of mine. “So, where are we going for brunch?”

I guided my sister out of the hotel lobby and into the parking lot. “Depends on what you’re in the mood for. Hotlanta’s got a bit of everything. I say we hit up an all you can eat Chinese buffet. You’ll find Chinese food and soul food at the same time.”

Ebony’s eyes shot to me in disbelief. “Are you serious?”

I nodded, then hit the key fob for my car. She stopped dead in her tracks and stared at my ride. I smiled with pride. My Dodge Charger was jet black, with tinted out windows, and had yellow rims that set off the yellow racing stripes on the hood and doors. The interior was even sexier, carrying the black and yellow theme with black seats and a yellow trimmed dashboard.

Her brow shot up as she walked around taking it in from all sides. “Um…compensating for something?”

“Hell, no. I’ve got a phone book full of women eager to attest to the fact that I’m not lacking in any department.”

Ebony burst out laughing. “Damn, I was just kidding. You men are way too sensitive when it comes to that. Honestly, women don’t care so much about size. It’s the technique that matters most.”

I opened my mouth to reply, but she held up a finger that made me pause.

“My man ain’t lackin’ so don’t even go there.”

I threw my head back and howled. “So how is old Mr. Ed anyway? I’m surprised he let you out of his sight. How long are you supposed to be here?”

“Eight weeks.”

I snuck a peek at her before pulling out of the parking lot. Though she appeared excited, I caught a brief glimpse of uncertainty. “Can you handle it? The time apart?”

She released a long breath. “It’s not the first time we’ve been apart, and it won’t be the last. At least it won’t be as long this time. Besides, training in Atlanta is a requirement of my new position.” She dug her phone out of her purse, fingers gliding quickly over the keyboard, no doubt letting her husband know that she was with me. “Brian understands that. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.”

“I don’t understand. You’ve got a good job now. Why do you have to come here for a promotion?”

Beside me, Ebony adjusted her seat belt. “It’s not really a promotion, it’s an opportunity.”

I glanced her way. “For?”

“For the past few years I’ve worked with orangatans at the Los Angeles Zoo. I’ve made a name for myself. I’ve also let it be known that I want to work with different animals, large ones to be exact. The San Diego Zoo had an open spot for a veterinarian in their Panda habitat, I applied and got the job. Now I’m going through training for the Panda breeding program. It just so happens that Zoo Atlanta has a panda nearing her mating cycle . So, we’re here to learn from the staff on what we need to do with our pandas.”

“For two months.”

“Yes, for two months.”

“Y’all are better than me. I’d never be able to let my woman leave for that amount of time.”

Her phone vibrated, and she typed again before slipping it into her purse. “And that is why you’re single.”

I accelerated as we merged with highway traffic. The purr of the engine and kick of speed fueled my high. Damn, I love my car.

“I’m single by choice, Ebony.”

“Why? Because your having a tough time finding the right woman? I could have sworn you were ready to settle down a few years ago.”

The right woman? Try finding a real woman. I want a woman who is caring and supportive; a woman who can put others before herself and isn’t matrerialistic. I want a woman who has beauty and intelligence. Someone who can keep me engaged when our clothes were on, and fulfill my needs when they were off.

My ex-girlfriend Trina was smart and funny. We had the potential for our relationship to turn into a real commitment, but the minute she started talking about marriage, I freaked and screwed up. She retaliated and did the same. In the end, the damage was done and we parted ways. I haven’t seen or heard from her in two years. It’s as though she’s dropped off the face of the earth.

“Things change,” I mumbled.

“You can say that again. So, that’s enough about each other’s love life. You ready to be an uncle again?”

My attention shot to the passenger side of the vehicle. “You’re pregnant?”

An expression of horror crossed her face. “Not me, LaShana. She’s on baby number two.”

“She can have it. I’m not ready for all of that just yet.”

I was happy with my life, despite what happened between Trina and me. For two years we were together, and for two years I’d been faithful. Since our breakup, I’d been enjoying the player status, and sitting back watching my friend Andre enjoy the benefits of marriage and being a family man.

Andre had been married to Sharice for over five years, and they were about to welcome their first child into the world. Well, her first, his second. The whole ex-girlfriend/baby momma situation was too much for me. For years, the mother of his child held it over Sharice’s head that while she may have married him, it was her who bore his first born.

Caught between two equally strong women with claims to his heart and wallet, Andre somehow managed to stay sane.

If there was one thing I could be proud of as a man, it was the fact that as many women who’d crossed my mattress over the years, never once had there been an issue of sexually transmitted diseases, nor one near miss of baby momma blues.

Yet, deep down I knew if I ever found Mrs. Right, I wanted it all, the entire package. Brick house, picket fence, 2.5 kids, and a dog.

Did I have a prototype? Not really. Why bother? Women changed their appearance so much it was like mixing and matching.

Big boobs or little ones? Small ass or fat ass? Short hair or waist length extensions? Eye color was just a matter of spinning the color wheel. And style of dress? It was damn near impossible to tell what woman was dressed to attract or who was out to make money.

The only thing I knew for sure was if I ran into a woman meant for me, she’d knock me off my feet before I realized it.

Until then, I was a free agent.

“I’ll cross that bridge when it’s time. Right now, I’ll keep having fun being single. You and Shana can enjoy married life.”

Ebony laughed. “Mom’s been hinting at the fact she’d like to see me and Brian pop out a grandchild soon.”

I cringed. “She knows not to ask me that question. I have no intention of having kids until I settle down. My seed is too special to land anywhere.”

“Eww. Not an image I want to have.” Ebony made a face and shook her head.

I chuckled. “I take it you guys aren’t making plans yet.” I shot a glance in her direction as laughter ceased.

I may not have been around my sister for a while, but I know when something bothered her.

“I honestly don’t know, Tre. I’ve watched my friends have kids, and I love babysitting. Sometimes Brian and I watch them together. It feels like we’re playing house. Brian will get this glow in his eyes when holding Yasmine’s son, like he wants one of his own.” Her gaze went to her hands. “Did I ever tell you I could have been pregnant once?”

I started to make a smart remark about need to know, but her voice indicated there was something serious about to be shared. “No. When?”

She took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving her fingers. “Before I was raped.”

My grip on the steering wheel tightened so hard that my knuckles turned white. Hearing those words pissed me off all over again. If I’d known what had happened to her, I would have been on the first flight to Los Angeles to kick the ass of the man who hurt my sister. Knowing Brian had done it in my place made me feel a little bit better, but it didn’t keep me from fantasizing about it.

“Was it Brian’s baby?”

Her reply came as a shrug in my peripheral. “Ebony, what do you mean you don’t know?”

“It’s complicated.” She paused, cleared her throat. “I had to make a decision that I’ve lived with for the past year and I can’t help thinking I took something from us…from Brian.”

I risked a peek at Ebony as I slowed to turn into the parking lot of our destination. “Has he mentioned having kids?”

“No, and he won’t because he knows how I feel about my career.”

“And now you’re in Georgia for two months following that career, and you suspect he really wants to be doing something else with your future.”

She nodded.

“Hate to tell you this, Eb, but you’re here now, It’s too late to go back.”

My sister blew out a long breath. “I know.”

#####

Chapter 3, coming next Sunday!

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The Butterfly Memoirs IN Barnes & Noble!!!

When I signed my contract with 5 Prince Publishing in 2012 for a six book novel series called The Butterfly Memoirs, I remember thinking that not only would I be a published author, but my books would be available on Amazon and B&N as ebooks and paperbacks….but alas, the paperbacks were only available as print-on-demand books.

Not anymore…

I am proud to announce that the first three books of The Butterfly Memoirs novels are officially available IN STORE, ON THE SHELF, in the FICTION & LITERATURE section of Barnes & Noble!!!!!!

M.J. Kane can be found between Brenda Jackson, Iris Johnson (another well-known author from Atlanta, Georgia!), and right next door to Steven King!!! Okay, so there’s a ton of books in-between us, but if you look at the picture, you’ll see just the edge of the shelf separating me from my next door neighbor…  

This is a major step, a life-long goal that as an author means SOOOOO much to me! I’ve got several more goals as to where I want my novels to be found, and I have to say, having them now available in B&N and not just available online has made the next steps planned for M.J. Kane Media within my reach…now all I need is time…patience, and persistence. Stay tuned!!!

Georgia residents can go to this location and purchase their copies:

Barnes & Noble

1939 Mount Zion Road

Morrow, Georgia 30260

Ph: 770-471-2227

 

 

Don’t live in the area? Go to your local Barnes & Noble and ask for the manager to put them on your shelves, today!!!

          

The next novel in the series, NOBODY’S BUSINESS, will be available on July 2nd…. keep an eye on this website because the cover reveal and blurb will be coming soon!

In the meantime, catch up with Ebony and Brian and meet her brother, Trevon in this #FREE novella, CROSSROADS, which can only be found on this website! Chapter 2 is coming on Sunday! Missed Chapter 1? Read it here!

Happy Reading!!!

 

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Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!

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  5 Prince Publishing