Cherry Bomb, that is. He has a whole bunch of really cool stuff in the works, and instead of praise, Publisher's Weekly does this. (there's a link within the blog to read the article)
I've been a fan since the first Jack Daniels book. He's written some other stuff that is a bit too creepy for me, but the fact of the matter is, Joe is an excellent author. He is also a very smart business man. And he is not afraid to help others learn from his lessons. He is always winning to share what is working for him (and what is not)
The PW article just goes to show that you can say anything, even if it is only partial truths, and get away with it.
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Where's My Diginity?
I wrote this last fall. I think that it could turn into a really good story. Let me know what you all think.
"Hey, it's jsut me. I left something at your house last night. Could you let me know if you find it? It's my diginity."
I couldn't believe how I had behaved. I had been at a cook out at my friends' house. Luke and Sarah. Sarah and I have been best friends since high school and Luke is her prince. Dotes on her. Pampers her. But let's her be herself. Luke's best friend is Matt. Matt is my ex. And he was at the party. With his new girlfriend.
My name is Theresa and I'm a complete mess.
Matt and I dated about five years ago. Right after I got out of college, Sarah and Luke fixed us up. It was great at first. We hit it off and it seemed like we had a lot in common. But after about six months, he gave me the "it's not you, it's me" speech and broke my heart.
He's had a few girlfriends since then. I know this because Sarah feels the need to keep me in the loop. He's repeatedly dated Debbie, his high school sweetheart. Let me tell you, she's no sweetheart. But she has some sort of power over him that I just don't understand.
So, back to last night. I knew that he was going to be there so I dressed my best. Low V neck, slinky top, tight jeans, sexy sandals. Hair up, because that was how he had always liked it. i looked great, felt good, was nervous.
I got there at six and nobody else was there. Sarah and I did a shot and then I cracked a beer. I needed to take the edge off my nerves.
Other people started showing up. Mike and Julie, Steve and Shelly, Terry and Megan, Matt and Kris, Jason, Tony, Bill. Yup, it was mostly couples but there were three bachelors there and I intended to show Matt what he was missing.
While Luke was cooking, I focused my attention on Tony. Tony worked as an engineer at a local hospital. At work he was all business. Outside of work, he was the most laid back, down to earth person I know. He was a great guy. We talked about sports, his neices and nephews, and how Luke and Sarah should just get married already. i had often wondered why he had never asked me out. He always seemed so interested. A few months ago, Luke let it slip that Tony was gay. That would be why he didn't ask me out. But he was still nice to look at and hang out with.
I barely acknowledged when Matt and Kris showed up. She didn't care, but he gave me a glare. Good.
After we ate, the party moved to the pool deck. And I moved to Jason.
Jason had alwyas been like a brother to me. Great to hand out with but not to date. He'd do anyting for a friend and was alwyas there to porect or stand up for a friend. Jason was a bartender at my favorite bar. We started talking about who we could throw in the pool first. I wanted it to be Matt, he wanted it to be Sarah. We laughed about it and decided not to throw anybody in.
I stole a few glances at Matt and was not happy to see that he still looked good. i tried not to obsess over whateve had gone wrong between us, but I never really could understand it.
His girlfriend was cute and nice and that made me mad. I wanted her to be mean and bitchy so I could as why he was with her. But they actually seemed well suited for each other. I hated it.
Bill and I had known each other as long as Luke and Sarah. He was going through a divorce and just needed a fun night with friends. He was also a great guy and I couldn't figure out his wife. Why would she leave him. I guess you never know what goes on behind closed doors.
Bill and I started dancing. Probably not a great idea when you are on the pool deck and you've had a few drinks, but I had poor judgement. One wrong step back and I was in the pool, fully clothed.
Everybody got a good laugh out of it, including me. It was a good thing that Sarah and I wore the same size. She gave me some clothes to change into and I returned to the party.
I had drunk just enough at that point that my snarky side was coming out. I was throwing little jabs at Matt. Things that nobody else really understood. He made one comment and it was all over.
"Really? really, do you want to go there, Matt?" I was standing toe to toe with him.
"Go where?" He wasn't smart enough to say no.
"You said that I was the best thing that happened to you. You said you saw a future for us. You said you loved me! It sucks that you either lied or could only see your future in weeks, because a month after that we were done. When you lamely broke up with me, I was crushed. Crushed! I loved you,too. And I saw our future more clearly than you. And it was wonderful. But you lost out. You screwed up! You left me."
"I didn't leave you," he tried to reach for me, but I pulled away. "I didn't leave you, Tessa. I was just so afraid of how intense things were. It seemed like we were moving so fast. I had to get out."
"You are an asshole! I could have used that information five years ago."
"I didn't know how to tell you."
"Screw you! You broke my heart. It killed me. I spent the last five years trying to figure out what's wrong with me. You ruined me."
Everybody had been silent during the exchange. His poor girlfriend had a deer in the headlights look and I wanted to punch her.
"luke, can you take me home? I need to get out of here."
Matt tried to reach for me again and I flinched. "Do. Not. Touch. Me. You lost that right a long time ago. everybody, I'm so sorry that you had to witness this craziness."
Luke and Sarah walked into the house with me. Sarah gave me a hug and said," I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I knew that he would be here and I can anyway. I'm sorry for causing such a scene."
So, I left the message for Sarah and headed to the shower. I was a little hung over but doing okay. When the phone rang, I assumed it was Sarah and quickly answered it.
"hello?"
"Hey." It wasn't Sarah. it was Matt.
"Hey," I answered softly.
"How are you doing today?"
"You care because?"
"Because I do. I've always cared about you."
I laughed out loud.
"Okay, I can see how you might not believe that, but it's true."
"Hey, it's jsut me. I left something at your house last night. Could you let me know if you find it? It's my diginity."
I couldn't believe how I had behaved. I had been at a cook out at my friends' house. Luke and Sarah. Sarah and I have been best friends since high school and Luke is her prince. Dotes on her. Pampers her. But let's her be herself. Luke's best friend is Matt. Matt is my ex. And he was at the party. With his new girlfriend.
My name is Theresa and I'm a complete mess.
Matt and I dated about five years ago. Right after I got out of college, Sarah and Luke fixed us up. It was great at first. We hit it off and it seemed like we had a lot in common. But after about six months, he gave me the "it's not you, it's me" speech and broke my heart.
He's had a few girlfriends since then. I know this because Sarah feels the need to keep me in the loop. He's repeatedly dated Debbie, his high school sweetheart. Let me tell you, she's no sweetheart. But she has some sort of power over him that I just don't understand.
So, back to last night. I knew that he was going to be there so I dressed my best. Low V neck, slinky top, tight jeans, sexy sandals. Hair up, because that was how he had always liked it. i looked great, felt good, was nervous.
I got there at six and nobody else was there. Sarah and I did a shot and then I cracked a beer. I needed to take the edge off my nerves.
Other people started showing up. Mike and Julie, Steve and Shelly, Terry and Megan, Matt and Kris, Jason, Tony, Bill. Yup, it was mostly couples but there were three bachelors there and I intended to show Matt what he was missing.
While Luke was cooking, I focused my attention on Tony. Tony worked as an engineer at a local hospital. At work he was all business. Outside of work, he was the most laid back, down to earth person I know. He was a great guy. We talked about sports, his neices and nephews, and how Luke and Sarah should just get married already. i had often wondered why he had never asked me out. He always seemed so interested. A few months ago, Luke let it slip that Tony was gay. That would be why he didn't ask me out. But he was still nice to look at and hang out with.
I barely acknowledged when Matt and Kris showed up. She didn't care, but he gave me a glare. Good.
After we ate, the party moved to the pool deck. And I moved to Jason.
Jason had alwyas been like a brother to me. Great to hand out with but not to date. He'd do anyting for a friend and was alwyas there to porect or stand up for a friend. Jason was a bartender at my favorite bar. We started talking about who we could throw in the pool first. I wanted it to be Matt, he wanted it to be Sarah. We laughed about it and decided not to throw anybody in.
I stole a few glances at Matt and was not happy to see that he still looked good. i tried not to obsess over whateve had gone wrong between us, but I never really could understand it.
His girlfriend was cute and nice and that made me mad. I wanted her to be mean and bitchy so I could as why he was with her. But they actually seemed well suited for each other. I hated it.
Bill and I had known each other as long as Luke and Sarah. He was going through a divorce and just needed a fun night with friends. He was also a great guy and I couldn't figure out his wife. Why would she leave him. I guess you never know what goes on behind closed doors.
Bill and I started dancing. Probably not a great idea when you are on the pool deck and you've had a few drinks, but I had poor judgement. One wrong step back and I was in the pool, fully clothed.
Everybody got a good laugh out of it, including me. It was a good thing that Sarah and I wore the same size. She gave me some clothes to change into and I returned to the party.
I had drunk just enough at that point that my snarky side was coming out. I was throwing little jabs at Matt. Things that nobody else really understood. He made one comment and it was all over.
"Really? really, do you want to go there, Matt?" I was standing toe to toe with him.
"Go where?" He wasn't smart enough to say no.
"You said that I was the best thing that happened to you. You said you saw a future for us. You said you loved me! It sucks that you either lied or could only see your future in weeks, because a month after that we were done. When you lamely broke up with me, I was crushed. Crushed! I loved you,too. And I saw our future more clearly than you. And it was wonderful. But you lost out. You screwed up! You left me."
"I didn't leave you," he tried to reach for me, but I pulled away. "I didn't leave you, Tessa. I was just so afraid of how intense things were. It seemed like we were moving so fast. I had to get out."
"You are an asshole! I could have used that information five years ago."
"I didn't know how to tell you."
"Screw you! You broke my heart. It killed me. I spent the last five years trying to figure out what's wrong with me. You ruined me."
Everybody had been silent during the exchange. His poor girlfriend had a deer in the headlights look and I wanted to punch her.
"luke, can you take me home? I need to get out of here."
Matt tried to reach for me again and I flinched. "Do. Not. Touch. Me. You lost that right a long time ago. everybody, I'm so sorry that you had to witness this craziness."
Luke and Sarah walked into the house with me. Sarah gave me a hug and said," I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I knew that he would be here and I can anyway. I'm sorry for causing such a scene."
So, I left the message for Sarah and headed to the shower. I was a little hung over but doing okay. When the phone rang, I assumed it was Sarah and quickly answered it.
"hello?"
"Hey." It wasn't Sarah. it was Matt.
"Hey," I answered softly.
"How are you doing today?"
"You care because?"
"Because I do. I've always cared about you."
I laughed out loud.
"Okay, I can see how you might not believe that, but it's true."
Monday, October 05, 2009
My Sister's Boyfriend
(New story idea/starter)
When you are five and you like a boy, you chase him around the playground, but what happens when you are 25 and you like a boy? And he’s engaged to your sister? That would be my life.
I’ve always been a bit on the independent side. I never felt like I needed a boyfriend to fit in. I dated in high school, but most of the guys were more into sports or cars to just looking cool. I went to prom by myself. When I went to college, I met lots of great people, but never had a spark with anybody. Lots of dates, but no serious relationships.
When my sister walked into the house last week with Brad, I felt as if my whole body woke up for the first time. Our eyes connected as my sister introduced us. Everything in my body felt electric and light and on. Dinner was rough because I had to sit across from him. I was so taken in. All I wanted to do was look at him for hours. I kept trying to steal glances but after he caught me looking (or was he looking at me the same way?) I made a very conscious effort to look at everybody else but him.
When my mom brought out the desert, Brad stood up and said, “This would probably be a good time to tell you that I asked Julia to marry me.” He smiled down at her (yes I was looking) and she grinned from ear to ear as she flashed a nice diamond. It had to be at least 2 carats. Flashy and it fit my sister’s style perfectly.
I thought my dad was going to jump out of his chair, he was so happy. My sister had been a bit of a, well, geek and I think my parents were afraid that she would never get married. They knew I was a bit of a free spirit and hoping for me to get married was a bit of crap shoot so they pull all their “I want my daughter to get married” eggs in that basket.
My mom was thrilled with the news, hugging Julia and Brad and almost crying. Seriously? Crying? What the hell was she going to be like at the wedding?
When you are five and you like a boy, you chase him around the playground, but what happens when you are 25 and you like a boy? And he’s engaged to your sister? That would be my life.
I’ve always been a bit on the independent side. I never felt like I needed a boyfriend to fit in. I dated in high school, but most of the guys were more into sports or cars to just looking cool. I went to prom by myself. When I went to college, I met lots of great people, but never had a spark with anybody. Lots of dates, but no serious relationships.
When my sister walked into the house last week with Brad, I felt as if my whole body woke up for the first time. Our eyes connected as my sister introduced us. Everything in my body felt electric and light and on. Dinner was rough because I had to sit across from him. I was so taken in. All I wanted to do was look at him for hours. I kept trying to steal glances but after he caught me looking (or was he looking at me the same way?) I made a very conscious effort to look at everybody else but him.
When my mom brought out the desert, Brad stood up and said, “This would probably be a good time to tell you that I asked Julia to marry me.” He smiled down at her (yes I was looking) and she grinned from ear to ear as she flashed a nice diamond. It had to be at least 2 carats. Flashy and it fit my sister’s style perfectly.
I thought my dad was going to jump out of his chair, he was so happy. My sister had been a bit of a, well, geek and I think my parents were afraid that she would never get married. They knew I was a bit of a free spirit and hoping for me to get married was a bit of crap shoot so they pull all their “I want my daughter to get married” eggs in that basket.
My mom was thrilled with the news, hugging Julia and Brad and almost crying. Seriously? Crying? What the hell was she going to be like at the wedding?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Barbara Delinsky...PPPP
Last night was wonderful! Kelley and I headed up to Oconomowoc. We followed Fisher's directions and it worked out great, except for the bypass/shortcut to Lynn's house that we missed and drove all the way around the town. Anyway, we picked up Lynn, grabbed some food (which I'm sure was way over my points limit for dinner!) and went to the Arts Center.
Barabara did a mini meet and greet thing, then we went into an auditorium and she did a reading from the new book, and talked about her career, and answered questions. Then we went back out the lobby so she could sign the books.
It was so cool to be there, talking to her like we were old friends. Lynn and Kelley both took photos for me. It's like I was almost famous for 5 minutes. There was another lady in line who was even taking pix while I was talking to her. And Barbara even asked somebody to take a photo of us together on HER camera! Seriously, how cool is that?!?
Anyway, here's the photos. My desire to write is rekindled....watch for my next book....coming soon.
Now head on over to CandidCarrie and see what else is going on.
3pm update: went over to Barbara's site and saw that there were blog entries from her, from the road. Well, wasn't I giggling when I saw my name in print here . How super cool is that!?!? And after reading a couple of notes, I'm glad I didn't bring her a copy of my book.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Weight Update...and more
That's right my fellow readers...you saw that ticker over there ---> move from 6 to 8.6.
8.6 is the three week total. If I can keep on the 2 lbs per week pace, I'l be at my goal weight well before Milwaukee. I should have do a before an after photo, but I forgot. I do have some from Christmas but they aren't really head on shots. We'll see what happens.
First Chemistry test is tonight. I feel like I know stuff, because it all makes sense when he's talking about it, but I'm not sure I can pull it back out of my head. Wish me luck.
A few months ago I had this GREAT idea for a blog/story/love triangle thingy. I've been mulling it around in my brain the last few days, and i think I'm going to start working on it again. I have lots of short(er) stories that I'm planning to publish as a compliation. I'll let you know when I make that happen.
8.6 is the three week total. If I can keep on the 2 lbs per week pace, I'l be at my goal weight well before Milwaukee. I should have do a before an after photo, but I forgot. I do have some from Christmas but they aren't really head on shots. We'll see what happens.
First Chemistry test is tonight. I feel like I know stuff, because it all makes sense when he's talking about it, but I'm not sure I can pull it back out of my head. Wish me luck.
A few months ago I had this GREAT idea for a blog/story/love triangle thingy. I've been mulling it around in my brain the last few days, and i think I'm going to start working on it again. I have lots of short(er) stories that I'm planning to publish as a compliation. I'll let you know when I make that happen.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
New at the Store
Just wanted to let you know that there are a few new items in my cafepress store (Hannikah Designs) and more coming. I will be adding more to the store and upgrading to offer more items over the next few days/weeks. If there is something that you would like to see there, let me know.
A big Happy Thanksgiving to all! I'm looking forward to December and getting ready for the holidays. We have several December birthdays in our family, including Lyric and my mom. As well as just enjoying time with family.
I'll also be working on my next book starting next week. I believe that this one is going to be a collection of short stories as I have several that I've written but not developed into full novel length. I'll keep you posted!
A big Happy Thanksgiving to all! I'm looking forward to December and getting ready for the holidays. We have several December birthdays in our family, including Lyric and my mom. As well as just enjoying time with family.
I'll also be working on my next book starting next week. I believe that this one is going to be a collection of short stories as I have several that I've written but not developed into full novel length. I'll keep you posted!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Getting your words out
November is National Novel Writing Month and for the past 4 years I have participated. However, this year is a no year for me. I have too many other things taking up my time and I just can't think of 50,000 words right now.
Other thing going on in November is National Blog Posting Month . This is in the same vein as NaNoWriMo, but you have to post to your blog every day for a month. They've done a cool thing over there with themes for all of the months, but I didn't really play along. For November I'm in. I'm a fairly regular poster, except for the weekends, but for one month, I'm on it. So be looking for 30 posts in 30 days. Some will be sort and sweet and some will be longer, potentially thought provoking and hopefully interesting. I've got a list of things started that I've been wanting to blog about and I might even do a give away or two (and they won't necessarily be Rick Related!)
If you want to play along with either or both of the above, use the links, head on over and sign up!
Other thing going on in November is National Blog Posting Month . This is in the same vein as NaNoWriMo, but you have to post to your blog every day for a month. They've done a cool thing over there with themes for all of the months, but I didn't really play along. For November I'm in. I'm a fairly regular poster, except for the weekends, but for one month, I'm on it. So be looking for 30 posts in 30 days. Some will be sort and sweet and some will be longer, potentially thought provoking and hopefully interesting. I've got a list of things started that I've been wanting to blog about and I might even do a give away or two (and they won't necessarily be Rick Related!)
If you want to play along with either or both of the above, use the links, head on over and sign up!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
the new me
Hey, I just wanted to send a shout out to Amy, who told me about faceyourmanga. As you can see, there is the new me. Here's a photo of me (and Kelley) from May. Do they look anything alike?? I can't decide.
School started this week for me and the girls. Jazz (the daughter formerly known as Baby) is loving, loving, loving school. Lyric loves it too, but more for the social piece than the education. I had to make some changes right away and drop a class. I wasn't happy at first, but it will be for the best in the long run. The math class I didn't think I'd have to go to campus for- yeah, I have to go out there 2 times a week. It's okay though, or at least that's what I keep telling myself.
A couple of people have bought a copy of my book. THANK YOU! Seriously, though, check out the preview before you buy. In this time of weak economy, I'd hate for somebody to buy the book and then, well, hate it. I would like to know if you see any typos, etc. And, of course, if you love the book- tell me right away. LOL
I probably won't get to work on the next one until winter break. I'm not sure which will be next- Smalltown (this one is going to get renamed) or Stranger in the House or Affair of the Heart. They are all strong stories. Hell, the other one is too. So, it's a toss up. I'll probably read through what I have and then decide which one is grabbing me the strongest.
Have I rambled enough, yet?? I'm super busy at work for the next few days, so blogging might be a bit hit and miss. But since I have to do all of my homework online, I'll be getting on the computer every night. Haven't done that for about 8 years. Now, if I could only find a comfortable place in my house to sit. The dining room table is only good for about 15 minutes, can't sit in the living room, maybe in the bedroom. I guess I'll have to see how it goes.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Being an author
I found this list today of my "works in progress" and I thought I'd share it with the world.
The one that is closest to being done ( i just need a few short hours to complete the edit!) is called "A Soft Impeachment". It is the story of Derek and Abbi, well, mostly it's Abbi's story. But Derek is there. (See the entry below)
"Smalltown" is a sequel to "A Soft Impeachment" but it's also a stand alone story. It's the story of Abbi's sister, Stephanie and her husband, Todd. She does everything she can to help her husband be happy, but is it enough??
"Stranger in the House" is Sarah and Steve. Sarah is an author, Steve is a business man. They've been married for close to 20 years. And then a stranger shows up. But is he really a stranger? Steve is Todd's cousin, but again this is a stand alone story.
"Affair of the Heart" is Kim's story. She's happy, she's content, she's settled. But her husband isn't. You don't know what you've got until it's gone.
"Divine Providence" is Andi's story. Andi starts as a pregnant teenager. Read this story and watch trials life throws her way.
"Six Things" is a short story, or at least I think it will end up that way. It is inspired by "Lucky Seven". You know, that Lifetime movie staring Patrick Dempsey and Kimberly Williams Paisley. But it's a little different. Two sisters got the same "Instructions" from their mom. See how it works out for them.
Okay, so there's my stuff. Several people have read A Soft Impeachment or parts of it. Melissa has read the first chapter of Stranger in the House, but I think the rest has been pretty private up til now.
What do you think?? Anybody interested?? I haven't decided what I will work on completing after ASI in done, so if you have interest in a specific one. If I chose it, you might get mentioned in the book.
The one that is closest to being done ( i just need a few short hours to complete the edit!) is called "A Soft Impeachment". It is the story of Derek and Abbi, well, mostly it's Abbi's story. But Derek is there. (See the entry below)
"Smalltown" is a sequel to "A Soft Impeachment" but it's also a stand alone story. It's the story of Abbi's sister, Stephanie and her husband, Todd. She does everything she can to help her husband be happy, but is it enough??
"Stranger in the House" is Sarah and Steve. Sarah is an author, Steve is a business man. They've been married for close to 20 years. And then a stranger shows up. But is he really a stranger? Steve is Todd's cousin, but again this is a stand alone story.
"Affair of the Heart" is Kim's story. She's happy, she's content, she's settled. But her husband isn't. You don't know what you've got until it's gone.
"Divine Providence" is Andi's story. Andi starts as a pregnant teenager. Read this story and watch trials life throws her way.
"Six Things" is a short story, or at least I think it will end up that way. It is inspired by "Lucky Seven". You know, that Lifetime movie staring Patrick Dempsey and Kimberly Williams Paisley. But it's a little different. Two sisters got the same "Instructions" from their mom. See how it works out for them.
Okay, so there's my stuff. Several people have read A Soft Impeachment or parts of it. Melissa has read the first chapter of Stranger in the House, but I think the rest has been pretty private up til now.
What do you think?? Anybody interested?? I haven't decided what I will work on completing after ASI in done, so if you have interest in a specific one. If I chose it, you might get mentioned in the book.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Abbi and Derek
Here's the first few pages of "A Soft Impeachment". After doing a quick review last night, I noted that this book is ALMOST FINISHED! Here's a teaser for you. Let me know what you think.
CHAPTER ONE
“Why couldn’t anything go right today?” Abbi thought to herself. She had woke up late, nearly ran out of gas on the way to school, and then one of the kids had thrown up in the doorway to the
room. Now she was running behind with her conferences and all she really wanted to do was go home, get into her pajamas and forget this day ever happened.
She was glad that she was finishing school. This was the end of her last semester, her student teaching semester. It had been a long haul. She started college right out of high school, but she had always worked while she was taking classes. She was twenty-five and finally going to be a college graduate. The kids had been great and she was feeling good about her decision to go into teaching.
She always thought she looked good in yellow and today she needed the bright color to keep her spirits up. She had two conferences left, and then she was done. Tomorrow was her meeting
with her instructor and graduation was a week from Saturday.
Ally’s parents arrived and her brain returned to teacher mode. She looked down and ran her hands over her sweater.
“Hi, Ms. Went,” Abbi greeted Ally’s mom. Abbi lead her to the back of the room and they sat at the table. Ally’s mom had helped in the classroom for the Valentine’s party and had chaperoned a couple of field trips. Abbi was comfortable with her. It helped that they were close to the same age and she didn’t have any concerns with Ally’s progress this year.
They were leaning over the table when Abbi felt eyes on her. She fought the reflex to see who was looking at her. She kept her head down and her voice low. She tried to concentrate on what she was saying and make sure that it really made sense. She hoped she was accomplishing that.
Abbi stood up to get a packet off her desk and when she turned back she was able to get a glimpse of the man staring at her from the doorway.
He seemed nervous, hands in pockets, rocking on his heels. He was scanning the room with his gaze but his eyes kept returning to her. He was tall, firm, muscled, and handsome. He had a white tee peaking out from under a black fitted sweater. His blue jeans looked nearly painted on. He had a smile on his face and a look in his eyes that said his thoughts weren’t really in that room.
Abbi sat back down, trying to finish quickly. She felt his eyes hold on her. Or maybe she had imagined it. He was really staring at her now, was he?
She walked Ms. Went to the door and said goodbye.
“Mr. Alexander? Hi, I’m Abbi Hamilton. Come on in,” she gestured. She hadn’t meet Mr. Alexander before this and she was a little nervous. She knew that he was a famous record producer. Abbi walked across the room and hoped that he was following. He did, and when they got to the table, she gestured for him to sit.
They sat across from each other and she looking into his dark, green eyes. She sucked in a quick breath. When she realized she was holding it, she slowly let it out.
“Mr. Alexander, Lucas has done really well this year. He does good work and he is very smart, but he has moments where he seems to lose focus. I think he could do great next year, but I’d hate for him to lose any skills over the summer.”
“uh, huh…”
Abbi chuckled softly.
“What?” he asked, somewhat startled.
“Now I see where he gets it from.” She smiled at him.
“Anyway, here is what we’ve been working on.” She went over tests and class work. She subconsciously leaned forward to show him the report card. She smelled his cologne and fought the urge to inhale.
“These are the areas he can work on over the summer.”
“Hmm. That’s great, Ms. Hamilton, but I’m not sure I’ll have time. I’ve taken on some new clients and I expect to be pretty busy this summer.”
Abbi didn’t know what his job entailed and she wondered how somebody could be too busy for their own kids.
“Oh, well, what about his mom?” she asked trying to focus on Lucas’ needs.
“She’s not around. Debbi left us a couple of years ago. Ithought you knew.”
“Mrs. Emerson did mention something about his mom being out of the house.”
“It’s okay. I don’t have any contact with her, except through the lawyers. She hasn’t seen the boys since she left us.”
“For two years?” she squeaked, and then covered her mouth with her hand.
He smiled. “It’s okay. Most people have that reaction. How could a mother not have any contact with her children?! I don’t know. I’ve learned to adjust and so have the boys. I have a nanny to help take care of the boys while I’m working.”
“Maybe I could give you some worksheets that the nanny could work on this summer?”
“That would be great if I knew who she was.”
“What?” Abbi squeaked again.
“Our nanny just got married. She’s still working for me during the day, but obviously she wants to be with her husband at night. She is only staying until I find a new live in. I’m not having much luck right now.”
“Oh, I see. Maybe I could help you.”
“How’s that?” he sat forward, his hand nearly touching hers.
“I can make some calls. Check at school. What are you looking for? Just somebody for the summer?”
“For now. Maybe she could stay on, but we’d use the summer as a trial period. You know, make sure she likes the boys, the boys like her and she can handle the responsibility.”
He pulled a business card out of the inside pocket of his leather jacket. Their fingers brushed as he put it into her hand. “If you think of anybody, give me a call. Or if you decide you want the
job for yourself,” he said with a twinkle in his eye, “please give me a call.”
By now, they were walking to the door.
“Thanks for coming in today, Mr. Alexander. It’s nice to see parents taking an active roll in their children’s learning.”
“No problem, Ms. Hamilton. It was my pleasure.”
CHAPTER ONE
“Why couldn’t anything go right today?” Abbi thought to herself. She had woke up late, nearly ran out of gas on the way to school, and then one of the kids had thrown up in the doorway to the
room. Now she was running behind with her conferences and all she really wanted to do was go home, get into her pajamas and forget this day ever happened.
She was glad that she was finishing school. This was the end of her last semester, her student teaching semester. It had been a long haul. She started college right out of high school, but she had always worked while she was taking classes. She was twenty-five and finally going to be a college graduate. The kids had been great and she was feeling good about her decision to go into teaching.
She always thought she looked good in yellow and today she needed the bright color to keep her spirits up. She had two conferences left, and then she was done. Tomorrow was her meeting
with her instructor and graduation was a week from Saturday.
Ally’s parents arrived and her brain returned to teacher mode. She looked down and ran her hands over her sweater.
“Hi, Ms. Went,” Abbi greeted Ally’s mom. Abbi lead her to the back of the room and they sat at the table. Ally’s mom had helped in the classroom for the Valentine’s party and had chaperoned a couple of field trips. Abbi was comfortable with her. It helped that they were close to the same age and she didn’t have any concerns with Ally’s progress this year.
They were leaning over the table when Abbi felt eyes on her. She fought the reflex to see who was looking at her. She kept her head down and her voice low. She tried to concentrate on what she was saying and make sure that it really made sense. She hoped she was accomplishing that.
Abbi stood up to get a packet off her desk and when she turned back she was able to get a glimpse of the man staring at her from the doorway.
He seemed nervous, hands in pockets, rocking on his heels. He was scanning the room with his gaze but his eyes kept returning to her. He was tall, firm, muscled, and handsome. He had a white tee peaking out from under a black fitted sweater. His blue jeans looked nearly painted on. He had a smile on his face and a look in his eyes that said his thoughts weren’t really in that room.
Abbi sat back down, trying to finish quickly. She felt his eyes hold on her. Or maybe she had imagined it. He was really staring at her now, was he?
She walked Ms. Went to the door and said goodbye.
“Mr. Alexander? Hi, I’m Abbi Hamilton. Come on in,” she gestured. She hadn’t meet Mr. Alexander before this and she was a little nervous. She knew that he was a famous record producer. Abbi walked across the room and hoped that he was following. He did, and when they got to the table, she gestured for him to sit.
They sat across from each other and she looking into his dark, green eyes. She sucked in a quick breath. When she realized she was holding it, she slowly let it out.
“Mr. Alexander, Lucas has done really well this year. He does good work and he is very smart, but he has moments where he seems to lose focus. I think he could do great next year, but I’d hate for him to lose any skills over the summer.”
“uh, huh…”
Abbi chuckled softly.
“What?” he asked, somewhat startled.
“Now I see where he gets it from.” She smiled at him.
“Anyway, here is what we’ve been working on.” She went over tests and class work. She subconsciously leaned forward to show him the report card. She smelled his cologne and fought the urge to inhale.
“These are the areas he can work on over the summer.”
“Hmm. That’s great, Ms. Hamilton, but I’m not sure I’ll have time. I’ve taken on some new clients and I expect to be pretty busy this summer.”
Abbi didn’t know what his job entailed and she wondered how somebody could be too busy for their own kids.
“Oh, well, what about his mom?” she asked trying to focus on Lucas’ needs.
“She’s not around. Debbi left us a couple of years ago. Ithought you knew.”
“Mrs. Emerson did mention something about his mom being out of the house.”
“It’s okay. I don’t have any contact with her, except through the lawyers. She hasn’t seen the boys since she left us.”
“For two years?” she squeaked, and then covered her mouth with her hand.
He smiled. “It’s okay. Most people have that reaction. How could a mother not have any contact with her children?! I don’t know. I’ve learned to adjust and so have the boys. I have a nanny to help take care of the boys while I’m working.”
“Maybe I could give you some worksheets that the nanny could work on this summer?”
“That would be great if I knew who she was.”
“What?” Abbi squeaked again.
“Our nanny just got married. She’s still working for me during the day, but obviously she wants to be with her husband at night. She is only staying until I find a new live in. I’m not having much luck right now.”
“Oh, I see. Maybe I could help you.”
“How’s that?” he sat forward, his hand nearly touching hers.
“I can make some calls. Check at school. What are you looking for? Just somebody for the summer?”
“For now. Maybe she could stay on, but we’d use the summer as a trial period. You know, make sure she likes the boys, the boys like her and she can handle the responsibility.”
He pulled a business card out of the inside pocket of his leather jacket. Their fingers brushed as he put it into her hand. “If you think of anybody, give me a call. Or if you decide you want the
job for yourself,” he said with a twinkle in his eye, “please give me a call.”
By now, they were walking to the door.
“Thanks for coming in today, Mr. Alexander. It’s nice to see parents taking an active roll in their children’s learning.”
“No problem, Ms. Hamilton. It was my pleasure.”
Monday, June 30, 2008
Summer Fixer Upper
I've done a little tweaking and updating here at the blog. I'm a bit inspired by Lynn at lynnslifeoneline.blogspot.com, and if all is right in the world, you should see a link to the right for her blog. She's done a very nice facelift on her blog.
I've added a couple of things, deleted a couple of things, and will be adding a link to my new website soon. I've got a new story to share, and I didn't want to "blog" it, so it's going to get it's own page. This is along with the Summer soap that I've mentioned. That's coming along nicely too, and I have a first rough draft that will be posted this week.
Here's the summary. Boy- Chad, less popular friend, always seems to be the underdog, always "cleaning up" after his friend. This story is about Chad cleaning up one of the biggest messes and learning a lot about himself in the process.
What do you think? Interested?? I'll be looking forward to feedback.
I've added a couple of things, deleted a couple of things, and will be adding a link to my new website soon. I've got a new story to share, and I didn't want to "blog" it, so it's going to get it's own page. This is along with the Summer soap that I've mentioned. That's coming along nicely too, and I have a first rough draft that will be posted this week.
Here's the summary. Boy- Chad, less popular friend, always seems to be the underdog, always "cleaning up" after his friend. This story is about Chad cleaning up one of the biggest messes and learning a lot about himself in the process.
What do you think? Interested?? I'll be looking forward to feedback.
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