Monday, December 1, 2025

TUESDAY TALES - ANGRY

 


Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week we're writing to the word prompt "angry". I have another snippet from "Someone Like You." When you're done, please hop on over and read the stories of the other Tuesday Tales authors. You'll find them HERE


    *******************************************************************

The doorbell jarred her out of her dreamy mood. It was Corey and Kitty.

“Hi, Sis. Here, breakfast,” Corey said, thrusting a small bag of donuts into her hands. “Got more coffee?” he asked.

“Sure. Help yourself,” Charlotte said, putting the bag on the counter.

“How are you? Kitty asked, getting down two mugs. “I mean after last night?”

“Fine,” Charlotte said, turning away to hide the blush in her cheeks.

Corey poured the coffee and Kitty added milk to both mugs.

“Did he walk you home? Did he kiss you goodnight?” she asked.

Corey held up his hand. “Please! I don’t wanna know.”

“That’s kinda private,” Charlotte said, avoiding their stares. She took a plate from the cabinet, unpacked and arranged the donuts.

“That means yes, to both,” Kitty said.

Corey picked up a donut and took a big bite.

“I have good news,” Kitty said.

“Oh?” Charlotte raised her eyebrows.

“My dad gave the green light for you to audit Professor Garrett’s English class,” Kitty continued.

“Oh no. Really? I can’t do that,” Charlotte said, shaking her head.

“Why not? You’re reading the books on the syllabus anyway,” Corey said, shrugging his shoulders.

“What’s a syllabus?” Charlotte asked.

“The list of books that are required reading for the class,” Corey said.

“See? I’m ignorant. No, no. Last night was wonderful. And I’m sure dinner with him on Saturday will be great until he finds out how uneducated I am. Then it will be over,” Charlotte said, picking up her mug.

“What?” Kitty practically jumped out of her chair. “We didn’t do world’s most incredible makeover for you to slink away with some stupid notion you’re not smart enough for the guy.”

“I thought you wanted him? I mean, you’ve got him, hook, line, and sinker. I’m a guy

and I know when a guy is hooked. Mark’s got it bad for you. Don’t blow it by running away.”

“He’ll see through me right away. He’s too good for me,” Charlotte said.

“I don’t ever want to hear you say that again!” Angry, Corey pounded his fist on the table. “What would Pop say?”

“Okay, okay. But I’m not his equal. Not intellectually.”

“Yeah? And I bet he can’t refinish a floor or build a table. So you’re even,” Kitty put in.



That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment -- they make my day. 


Monday, November 24, 2025

TUESDAY TALES - FAMILY

 



Welcome! This week we're writing to the word prompt "family." I have an excerpt from "Someone Like You" that a bit different. It's a scene between Callie Caldwell and her husband Mac. They are having lunch. Kitty and Corey confided in Callie that they think Charlotte should audit Professor Garrett's lit class. 

Callie has taken it on herself to convince her husband, Mac, who is the president of Kensington State University, to let Charlotte audit the class. When Callie makes up her mind to convince her husband, she pulls out all the stops. 

When you're done visit the wonderful Tuesday Tales authors HERE

       ***********************************************************

Callie looked down at her food. “I know how you feel about people sneaking around, not paying for classes…”

“Who’s sneaking around?” Mac asked, raising his eyebrows.

“No one,” she said, quickly. “Corey suggested to me that Charlotte should audit Professor Garrett’s American Lit class.”

“Audit? Does the girl even have a bachelor’s degree?”  Mac finished the shrimp salad.

“Well, no, but…”

“So what’s your point?”

“Would you approve Charlotte Anderson auditing just that one class?”

“I’ll think about it,” he said, moving to the living room. He picked up the newspaper.

Callie had to do something. It was time for summer class registration. If she didn’t get Charlotte approved quickly, the young woman might be shut out. Callie unbuttoned the top button of her blouse. She moseyed over to the sofa and eased down next to Mac. Then she inched closer until they were touching.

“You know, Mac, I don’t ask for much,” she started.

Mac put down his newspaper.

“No?”

“No. And we’re family,” she watched his gaze move over her shirt and stop to rest on her exposed cleavage. She pushed up crushing her breasts against his chest and slid her hand underneath his T-shirt. “You’re still the sexiest man on campus,” she said in a low voice.

“Yeah? Prove it,” he said, grinning.

She swung a leg over his middle, leaned down, then kissed him hard, and swiped her tongue over his lips. Mac reacted immediately. He cupped her behind, holding her against him, and pushed to his feet. He picked up Callie in his arms.

“Shall we take this upstairs?” he asked in a husky voice.

“Will you let Charlotte audit Mark Garrett’s class?” she asked.

He laughed. “Yes. Of course. I already said so this morning when Kitty asked me.”

Callie’s eyes flew open. “Why you! You didn’t tell me!”

“Nope.”

“You’ve been stringing me along?” She said, wearing a mock frown. 

“I haven’t been seduced by you in a long time. Couldn’t resist,” he said, heading for the stairs.

Callie laughed. “You’re still the best.”

“And who am I to stand in the way of Garrett finding true love?”

“Cupid’s got nothing on you,” Callie said, grinning.  

Mac entered their bedroom and nudged the door closed with his heel.

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by. If you're so inclined, a comment woudl make my day

Monday, November 17, 2025

TUESDAY TALES - FUSSY


 

Welcome! It's time for Tuesday Tales. This week we're writing to the word prompt "fussy". We have another peek into the mind and heart of Professor Mark Garrett. When you're done, don't forget to visit the other Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE

                     *************************************************************

As beautiful as she was, she wasn’t some delicate flower weak enough to blow away in a strong wind. He noticed how toned her forearms were. And when they danced, he felt muscle, not flab at her waist. She was strong. Maybe she worked out, or maybe she was a physical trainer? He didn’t care. He found her physical strength sexy.

As he came to the end of his drink, he dropped off the glass in the kitchen sink, then retired to his bedroom and got undressed. He got into bed and turned out the light. The dark cloud that had enveloped his heart faded into mist and dissolved. Perhaps being fussy about women had paid off?

When he closed his eyes, all he could see were Charlotte’s, and her dazzling dress. The second their eyes connected, he’d been hit by a bolt of lightning, shooting electricity through his body. Surprise had mixed with delight.

He’d already written off ever falling in love again. Maybe he’d been wrong? Her lilting laughter echoed in his head, and his hand, once again, felt the soft strength of hers. He smiled at the memories, especially her resting her head on his shoulder at their third or was it their fourth dance? He felt alive when she beamed her warm smile his way.

He couldn’t mistake her reaction to his kisses. He chuckled to himself. Yes, being forty-two gave him the experience to know something about a woman, and the confidence to know it had to do with him. Charlotte Anderson was an amazing young woman, and this had been a night to remember.


Thanks all for this week. Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment, if you're so inclined. Have a great day!

Monday, November 10, 2025

TUESDAY TALES - PARADE

 


Howdy do! Welcome! This week out word prompt is "parade". We have another snippet from "Someone Like You." But our piece is from the professor's voint of view today. When you're done stop by and read the pieces by all the talented Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE


                     *************************************************************

When he returned to his cozy home, Mark Garrett was anything but sleepy, He paced, hoping to work off his excess energy. Then he made a gin and tonic and flopped down on the leather loveseat in his home office.

Charlotte Anderson. Damn. Heat he hadn’t felt since Nancy died flooded his veins. One passionate kiss and he’d been aroused enough to have taken her right there on her doorstep. Fortunately, he’d regained control.

Beauty and a gentleness he hadn’t seen in a woman since Nancy. Yes, that was it, exactly. Nancy had beauty and a kindness about her. It’s what drew him to her like a moth to a flame. And now he’d seen it again. After the parade of women who didn’t meet his standard had petered out, he’d almost given up hope.

Mark sipped his drink, hoping the alcohol would calm him down. There was simply something magical about that young woman. She drew him in so fast he’d almost lost his head. If he continued to see her, he’d surely lose his heart. They had a date for the weekend. That gave him an entire week to pull himself together and act like an adult, not a lovesick teenager.

He was forty-two years old and had better damn well act like it! She was much younger. Instead of feeling old, her presence made him feel young. Maybe, just maybe, he’d have the chance to become a father? Wasn’t that rushing things a bit?

When Nancy got ovarian cancer, their hopes of being parents went up in smoke. Her illness took front and center. He kept his sadness about not becoming a parent to himself. All her energy and most of his went to keeping her alive for as long as possible. 

When she died, the fact that they didn’t have children tore at his heart. If they had, at least he’d have a piece of her around until his time came. Instead, he had nothing, and no one to grieve her passing with him. It had been the loneliest time of his life. Did Miss Charlotte Anderson represent a chance at a new life for Mark?  


That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by. Please let a comment and make my day!

Monday, November 3, 2025

TUESDAY TALES - PIE


 

Welcome to another edtion of Tuesday Tales and another snippet from "Someone Like You." And yes, he's walking her home and things heat up. 

Don't forget to read the other stories of the great Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE

                ****************************************************

When they reached the front door of the gracious old house. Charlotte pulled out her keys.

“Well…” she said, slipping her arm out of his and stepping back. “This has been a wonderful evening.”

Mark grabbed her waist with both hands. He stepped back into the shadow of an old oak tree and pulled her right up against him. When she looked up into his eyes, he brought his mouth down on hers for a sweet, gentle kiss. When she didn’t resist, he came back with more passion. He swiped his tongue against the seam of her lips and she opened. The heat his kiss generated almost knocked her off her feet. She leaned against him for support as her knees threatened to give out.  

Then as quickly as it began, it was over. Mark raised his head and stepped back into the light of the moon. He drew a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped her lipstick from his mouth.

“I’m sorry if that was over the line,” he said. “But I couldn’t help it.”

“Oh no. No. Not at all. It was… it was…”

He laughed. “Yes, it was. Exactly.”

She regained her footing, and leaned against the building for a moment while the tingling in her body calmed down. She’d never had a kiss like that before. Derek? Well, Derek simply couldn’t compete with Professor Mark Garrett. She had never been that aroused that quickly in her life. Derek was as bland as apple pie -- but Mark Garrett was as tart and provacative as raspberry rhubarb!

Mark took the key from her unsteady hand and opened the front door. He accompanied her up the stairs to her apartment.

“A gentleman always sees a lady to her door,” he said with a slight bow.

Charlotte inserted the key. “Thank you…”

“No, no. I should thank you. You turned an evening I was dreading into a beautiful night.”

“For me, too,” She said. Why couldn’t she find more eloquent words like he did?


That's it for this week! If you like this story and want it to continue, please leave a comment. Thanks for stopping by. 



Monday, October 27, 2025

TUESDAY TALES - CANDY

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   Welcome to Tuesday Tales!  The word prompt this week is "candy". This week we have another snippet from "Someone Like You."  When you're done reading, check out the other Tuesday Tales stories HERE

At one break during rock music, Charlotte excused herself, found Kitty and retreated to the ladies’ room.

“Oh my God, Char. The professor is hot for you,” Kitty said.

Charlotte dug in her purse for a comb and lipstick. “He’s wonderful.”

“Seems like the feeling is mutual.”

“We’re going out to dinner next Saturday,.” Charlotte said, studying her image in the mirror.

“He’s asked you out already?

“Yes,” she said, wondering why she seemed to have a glow.    

That’s fast,” Kitty said. “Hard for him to find a pretty girl who isn’t a student.”

“I guess.”

“He’s sure seems smitten.” Kitty said. “Like taking candy from a babu. Let’s go.”

Charlotte put her hand on Kitty's arm and stopped  her from leaving the lady's room. 

“Thank you for everything. Without you and Callie, I’d be a wallflower hiding in a corner.” Charlotte gave her future sister-in-law a hug. Then the women returned to the dance.

Corey and the Professor stood drinking punch. The women joined them. Mark handed Charlotte a cup. He and Corey talked shop for a few minutes. Charlotte listened, feeling all tingly that the professor stayed by her side as if he had been her date for the dance.

After the last song played, the lights went up and broke the spell. Charlotte frowned slightly to see the harsh lights and the end of the sweet music.

“May I walk you home?” Mark asked.

“Yes. I’d like that.”

After asking where she lived, he opened the door. They went into the cool night air. Mark took her arm and threaded it through his. They strolled slowly in the direction of her apartment, neither appearing to wish to rush the end of the lovely evening. 


That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by.


Monday, October 20, 2025

TUESDAY TALES - GRUMPY

 


Howdy do! Welcome back to another episode of Tuesday Tales and the continuing story of "Someone Like You." Once you finish my snippet, be sure to read the works of the other authors. You'll find them HERE


                 *****************************************************

“I didn’t go to a regular school,” she said, avoiding his gaze. 

He smiled. “Let’s not discuss school. I get that five days a week. Do you like to read?”

Relieved he didn't get grumpy, she smiled. “Yes.”

“Who’s your favorite author?”

Charlotte smiled. “I just finished ‘Main Street’. I’m thinking Sinclair Lewis might be my favorite.”

“Excellent choice. ‘Main Street’ is one of my favorites by Lewis.”

“Do you have any recommendations?”

Mark laughed. “Don’t get me started or I’ll keep you here all night talking about books.”

Charlotte blushed at the thought of being there all night with this magical man.

“Not that I’d keep you out all night,” he said, his words coming out in a rush and his cheeks coloring.

She reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. “I know,” she said, her voice soft.

He slid his hand over hers and kept it there. “You might try ‘Arrowsmith’, also by Sinclair Lewis or “Age of Innocence’ by Edith Wharton, if you want to read only American literature.”

“I don’t have my phone to make notes,” she said. “I left my purse with Kitty.”

“I’ll get your email from Corey. if you don’t mind.”

“No, I don’t mind at all,” she said, smiling.

“Or we could continue this discussion over dinner next Saturday.”

“I’d like that.”

“Good. It’s a date then.”

Before she could reply, the band struck up another slow song.

“Shall we dance?” he asked.

She didn’t reply, but simply stood up and offered him her hand. He took it and led her back to the dance floor.


Please leave a comment. That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by. 

Monday, October 13, 2025

TUESDAY TALES - DISCOVER

 


 Good day! Welcome to Tuesday Tales, where authors write to word prompts. The prompt this week is "Discover." We have another snippet from "Someone Like You."

When you finish my story, hop on over and read the stories by the other authors. You'll find them here. 


                ***********************************************************


The music stopped. Charlotte took a breath and slowly disentangled herself. Glancing up, her gaze met the professor’s. His eyes glowed. She was close enough to kiss him, but pulled back instead. She needed to slow it down, didn’t she?

The band did a complete turnaround and blasted loud rock music. The professor cringed. Overwhelmed by the decibels, Charlotte instinctively covered her ears.

“How about some punch?” Mark asked, fairly yelling to be heard.

Charlotte nodded. He took her hand and led her to the punch bowl. After filling two cups, he handed one to her and pointed toward the lawn. When they were far enough away from the music to be heard, he spoke first.

“There a bench down here, just over that hill. It’s in the poet’s garden. Okay?”

“Perfect,” she said, following him.

The bench had a back, but was not very long. When they sat down, their thighs touched. Charlotte tried to move away a bit, but could put only an inch of space between them.

They drank.

“So, tell me, did you graduate from Kensington State?” he asked.

Fear froze Charlotte’s blood. Did she dare to tell him the truth that she had not gone to regular college but had taken some carpentry courses and apprenticed with her father? Professor Mark Garrett was a highly educated man. Would he be interested in a woman with virtually no higher education? Probably not, she figured.

“Uh, no.”

“Where did you go to school?” 

She knew he was making conversation, but her bubble was about to burst. Suddenly she got how Cinderella felt when the clock struck midnight at the ball. Charlotte was about to be discovered for her real self.


That;s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by. 



Monday, October 6, 2025

Tuesday Tales - Fall

 


Welcome! This week our talented authors are writing to the word prompt "fall." We have another snippet from "Someone Like You" again this week. We're still at the dance and still in Professor Garrett's POV . 

When you're finished with my story, go on over and read the stories by the other Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE


              *****************************************************************

When the music stopped, he reluctantly dropped her hand. His arm slowly fell from her waist. It had been so long since he’d dated, his mind drew a blank on what to talk about. Fortunately, the band struck up another slow song. When he motioned to her to continue, she smiled and nodded.

This time, as he danced, he searched his brain for discussion topics. Eventually the band would return to fast tunes, which Mark hated, and he’d have to draw her away and into conversation. He settled on one topic and turned his mind back to dancing.

Charlotte was graceful, light as a feather in his arms. She had no trouble following his lead. At one point, she leaned her head on his shoulder. He picked up on her increased intimacy and folded her hand against his chest. For a moment, he shut his eyes. Then there was no one else in the room but the two of them. Heaven.


That's all this week. Thanks for stopping by. 

Monday, September 29, 2025

TUESDAY TALES - CEILING

 


Welcome! This week's word prompt is "ceiling". We have another snippet from "Someone Like You." And we're still at the dance. But this week, we see things from Professor Mark Garrett's point-of-view. When you're done, please stop by and read the other author's posts. You'll find them HERE

                 *********************************************************

A few minutes earlier.

Mark put down his empty punch glass. When the music started, he sighed and gazed at the ceiling. Though it had been sseveral years, he still hadn’t adjusted to being at a dance without his beloved wife.

He went to the school events because he felt it was expected. As head of the department, he had to keep a high profile and participate in the school activities. He had no problem attending sporting events, but social events depressed him. He felt awkward without Nancy at his side.

As the song faded, he turned his head. There, right before his eyes, was a vision. A beautiful girl dressed in a fluid silk dress that clung to her slim figure in all the right places. The colored lights caught reddish strands in her dark hair that fell in loose curls about her shoulders.

Her face was shadowed, but streaks of light revealed even features. Eyes darkened by shadows, invisible from so far away, held mystery. The neckline of her dress was tasteful but still exposed some delicious cleavage. She took his breath away.

She stood next to Corey Anderson. Was she one of his students? His guard went up immediately. He could never date a student. It would be the end of his career. But maybe she wasn’t a student. After all, he hadn’t noticed her around campus, and he would have noticed a woman who looked like her. Corey leaned over and spoke to her. He had to find out who she was, because if she wasn’t a student, she might be the answer to his prayers.

He picked his way through the crowd and stopped in front of Corey, who made the introductions. When they shook hands, he was struck by the softness of hers. He didn’t want to let go, but did so when he realized he'd held it a bit too long.  

His first question was about her status. When he heard that she was thirty years old and not a student, his heart almost leapt out of his chest.

Then the band played a romantic, slow tune. He asked the lovely Charlotte to dance and she accepted. Her perfume teased him. He couldn’t believe his luck. Corey’s sister! 

As he took her in his arms to dance, his pulse kicked up. His fingers pressed against the smooth silk of her dress. His arm encircled her small waist with ease. Unable to resist, he drew her closer, hoping she couldn’t feel his heart racing. This would be a night to remember!


That's it for this week. Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. 

Monday, September 22, 2025

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "STUBBORN"

 


Howdy-do! Welcome to Tuesday Tales. We have another snippet from "Someone Like You." And, yes, it's more of the scene at the dance. I hope you enjoy it. When  you're done, please visit the other Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE


                             ************************************************

The music stopped. Feeling a touch wobbly, Charlotte reached for her brother’s hand. Unable to tear her gaze from the professor’s, she watched him thread his way through the crowd and head in her direction. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She flashed hot, then cold, then hot again. She squeezed Corey’s hand hard.

“Ouch!” he said, ripping his hand from hers.

“He’s coming this way,” she whispered.

“Hi, Dr. Garrett,” Corey called out in a confident voice.

Staring directly at her, Professor Garrett got close enough for her to smell his aftershave. “Hi, Corey. Who’s this?” he asked.

“This is my sister, Charlotte. Char, Dr. Mark Garrett, head of the English Department.” Corey made the introductions.

Dr. Garrett offered a strong hand with long, slender fingers. Barely able to breathe, Charlotte took it. His grip was warm, dry, and firm but not punishing. When he held her hand a second or two longer than required, she tingled all over. She almost lost it when he ran his thumb along the back of her hand. Charlotte silently thanked Callie for stubbornly insisting she slather lotion on her hands every night until the leathery woodworker skin became soft and feminine again.

“So nice to meet you,” Mark Garrett said.

Grateful to be able to speak at all, she uttered, “Yes, Same,” in a breathy voice.  She watched the professor’s gaze travel up and down her length, stopping a moment longer here and there. She sensed a blush stealing up her neck into her cheeks and prayed it simply made her look healthy.

“I haven’t seen you around campus. Are you a student here?” he asked.

Charlotte laughed. “Oh no. I’m thirty. I have a job. Corey and Kitty invited me.”

“Oh, I see,” he said, his smile growing wider.

The music started up again with a slow dance number.

“Would you care to dance?” the professor asked, offering her his hand.

“I’d love to,” she replied, allowing a full smile to light up her face. As she moved onto the dance floor, she noticed Kitty shoot a quick look at Corey and grin. 

Mark slid his arm around her waist and folded his hand around hers. Charlotte felt weightless, as if she were floating. Were her feet really touching the floor? She couldn’t feel it. 


That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment if you have a minute. Thank you. 


Monday, September 15, 2025

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "LEAFY"

 


Welcome! It's time for Tuesday Tales again. After taking a break for a week or two due to other oblidations, I'm back. And we have another episode of "Someone Like You." This week we actually make it too the dance...yes, I know, the part everyone has been waiting for! Once you finish my snippet, mosey on over to the other writers and read their terrific stories. Find them HERE

**********************************************************

It was a warm night in June. The school dance took place on the back patio and lawn near the cafeteria. Charlotte parked her car, opened the door and got out carefully. Still a bit wobbly on the high heels Kitty had insisted she buy, she picked up her linen jacket and smoothed down the skirt of her dark teal silk dress. The skirt was full, but hung softly about her body, perfect for dancing, Callie had pointed out.

She grabbed the small white satin purse, locked her car and proceeded slowly to the venue. Music greeted her as she picked her way up the uneven path. A gentle breeze swayed the leafy trees shading the path. She inhaled the scents of spring.

“Spring might be my favorite season,” she mumbled to herself.

“Charlotte! There you are!” It was her brother, Corey, and his fiancee, Kitty. He grabbed her elbow and ushered her onto the dance floor. After pushing her brother away, she took a step back and gazed across the room.

Soft colored lights gave off a romantic glow. The music was soft and slow. Most of the dancing figures appeared in shadows. She raised her gaze to the other side of the dance floor and caught her breath. Standing alone by the punch bowl was Professor Mark Garrett. He looked tall, lean, and cool wearing a dark suit and a striped tie.

Her hands trembled and a zing shot through her body. Was he not the most handsome man in the room? Charlotte didn’t know because when he turned his head and made eye contact with her, the rest of the people in the room seemed to disappear.  

 

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by. 


Monday, August 25, 2025

TUESDAY TALES - POWERFUL

 

Welcome! We have another installment of Tuesday Tales. This week we're writing to the word prompt "powerful." I have another snippet from  "Someone Like You." This time it's Charlotte and Derek interacting. 

Don't forget, when you're done reading to hop  on over and read the snippets from the wonderful Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE. 

                    *********************************************

       At the lumber store, Derek Larch greeted her.

       “What are you building?”

“A bench. Do you have any wood on sale?” she asked.

“Whacha looking for?” he asked.

“Maybe teak. Or if that’s too expensive, white oak or cedar?”

“Yep. Cedar for sure. You making something for outside?” he asked.

“Yes.” She moved past him and headed for the lumber yard in the back.

“I can give you a good price on this,” he said, pulling out some cedar boards.

“Fine.”

“Got the design? Lemme see,” he said.

“No. That’s all right. I’ll measure and pick what I want.”

He gripped her arm. His eyes narrowed. “You ain’t makin’ this for some dude, are you?”

“None of your business,” she said,  squirming to get away but his grip was too powerful.

She planned to make a bench for the cemetery so Professor Garrett could sit when he visited his wife's grave. But it would be her secret.

“You belong to me and it’s time you realized it,” Derek said before releasing her.

“I don’t belong to anyone but myself.”

“You go ahead and think that. No one else wants a girl painter. But that suits me just fine.”

“You don’t know that. I’m not a girl. I’m thirty. I’m a woman. Just ring up the wood and let me be, Derek,” she said, as she retrieved the boards she wanted.

“I love you, Charlie. Always have,” he said, his voice softer. 

His admission stunned her. She didn’t know what to say. Was he right? Did she belong only to him. Did she have no chance with someone as refined as the Professor? Maybe it was true. She tossed her head to rid her mind of the notion that she wasn’t good enough for Mark Garrett, paid for the wood and left. 



That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by!