TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "LUCK"

Welcome! We go straight from Robbie's conversation with Dale's mother to her conversation with her father today. Don't forget to hop on over to the excellent Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE.  

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Dale pulled out bread and set up for making turkey sandwiches.

“So when’s the wedding?” Ralph asked.

“Dad!”

“What’s wrong? We like him. Obviously, you like him,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows.

Dale slapped his arm gently.

“Well, it’s plain as the nose on your pretty face,” He tweaked her nose.

“Dad! Robbie doesn’t want to get married.” She pulled out a jar of mayo.

“What? Every man wants to get married.”

She shook her head. “Not Robbie.”

“Did he tell you that?” Ralph picked up a carving knife and went to work on what was left of the turkey.

“Yes.”

“Then you’re a fool, daughter dear.”

“Why?”

“What’d you bring him here for? Why are you seeing him? You want to get married and have a family. Why are you hanging around a guy who doesn’t?”

She shrugged. No way could she tell her father she’d fallen under Robbie’s spell and couldn’t stay away.

“Think of where I’d be if I hadn’t married your mother? She makes a very comfortable life for me. I’m a lucky man. Honestly. I don’t believe Robbie doesn’t want that. Look at how he jumped at every chance to help?”

“He did.” Dale spread mayo thickly on each slice of bread.

“And he wasn’t playin’. I could tell. The man needs a family.”  Ralph placed neat slices of turkey on a plate.

“I agree. But he has other ideas.” She doled out turkey to each sandwich.

“Yeah? Not after this weekend.”

“Maybe you’re right.” She couldn’t think that way. Hoping Robbie had changed because of one weekend’s exposure to her family was unrealistic. It would lead to heartbreak.

Dale rummaged through the fridge until she found lettuce and tomato.

“Here. You slice the tomato. No one slices like you,” Dale said, handing two generous tomatoes to her father.

He laughed. “You’re just like your mother. She uses flattery like that to get me to do things, too. And it always works. I’m a sucker for that woman. And for you, too, Sister.” He picked up the first tomato and settled it securely on his carving board. “He seems like a smart guy. But if he lets you get away, the man’s a damn fool.”

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

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT 'BUD"

 

Welcome! This week we peek at an early morning meeting over coffee with Barbara, Dale's mother, and Robbie. It's a very frank discussion. When you're done, hop on over to the other stories by our excellent author. Find them HERE.

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Barbara’s brows lowered and her tone changed. “Yes, she is great. The last thing she needs is someone breaking her heart.” Her eyes bored into his.

He raised his palm. “Believe me. The last thing I want to do is break her heart. She’s amazing. I’ve never known a girl like her. I’m honored she takes any interest in me at all.”

Barbara laughed. “Are you kidding? Have you looked in the mirror lately?” Barbara added milk to her coffee.

“Dale’s not that superficial.”

“No, but she’s human. I can understand how she couldn’t resist you.”

“I’m not just a pretty face,” Robbie said, picking up his mug.

Barbara patted his hand. “No, you’re not. You’re amazing, too. You’re the first guy she’s brought home who got right to work. Like a member of the family. ” 

“It’s an honor to be part of your family, even for only a few days.”

“You don’t have any family?” Barbara took a sip.

“No,” Robbie said, casting his gaze to his hands.

Barbara paused, as if waiting for an explanation. If she was, she’d have a long wait. Robbie had learned long ago not to reveal his sad family history to people. So, no matter how much he liked Barbara, the one word would have to do.

“I see.”

“I’m not much of a family man.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Don’t you want to have a family of your own?”

Robbie shook his head. “Hadn’t planned to.”

“Really?” The shock on Barbara’s face told him he’d stepped over the line. Revealed too much. Damn, why couldn’t he remember to keep his mouth shut?

“That’s what Dale wants. Did you tell her?”

“She knows. I’ve been up front with her from the beginning.”

“And she’s okay with that?”

“You’ll have to ask her.” Robbie finished the last of his coffee and rose.

Barbara put her hand on his arm. “Don’t go.”

“I’ve said too much already.” Robbie rinsed out his mug and placed it in the dishwasher.

“If Dale wants to continue this budding relationship, do you?”

“This is getting pretty personal. Dale and I haven’t discussed any of this.”

“I’m her mother, don’t I have a right to know?”

“No, you don’t. This is a discussion I will have with Dale.”

Barbara sat back. “Well, I’ve been told, haven’t I?”

“Is my mother prying?” This time the voice was Dale’s.

“I wasn’t prying, exactly…” Barbara said, her cheeks coloring.

                             

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

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "HARD"

 

Welcome! Sorry, but I'm unable to access the logo for Tuesday Tales. So please pretend you see it. This week we have more of Robbie and Dale's story. Looks like Dale and her family are having an effect on Robbie, don't you think?? 

When you're finished with my story, hop on to the others, great stories by talented writers. You'll find them HERE. 

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A bad dream woke Robbie early. He eased out of bed, careful not to disturb Dale, and slipped his robe on. He yawned and glanced at his watch. No sense getting dressed at five in the morning. No one else would be up.

He padded silently to the kitchen and started coffee. He filled a mug and plopped down at the table. His brows knitted. Upsetting thoughts about last night swirled through his brain. He was a master of sex, but he’d never had sex before like he had had last night.

In fact, this whole trip had shaken his entire belief system. No longer grounded in the certainty that the bachelor life was his best path, he floated, cut loose by his emotional response to the sweet kindness of Dale and the acceptance by her family.

Convinced from childhood he didn’t deserve true love, he’d grabbed bits and pieces of affection where he could. The glitter of greed in the hard eyes of the women he’d dated and slept with put him off marriage. They’d used him as much as he had used them. It was quid pro quo. When they became too demanding, he’d leave, unwilling to be sucked dry financially. Dale was different.

As he sipped the hot beverage, he examined his feelings. He and Dale were leaving

 Saturday afternoon. In the past, he’d be champing at the bit to get home in the safe solitude 

of his apartment. Instead, being alone no longer appeared safe. He’d leave this warm home 

reluctantly. He’d had a taste of happy family life and it only whetted his appetite.

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That's all until next week. Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES PICTURE PROMPT

 

Hello there! Welcome to my Tuesday Tales. It's picture prompt week, where we write to a picture. And have no more than 300 words! This week we have another episode of "The Kicker, Part One." We are getting close to the last post for this story as it will be going to the editor soon. When you finish, hop on over to read the great stories HERE.  Thanks for stopping by:

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Settling on the porch swing, Robbie spoke first. 

“You’re so lucky. You have an amazing family,” Robbie said.

“Thanks. Yeah. I do,” Dale replied, zipping up her jacket. “You’re not the same Robbie Anthony I knew in Connecticut.”

He chuckled. “I am. You didn’t know me well.”

“I guess not. Since you date so many different women, I didn’t think family meant much to you.”

He laughed. “Not having it makes me want it more.”

“True.”

“This has fulfilled a lifelong dream. Your mom is the perfect mother, and this was a perfect Thanksgiving.”

“Even with my siblings giving you a hard time?”

Robbie grinned. “They’re only looking out for you. Being protective.”

Dale bowed her head to avoid Robbie’s eyes. “I guess. They embarrassed me.”

“Don’t be embarrassed. I wish there was someone in my life who cared that much about me.”

Dale opened her mouth then closed it. He stared for a moment before leaning down to kiss her. She turned toward him. He started slowly, then ramped up the heat, angling his head to deepen the kiss. Dale responded opening for his tongue. His expertise off the field stole her breath. Her heartbeat quickened as blood pumped through her veins, reaching all the way to her sex. Lusty emotion ruled Dale.  Powerless to stop, she gave in and responded.

Her tongue rose to meet his. He groaned faintly as they kissed. Before she passed out from lack of oxygen, Dale sat back. Panting, she raised her hand to her mouth as she gulped air.

“Wow,” Robbie said, his eyes glowing like a panther’s in the night.

“Yeah. Wow.” She replied.

He glanced at his watch, then at her. “Do you want to…”

“I do. Let’s go,” she said, knowing what the rest of the sentence would have been.

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That's all for today. Thanks for coming. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "SMOKE"

 

Welcome! This week we have another episode of "The Kicker" and the word prompt "smoke." When you're done here, hop on over to the other authors' wonderful stories. Find them HERE. 

Thanks for stopping by. 

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The meal was fabulous. The only thing to interrupt pleasant talk were the sounds of chewing. Barbara beamed at the “ums” and “ahs” of happy diners. In years past, when Dale had brought home one of her “charity cases”, her relatives had been subdued. Like the visitor had intruded and brought everyone down. But not with Robbie. He bubbled. His enthusiasm permeated the atmosphere. Her relatives responded.

“Which dish did you make, Robbie?” Angela asked.

“None. I just helped. Like with the pie.”

“Then don’t be taking credit for the food. If you get my meaning.”

Silence followed.

Robbie stopped, his fork loaded with stuffing halfway to his mouth. A second later, he put the food in his mouth and chewed. After he swallowed, he broke the heavy silence.

“That’s right, Angela. I can’t take credit for Barbara’s amazing cooking. I was just the bus boy.”

“That’s not true. Robbie was my right hand. We’d never have gotten all this food to the table on time and so perfectly cooked if he wasn’t with me in the kitchen every step of the way,” Barbara said.

In the ensuing silence, Dale noticed a touch of color creep into Robbie’s cheeks. This is what a mother does, defend her chicks.

“Well, I say ‘bravo’ to Robbie for helping create his incredible meal,” Scott said. “Mom, you and Robbie outdid yourselves.” He burst into applause.

Everyone else at the table joined in except Angela. Wearing a pouty expression, she threw her napkin on her plate, pushed her chair away from the table and got up. Without a word, she flounced down the hall. Dale heard the slam of the guest room door.

Conversation resumed. Funny stories past and present filled the air. With the focus off Robbie, Dale slipped her hand over his in his lap and gave it a squeeze. If she worried about him being able to handle himself, that vanished like a mist in the summer sun. He squeezed back and shot her a warm gaze.

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "SAFE"

 

Hi! Welcome! This week the word prompt is "safe" and we have another episode of "The Kicker, Part One". Thanksgiving dinner is heating up! After you read my excerpt, please hop on to read the wonderful stories of the other authors. Please find them HERE.

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Dale greeted her sisters and brother.

“So, I hear you have another charity case here for dinner,” Anne asked.

“Shh. He’ll hear you!” Dale pulled her sister away from the door.

“So? It’s not like he doesn’t know it, right?”

“It’s not like that.”

“Oh?” Anne raised her eyebrows.

Dale dropped her gaze to her hands and fidgeted with the hem of her sweater. “No.”

“Then who is he, if he’s not someone you picked up off the streets?” Anne asked.

“He’s sort of my boyfriend,” she said, her voice low. It was never safe to admit too much to her sister, Anne.

“Speak up. Did you say you have a boyfriend?” Scott asked.

“Shh!”

“What’s the big secret? If he’s your boyfriend, doesn’t he know it?”

Robbie popped out of the kitchen. “I was wondering where you were.” Drips of mashed potato clung to his shirt. His hands were wet and held a dishtowel. He strode over to Dale, kissed her hard and long, without touching her with his hands. “Time to take the turkey out of the pot.” He looked down at his sweatshirt. “Guess I’ll have to change before dinner. Back soon, sweetheart.”

Like a tornado, he touched down and was gone. As she saw the eyes of her siblings bug out and their eyebrows rise to their hairlines, Dale laughed. Maybe this would be the best Thanksgiving Dale ever had.

Watching Angela turned green every time Robbie dropped an adoring gaze on Dale, made her giggle. Her parents were more at ease with him than they were with their own children. It wasn’t long before her sibs peppered the kicker with questions.

“How long have you been a kicker?”

“How much money to do you make?”

“What do you do in the off season?”

“How many women do you date at once?”

On and on. His stamina and good humor, even at the nastiest most bizarre questions, warmed her. His charm and ability to get along in this intense, in-your-face-group blew her away.

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "GREEN"

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales. We have another episode of "The Kicker, Part One". How close will they get?  When you've finished reading, check out the great Tuesday Tales stories HERE. 

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“You’re good at a lot of things, Robbie

. I’m so glad you’re here.” Barbara smiled.

“Me, too.”

Barbara put the white potatoes in a large pot of water while Robbie mashed the yams by hand. They worked together, finishing the casserole in no time. Then he was charged with setting the table. Dale helped.

“I’m expecting my mother to adopt you,” Dale said, folding a napkin.

“No way.”

“Why?” She raised quizzical eyes to his.

“Because then my feelings for you would be incest.” He grinned.

“Not if we weren’t blood relatives.”

He laughed. “Okay then. I’m ready.”

“My mother loves you. She never loves the guys I bring home.”

“Guess you’re stepping up in the world,” he said, place a fork on a folded napkin.

“Guess I am.” She chuckled.

Robbie leaned over to kiss her. Since no one was looking he grabbed her upper arms and drew her closer. He angled his head to deepen the kiss. Dale melted against him. Never one to give up an advantage, he slid his arms around her and held her tight while he worked his magic on her mouth. Desire grew in him. He’d have to step away soon or be totally embarrassed.

Dale moved back first. Her eyes glowed, her chest heaved. Robbie grinned.

“It’s just the pie. It’s sexy when a man makes a pie,” Dale said, breathless.

Robbie laughed. “Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that.”

She slapped him gently on the shoulder.

“Are you kids finished in there?” Barbara entered the dining room, wiping her hands on the apron she wore fastened around her waist.

“Yes,” Dale said.

“I can see that,” Barbara said, stepping up to Robbie and wiping lipstick off is lips with a corner of her apron. “I think that’s all for now. Why don’t you take a walk, or something?”

Robbie touched his lips, then glanced at Dale, who was red as a beet.  

“You don’t need me?”

Barbara shook her head. “Not until the turkey needs to come out of the oven and the potatoes need to be mashed.”