Tuesday Tales - Word prompt "Balloon."

Welcome! This week we have another snippet from "Some Kind of Wonderful." The word prompt is "balloon." Can you find it? Feel free to leave a comment, I love feedback. Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales. Thanks for stopping by. 

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Jackie sat back in the comfort of the rich leather seats of her father’s BMW. Her father, now retired, had been a successful divorce lawyer for the rich and famous. 

 Once at the house, Jackie took over, the way she had after her mother died. She put on the kettle for tea. Cecil sat at the kitchen table.

“So what are your plans? A new job?”

Jackie avoided his keen gaze. “Nah. I’m tired of slaving away for other people and making peanuts.” She took out a carton of milk.

“Oh? I didn’t know you had an entrepreneurial spirit.”

She took down two mugs and faced him. “Lipton, Earl Gray or Vanilla Chai?”

“Early Gray. Answer my question.”

“I want to own something.” She put a tea bag in each mug.

“And what will you use for money?”

“Bank loan?” The kettle gave out a sharp whistle. Jackie turned off the burner and poured.

The guffaw from her father turned her stomach sour. Was this going to be more than an “I told you so” meeting? Was it going to involve groveling and feeling stupid, too?

“I shouldn’t have come here. This was a bad idea,” she mumbled, adding sugar and milk to the brewing beverage.

“No, no. It was a good idea. The best. You’ve come to the right place. I’ve been wondering when you were going to get your head out of your ass and realize you have the balls to run your own joint.”

“Really?” She brought her gaze up to meet his.

“You know I’m not into flattery. Never have been. But I’ve watched you take over restaurants that were losing money and turn them around. You know the business. You’re smart and you’re not afraid to work hard. You’ve got the makings of success.”

“I had no idea you even noticed.”

He stirred milk into his tea and took a sip. “I notice everything. Just keep my mouth shut until the time is right.”

“And the time is right now?”

“I think I have some of Dora Johnson’s oatmeal cookies somewhere.” Cecil stood up.

“I’ll get ‘em.” Jackie put her hand on her father’s shoulder, then poked around in the cabinets. She found a metal tin with colorful balloons on it and brought it out. “This it?”

“Yep. She makes the best cookies.”

“Are you dating her, dad?” Jackie put the tin on the table.

“Me, dating? Is that a joke?” He opened the tin.

“Seriously. Maybe you should be dating.”

“They broke the mold when they made your mother. A finer woman never took breath. I refuse to bother with anyone less. Does that answer your question?”

“Can’t find someone to put up with your shenanigans, eh?”

Cecil guffawed and pushed the tin toward his daughter. “You always could see right through me.”

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TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "BRAND"

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week our word prompt is "brand." I have another excerpt from "Some Kind of Wonderful" to share. I hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to leave a comment. Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales and go to my website. Thanks for stopping by. 

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Jackie Stone sank down on a nearby stoop. Tears burst forth. Chuck that dirty, lowdown bastard. Two-timing her and squandering his money. Leaving her with nothing. Branded a failure - thirty years old and no job, a small savings account and no place to go. 

But she did have no place to go, did she? She pulled up the bottom of her T-shirt to dry her eyes. An older man walking by stopped to stare.

“Keep going. Show’s over.” She shot him a cold stare and he hustled away. 

Opening her phone again, she scrolled through her contacts. When her father’s name came up, she hesitated for a moment before pressing the button.

“Jackie?” The familiar gruff voice set her on edge.

“Hi, dad.”

“What’s up? Aren’t you working today?”

“That’s what I’m calling about.”

“Oh?” She could hear her father raise his eyebrows.

“Yeah. See, uh, Chuck, kinda didn’t pay his taxes.”

“What?”

“Yeah.”

Silence.

“So the feds shut him down, right?”

Jackie closed her eyes, and took a deep breath –preparing herself for the giant “I told you so” she’d have to tolerate from him.

“Yeah.” Her voice was almost a whisper. She drew her knees up and rested her forearms on them.

“So you’re out of a job?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, then…”

“Aren’t you gonna say it?” Her head bowed.

In a soft tone she’d not heard since she was six, he said, “I’m not gonna say it. Why don’t you come home for a while? You could use a break.”

“Come home?”

“Yeah. I’ll fire up the grill. I’ve got some chops in the freezer.”

“Really?” She sat up straight.

“Sure. You work plenty hard. Take a couple of weeks off. Come out here. We’ll put our heads together and come up with something.”

“Really?”

“Are you hard of hearing or something, Jackie?”

She laughed. “Chuck asked me the same thing.”

“I hope that scoundrel is out of your life now.”

“Oh, he is. Count on it. We’re so done.”

“Every cloud has a silver lining. Hold on a sec.”

Jackie grinned. Could it be true that old Cecil Stone would actually come through for her? And without a lecture? Maybe the lecture was yet to come? She’d deal with it.

“Okay. I’m back. The schedule says there’s a three thirty train. Can you be ready in time?”

“I can.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up at the station.”

Her tears returned. “Thanks, Dad. You’re the best. I didn’t think. I just.”

“Oh hush. That’s what dads are for, see you at four fifteen.” He ended the conversation.

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Tuesday Tales - Picture prompt week

Welcome! This is picture prompt week. More of my story, "Some Kind of Wonderful" is here for you today. The word limit is 300. The picture depicts the facade of the restaurant, Chuck's Wagon. I hope you enjoy it. Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales. 

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New York City

Jackie Stone narrowed her eyes to read the sign on the door of Chuck’s Wagon, the steak house where she worked as a manager and dessert sous chef.

                             SEIZED!

Big black letters on an orange piece of paper was plastered on the inside of the glass door. A huge padlock secured the knob and prevented entry. Puzzled, Jackie pulled anyway. The door rattled, but stayed shut. She shook her head. How stupid. Like the padlock is gonna fall off because you pull on it?

She whipped out her cell phone and dialed her boss, Chuck Gregory.

“Hey, Chuck. What’s going on? The door’s padlocked. There’s a sign that says ‘seized’ in the window. What the hell?”

“Oh, sorry. Tax man cut us off.”

“What do you mean, the tax man cut us off?”

“I’m a little behind in taxes. So they took the restaurant.”

“What? A little behind?” She paced up and down on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.

“Okay, okay. Maybe I’m a lot behind.”

“Chuck. You lost the restaurant?” She stopped, her mouth fell open.

“Yeah. But I’m going out west. Sindara’s got a house in Montana. I figure I’ll find a place out there and open another steak house.”

“You’re going where?”

“Montana. Is there something wrong with your hearing, Jackie?”

“Nothing wrong with my hearing. Just my choice of boyfriends.”

“You and I were never serious.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. How could you let that happen? I told you to put money in a separate account. And then when it’s time to pay taxes, you’d have it.”

“Yeah, well, Sindara wanted to buy the house. She needed the down payment.”

“You gave your tax money to your other girlfriend?” She shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand.

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TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "BUG"

Welcome! This week the word prompt is "bug."  We have the beginning of a new story. One a little more cheerful than the last. The title is "Some Kind of Wonderful." Yes, after the song of the same name. We go back to little Pine Grove for this one. Scroll down to return to the great stories on Tuesday Tales. Thanks for stopping by. 

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Pine Grove, NY

As he pulled away from the stoplight on Main Street, a car in the opposite lane honked at him, repeatedly. An attractive woman with short dark hair and eyes the size of dark chocolate truffles, rolled down her window.

“Excuse me. Excuse me!” Her eyebrows came together.

Jeff hit the brakes. “What?”

“Can you tell me where Maple Street is?”

“Sure. Turn around. Go for three lights…” but the honking of a car behind him shut Jeff up. With a frown he motioned. “Pull over.”

Jeff steered onto the shoulder. The woman in the spunky red car waited for two cars to pass, then did a u-turn, parked behind him, and got out.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m looking for the Andrews house. Grey Andrews? Know him?”

“Of course. He’s our Town Supervisor. He’s got a big Victorian on Maple. Go this way down Main for three lights. Turn left, then make the first right. He’s about three houses down.” Jeff gestured as he spoke.

“Great. Thanks. My GPS stopped working.”

“Yeah. If you don’t have Internet or the right service, you phone will die in Pine Grove.”

“Swell.” She checked her watch. “Is there some place to eat around here?”

 “There’s Homer’s, right near the lake.”

“A lake?”

“Yeah. Cedar Lake. It’s beautiful. I’m going there to meet my mom. Why don’t you follow me?”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“I’m Jeff Barrett, by the way.” He offered his hand.

“I’m Jackie Stone.” She took it.

Jeff got in his car and took a long look at her in the rearview mirror. About five foot six, slender, but wow, yeah, where she curved, she curved nicely. His phone dinged. It was Susan.

     Sorry to miss your dad’s funeral. Can’t get Monday off. Love, Susan

He jammed his phone in his pocket. Love? Really? Her text bugged him. He frowned and turned the ignition. Grumbling to himself, he pulled out onto Main Street. Jackie did the same.

What was a pretty girl like her doing going to the Andrews’ house? Grey was married to a smokin’ hot woman and had two kids. He glanced down at the dashboard. One fifteen, his mom would already be at the restaurant and not happy with his being late. At least he had a good excuse –being a good “neighbor” to a stranger to Pine Grove.

He opened the door and followed her inside. 

“My mom’s already here. She’s got a table for four. Why don’t you join us?”

“Oh, really, I couldn’t barge in. You’re having lunch with your mother?” She raised her eyebrows.

A dozen explanations crowded his tongue. “I’m here for my father’s funeral on Monday.”

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Tuesday Tales - Word Prompt "Bite"

Welcome! This week we have the final episode of the pandemic romance/women's fiction story. Why? Because the story will soon be out and you can read it in its entirety for free.  Next week, I'll be starting a new story that I'm writing now. 
So this week, the story is a little longer, giving you a tiny taste of what's to come. Thank you for following along on this story. I know it's been very sad in places and hard to take. I appreciate every comment and every person who took the time to read each episode. 
Thanks for stopping by. 

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He took a deep breath before imparting the bad news. “Sue has the virus.”

“Oh no!” She gripped the doorknob.

“Yes.” Emotion choked him. He hung his head for a moment to regain control.

“Oh, God. I’m so sorry.” Sarah took one step closer, her hand reaching out to him before she halted, abruptly returning to a safe distance.

“I don’t know how she’s doing to do. I’m giving her a week, maybe less, to beat it. If things don’t go well, I’ll take her to the hospital. In the meantime, I’m in a tight spot.” The truth bit at his pride. 

 She cocked her head.

“I have to move out. But I don’t want to go to a hotel.”

She raised her eyebrows. “You want to stay here?”

“I could keep an eye on Sue, who has to self-quarantine fortwo- weeks. If she gets worse, I’ll take her to Empire.”

“Of course.” Sarah nodded. 

“She said you have an extra bedroom.” Cary shifted his weight. His discomfort reminded him of the first time he asked a girl to dance. In the seventh grade, wasn’t it?

Color suffused her face. She bit a fingernail.  

He held up his hand. He couldn’t blame her. “It’s okay. If you’re uncomfortable, I understand.” He stepped back. “I’ll work something out.”

Sarah reached out and grabbed his forearm. “Oh, no. Please. I’m happy to help. Oops! I’m sorry!” She snatched her hand away as if his arm were on fire.

He laughed. “It’s okay. You’re probably safe. But we can test to make sure. I’m fine. We get tested often, and I wear complete protective gear at the hospital.”

“Good.” She smiled. “Actually, I’ve been wanting to do something to help. But being locked down, I haven’t figured out what. This is perfect. Please, move into my spare room.”

“Thank you so much.” He blew out a breath.

“Thank you from me, too.” Sue called out.

“I can be ready in five minutes.” He disappeared but left the door open.

Cary returned. Sarah stepped back.

Worry about infecting Sarah clouded his mind.  

“Do you have a towel I could use? I need to wash up.” Was it nervy to ask to use her towels, too? What about soap? Shampoo? His pulse kicked up.

“Yes.” Sarah padded through the living room.

“After being in there with Sue, I think I should shower and wash these clothes. Even though we were social distancing, can’t be too careful. I don’t want you to get sick.”

Sarah returned carrying a blue towel. “I appreciate it. Here you go.” Their fingers brushed. He barely remembered the last time he’d touched a human hand without wearing gloves.

“Do you have a washer here, too?” He hesitated to step into her apartment without an invitation.

She nodded and pointed. “Just like Sue has. It’s over there. Come on in.”

He entered and turned right. “You might want to turn around.” He unbuttoned his shirt.

Sarah blushed to the roots of her hair and scurried into a room in the back. Her bedroom, he guessed. Cary chuckled to himself as he removed the rest of his clothing and threw it in the wash.

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TUESDAY TALES - PANDEMIC ROMANCE - WORD PROMPT "SUNNY"

Welcome! Our word prompt this week is "sunny". This week the pandemic story, "Unforgettable", continues, perhap on a more positive note. Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales or go to my website.  Thank you for stopping by. 

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The next morning, to her surprise, Sarah awoke chuckling over a scene from the movie. After putting up a pot of coffee, she sat at her computer and did research before her first class. At nine, she clicked on Zoom.

“Good morning, class. I have a new assignment for you.”

Sarah snickered at the loud groan.

“I’m going to read a list of ten old-time comedies—movies—all available on Youtube. You are to pick one movie and watch it tonight. Then write a 100-word report. Minimum of 100 words. You can write more if you want to.”

“Yeah, right,” smirked James.

“Your report must include the following. Take this down. I want to see fingers on keyboards or pens in hands. The plot. What was funny about the movie, what wasn’t funny about it? What you liked and didn’t like about it. Did watching it make you feel better or not? You know, take you away from reality?”

The class typed. Sarah grinned.

“There are no right or wrong answers here, except about the plot! No cheating and copying the blurb. This is essay writing. Here’s the list.”

For the first time since the quarantine began, she had their full attention. Except for grousing and bitching about having to do school even though it was closed, she’d had a hard time grabbing their minds. But not today.

“That’s all?” James again.

“Yep. In fact, you can take class time to watch the movie now if you want. Or watch it with your family.”

“I’ve never heard of some of these people. Abbott and Costello? Charlie Chaplin?”

“Right. Time for a new experience.”

“Can we watch two and write two reports, one for extra credit?” Ah, Spencer, the brown-noser.

“No, Spence. Of course, you can watch all ten movies if you want. But there’s no extra credit on this assignment. Look over the movie list. Check them out. Then pick one, make some popcorn, and enjoy yourself.”

“Thanks, Miss Linden. This is the best assignment ever.” Jen was her favorite student.

“You’re welcome. Email those to me tonight and we’ll discuss them tomorrow in class.”

She clicked off and gazed out the window. Damn, first sunny day in two weeks. She smiled. 




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TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "SERVANT"

Welcome! It's another week of Tuesday Tales. This week we have another episode of "Unforgettable", but perhaps a little happier one today. Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales and the great stories you'll find there. Thanks for stopping by. 

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Sick of television, Sarah flipped it off. It was eight o’clock. Restless, she picked up her book and put it down, flipped on the radio, spun the dial, then turned it off. The sound of laughter carried through her door.

Could Sue and her nephew be laughing? Could a doctor who spent the day being a servant to the deadly coronavirus, ever laugh ever? She marched out of her apartment, across the hall, and banged on the door.

The sound from the television went off.

“Who is it?” a masculine voice asked.

“It’s me. Sarah. From across the hall. What are you doing in there?”

The door cracked open. “Could you stand back, please?”

Sarah moved back to the doorway of her apartment and leaned against the jamb.

“Thanks. ” The doctor retreated a few steps.

“What are you doing?”

“Watching an Abbott and Costello movie.”

“And it’s funny?”

“Yeah.” Cary grinned.

Jealousy spun through Sarah. “Wish I could see it.”

“Why not?” Sue called from what seemed like another country.

“We’re social distancing until we know Sue’s okay.”

“It’s on Amazon Prime, Sarah. Turn it on your television and sit near your door. We can watch it at the same time.

“I’ll leave our door open and you leave yours. You can practically hear Sue’s TV from your place, can’t you?”

She nodded. Perhaps the most idiotic idea she’d heard since she stopped teaching middle school, but these were strange times. You had to go with the flow. Try new things. Or be stuck in her place alone, with no one to talk to.

“Okay. Sounds a little crazy, but okay.”

Cary shrugged. “These days, crazy is the norm.”

Her gaze connected with his. Pain reflected from his eyes, set off by deep worry lines.  

“Okay. Sure. Why not? Not like I’ve got someplace to go, right?”

“Right.”  

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