tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57958852173157358742024-03-05T20:27:00.041-05:00For Nerdy Girls with Mahlena-Rae JohnsonMr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-76183644559241001102019-08-01T03:01:00.000-04:002019-08-01T03:01:00.217-04:00THATCHER, SAWYER, AND RECLAIMED CRUMPETS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0YOCTEwmx56iG7dPhK-NAvJooeFRSJAUGoEi3BYR6KZB4Vtaa5B9BmhMzyJsZszTyC7ry3udJClJVxU6R3n6oV3VGaDTtcAao1AnzTjxlpc2j8Qqxh1PqmLF3GkOguf3KuvU5VEczocw/s1600/THATCHER%252C+SAWYER%252C+AND+RECLAIMED+CRUMPETS.+Instagram.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0YOCTEwmx56iG7dPhK-NAvJooeFRSJAUGoEi3BYR6KZB4Vtaa5B9BmhMzyJsZszTyC7ry3udJClJVxU6R3n6oV3VGaDTtcAao1AnzTjxlpc2j8Qqxh1PqmLF3GkOguf3KuvU5VEczocw/s320/THATCHER%252C+SAWYER%252C+AND+RECLAIMED+CRUMPETS.+Instagram.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">[</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Mahlena wrote this drabble (i.e. 100-word short story). Share with a Friend.🙆🏾</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">]</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s only the second month.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’ve read it gets better?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher gripped the café counter. “How would you know?!”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>February 2019</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer withstood his wife’s rage. “Is the coffee smell making you nauseated?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“No. I’m exhausted from gestating your embryo.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer rubbed her tummy. “I feel it dancing inside.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s too early,” she scowled.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Our child’s a prodigy.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mollified, she met his hand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Thatcher?” The barista held out their order, which Sawyer collected.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher snatched the bigger bag. “I’m eating all of these.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“But I bought a baker’s dozen.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She handed him one crumpet. “Here’s yours.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“So gracious.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Next time? Your uterus.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN</span></div>
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[<i>What are you eating?</i><br />
<i>Did you read the whole story? Congratulations! </i></div>
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Share with a Friend. 🙆🏾]</div>
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Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-65236522059748597332019-07-10T03:30:00.000-04:002019-07-10T03:30:02.328-04:00NOA, MORROW, AND THE ESCAPE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMLmIGmo4fP7uWHR6q1F97AmkeLrZWfWrstmqjTYzC3bY66Zs_LPbKbqPVhdh_WZFqw_hLmU-HC0tONfGlnzg6JePrsCt_Fjwf63Pu1k43Fb0_VK84OSHlLKYY6fdK5lmjj6xBHrxHAQX/s1600/NOA%252C+MORROW%252C+AND+THE+ESCAPE.+Instagram.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMLmIGmo4fP7uWHR6q1F97AmkeLrZWfWrstmqjTYzC3bY66Zs_LPbKbqPVhdh_WZFqw_hLmU-HC0tONfGlnzg6JePrsCt_Fjwf63Pu1k43Fb0_VK84OSHlLKYY6fdK5lmjj6xBHrxHAQX/s320/NOA%252C+MORROW%252C+AND+THE+ESCAPE.+Instagram.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“This is what I wanted,” Noa sputtered between gasps of air.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Monday, July 06, 2015</i><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Morrow stooped next to her on the sidewalk, catching his breath. “Then why did you run out?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I got overwhelmed.” She looked through the restaurant window at the puzzled Sasha and Morrow inside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I should’ve consulted with you first.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You should have,” Noa concurred. “We’re going from two official relationships to six, among the four of us.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’ll do the math later.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“But it’s not… It’s the evacuation. I’m still…”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Morrow held her. “We’re safe. It’s over.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Not for me.” Noa walked away. “I’m going home. See you later.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN</span></div>
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Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-63158674152542875742019-07-03T03:30:00.000-04:002019-07-03T03:30:00.859-04:00SASHA, MORROW, AND THE BEST WORDS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What do we tell them?”</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></i></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunday, July 05, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How we feel about each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i> you feel?”
Sasha asked from the chaise lounge bolted to the sleeper cabin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Seated next to her, Morrow responded, “how do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i>?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You first.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Same time. One, two, three.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I like you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I love you,” Morrow proclaimed simultaneously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sasha’s mood shifted from uneasy to honored.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I want to retract my statement.” Morrow looked out the
window.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The locomotive whizzed through the tunnel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m not there yet. But I will be,” she promised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You seem certain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I trust my gut.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Morrow poked his stomach. “My gut’s been on vacation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-54163869308892415342019-07-01T03:01:00.000-04:002019-07-01T03:01:01.035-04:00SUNSHINE, BASIL, PABLO, AND MATT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoPIr6o7CWrJTuDk2KHItyxBTtrHQXcJmW89F8vH3pPjIc4V7sCtQCKx8x_BINNRms3SbC7-xAnAIzoujlV6FWU17np3BGCOH8KPFHkXjmy6-zwe_ppTm1hfS7kQ42gdm_cZaXsgnauCU/s1600/SUNSHINE%252C+BASIL%252C+PABLO%252C+AND+MATT.+Instagram.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoPIr6o7CWrJTuDk2KHItyxBTtrHQXcJmW89F8vH3pPjIc4V7sCtQCKx8x_BINNRms3SbC7-xAnAIzoujlV6FWU17np3BGCOH8KPFHkXjmy6-zwe_ppTm1hfS7kQ42gdm_cZaXsgnauCU/s320/SUNSHINE%252C+BASIL%252C+PABLO%252C+AND+MATT.+Instagram.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mahlena wrote this short story! Please leave a comment! 🙆🏾</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">]</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How am I embarrassing you?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“By consorting with that <i>child</i>. He's half your age.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>December 2016</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What I do is none of your concern, Basil. You're the one who left <i>me</i>, remember?</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">” In a royal blue, ruffled evening gown, Sunshine stomped through the parting elevator doors in the bustling lobby of the Park Place Hotel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Basil, clad in a white on back tuxedo, tailed her across the marble floor to the durable hallway carpet. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I can’t believe you brought him tonight.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine kept walking toward the open doors of the ballroom, which was overflowing with dressed up parents dancing under flashing lights to hip hop classics. “It’s not like you came here alone,” she said. “What do you think everyone’s saying about your date to the Winter Ball?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That’s she’s of age. Athena can vote, she can drink. Can that boy rent a car by himself?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine slowed her stride to think. “Yes. Yes, he can.” She bristled. “Why do you care?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s my business who you bring around our daughter.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Agatha hasn’t met Matt. We’ve only been hanging out for a couple months.” She spun around to face her ex-husband. “Has she met Athena?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Basil stumbled and shut his mouth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Whatever,” Sunshine dismissed. “I’m done with this conversation. Go back to your girlfriend.” She pointed at the party as she scooted in the direction of the Ladies’ room. “You are her problem now.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**********</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Whoa!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Dude, look where you’re—”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Sunshine?” In the restroom and water fountain vestibule off the hotel hallway, Pablo gathered himself after a distracted woman had barreled into his cummerbund, elbow first.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I didn’t see you standing there,” she wheezed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pablo surveyed the area. “What’s wrong?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Don’t worry about it,” Sunshine replied. “Is Venice waiting for you inside?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I left her chatting with Priya and some other PTA parents, so I have a few minutes.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“If Venice is talking shop with the PTA crew, you might have a few days, “ she joked. “Rumor has it, she’s going to make a play for the presidency this spring and try to unseat Cappie.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Devious,” he observed. “So, what’s got you vexed?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She let out a long sigh. “Basil.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Does this event make you feel nostalgic about the good times that made you laugh? Thinking about where you’ve been, and what you’ve been through?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It wasn’t before,” she frowned. “Thanks a lot.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Someone’s grumpy.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine jammed her fists in her dress pockets. “What do you think of Matt?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I don’t really know him.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Aren’t you gym buddies?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“We’ve occasionally crossed paths at the leg press machine. Not exactly the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“So you don’t like him,” she surmised.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m sure I would love him if we exchanged more words than ‘What’s up, brah?’ and ‘Nice deadlift.’ Where is this coming from?” Pablo asked. “Wait, does Basil have a problem with Matt being…”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She shook her head. “He thinks I’m too old for him.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Basil crossed his arms. He leaned against the wall next to the mounted phone. “All that matters is what you think. Which is?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine looked at Pablo. “He’s wonderful. I like him a lot. We make each other laugh, in new ways.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Ta da. Go after what you want, regardless of what anyone else says.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Thanks.” She gave him a hug. “I like having you as a real friend.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He wrapped his arms around her. “What are friends for?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine let her eyes close on his shoulder. “I’m glad we found a nonprofessional way for our relationship to work.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Seeing you without being on the clock isn’t as lucrative, but it does lessen any conflict of interest.” Pablo saw Sunshine’s eyes open.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What are you interested in?” she asked, searching.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pablo took a step back, releasing her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine stood still, waiting for an answer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I should get back in there,” Pablo said without moving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine edged toward the white woman symbol on the gold plated sign. “You should.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“When I left Tiburon at home with my mother, she made me promise I’d try to have a good time.” His patent leather shoes remained in the same place. “Tell Matt I said, ‘What’s up?’”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Certainly.” She disappeared into the restroom alcove.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pablo slinked away down the hall, blinking rapidly. He entered the glittering ballroom and reunited with his date.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">***********</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Another success.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I would hope so. It’s my 15th Winter Ball. The formula I created should have been perfected by now.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Even better than last year,” Sunshine assured, holding Matt’s hand. The projected white snowflake lights glistened against the ballroom’s dark blue walls. “Your Ball was lovely, Cappie.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the jiggling buffet table, Cappie avoided the slosh of the soy sauce dispenser and kept the front bow of her crème brûlée colored wrap gown tidy. “I will accept your praise with the love that it was given in.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine watched the crowd this as the clock crept closer to midnight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Getting tired?” Matt asked, smoothing a dark tendril that had escaped Sunshine’s elegant bun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yeah,” she replied.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m ready when you are,” Matt said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine said her good-byes to Cappie and the other remaining partygoers, all pleased to have met Matt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I recognized more people than I thought I would,” he told Sunshine, as they strolled through the lobby. “Like that guy next to the potted plant.” He gave the other gentleman a head nod. “We’ve seen each other around town.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine also knew of him. “Lionel. He’s the mayor’s husband,” she said, exiting the building through the automatic doors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“He’s lethal on the squash court.” Matt paused with her at the valet station in the expansive circular driveway. “Since we took separate cars, I guess this is good night.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“When will I see you again?” She swung his hands.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“When would you like? Is Agatha with her dad the rest of the weekend, after she wakes up from the giant school sleepover upstairs?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m pretty sure she and her friends will be staying up all night,” Sunshine replied, “to the chagrin of their weary chaperones. Afterwards, yes, her father will have her till Sunday night.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Then how about you and I have dinner Saturday night?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes. Call me tomorrow morning?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He checked his phone. “It <i>is</i> tomorrow morning.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The valet arrived with Matt’s crossover vehicle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Matt gave Sunshine a farewell kiss. “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Okay, goofball, bye,” she smiled.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The next car to arrive was Sunshine’s. Once belted into the driver’s seat, Sunshine removed her bejeweled heels, motored off the hotel grounds, and parked on a side street so that she could think.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She pressed a speed dial button on her phone. “Hi… yes, it’s me… I’m fine… I know it’s late, and I don’t usually make special requests, but would you be able to help me out?... Yes, I know exactly what I want.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**********</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’ll be there soon… </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Emergency call?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Nothing that can’t wait.” Pablo shoved his phone into his black jacket. He resumed walking with his companion past the concierge desk toward the Park Place Hotel exit. “This was a fun night, Venice. Thanks for inviting me.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In her flowing peach dress, Venice twirled in front of Pablo to stop him in his tracks. Her silver stilettos elevated the top her head to the bridge of his nose. “The night isn’t over already, is it?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pablo’s face relaxed. “What did you have in mind?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You’re the expert. I’ll follow your lead.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He surveyed the space. “Drinks at the bar?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Sure!” Venice guided him toward the bartenders in the distance. “Is this included?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pablo slowed his stride. “In what?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I assume there’s a package for all night? I should have asked how much earlier, but I thought that would be gauche. Like, if I’m asking, then I can’t afford it?” Venice reached her palm up to his shoulder. “I can. Regardless, you’re worth it.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Confounded, Pablo removed her hand from his body. “What do you think is going on right now?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The same arrangement you had with Sunshine,” Venice replied with candor. “Or do I have to got through the agency?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Where did you hear—”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“My friend in Bel Air recognized you from the Football Rumble pictures on the school’s social media profiles. She said you were old friends—”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Old friends.” Pablo grew queasy. “I know who you’re talking about.” He saw Venice assess the situation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That’s not what this was?” she realized. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry.” Venice backed away, stumbling. “I am going upstairs to my room because I booked it ahead of time, before—”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pablo watched her try to complete the sentence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Venice checked for the key card in her metallic clutch. “I’ll see you at the next PTA meeting.” She scampered to the elevator bank.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pablo found the nearest armchair and collapsed. He made a call. “Bueno. I’m on my way.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**********</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the edge of the king sized bed, Sunshine retied the white terrycloth belt on her robe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She tested the mattress for springiness. The she pulled off the comforter, stuffed it in the corner, and bounced on the springs again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She stared at her cell phone, willing in to ring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then she confirmed that the room phone, embossed with a Hotel Xavier of Pasadena logo, had a dial tone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As she dried her dripping hair with a bath sheet, every communication device in the room went off, creating a digital cacophony.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine attempted to respond to the cell phone first, but it slipped out of her twitchy fingers and tumbled under the bed frame.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She turned her attention to the corded phone on the desk. “Hello?... Yes, send them up.” Then she followed the beeps and vibrations to locate her other caller, muttered a quick “Yes” at the screen, and hurried to the door.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She peered out the peephole for a full minute before anyone walked by.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before her visitor could knock, she snatched the door open. “I heard you coming.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A handsome stranger, dressed as the groom topper on a wedding cake, was standing in the quiet hall. “Sunshine?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Calvin?” She stuck out her hand. “Nice to meet you. Thanks for doing this on short notice.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He gave her an appreciative grin. “It’s my job, and I love it.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Isn’t there supposed to be—”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Down the hall, the elevator dinged. A similarly attired, equally attractive man hustled toward them. “Am I late?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The party just started,” Sunshine told him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Calvin introduced the two of them. “This is Tommy.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“At your service.” He took a bow. “I would have arrived sooner, but it’s difficult to find a dinner jacket at one in the morning.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I should have been less specific.” Sunshine gave Calvin’s top hat a gentle pat. “This is a bit much.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“We aim to please,” Calving replied. “Can we come in?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, of course!” Sunshine shut the door behind them. She wondered what to do next. “Sit wherever you like.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tommy took a seat in the desk chair. “You’re the boss.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine peeled herself away from the doorframe. “I’m the boss,” she reminded herself. She approached her guests with confidence. “I’m the boss.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“We are here for you,” Calvin said. “And we’ll be here till the sun comes up.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine opened the closet. “Take all that off.” Under the boxes of latex prophylactics in various sizes, she unfurled two more robes off their hangers. “Put these on.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the other two partygoers fulfilled her requests, Sunshine took her place at the head of the bed. She gestured for them to join her on the sheets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Conversation first,” she stated. “Because I like to know who I’m dealing with.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Naturally,” Calvin agreed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Then you can continue by massaging my feet.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tommy raised his hand. “My specialty.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“And you,” she told Calvin, “can keep working your way up.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He gave her a high five.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunshine crossed her arms, satisfied. “I’m the boss.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
[<i>What's your Special Request?</i><br />
<i>Did you read the whole story? Congratulations! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Please leave a comment!</i>🙆🏾]</div>
</div>
Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-6089226692248500842019-06-27T12:42:00.000-04:002019-06-27T12:42:42.756-04:00LENNY AND JOHN AND GRAVY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAVcDVTbpWmh4YOs1sDE7spQpQe4J4oI6r1xiTuUVM0HCy7lYTLtncNhbVEofAs564CMcd1DZXGg_ZxQWHVtG2lLqCjJ2jRicpDkFXnVA3BnTnNdGCRTmQXCxBQMBeqmT2bi2Pi2aO9tQ/s1600/LENNY+AND+JOHN+AND+GRAVY.+Instagram+v2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAVcDVTbpWmh4YOs1sDE7spQpQe4J4oI6r1xiTuUVM0HCy7lYTLtncNhbVEofAs564CMcd1DZXGg_ZxQWHVtG2lLqCjJ2jRicpDkFXnVA3BnTnNdGCRTmQXCxBQMBeqmT2bi2Pi2aO9tQ/s320/LENNY+AND+JOHN+AND+GRAVY.+Instagram+v2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I know it's called poutine. I've never had it before."<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
"But you've been here for three years, Lenny."<br />
<br />
"Three months. Just over 90 days."<br />
<br />
"Best time to move to Canada."<br />
<br />
"What's the worst time to move, John?"<br />
<br />
"January. Everyone's bummed out because the holidays are over, but it's still freezing outside. You haven't experienced your first Canadian winter?"<br />
<br />
"It's only August, so not yet. I have a coat."<br />
<br />
"California doesn't make gear for this type of weather."<br />
<br />
"The company I ordered my parka from produces clothes for scientists in Antarctica."<br />
<br />
"Toronto doesn't get that cold, Lenny."<br />
<br />
"I like to be prepared."<br />
<br />
"How did you prepare for our date?"<br />
<br />
"Is this a date?"<br />
<br />
"Someone's got jokes."<br />
<br />
"I Googled your name, found about a thousand John Parks in the Greater Toronto Area, almost gave up until I saw your picture, then checked out your profile and discovered nothing disturbing or inconsistent. How did you prepare?"<br />
<br />
"I washed my pants."<br />
<br />
"That's it?"<br />
<br />
"These are my good pants. The were dirty because I hadn't worn them in a while. I haven't date much since the divorce. Was I supposed to Google?"<br />
<br />
"I haven't date much at all. Hand me your iPhone... Lenny Sturka isn't a common name, so... here I am."<br />
<br />
"Oh wow."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
FIN</div>
<br />
<br />Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-83079221695017422462019-06-19T03:30:00.000-04:002019-06-19T03:30:04.682-04:00NOA, ANTONIO, AND LIMBO<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“We’re here, they’re there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I still feel guilty.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saturday, July 04, 2015</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Having too much fun?” Noa handed Antonio a baby wipe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Honestly? Yeah.” Antonio fastened Apple’s new diaper and
returned the one-year-old to her crib.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa led him back to her room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Antonio closed the doors. “Shouldn’t I rend my garments and
sleep in a sackcloth?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“After you tear your clothes off, you can sleep here next to
me. At least until Morrow returns with Sasha. Unless they want to scooch in.
Could get cramped.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How are you so glib?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa crept under the sheets. “It could all fall apart. Let’s
savor today.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-64394892935185379692019-06-01T03:01:00.001-04:002020-07-21T10:47:21.534-04:00SUNSHINE AND MATT AND THE STEREOTYPES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2i27UElAg_ajN_7MRcZPy56w9sFVu824c9hKk2EArycKWrzDMdG5ueJXIWSaGV72aZSg1kj4ujEpTsQLaAMFy63H-ADb7Vi_JiYCXzLr4mPigaOatfnmBL6zLPqeWGm0A5G7EoWxbe6P5/s1600/SUNSHINE+AND+MATT+AND+THE+STEREOTYPES.+Instagram.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2i27UElAg_ajN_7MRcZPy56w9sFVu824c9hKk2EArycKWrzDMdG5ueJXIWSaGV72aZSg1kj4ujEpTsQLaAMFy63H-ADb7Vi_JiYCXzLr4mPigaOatfnmBL6zLPqeWGm0A5G7EoWxbe6P5/s320/SUNSHINE+AND+MATT+AND+THE+STEREOTYPES.+Instagram.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">[</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mahlena wrote this short story. Share with a Friend. 🙆🏾</span><span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">]</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“I don’t want to say the wrong thing.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“What is the right thing?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“The words that make me sound like a sensitive person who you can have a fun dinner with.” </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><i>October 2016</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">At the candlelit table on the back porch of Valeria Wu’s, Sunshine cut her tomato and mozzarella egg roll into bite size pieces. “I want to show you that I’m interested in Matt the person, not Matt the label. Label<i>s</i>? I’ve been doing research, so I don’t come off like the well-meaning ignoramuses I’ve encountered in the past, making assumptions about who I am based on one aspect of my life.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“I’ve found that if you’re doing the work to stay informed,” Matt said, swallowing his beef and broccoli, “you’re not the type of person I have to worry about.” He wiped a spot of marinara sauce off his tie. “What are the labels that you don’t want to define you?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">Sunshine released her utensils onto the black tablecloth. “Where do I begin? Divorcee. People I’ve know my whole life treat me like I’m either sitting in my living room devouring a pint of rock road surrounded by rescued feline companions, or prowling dive bars to trap all the Ds in my V.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“All the Ds?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“Every available D. Then there’s Single Mom. Conjures up descriptions of poverty stricken women, struggling to survive, raising their unfortunate children on a wing and a prayer. As if my parenting abilities are dependent on my marital status.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“My mother was single,” Matt chimed in. “Still is, as far as I know. I turned out fine.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“You turned out great.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“My dad’s never been single. He’s always had a woman on deck, which is why my mom left him”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“Single dads are different,” Sunshine noted. “If they see their kids on holiday and every other weekend, they get a medal.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“Real American heroes.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“I’m being a bummer. And I shouldn’t compare my minor agitations to what you must go through. And now I feel presumptuous for assuming that you necessarily go through anything.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“I do, trust me.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“I’m not good at being a cool girl on a date, or anywhere else,” Sunshine lamented. “You’re only the third person I’ve gone out with in the past decade.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“I don’t date much either. I’ve focused on working on myself since I completed my transition. But I was drawn to you. I know we’d have some things in common.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“Like what?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“Well, I’m not divorced, since I’ve never been married. I don’t have any children. But I have definitely received countless inappropriate questions comments, and concerns from family members, friends, acquaintances, strangers.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">Sunshine ate her shrimp fried calzone as she continued listening to Matt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“I try not to let it phase me, but there are times…” He took a sip from his water goblet. “Did I tell you I used to be an actor?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“No. When?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“I started when I was a senior in college.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“So, last year?” Sunshine joked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">Matt guffawed. “I’m not that young.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“New rule. I need to start carding guys before we go to a second location.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“I’m 26.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">Sunshine calculated in her head. “I could have given birth to you. Though it would have wrecked my GPA in tenth grade.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“Does that bother you?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“It’s awesome. New experience for me. Plus, you’re darn cute.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">Matt blushed as he waved away her compliments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“You used to be an actor?” she asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">He nodded. “I had an agent, booked some commercials, auditioned for a few pilots. But when I wanted to move on from the shirtless, lascivious, Latin lover roles and play characters that had depth. Or actual lines. Or clothes. I got push back. Casting directors told me I was too trans, too cis passing, too ethnic, not Hispanic enough, too dark, too light, too articulate. Like Dominicans can’t speak English?” Matt set down his butter knife. “Now I’m a bummer.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“I have two thoughts,” Sunshine replied. “Okay, three thoughts. A, I like hearing your truth. Two, I’ve been too this or too that. Growing up I was too Korean for my white classmates and too much of a banana for the kids in my neighborhood, which, how was I supposed to be more Korean? My parents are Korean. My grandparents are all Korean. Except for my father’s biological father, who was some kind of American, according to his biological mother. There were multiple candidates. My great-grandparents were born in Korea. How could I be more… Luckily, living here in Hennessey Park, I don’t have to deal with that nonsense anymore, if I stay within the city limits.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“This place has been more welcoming than other cities I’ve lived in before,” Matt observed. “What’s your third thought?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“Have you met Wilbur Post before?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“Isn’t he the internet star who makes those throwback musical videos?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“Yes!” Sunshine exclaimed. “He has stories like yours from when he started acting. He took a break from the traditional TV system for a while.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“Do you know him?” Matt asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“He’s married to my friend Charm. She’s a new friend. We’re on the PTA together. Wilbur runs the Hennessey Park Community Theater, and his productions look like they’re straight off of Broadway. You two should talk; you’d like each other.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“I’m down.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“I’ll set it up.” Sunshine typed a reminder on her phone. “Charm said he’s working on a New Jack Swing Hamlet project, which my other new PTA friend Priya told me she wrote songs for. Which surprised me, because Priya’s so tightly wound that I hadn’t thought of her as an artist. Then Charm played me one of the tracks, and it was so good. It’s been invigorating meeting people I haven’t known for years. I don’t have to live up to their preconceived notions of who they think I am. It’s a new day.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“You seem happy.” Matt was smiling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“So happy.” She was laughing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">“It’s a sunshine day.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">Sunshine groaned into her egg roll. “I thought dating a 20-something would help me avoid the <i>Brady Bunch</i> quotes.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">He regarded her quizzically. “<i>The Brady Bunch</i>?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">FIN</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
[<i>What's your favorite episode of </i>The Brady Bunch<i>?</i><br />
<i>Did you read the whole story? Congratulations! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Please leave a comment!</i>🙆🏾]</div>
</div>
Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-87880791860865641042019-05-01T03:01:00.000-04:002019-05-01T03:01:01.158-04:00THATCHER AND JOHN AND CRUMP DAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mahlena wrote this short story. Tell a Friend. 🙆🏾</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">]</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Up your Ziggy with a wawa brush?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher turned around to see who was behind her in line, reading the quote of the colorful chalkboard hanging on the wall in front of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She took in the stranger's dark hair and his dark glasses. Cute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<i>September 2017</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Who said that?” he asked out loud</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher replied to him, “You did,” and turned back around. Only two people stood between her and the register.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Is it from a movie?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher looked over her shoulder. He looked familiar.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It is,” she confirmed. “If you’re the first to guess the correct title, you win a free crumpet with purchase.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Do you know the answer?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I do.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Did you look it up on your phone?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That would be cheating,” Thatcher said. “I happen to have a head filled with trivia, including obscure pop culture knowledge from 90s teen cinema.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Then congratulations on your free crumpet.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The coffee grinder pulverized the beans behind the counter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One more person, then it would be Thatcher’s turn to order.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s not my free crumpet. I got the quote last Wednesday and the Wednesday before that. Today it’ll be someone else’s crumpet.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How generous,” he said. “The patron saint of pastries.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Would you like to know the answer?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Wouldn’t that be cheating?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It would be charity.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He laughed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The barista waved the line forward. “Next guest, please. Good afternoon, how are you?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m doing well, how are you?” Thatcher asked her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Pretty good, thanks for asking! What can I get started for you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“A hot vanilla with an extra scoop of vanilla and whipped cream.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Anything else?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A crisp Tubman landed on the counter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“A caramel macchiato.” The man previously standing behind Thatcher leaned against the refrigerated display and pointed at the board. “<i>All I Wanna Do</i> aka <i>The Hairy Bird</i> aka <i>Strike!</i>.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The barista handed him his change. “Impressive. Name?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He looked directly at Thatcher. “John.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“John,” the barista said, “your drinks and complimentary crumpet will be ready at the end.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher walked in the direction of her expected beverage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John followed her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You knew?” Thatcher asked him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Not at first. Then I recalled my own knowledge of 90s teen cinema. Specifically, Kirsten Dunst.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“So you have a type.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Intriguing women.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher glanced at his ring finger. “Does your spouse fit that mold?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“After five years and two, no, three children, yes, she does.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What ages?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“My wife?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Your children.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Fourteen,” John said. “And eight. And three.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Mine are five and four.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Diapers still?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Training pants, but almost done.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The barista called out, “John? Hot vanilla, macchiato?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher picked up her cup. “Thanks for the drink.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Are you walking out?” John inquired.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m sitting down. I’m working on a project, and I wanted to see if I could get more done here than at home. Next week I might try the library. No cover charge. But I guess that was moot today.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You’re welcome, lady with no name.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Would you like to know what it is?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Will you be here tomorrow?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher shook her head. “Next Wednesday. Same time.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John walked backwards toward the door. “I’ll let the intrigue sustain me until then.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**********</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“We can love our pets; we just can’t LOVE our pets.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher sipped from her recyclable cup in the seat across from John in the middle of the café. “Good advice.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’ve been waiting here, stumped, wondering when you would walk in.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“So I’m your Googles?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John counted on his fingers. “You’ve known the last one, two, three, four...”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What I’m hearing is I’ve spent entirely too many Wednesday afternoon drinking desserts with a stranger.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Stranger? We’re on a first-name basis, Thatcher.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher pointed at the chalkboard. “I own the movie. I am the movie.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Which is?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“<i>The Truth About Cats and Dogs</i>.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You’re an animal lover?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m a homely dork who’s more appealing on the radio than in person.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I find that hard to believe. I think your husband would share my doubt.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher opened her laptop. “And John has no unreasonable insecurities?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John opened his laptop. He avoided Thatcher’s eyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher typed on her keyboard and focuses on her screen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“My nose.” John admitted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Your nose is super cute.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John gave it a honk. “It’s big and weird and not Korean. I have no idea where it came from.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“There’s a 0.5% chance it came from Genghis Khan.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I can’t tell if that’s racist.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“There’s a 0.5% chance my nose came from the same place. The Conqueror spread his seed around, usually unrequested.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You think I’m cute?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Your nose. Objectively speaking. No reputable ad agency would let just any schnoz represent their value brand cell phone client in a regional commercial campaign.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Well, I was a junior partner in the agency at the time. Though it’s not my fault the company subsequently went out of business.” John tapped Thatcher’s computer. “What have you got so far?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“All of the pictures for my PowerPoint presentation and none of the words. You?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“An animated video of Maid Marian dancing around a campfire. It’s giving me confusing feelings.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“She is a fox.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Takes one to know one.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher closed her laptop. “Clearly you’re distracted.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Unless my animal magnetism is wrecking your concentration.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Cocky and unproductive? What a catch!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John reached over to reopen Thatcher’s computer. “I’m putting ten minutes on the clock. When my phone alarm goes off, whoever finishes the most pages wins.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Wins what?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Any item on the menu, courtesy of the loser.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Let’s do it.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ten minutes later: DING DING DING DING DING!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher typed the closing bullet points on her penultimate slide. “So close. I was almost there.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John showed Thatcher his screen. “I Photoshopped a t-shirt onto a picture of Hello Kitty that says, ‘This is what a feminist looks like.’”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’ll take a cookie butter bar with box of milk, please.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**********</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“‘Yo, I'm just pausin’ while those two hoes over there scratch it out over who gets to knock the boots with me!’”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m sure that calling those imaginary women prostitutes got them incredibly excited for ‘boots knocking’.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sitting across from Thatcher in a back corner booth of the café, John cued a scene from the movie on his laptop. “You can’t tell me that line wasn’t improvised.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher walked around the table to sit next to John. “Maybe the line was in the script, maybe it wasn’t. I’m saying the take they used for the final cut was planned.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The two shared a set of earbuds and watched Seth Green’s <i>Can’t Hardly Wait</i> antics unfold in the convenience store.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I forgot to ask you, how was your presentation?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher pressed the pause button. “I delivered it well. It was received with confusion. The room liked it, but didn’t get it.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m sorry.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I forgot to emphasize Urgency. I showed the value of my proposal, the timing, the need, the pain and gain, and the trust. I included earnings projections and backed it up with research. But I didn’t make it urgent,” Thatcher wrote in her notebook. “I have to do better, or I’ll get nowhere. How did yours go?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John clicked the play button. “Fine.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Fine?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John mumbled into his cup.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher removed her earbud. “They what?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The investors funded the project.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Based on what?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“My wit and charm?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher slid away from him. “Mazel.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John closed the computer. “I talked about my idea. They liked it. 80 percent of sales is the 20 percent you can’t plan.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Or in this case, the 20 percent I’m lacking is male genitalia.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You think they’re investing in my company because I’m a guy?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You’re in an oversaturated market with no proof of concept, no existing sales, and no commitment from future customers. What do you think?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That hurts.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m in a craptastic mood for some reason.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Now, so am I.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher and John stared straight ahead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Have you seen <i>The Associate</i>?” Thatcher asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Is it a John Grisham novel?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s a Whoopi Goldberg movie. I thought it would be my life. I can’t even get past Act One.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What’s Act Two?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Trying to start a new business as a black woman with little support. Before having my drag queen friends transform me into an old white man so I can succeed.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That sounds terrible. You should do it. The ‘start a business’ part, not the other stuff.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher considered his suggestion. “Yes.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, what?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You are right. I should do it. Not today. I’m emotionally exhausted. Check with me in seven days.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Are you mad at me?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m mad at the patriarchy.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Would you like to watch <i>The Associate</i>?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’d like for you to watch it. But I wouldn’t avert my eyes if it appeared on your screen.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Downloading now,” John said. “Meep morp, I am a chastened robot.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**********</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Ladies and gentlemen, here they are... Eddie and Gwen together again! America’s Sweethearts!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher pointed to the café’s chalkboard. “It’s in the quote.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“And yet, no one has offered an answer,” the barista informed her. “Hot vanilla, extra vanilla, whipped cream?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, please.” Thatcher opened her wallet to take out her card.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The barista stopped her. “It’s been taken care of.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher looked around the cafe but saw no familiar faces.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Your drink will be ready at the end counter. Here’s your crumpet and your napkin.” The barista turned to the back shelves to refill the coffee canister, careful not to spill the beans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As Thatcher waited for her beverage, she unfolded the brown, recycled napkin. A melange of words was scrawled inside in blue ink:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Streets is watching. Leave the napkin, take the crumpet. This message will self destruct in five seconds.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">An address was written at the bottom of the brown paper. Thatcher typed the address into her phone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Hot vanilla?” The other barista behind the counter called out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Thank you,” Thatcher said to him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She tore the napkin into pieces, tossed them in the trash, and marched toward the exit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**********</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Inside the library at the South Valley Community College, Thatcher opened the door to a study room. “I got your message.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John was seated at the table. “Fewer eyes and ears around here.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Is there something you don’t want people to know about?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That was nerve-wracking at the Football Rumble the other day.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Because you’re the St. Francis Academy Rumble coach, and my family’s at Hennessey Park Charter School? It’s only my first year, but the rivalry at the game appeared less contentious than I had expected,” she replied with an innocent smile. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“During our unexpected encounter at halftime, engineered by our young sons, it didn’t seem like you had informed Sawyer about our weekly meetings.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher remained standing. “What have you told Anya?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“She said it was nice to have an actual conversation with other parents from our preschool, instead of rushing past them for five seconds every morning. I don’t know what to tell her.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The truth: we meet at a coffee shop once a week and talk about business.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The truth is complicated. I like you. I like like you. I should pass you a note that says, ‘Do you like me too? Yes, No, Maybe?’”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Are we <i>She’s All That</i>-ing? Yes, I am smart, but what would that matter to you in a situation like this? Are you after my money?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“No. What money?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher looked him over. “Am I a bet? Did you make a wager with one of your friends that you could seduce a lonely woman who enjoys American media too much?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What are you talking about?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You have an amazing wife who is kind and gracious and teaches other people how to pole dance. For a living. At multiple locations. What could you possibly want with me?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Self-esteem red flags all over the place.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I am being realistic.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Please sit down. You have been standing this entire time since you entered the room, and I need to reluctantly mansplain the situation to you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Fine.” Thatcher complied.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You are smart. And hilarious. And you’re incredibly sexy. How you don’t see that is beyond me.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher took out a piece of paper, wrote down a message, and handed it to John.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“‘Do you like me, too? Yes. There are no other boxes.’ Why?” he asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Can I ditto your reasons?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Your husband is built like a tractor trailer that could knock me into next week. Plus, if he wanted to, he could turn me gay, no questions asked.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Bi.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“‘Bye?’ Where are you going?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Nowhere. Continue,” Thatcher said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I need an explanation.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher rose from her chair and walked around the table to John’s seat. She bent down, placed her cheek against his, and whispered a single sentence in his ear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John’s eyes shot open. “Seriously?!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Seriously.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How...”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher returned to her seat. “That’s for me to know. End of sentence.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John started to stand up from his wood chair, then changed his mind. “I’m going to stay seated with this table in front of me, maybe for the next 45 minutes.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Then what happens?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Someone else has reserved this study room.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“And what’s next for us? Yeesh, ‘us’.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Where do we go from here? I have been giving that a lot of thought, Thatcher. I have no idea.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Let’s map it out,” Thatcher said. “Should I stay over here or come over there?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Don’t make me beg.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Okay! Stop looking at me like that.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Is it happening?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Get over here.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher sat in the chair next to John. “Hands where I can see them.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John raised his palms in the air.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher wrote several names and stick figures on the back of the message paper. “Here’s me, and here’s you. Here’s Sawyer, here’s Anya. Here’s my son Chava and your son, Sander, who go to South Valley Preschool together. Here’s your ex-wife Addison and her new wife Priya, whose twins Willa and Kay Kay go to first grade at HP Charter, which is where my daughter Isabel attends kindergarten. Priya and Addison are our HP Charter Welcome family, which is how I recognized your and Addison’s daughter Caiomhe... at the Rumble.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She continued drawing each person along with their respective connections. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“And Priya and I are both in the Lily Rose Society—”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Which is trying to recruit Anya.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The only one not directly entangled in this mess is your stepson... Pollux.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yeesh is right. ‘Us’ is right. I don’t want anyone to get hurt.” John dropped his left hand down by his side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher lowered her right hand. Her fingers found his. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John didn</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">’</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t dare move.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher had an idea. “Do you like to dance?”</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN</span></div>
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[<i>What your favorite 90s movie?</i><br />
<i>Did you read the whole story? Congratulations! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tell a Friend.🙆🏾]</div>
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Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-74554899614408393572019-04-03T00:30:00.000-04:002019-04-03T00:30:01.924-04:00MORROW, NOA, AND THE FORTUNE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfjgYK4gWe3H60D1rJYtCQ8ljafWNpeqgLeIbd-M5FZUt50hlMDXUGpdT-h_EVbKdwUw67B7O3oRir9ITnfd9nxtDha4C2gugvp3GKZDFUyerhQpUHBygHeLpDnrxGv0_bB5IWZxxGkSa/s1600/14.+MORROW%252C+NOA%252C+AND+THE+FORTUNE.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfjgYK4gWe3H60D1rJYtCQ8ljafWNpeqgLeIbd-M5FZUt50hlMDXUGpdT-h_EVbKdwUw67B7O3oRir9ITnfd9nxtDha4C2gugvp3GKZDFUyerhQpUHBygHeLpDnrxGv0_bB5IWZxxGkSa/s320/14.+MORROW%252C+NOA%252C+AND+THE+FORTUNE.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Five years. Actually, four years, one month, and 29 days.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Saturday, May 02, 2015</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Morrow sulked on his side of the counselor’s couch. “No communication into or out of Homestead until then. Or else Red Spore, what’s left of it, will endanger our families.” He blinked at Noa on the adjacent cushion. “They threatened Ryan specifically.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa exhaled, shaken.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We had the option to leave Homestead and never come back,” Morrow continued, “but I didn’t want Apple and Lodge growing up on the outside, even with millions of dollars in the bank. That wouldn’t protect them. I thought we were in this together.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We are,” Noa murmured.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Then how could you hide this from me?” Morrow stared straight ahead. “You’ve been unhappy for almost our entire marriage.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Not because of you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“If we split up, I lose everything.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She reached for his hand. “We don’t--”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He snatched it away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa retreated to her corner. “What do you think you will lose?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“My children.” Morrow’s eyes welled with tears. “My best friend.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Apple and Lodge and I are not going anywhere,” she assured. “For four years.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He choked out a chuckle. “Is that enough time to fix us?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“It’s longer than we’ve been together. And we are not broken.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I’m wrecked.” He slumped on a throw pillow. “I thought you loved me.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“This isn’t about you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I find that hard to believe.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Morrow watched his wife turn her whole body towards him to deliver her message.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Considering my actions, I don’t deserve your trust,” Noa stated. “However, the truth is complicated. Getting engaged, married, and pregnant in the span of two months, followed by a mass deportation from our destroyed home didn’t help the stability of our relationship.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Do you feel stuck?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Do you?” she countered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I hadn’t considered it before.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We each have our own issues, separately and together, and we have 50 months before we can go anywhere.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“You want us to figure this out?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Even when it gets ugly.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Morrow wiped his wet face. “Uglier than this?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FIN</span></div>
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<br />Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-19609690321214741192019-04-01T03:01:00.000-04:002019-04-01T03:01:01.567-04:00THATCHER AND SAWYER AND THE HEIRS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mahlena wrote this short story. Share with a friend. 🙆🏾</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">]</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“They found an aunt last time. This time, there’s no one.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“In this country. There are two more islands full of relations.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Do you want to say no?”</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>July 2014</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I want this to be the one. The two.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the front seat of the parked hybrid sedan, Thatcher checked her watch. “We have no definitive answer until finalization, which takes two years, on average.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Do you think someone from the Dominican Republic could come here and claim them?” Sawyer worried from the driver’s seat. “Or from Dominica?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“They were born here in the U.S., but it’s possible. I also don’t want them bounced around to three more homes while they wait for the search to be completed.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer stared out the window at the quiet houses on the palm tree-lined street. “I can’t imagine anyone else caring for them as much as we do. They’re so huggable, even when they get tired and grumpy. Remember when they fell asleep on the swings? Drool at the bottom of their adorable, chubby cheeks.” He rested his forehead on the steering wheel. “I don’t want to lose them.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher climbed out of the silver car. “Let’s take a walk.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer joined her on the other side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She grasped his left hand, her finger sliding next to his diamond striped wedding band. “You’re supposed to be the smiley face emoticon in this family. I’m the serious emoji.” Thatcher scrunched her nose and mouth like a sour lemon. “You’re Hope for the best. I’m Plan for the worst.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“People change.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They maintained a slow pace as they circled the block.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What are you most afraid of?” Thatcher asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The uncertainty.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What’s something that makes you happy?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Being here with you,” Sawyer said. “This walk is helping me calm down. I remember seeing you come down the aisle. You looked so beautiful.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Makeup, hair, and lighting.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer stopped. He held her face. “You are beautiful. Why don’t you believe that?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What else made you happy about our wedding?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer kept moving along the sidewalk with his spouse. “The night before the ceremony. After the rehearsal diner, when we all trekked from the hotel restaurant to the beachside villa that your cousins and my siblings insisted on staying in together.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The dance party!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How did it start again?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Sal was flipping through the channels on the living room TV, and Finn saw the <i>Dance ‘til Dawn</i> remake playing on HBO. Then Enrique said he had better moves that the 20-somethings on the screen playing teenagers at senior prom, which he demonstrated for us in the kitchen.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“My little brother loves being the center of attention,” Sawyer opined.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Then when Polly came downstairs with Sid and saw Enrique voguing in front of the refrigerator, she recognized him from the Atlanta ballroom scene.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What was Polly yelling at him? March Madness? It was basketball related.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“‘The category is NBA All-Star realness.’” Thatcher stepped over a fallen branch. “Because, as Douglas informed us, Enrique is a legend at the balls for winning the athletic-themed trophies.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yet he never won any when we were in school.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I doubt your cricket matches had a runway component.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“If so, we would’ve had more fans in the stands,” Sawyer surmised.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Then Enrique told Polly, ‘The category is Caribbean Queen.’ And Polly strutted up and down the staircase, fanning herself. Then Finn said Polly and Enrique should do this down the aisle.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“And Enrique pointed at the other six people in the room and said they should <i>all</i> vogue down the aisle, after you and I jumped the broom at the end of the ceremony. And they all looked at you,” Sawyer said, “not me, waiting for a response. And you told Enrique, ‘you better bring your choreo’!” He laughed. “And they did! It was amazing. Especially when Pepe Junie joined in at the back of the train, posing along with the rest of our wedding party.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You forgot something.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That I wished we would have gone back to our room earlier? I was exhausted from traveling 3000 miles to interact with our family members all day.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“No, the rain.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, it rained,” Sawyer recalled. “Didn’t stop till the next day. The concierge provided umbrellas.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher looked at him, astonished. “We had to move the entire wedding inside!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Oh yeah. We were supposed to get married outside.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“On the beach! The entire event had been set up on the sand the night before—with the linen tablecloths and the Chiavari </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">chairs and the floral canopy—and our wedding planner had to scramble with the hotel staff to recreate the whole seaside experience in a spare ballroom.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“But we pulled it off, with the heavy lifting of Cerise, the best planner ever. And most importantly, we were married.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Exactly!” Thatcher exclaimed. She and Sawyer had almost come full circle around the block. “For months, you and I and Cerise had prepared this whole event meticulously.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Down to Sal and Enrique’s bespoke tuxedoes, Finn and Sid’s tailored dresses, and the raspberry cupcake tower. And it was mostly orchestrated by you and Cerise, but go on,” Sawyer said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“We had a blueprint for our wedding, but we couldn’t have predicted how it unfolded, due to circumstances beyond our control.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I.e., our relatives.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“And the weather. But did you have a good time?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It was the best day of my life.” Sawyer swung their arms. “I would have gotten married in a swamp full of alligators with you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Good thing I was in charge of the location.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I understand what you’re saying.” Sawyer and Thatcher were back where they started. He leaned back against their car. “Whatever happens, we’ll be okay.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, because we can figure it out. Together.” Thatcher gave him a long hug.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After she let him go, Sawyer asked, “Is it almost time?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher clicked the trunk open. She pulled out two bright yellow rolling duffle bags, one small and one ginormous, each monogrammed with a capital I.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer followed her lead by hauling out a similar pair of duffles in lime green, each monogrammed with a capital C. “Do you think we have enough bags?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher pushed the four empty pieces of luggage to the curb. She ransacked the open trunk. “I brought all of our reusable shopping bags, just in case. No trash bags. I don’t want them to feel like they’re…” She looked over her shoulder at him. “You were joking.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“These things are huge!” Sawyer rolled the big ones up the driveway of the nearest house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher toted the smaller pieces behind. “Kids have a lot of stuff.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“We could fit both of them and their stuff inside one of these.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He stood on the doorstep with his partner. “Are you ready?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Are you?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I am.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She pressed the doorbell.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They listened for the approaching footsteps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The door swung open.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two toddlers, both with training pants peeking out from their shorts, flanked either side of the placid woman positioned in front of Thatcher and Sawyer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The younger child clapped and smiled at the adults entering the doorway.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Isabel, Chava,” the woman said, “Mommy and Daddy are here.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN</span></div>
<div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
[<i>Who do you know with adorable, chubby cheeks?</i><br />
<i>Did you read the whole story? Congratulations! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Please leave a comment!</i>🙆🏾]</div>
</div>
Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-8427381011909469462019-03-27T00:30:00.000-04:002019-03-27T00:30:02.157-04:00NOA, MORROW, AND SUNSHINE AS DISINFECTANT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW75sgTEZMyRMCJ6Dh0bPrX-zez10oFCcP8haN5d1kOe2GA5diSgpw8UovL-hxBuCrofML6tZO4y8RyuKgagwIKMWQZCp-RecrfuzxS8jqRztGXdKnHmpZEEDjsrjCARwwMgb9oEn6muj6/s1600/13.+NOA%252C+MORROW%252C+AND+SUNSHINE+AS+DISINFECTANT.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW75sgTEZMyRMCJ6Dh0bPrX-zez10oFCcP8haN5d1kOe2GA5diSgpw8UovL-hxBuCrofML6tZO4y8RyuKgagwIKMWQZCp-RecrfuzxS8jqRztGXdKnHmpZEEDjsrjCARwwMgb9oEn6muj6/s320/13.+NOA%252C+MORROW%252C+AND+SUNSHINE+AS+DISINFECTANT.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“It started after I got pregnant.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Then at least the twins are mine.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Saturday, April 25, 2015</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“It also started because I was pregnant.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“So your affair is my fault?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the opposite side of the couch, Noa unfolded her arms and looked at Morrow. “I'm not blaming you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“How kind.” Morrow rolled his eyes at the counselor sitting in the stuffed armchair across from them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa remained quiet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Morrow glowered at her. “You don’t have anything else say?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa met his glare. “I didn’t want to hurt you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Morrow softened. “But you did.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I know I did. But I don’t regret it.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FIN</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-4559602657061365932019-03-20T00:30:00.000-04:002019-03-20T00:30:01.848-04:00ICYMI: NOA AND ANTONIO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs42CyjeWRrufRD_sz2jEdTFTJn63XVi4Lh2SfeTETHFvnyltpSEkviR-XyBNpxd-KO4UOrE8xS0vMFMQcsRCVKJEnnGzRsEin4cyEIlKUswBRoikgKRkihvWhiywR6NKwf4OzmnMyZAK-/s1600/12.+NOA+AND+ANTONIO.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs42CyjeWRrufRD_sz2jEdTFTJn63XVi4Lh2SfeTETHFvnyltpSEkviR-XyBNpxd-KO4UOrE8xS0vMFMQcsRCVKJEnnGzRsEin4cyEIlKUswBRoikgKRkihvWhiywR6NKwf4OzmnMyZAK-/s320/12.+NOA+AND+ANTONIO.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
[Mahlena wrote this short story. Share with a friend. 🙆🏾]</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“He went home with a stomach ache.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Was it something he ate?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You tell me. He went to lunch with you today, Morrow.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“We had deep dish pizza. My stomach’s okay, but Antonio did go heavy on the crushed pepper flakes.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Those always send me to the loo.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Friday, April 17 2015</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the crowded conference room, Noa sipped her club soda as she observed Sasha and Morrow trade speculations on the source of Antonio’s ailment. “Too bad he couldn’t stay for the rest of the party.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“He’s probably the only person here I’m not saying farewell to,” Sasha replied. “He could throw me a Welcome Home celebration after we return to Lake Elmo.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Has it really been three months already?” Morrow mused, pinching the eyeglass pad indentations on his nose. “What a short assignment Mia sent you on.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’ll be back before you know it,” Sasha assured. “She likes to keep tabs on the other Homestead communities, especially these underground ones. And you two have to come visit us this year. You can travel within the network, right? Just not the outside?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“No communication with the outside either,” Noa said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Morrow put his arm around Noa. “We’ve been keeping a low profile since the evacuation. And going stir crazy.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Cooped up under the sea,” Noa concurred. “Summer vacation in the Northern Territory would be an aboveground change.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes?” Sasha turned from Noa to Morrow. “Yes?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Let’s do it!” Morrow kept his left arm around Noa and high fived Sasha with his free hand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa took a final sip of her beverage. “You two can work out the details.” She placed her clear plastic cup on the buffet table under the Bon Voyage banner. “As usual, I have overhydrated. Keep the fun going. I’ll be right back.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**********</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While the sounds of the corporate gathering echoed down the hall, Noa pressed the elevator button to travel from the boisterous first floor of the office building to the silent second.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Around an opaque corner, Noa spotted a yellow caution cone and a laden cleaning cart stationed in front of the door to a family restroom. A cloaked figure lurked in the shadows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa stepped around the cone to slide the cart to the side. She opened the door. “Get over here.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The figure entered the room. Noa followed and locked the door behind them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Inside, an EXIT sign near the ceiling lit the room with a lime green glow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Wash your hands,” Noa commanded.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once the task was completed, Noa edged closer to here obedient companion. “Pull them down.” Noa waited for her instructions to be followed, but her satisfaction was hard to come by. “You have to pull up the skirt first… Too high, that’s my shirt.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I can’t see with this mood lighting.” He flipped on the switch for the buzzing fluorescent lights.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How romantic.” Noa put down the toilet seat lid to rest her bottom. She checked her watch. “We have five more minutes until our spouses start worrying about the status of my bladder.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Five minutes with you is not enough.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa lifted the hem of her skirt above her knees. “Then stop diddling around, and start diddling.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“And then what?” Antonio whined. “You go back to the party, I slink home with my fake indigestion, and I see you never?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“If never is in a couple months. Morrow is downstairs planning a family excursion to the Outback with Sasha for the next long holiday.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“So I’ll see you, but I won’t be able to touch you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa reached out her arms to pull him closer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Antonio straddled her lap, placing his hands on Noa’s shoulders to brace himself. He nudged the tip of his nose against her cheek.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Touch me now, Antonio.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The reinforcements at the base of the bowl strained with the weight of two people.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“We have,” Noa checked her watch, “four minutes.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Antonio dropped his forehead with a groan of agitation. “By some miracle, I found you again, and now I can’t be with you?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Would it have been easier if my post-evacuation whereabouts had remained a mystery?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“This is tearing me apart. I wish we could go away together, just the two of us, like we did before.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa held Antonio’s back, coaxing the anxiety out of him. “That option is even more appealing and less attainable than when we pulled it off last year. What other solutions do you have?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He dragged his terrified eyes to meet hers. “I want to tell Sasha about us.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa peeled his hands off her body. “What would that solve?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I hate lying to her. Sasha and I used to talk about everything, including what made us happy or sad. You make me happy. In a perfect world, we could all be happy together, separately.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Like we’re your sister wives?” Noa arose from the toilet, knocking Antonio to the linoleum floor in a pile. “I thought we both agreed: I don’t want to leave Morrow, and you didn’t want to leave Sasha.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Antonio gathered himself to a standing position. “I love Sasha. I’m married to Sasha. But I love—”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“No.” With a firm hand, Noa pushed him against the wall. “There are too many reasons to not do this.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I can only think of one, but if Sasha does end my life, or more likely, hire a hit man to eliminate me, I’d deserve it.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Because you’re the only person who has something to lose? If you blow the whistle on us, Morrow would be destroyed. Betrayed by his friend and his wife? The twins are too young to understand, but—”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Antonio removed her hand and interlaced their fingers. “I don’t want to hurt you or them. I won’t say a word.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What does that mean for you and me?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m not going anywhere. Okay, technically, I am leaving Naboombu tomorrow. But nothing will change between us.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">An alarm sounded from Noa’s wrist. “Time’s up.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Antonio held on to the doorknob. “Do you want to go first, or should I?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa lifted the lid once more. “I actually did drink too much club soda, so…”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Antonio opened the door. “See you this summer.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I lied.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Antonio glanced back. “About what?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Last spring. Before I left you in the hotel room. When I told you I don’t love you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa watched Antonio look both ways before he left the room.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He set the cart in its previous location. “I know.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**********</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You didn’t miss much.” Morrow handed Noa a sleeping toddler.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She placed the child in the crib on the right side of the king size bed. “I’m glad I returned in time for karaoke.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Morrow placed a similarly sized toddler in the other crib on the left side. “Does Apple look bigger to you?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“She’s always been larger than Lodge, but he is catching up.” Noa set a bottle on each of the mini mattresses. “Do you think they grew in the two hours that we were away from our apartment?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s possible.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With the twins nestled all snug in their cribs, Noa and Morrow collapsed onto their own bed, still clothed in workplace festive attire.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The week after the fourth of July,” Morrow said, arms behind his head. “You, me, kids, koalas. How does that sound?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa started at the ceiling. “Kangaroos, too?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Just as long as we’re together.” Morrow kicked his fabric loafers onto the bamboo floor. “By then, it will have been a full year.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Only four more to go.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I have to admit, when we decided to leave Reubenville before the evacuation, trusting Kimber to find a secure location for us, mercenaries hurling projectiles at our car as you drove us through the tunnels to the secret train, not even knowing where it would take us, I was frightened. Even though our new apartment looked exactly the same as the one we left behind, even though I pretended I was fine, I wasn’t.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Neither was I.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“But I knew I was home.” Morrow rolled over to cradle the right side of Noa’s body. “Wherever we are, that’s where my heart is.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa nodded, eyes up, boots still on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Whew!” Morrow sat up, his rainbow-striped socked feet wiggling. “Enough pontificating for tonight.” He walked to a chest of drawers to retrieve a pair of typewriter-patterned boxers. “Do you want to shower first, or should I?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In one swift motion, Noa stood up to face Morrow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He handed her a nightgown. “Is that a yes?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m having an affair with Antonio.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN</span></div>
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<br />Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-54458535394999280952019-03-13T00:30:00.000-04:002019-03-13T00:30:01.610-04:00NOA, ANTONIO, AND SIMILAR TASTES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOrLOFknPCnn2YKtWKcvFG2VuEm5ZpxRJZknWwOa0dPbAeB2uRfC4yWa-XC_q8bvNvAF5bU5ibgOo9JRuhH4lVPfFB8IkqQRAMzGdHGQmvqcXO9c-SXmEtj9NV9OddpKDCUw2Fi2ILkQu/s1600/11.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+SIMILAR+TASTES.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOrLOFknPCnn2YKtWKcvFG2VuEm5ZpxRJZknWwOa0dPbAeB2uRfC4yWa-XC_q8bvNvAF5bU5ibgOo9JRuhH4lVPfFB8IkqQRAMzGdHGQmvqcXO9c-SXmEtj9NV9OddpKDCUw2Fi2ILkQu/s320/11.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+SIMILAR+TASTES.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“It’s pink.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“With brown trim. Long lasting.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Saturday, February 14, 2015</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“In theory, I would get a lot of usage out of that.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I wanted my gift to say, ‘I have time for you.’”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the dark bedroom, Noa cocked her head at the phone. “So you got us the same gift.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“It’s a baller move,” Antonio answered on the video chat from his Lake Elmo apartment. “Easy way to keep track of what I give all my ladies.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa checked that the door was locked. “How many ladies are you juggling?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“There's not enough energy for the two I have.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“You don’t have me. I only got a picture of a watch. Sasha has the real thing.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Would you like it sent to your home, for Morrow to find, or to your office, for your coworkers to find?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Touché.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pleased with his logic, Antonio asked, “Where’s my gift?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“What do you want?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“What do you got?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa grinned. “What do you need?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Noa?” A sleep voice called from the hall. “Are you back?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Antonio whispered, “Is that--”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa shut off the phone and unlocked the door for Morrow. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FIN</span></div>
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Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-48100196372830077512019-03-06T00:30:00.000-05:002019-03-06T00:30:10.699-05:00NOA, SASHA, AND THE WATCH PARTY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It lights up.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s juvenile, but it’s cute.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Saturday, February 14, 2015</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sasha spun the bauble on her left wrist. “Just like my husband. He didn’t have to get me anything for Valentine’s Day.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From the kitchen of Sasha’s hotel suite, Noa observed the other party guests, happily mingling around the living room TV as they waited for the show to begin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Which fantenovela is airing tonight?” Noa asked, averting her eyes from Sasha’s new timepiece. “I haven’t been keeping up like I used to.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s called <i>Kanaka Nani of Aouli: The Betrayal</i>,” Sasha said. “She’s just like you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa flinched. “What?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Hawaiian.” Sasha poured a bag of kettle corn in a bowl. “Your father is native Hawaiian, right?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Both of them are.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Then you can tell me whether the movie is authentic,” Sasha declared. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather spend the holiday with Morrow?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s not a big day for us. We love each other the rest of the year, too.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sasha threw her arm around Noa. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. Good friends are hard to find.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“And keep,” Noa mumbled, looking at the TV screen. “It’s starting.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN</span></div>
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<br />Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-80185487109198717852019-03-01T03:01:00.000-05:002019-03-01T03:01:02.058-05:00THATCHER AND SAWYER AND THE DREAM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mahlena wrote this short story. Share it with a friend. 🙆🏾</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">]</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Which was your favorite sample?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“‘Under Pressure’ in ‘Ice Ice Baby’.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<i>July 2010</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At a round table inside the Cupcake Party bake shop, Thatcher shook her head at Sawyer’s response. “The cake.” She set down her brown paper shopping bag and pointed at this plate, which contained the remnants of his minuscule treats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The Sticky Wicket was tasty but gooey. The Rainbow Lite Brite with the angel food cake was light. I liked this fruity one the best.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The Raspberry Lemon Drop,” Thatcher informed. “I got a regular sized one in my box. That’s what she said.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer licked the last of the whipped cream of his fork, his eyes on Thatcher. “I’m sure she did. Are you saving yours for later?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’ll have one after dinner.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Great! Where are we going?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher grinned, in spite of herself. “First, ‘we’? Second, it’s barely four o’clock.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Too soon for happy hour, but right on time for the early bird special. So unless you’re a cost-sensitive alcoholic, we could chow down with some retirees.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What kind of alcoholic are you?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The kind that likes my jumbo strip cocktail for half price. I live my life one piece of discount seafood at a time. Nothing could go wrong there.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You’re funny,” Thatcher observed. “Hot guys aren’t usually funny. They think they’re clever, but that is rarely the case.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“All I heard you say was that you think I’m hot.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Are you a heavy drinker?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m not really an addict. Maybe to pizza. I could eat roti every day.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Caribbean restaurants are few and far between in LA.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’ve noticed.” Sawyer cleared his place and sat back down with Thatcher. “Do you miss home?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Sometimes. The food, yes. The hurricanes, no. My family, yes, The catcalling, no. People of different colors interacting with each other, if only by circumstance, yes.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“This city does appear more segregated than I expected, considering how many countries are represented in Southern California. At least, that’s what I see here in Westwood, and around my place in Santa Monica,” Sawyer shrugged.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“There are a few areas in Los Angeles County that resemble a harmonious American melting pot. My business partner is obsessed with one of them. She wants to buy an office building there.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What’s it called?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher scrolled through text messages on her phone to find the name. “Hennessey Park. It’s near Pasadena. A couple months ago, Dobie—my business partner—took me and Finn—my other business partner—to lunch in downtown Hennessey Park at an Italian-Chinese fusion restaurant, which had really good food that did not give me heartburn. Then we walked around and looked at commercial real estate. Dobie looked. Finn and I dry-heaved at the asking prices.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You’re not a big spender?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I don’t own billions in liquid assets like Dobie does. Nor do I own a corporation on the Fortune 500. Dobie’s our company’s angel investor. With her help, Finn and I look like we know what we’re doing.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What would you and Finn like to do?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Take over the world. Through casual video games for women. That’s our goal. We’re moving product and making money, so something’s going right. What do you want to do?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Keep talking to you,” Sawyer stated. “If you want to keep talking to me?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I will, if you tell me what your biggest dream is.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer’s mouth gaped open. “That’s a hard question.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m not easy. I’m a handful.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Can you tell me yours first?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I don’t want you to make up an idea that you think I want to hear.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I won’t. I swear.” Sawyer held up his three fingers. “Scout’s honor. Beside, I don’t think my dreams could be as big as yours.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher acquiesced. “Business-wise, I want to take Strawberry Jam Hands to a $1 billion valuation in 10 years. That’s our gaming company. Then Finn and I would sell and exit. That’s our plan.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You’ll do it. And outside of work?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I want to design a house with a dance studio and have it built on a spacious lot.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Would you live in that house alone?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“My husband and children would live there with me. Of course, I need to meet them all at some point.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How many children?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Your dream, please.” Thatcher rested her chin on her palm. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“When I was a kid, I wanted to be a doctor. So I majored in Biology at Penn Ivy and applied to medical school and got in and never went. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, but seven more years of higher education did not appeal to me. I had extensive knowledge of the human body, so I went into the fitness industry.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher scanned him up and down, fixated on the muscles on top of his muscles. “I’m shocked. Trainer? Model?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer retuned her stare. “I work in Strategic Development. More analyzing spreadsheets than pumping iron. I like my job, but I want to find out who I am outside the office. I want to travel to new places, meet new people. I want to fall in love with my best friend, my soulmate, start a family. I turn 30 next year, so I should get on that.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“So do I. I’ll be 30, too. 30 also. Next year. What do you want in a soulmate?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Someone kind and caring,” Sawyer said, studying Thatcher. “She knows what she wants, and she’s not afraid to get it. She accepts me for who I am, although I’m not completely sure who that is yet. She likes sleeping in on Sundays, so I can cook her breakfast in bed.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That’s specific.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Me?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How would you describe yours?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m not convinced soulmates exist. How is there only one person for every other person? What if you never meet them because you can’t find them?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Have you looked?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I have. But no one’s looking for me. No one who is sane or around my age or not creepy. I’m too much.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Too much?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher slumped in her chair. “Too chubby, too brown, too opinionated.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“For the right person, you are more than enough.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She sat up. “I do have a deal breaker. Two. Probably more. No bigots, and no smoking. And no casual drug use.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Committed drug users only. How many children?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Between two and four.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer counted on his fingers. “So, three?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, mathlete. And I’m adopting at least one. What are you smiling about?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’ll tell you later.” He clasped his hands together. “Thatcher, if you lived and worked in Hennessey Park, would that fit in with your big dream?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, why?” She watched Sawyer typing on his phone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Is this where Dobie took you to lunch?” He showed her the screen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Valeria Wu’s. I had a spinach salad and meatball wontons.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I want to take you there. I want to see your dream.” He stood up from his chair.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Now?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He jingled his keys. “I’ll drive.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bags on her arm, Thatcher allowed him to help her up. “We’ll both drive. In separate cars.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You don’t trust my navigational abilities?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I met you two hours ago. You’re worried that I’ll laugh at you. I’m worried that you will murder me.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I like your laugh. More laughs, please.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What were you going to tell me later?” Thatcher asked as they strolled through the doorway to the sidewalk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Oh, wow,” Sawyer chuckled to himself, avoiding the other pedestrians. He gathered his words. “I was afraid you wouldn’t believe me, so I wanted to wait.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Until you disposed of the bodies?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I tried a cigarette once before university, and I hated it. I can dance, but I haven’t since I was in school. My brother is adopted, and he and my sister are my best friends.” He showed her a photo of the three of them on his phone. “I can’t marry them. I do want to adopt a child, though. My last girlfriend only wanted biological children. That’s not why we broke up, but it did make me question whether I could find a partner who would be open to both options. What’s wrong?” Sawyer reacted to Thatcher’s scowl.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She stopped on the pavement. “You’re perfect. Even your flaws are impeccable. Like that scar on your ear. You probably got it from saving a baby from a puppy party.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That’s where you’re wrong.” He stood with her. “I tripped on a fountain at a Take Back the Night march.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I cannot even!” she shouted at his face. “Now I’m terrified for a completely different reason.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer slowly reached for her hand. He waited for her fingers to latch onto his. “I won’t hurt you. I promise.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Without letting go, Thatcher resumed leading them to their destination. “We’ll see.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
[<i>What's your Big Dream?</i><br />
<i>Did you read the whole story? Congratulations! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Share it with a friend.🙆🏾]</div>
</div>
Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-86392071280473105902019-02-27T00:30:00.000-05:002019-02-27T00:30:00.583-05:00NOA, ANTONIO, AND THE MATINEE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPeY5HxsTyJaB7PwF0026tl1z19SjnfbZelUZtILJSHhjYX2WSztlt5xMvTAxObchjvdrQTZ3691k5K6wA0-3_9HO7OnQyFx5i3QdZpaMUHgrDduV7-4OYy2RyCO1lL_cT-haJSZRHQJ7/s1600/09.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+THE+MATINEE.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPeY5HxsTyJaB7PwF0026tl1z19SjnfbZelUZtILJSHhjYX2WSztlt5xMvTAxObchjvdrQTZ3691k5K6wA0-3_9HO7OnQyFx5i3QdZpaMUHgrDduV7-4OYy2RyCO1lL_cT-haJSZRHQJ7/s320/09.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+THE+MATINEE.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“A baking pan?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“A brownie pan. And brownie mix.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Sunday, January 18, 2015</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“There isn't one in the kitchen of your hotel suite?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In back row of the empty movie theater, Antonio pulled his purchase out of a crinkling paper sack and held it out for Noa. “It's an all-edge pan. And bonus, the top part looks like an S, for Sasha.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa squinted at the gift in the dark. “I don't want to get my fingerprints on it.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“You think she'll have it dusted?” Antonio returned the pan to its bag. “Where did you tell Morrow you were going?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“To a movie.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Honesty. A novel concept.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I never lie to Morrow. It makes my life easier.” Noa pushed back the armrest and reached for Antonio’s hand. “Where would you like touch?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He intertwined his fingers with hers. “Anywhere you let me.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As Noa felt his right palm glide along her belt, under her shirt, and across her hips, a siren blared in her pocket.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Antonio jumped back. “Did I trigger an alarm?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa switched off the alert. “We have thirty minutes left.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“The previews haven’t even started.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“How long has your wife been alone in your bed, wondering where you are?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sobered, Antonio set the timer on his phone. “That was ‘thirty minutes’, correct?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FIN</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-47882804138173765742019-02-20T00:30:00.000-05:002019-02-20T00:30:06.536-05:00NOA, ANTONIO, AND LOVE LANGUAGES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfAuH6YZiT7AscJgekyLAddi6bsttKVp_uBpH_LDzP_vt8_bf3u3qTu_ukuuMNtgTun8DW5xmXaBukY_toZAvcnGqX7DBnKG4E3j4QZxo2ge1UyCinPJw35zXhDYhdMd2D-Ng7HddrSSD/s1600/08.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+LOVE+LANGUAGES.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfAuH6YZiT7AscJgekyLAddi6bsttKVp_uBpH_LDzP_vt8_bf3u3qTu_ukuuMNtgTun8DW5xmXaBukY_toZAvcnGqX7DBnKG4E3j4QZxo2ge1UyCinPJw35zXhDYhdMd2D-Ng7HddrSSD/s320/08.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+LOVE+LANGUAGES.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Mine is Acts of Service. Some Quality Time. No Gifts.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Sasha denies that hers is Gifts, because she doesn’t want to look shallow.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“You can’t run from who you are,” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Saturday, January 17, 2015</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa replied, her voice quiet as she spoke to Antonio through her phone. “Or from what you want.” She back her bottom into the corner of the dark room. The light of their video chat glowed blue on her conflicted face.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“What do you think mine is?” Antonio asked from the toilet of his bright hotel bathroom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Words of Affirmation, no question.” Noa tossed a soiled onesie next to a hamper holding the rest of the babies’ laundry. “You sizzle like a firecracker when Sasha compliments you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“It’s Touch.” He held his fingers up to the camera.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“That’s surprising.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Because I only touched you on four-- Four? Yes, four separate occasion, before the evacuation,” Noa surmised.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“You touched me twice today.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“If I didn’t hug you, you wife would have gotten suspicious.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“When can I touch you again?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa closed her eyes as a shield. “In three months?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Tomorrow? Before I leave?” he begged.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“How?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I’ve been hatching a plan since the moment I saw you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She checked the time. “So you’ve had 12 hours.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“It’s my Act of Service for you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She blinked. “Can we pull this off?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We’ll find out tomorrow.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FIN</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-60555254907658027432019-02-13T00:30:00.000-05:002019-02-13T00:30:00.397-05:00NOA, ANTONIO, AND THE PILLS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrAbIjsJw2qYcsYyOw0wnBsLuSNrKk4iKYJbJKPDfXCgyEGlqxczea-_0oSgbT3D0CV6pWV5I3Pl5cbzOw6v3iRHnajGcWEVxKkrlV_GDZ0hF9pI4cCVtyahbIRqSjawmNIkk6HQ8Fxnq/s1600/07.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+THE+PILLS.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrAbIjsJw2qYcsYyOw0wnBsLuSNrKk4iKYJbJKPDfXCgyEGlqxczea-_0oSgbT3D0CV6pWV5I3Pl5cbzOw6v3iRHnajGcWEVxKkrlV_GDZ0hF9pI4cCVtyahbIRqSjawmNIkk6HQ8Fxnq/s320/07.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+THE+PILLS.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The pills were for Sasha’s allergies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saturday, January 17, 2015</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“But she said she hasn’t had any reactions here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“They make her sleepy,” Noa told Antonio over the phone in
the dark bedroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Then why would she take them?” he asked from his hotel
bathroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You were supposed to take them out of your pocket and crush them into her drink.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The note didn’t say that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I couldn’t write that down! Sasha might have seen it.” Noa
checked her door. Still locked. “I assumed you would infer what to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m not good at this. Should I give her the pills now?”<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Is she awake?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Antonio peeked into the quiet room. “No.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Then just keep whispering.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-45885384424137922662019-02-06T00:30:00.000-05:002019-02-06T00:30:01.787-05:00NOA, ANTONIO, AND THE IMMIGRANTS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPoDTphunfzVwZQEf0bPdBeKW0mNZts2l1VVzQcpZ8eqxbTp-Lw5uDTmE4TOawhW7SxTT6Tcq9QQX_UQYw-bpInqVe9bSRED1v44xbHqN8QDaujbicTq8c-gQD4Nt7mcyMXZjjJW05g8V/s1600/06.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+THE+IMMIGRANTS.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPoDTphunfzVwZQEf0bPdBeKW0mNZts2l1VVzQcpZ8eqxbTp-Lw5uDTmE4TOawhW7SxTT6Tcq9QQX_UQYw-bpInqVe9bSRED1v44xbHqN8QDaujbicTq8c-gQD4Nt7mcyMXZjjJW05g8V/s320/06.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+THE+IMMIGRANTS.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Don’t be a stranger.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Saturday, January 17, 2015</i></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As she transferred Apple and Lodge from their high chairs in the dining area to the play mat in the living room, Noa silently watched Morrow say good-bye to their dinner guests.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“You either,” Morrow continued, switching his hug from sahsa to Antonio. “It’s good to spend time with people like us again.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Like us?” Antonio questioned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“You know what he means.” Sasha brushed a natural finger coil off her forehead. “Familiar faces.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“And actual human beings.” Morrow leaned on the front door. “I never thought I’d be a snob about immigration, especially as a refugee in this community myself, but it is odd living here as a member of this particular type of minority group.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“The group with a home field advantage who controls the government and defines the culture?” Noa left the crawling babies on the mat and joined the adult trio.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“That’s the price of living in Naboombu, the Ellis Island of the Milky Way,” Sasha said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“At least we were able to stay in our corner of the galaxy,” Morrow replied.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Unlike half of our friends,” Noa reminded her husband.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Well,” Sasha gave her a hug, “you have us. Me, for 90 days. Antonio leaves tomorrow afternoon.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“So, take care of her,” Antonio told Noa with an unsteady hug.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa balanced herself, brushing her hand near the back pocket of his jeans. “As fellow humans, we will do our best.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FIN</span></div>
<div>
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<br />Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-1308736546076139922019-02-01T03:01:00.000-05:002019-02-01T03:01:02.867-05:00THATCHER AND SAWYER AND THE TARGET<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLP4HbxIz2dRkDX-g2InMhKZnzyRdyowc7q11RqLihqNc1lETgxi8IOMgBwYzcUZfD_kENys5L2vTusDrdqRskyV12hJXzH1T8Kgl473x6aQ9MxJL1bzDUUPQoF7fjMkbz9Ut9rzZsT1L/s1600/Extra+Large.+THATCHER+AND+SAWYER+AND+THE+TARGET.+Instagram.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLP4HbxIz2dRkDX-g2InMhKZnzyRdyowc7q11RqLihqNc1lETgxi8IOMgBwYzcUZfD_kENys5L2vTusDrdqRskyV12hJXzH1T8Kgl473x6aQ9MxJL1bzDUUPQoF7fjMkbz9Ut9rzZsT1L/s320/Extra+Large.+THATCHER+AND+SAWYER+AND+THE+TARGET.+Instagram.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mahlena wrote this short story. Tell a Friend. 🙆🏾</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">]</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I like extra large.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You don't need one that big.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">”</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<i>July 2010</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She plucked the admiral blue t-shirt off the Graphic Tees display shelf. “I do, because it might shrink.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He checked the tagless imprint near the collar. “It's a 50/50 poly-cotton blend. Shrink proof.” </span><br />
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She tugged the item away from him and closer to her red, plastic shopping car. “That’s what it says, but do you know for reals? If I get a Large, and I wash it, and then it’s too small, are you going to buy me a new shirt?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes,” he said immediately. “Yes, I will.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How? You don’t even know me.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m willing to learn. What would you like to teach me?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Clothing still in hand, Thatcher held back her amusement. “I love television. Hence, I’m buying this <i>Square One TV </i>shirt.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He held up his finger in protest. “We don’t know who’s buying this particular piece of merchandise yet, because it’s the only Extra Large left.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Other guests of the department store continued shopping around them, oblivious to their conversation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m holding the shirt,” she noted, “and possession is nine-tenths of the law, so…”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“So I should let you have it, even though I am also a television fan who enjoys classic educational entertainment?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What if,” she proposed, “I help you find a cooler retro graphic tee in your size, that makes you feel even more nostalgic about your childhood?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He found a nearby employee stepladder, pushed it to their section, and took a seat. “Let’s see them.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m not your stylist. Come here.” She stuffed the blue top in her car underneath the mini soda cans, boxes of tampons, and package of toilet paper with a white angel baby on the side. Then she placed her hand on her fellow shopper’s back and guided him to the folded t-shirt edifice. “There are,” she counted the rows, “over 50 choices, but we’re looking for a specific size. I’ll take this side. You take the backside, and grab one Extra Large of each style. Then bring them over here, and we’ll select the best one.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, ma’am,” he saluted her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Ma’am,” she groaned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Miss? Madame?” he offered. “I don’t know your name.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Thatcher.” She shook his hand. “What’s your name?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Sawyer. Nice to meet you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Encantada.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher started sifting through the neat piles, and Sawyer did the same on his side. Spotting the rectangular size stickers, Thatcher easily procured her contenders. “Are you from here?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Los Angeles? Not originally. Why do you ask?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Because I grew up in St. Thomas.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer replied, “I’m from Trinidad. I still have the accent, yeah? But you don’t sound like the people I’ve met from the Virgin Islands.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I have a generic American accent. Like the people on TV.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“A little Southern though.” Sawyer had a tougher time locating the XLs. “Like Blanche Devereaux.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“In my formative years, I spent too many summers with my cousins in Atlanta. Or not enough. Either, or.” Thatcher set her haul on the ladder and moved the cart so she could check on Sawyer’s progress. “How are you doing over here?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I found these two?” Sawyer held up one beer shirt and one nuts shirt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Okay, step back.” In less than a minute, Thatcher tore through the levels with minimal product disturbance and found 12 options. She cleared a space on the carpet between the rack so they could sit down and sort through their score of items.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You’re good at this.” Sawyer took his place across from here, cross-legged. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher assessed each selection one at a time. “No. No. No.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Wait, the gray one?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Nirvana?” Thatcher turned up her nose.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Not a fan? Prefer Guns N’ Roses?” He held up a black and yellow shirt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“More like Spice Girls, but this is the Men’s section, so boys only,” she replied in an old man voice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Boyz II Men?” Sawyer showed her a top with the three remaining members on front.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s odd having a person’s face on your stomach.” She folded the rejects and transferred them to their previous places.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I guess you wouldn’t be interested in the <i>Robin Hood</i> either.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher glanced at the green material. “<i>Prince of Thieves</i> or <i>Men in Tights</i>?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Disney animated.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher stretched her arm for the shirt, but she wasn’t quick enough for Sawyer, who held it out of her reach.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Now I have something you want?” His arm stayed in the air.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“If what you’re holding is extra large, then yes, I want it.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Shall we make a trade?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher checked the rest of the pile before giving an answer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer read the price tag. “It’s on Clearance, and the only other size I saw was a Small, so I doubt there are any more left.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher stood up to retrieve her <i>Square One</i> shirt. “Show me yours first.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You don’t trust me?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I don’t know you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m a nice guy. From Trinidad,” he said. “We’re practically neighbors. The Caribbean’s a small place. We might be related.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher remained standing. She held her hand out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer clutched her hand and pulled himself up. “Thanks. I needed a bit of help.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“No, the shirt,” Thatcher laughed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Oh, yes, of course.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She examined the merchandise. “Right size. The design includes most of my favorite characters, except no Clucky or Sir Hiss.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I liked the vultures.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Fitting.” Thatcher gave Sawyer what he was looking for. “Here you go.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He put the top in his small basket. “You’re a formidable opponent.” He bent down to clean up their mess.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I like negotiating, and I like getting what I want, even if it’s something different than what I thought I wanted in the first place.” She tried to help with the go backs, but Sawyer shooed her away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Let me handle this,” he said. “I’m almost done.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“And you put many of them in the correct location.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Good enough.” He shifted his attention back to Thatcher, studying her appreciatively.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Um…” He came up with a question. “Why <i>Robin Hood</i>?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m a furry.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer slipped into a coughing fit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m kidding,” Thatcher said. “Though I can see how this fox has led other viewers down that path. Do you need some water?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer’s coughs slowed. “I’m fine.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The truth is, it’s one of the last movies I saw with my grandfather when I was little, before he died. And it still holds up. <i>The Jungle Book</i> does not. Neither does <i>Dumbo</i>. Or <i>The Aristocats</i>. <i>Robin Hood</i> matches my philosophies: use your talent to serve the less fortunate. Why <i>Square One</i>?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Unfortunately, I can’t compete with your story. My grandparents are all still alive on the island. I haven’t thought about my philosophy on life. I like the show because I like math.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I like math!” Thatcher navigated her cart of the sectional carpet and onto the white vinyl aisle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer grabbed his basket and followed along. “You do?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“When I get home, I may do a few pages of logic problems in my puzzle books.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Is that the extent of your Saturday plans after you check out at the front?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Not entirely. I was also going to buy a box of overpriced desserts from Cupcake Party, if the line’s not out the door, and eat them while I watch <i>Jurassic Park</i> for the 20th time.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I love cupcakes. I love <i>Jurassic Park</i>. Dr. Malcolm’s the best.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thatcher looked directly at him. “Intelligent. Handsome. Sculpted.” She stopped her cart at an electronics display. “Annoyingly self-assured in a way only men are allowed to be.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer watched her drop a package of D batteries on top of her toilet paper. “He correctly predicted that the outcome was unpredictable.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“And he barely escaped with his life.” Thatcher continued pushing. “What are you doing with the rest of your Saturday?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawyer kept up with her. “You tell me.”</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
[<i>Which Disney animated characters are you attracted to?</i><br />
<i>Did you read the whole story? Congratulations! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tell a Friend. 🙆🏾]</div>
</div>
Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-51749153814968526312019-01-30T00:30:00.000-05:002019-01-30T00:30:11.214-05:00NOA, ANTONIO, AND DINNER WITH FRIENDS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRO3is9Ie7DrCk1RpBCqlkrSpQSZ4kZ8L-9xeCJsm0Y_mshUqwrJmeh0i5pHsvTs3wduvNsCid7GpqqDvrUY-VggOtexMrqgGevdttVVPe-05hdYJbqCPWhKjkpElZN-e9MHAYFLAYaWv/s1600/05.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+DINNER+WITH+FRIENDS.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRO3is9Ie7DrCk1RpBCqlkrSpQSZ4kZ8L-9xeCJsm0Y_mshUqwrJmeh0i5pHsvTs3wduvNsCid7GpqqDvrUY-VggOtexMrqgGevdttVVPe-05hdYJbqCPWhKjkpElZN-e9MHAYFLAYaWv/s320/05.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+DINNER+WITH+FRIENDS.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We’re fine now.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Saturday, January 17, 2015</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa consumed the rest of the chowder in her bowl.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“It must have been an adjustment,” Antonio presumed from the other side of the dining table.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Next to Antonio, Morrow spooned a dollop of smashed peas into his 10-month-old daughter’s mouth. “At first,” Morrow acceded, “however, the climate of the Naboombu dome is so well regulated, I forget we’re living on the floor of the Pacific Ocean.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa buttered her bread. “I don’t.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seated on the other side of Antonio, Sasha looked up at the vent in the apartment’s vaulted ceiling. “We’re underwater, but the air is so clean. Better than our Australian breezes at home.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Probably the best filtration system in the world.” Morrow wiped Apple’s chin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“While I’m here,” Sasha mused, “I could try facing my allergies without medicine. That Benadryl makes me sleepy.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Me, too,” Morrow concurred. “I hope the twins didn’t inherit my allergy genes. They’ve adapted well to the move.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“What about Ryan?” Antonio blurted out. “And Nina? I’m sure they miss--” He cut himself off at Noa’s look of terror.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Who are Ryan and Nina?” Sasha asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Noa’s first son,” Morrow explained. “He’s 20. Finally stopped calling me ‘step-daddy.’ Nina is Ryan’s--”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa scraped her chair back. “I’m going to the bathroom.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FIN</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-26852641108135614972019-01-23T00:30:00.000-05:002019-01-23T00:30:07.446-05:00NOA, ANTONIO, LOCATION, AND PROXIMITY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8a-1-sCEgsUlX5zVzsYEpFJnBiAGCWAz6V81Bh1b2TiUKPLH78IC5m9DLNpXzUqZ-jknSbbJQQcuajFJY-y9xE6poYYQ2GPKkXYiwZ9oPj6Hip6UptBQykubnN7ouNVSmG0tHweS79YS/s1600/04.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+LOCATION%252C+AND+PROXIMITY.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8a-1-sCEgsUlX5zVzsYEpFJnBiAGCWAz6V81Bh1b2TiUKPLH78IC5m9DLNpXzUqZ-jknSbbJQQcuajFJY-y9xE6poYYQ2GPKkXYiwZ9oPj6Hip6UptBQykubnN7ouNVSmG0tHweS79YS/s320/04.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+LOCATION%252C+AND+PROXIMITY.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“What are you doing here?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Buying groceries.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Saturday, January 17, 2015</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Antonio replied to Noa’s beleaguered plea.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Morrow laughed. “I think Noa meant what are you doing in Naboombu. Don’t you live in Lake Elmo?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I’m here on a mission,” Sasha explained. “With the Homestead capital moving to our community, Mia appointed me liaison to this community. I have to learn everything about this place in three months. Antonio is helping me move in.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Good husband,” Morrow said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Three months?” Noa repeated, rocking the twins in their stroller.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Then I return to Australia,” Sasha said. “Antonio will keep the home fires burning until my deployment is over.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa attempted to regulate her inhales and exhales.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Antonio examined the list of ingredients on a box of Bran Flakes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We’ve only been here for six months,” Morrow told Sasha, “but we can tell you everything we know. Come to dinner at our place tonight?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Definitely!” Sasha turned to her checked-out spouse. “Are you okay?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Antonio shook himself into focus. “Dinner. Good.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Six o’clock okay?” Morrow asked his wife.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa nodded. “The children eat early.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We eat whenever.” Sasha was delighted. “I’m so happy you’re here!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa glanced at Antonio, who was trying no to stare.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Likewise.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FIN</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-22956580362519036042019-01-16T00:30:00.000-05:002019-01-16T00:30:22.269-05:00NOA, ANTONIO, AND LOST & FOUND<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX6AxadMwEurQ85JYRkRmPoyQzNQXMmsmMOP6KU1piGsCeksh_ToJdYQbhZ5jrBDHy5Mk96Mpb_519gCHNTubXS2eMqDxxirR4aQD_a65KtpUGPfEauqOYYfo8o9OW0IXyhR_Mo6Fc1nF/s1600/03.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+LOST+%2526+FOUND.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX6AxadMwEurQ85JYRkRmPoyQzNQXMmsmMOP6KU1piGsCeksh_ToJdYQbhZ5jrBDHy5Mk96Mpb_519gCHNTubXS2eMqDxxirR4aQD_a65KtpUGPfEauqOYYfo8o9OW0IXyhR_Mo6Fc1nF/s320/03.+NOA%252C+ANTONIO%252C+AND+LOST+%2526+FOUND.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Hi.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Hi.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Hey?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Oh my gosh, you’re here!” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Saturday, January 17, 2015</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sasha squealed in the grocery store aisle to Noa and Morrow and the twins in the carriage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We are,” Noa nodded, desperately trying to focus on Sasha and avoid Antonio’s open-mouthed gaze.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Morrow squeezed Noa’s shoulders. “Alive and well and living in Naboombu.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We’re so happy to see you!” Sasha nudged her stunned husband. “Aren’t we?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Antonio wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans. “You’re safe.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“For now,” Noa replied.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Hugs, please.” Sasha held out her arms, and Noa allowed her friend to hug her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After Morrow and Antonio exchanged some manly back claps, Sasha wanted to switch. “Hug, Morrow?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He obliged, leaving Noa and Antonio standing between the two shopping carts and the baby stroller wondering what to do next.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Give her a hug, Antonio!” Sasha demanded, her arms around Noa’s husband, as she turned to look at the twins. “Are these your babies?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noa took a step towards Antonio.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Antonio trembled.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Their two bodies slowly found each other and meshed together in an outwardly chaste embrace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“They are so cute!” Sasha gave each 10-month-old a coochie-coo.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Antonio whispered in Noa’s ear, “I--”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Before he could finish, Noa stepped back and took her place next to her husband.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FIN</span></div>
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<br /></div>
Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-14839114947314792992019-01-09T00:30:00.000-05:002019-01-09T00:30:03.615-05:00ICYMI: NOA SHOPS AROUND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXU0HgFCL7cVigvJu3KXFUdxaVq4eTu9gHFmY0uDEFSPH_O3IgxoXEa5E-pn2wWpk6VRzS9xabsb18dg-6BO4LTgUZ_7iipnA3EKUmALZryTgTAcA1RJbhdRTcgFx9UUdDDhZy6EnofBu8/s1600/02.+NOA+SHOPS+AROUND.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXU0HgFCL7cVigvJu3KXFUdxaVq4eTu9gHFmY0uDEFSPH_O3IgxoXEa5E-pn2wWpk6VRzS9xabsb18dg-6BO4LTgUZ_7iipnA3EKUmALZryTgTAcA1RJbhdRTcgFx9UUdDDhZy6EnofBu8/s320/02.+NOA+SHOPS+AROUND.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Saturday, January 17, 2015</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After placing the milk in the cart, Noa perused the list for the next item.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She watched Morrow check each of their nine-month-olds’ diapers and confirm neither twin needed to be changed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the endcap of a nearby aisle, Noa spotted a display of the cereal written on her list. She pushed the cart toward the boxed, which were blocked by two individuals with their backs toward her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before she could request a clearer path, one of the shoppers turned around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He and Noa stared at each other, stunned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Neither spoke, both fearing their spouses would recognize their true relationship.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN</span></div>
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Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795885217315735874.post-15581963328531734652019-01-02T00:30:00.000-05:002019-01-02T00:30:02.584-05:00NOA, MORROW, AND THE LIFESTYLE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7UpZjcq-ZO011MyBJ21X4LxelnOPjTaSqdtHpl6pTETlEJbLQlznDWCbMjhMQC_ZFbytg4_85yCKAYX39bcmlGFA3n5VOvF4RHH2eaVnyn2nYJ4MNuVnGgCkGQfYNlovzdHPhCPVPtkg/s1600/01.+NOA%252C+MORROW%252C+AND+THE+LIFESTYLE.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7UpZjcq-ZO011MyBJ21X4LxelnOPjTaSqdtHpl6pTETlEJbLQlznDWCbMjhMQC_ZFbytg4_85yCKAYX39bcmlGFA3n5VOvF4RHH2eaVnyn2nYJ4MNuVnGgCkGQfYNlovzdHPhCPVPtkg/s320/01.+NOA%252C+MORROW%252C+AND+THE+LIFESTYLE.+But+You+Have+No+Idea.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Friday, July 04, 2014</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Everything looks exactly the same.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Even the food in our refrigerator.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">’</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s eerie,” Noa replied to Morrow, who was unpacking the twins’ stroller in the foyer of their apartment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">’</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s Homestead,” Dr. Tom reminded them, setting the bags of party favors on the dining table. “Hence the Welcome party for us refugees.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“They want you to feel at home wherever you go,” Delta said, as she helped Morrow lift his sleeping three-month old infants out of their seats. “Especially in Naboombu, the community populated by the universally displaced.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As Noa watched Morrow carry both babies down the hall to their room, she told Delta, “I don't know what I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">’</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">m going to do with myself on Monday morning.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Same here,” Dr. Tom chimed in, bringing the rest of the tchotchkes inside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Without the other Associates,” Noa continued, “it feels like Morrow and I are missing six phantom limbs.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Tom’s going back to work next week at the hospital,” Delta announced, “but Noa, you and Morrow are both technically on family leave for how many more months?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Nine,” Noa grumbled.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That will take you through the beginning of next year,” Delta said. “So relax. Settle in. Take care of your tiny children. You’ve been through a lot.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Morrow returned to the living area and put his arm around Noa. “You in particular.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">’</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">m glad you’re here with us,” Noa told Dr. Tom and Delta, as they headed for the door.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With a goodnight hug, Dr. Tom replied, “We’re all in this together.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“For the next five years,” Noa said with a sigh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**********</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“They</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">’</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">re poly. Well, she is. He's not.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Morrow climbed onto the king size bed next to Noa. “So Delta dates other people, and Dr. Tom doesn</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">’</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wearing an oversized t-shirt that came down to her knees, Noa made room for him on the large mattress. “She's not seeing anyone else at the moment.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“If it works for them.” He reclined onto the one pillow remaining on his side of the bed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noa turned to her left to confirm that Apple and Lodge were asleep in their nearby cribs. Then she noticed that her husband, on her right, wearing his glasses and a pair of plaid boxers, was smiling at the ceiling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Why are you happy?” she asked, incredulous.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Because I’m with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m still in shock. Aren</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">’</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t you angry? Scared? Confused?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m with my family.” He clasped Noa’s quaking hand. “We’re safe. That’s what matters.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She squeezed back. “Safe.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIN</span></div>
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Mr. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755524965316565767noreply@blogger.com0