Love Unexpected

By Shelia Goss

LOVE UNEXPECTED by Shelia M. Goss centers around two sets of best friends who succumb to true love after overcoming a series of obstacles to their relationships.

"Ms. Goss depicts true-to-life scenarios in each of the charater's lives. Not only is this Novella romantic, it has a suspensful twist as well." ~ Jackson Mississippi Readers Book Club

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shelia Goss
• Release date: Nov 1, 2010

Shelia Goss

Shelia M Goss is the national best selling author of My Invisible Husband, His Invisible Wife, Paige's Web, Roses are thorns, Double Platinum, and Hollywood Deception. All of these books are available in paperback. She's also the receipient of several awards for her writing.Shelia has several eBooks in the works for 2010: A Forever Love, Love UnExpected, and My Catered Affair.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Thirty-five year old Desiree Hagan half-way listened to her patients confessions during the monthly therapy group session. Her mind wandered as she thought about the loneliness that followed her from work to home daily. The romance novels and movies were no longer satisfying her thirst for human companionship. Her divorce from Jackson Morrison, her college sweetheart, found her back on the dating scene. Things had changed dramatically since she had been married. She'd dated a few times, but nothing ever materialized into a serious relationship. Her divorce from Jackson left her feeling insecure. While one of Desiree's patients spoke, her mind flashbacked to one of the last conversations she had with Jackson before their divorce.

Jackson, in his tailor-made suit and short cropped hair, entered the bedroom. Desiree looked up from her romance novel. Without saying a word, Jackson handed Desiree an envelope. Desiree, confused by his actions, remained quiet as she accepted it and opened it. As she read the words, she couldn’t believe the love of her life was serving her with divorce papers. She looked into his eyes and saw pain or was it only a reflection of her own pain?

Jackson broke the silence. Desiree, this hurts me more than it hurts you.

I thought you loved me. Desiree's heart cracked in two.

I do love you and always will. Some things I just can’t let go.

Desiree tried to hold on to some of her dignity. If this is what you want, I will not contest.

Jackson tried to justify his reason for serving the divorce papers. Desiree, in the line of work I do, my wife cannot look the way you do. He pointed at her body. You are a beautiful woman, but you need to lose weight.

Desiree held her head up and without blinking an eye responded, Jackson, I’ve been this size for two years. Now, all of a sudden, it’s a problem. I thought you loved me, Desiree, the woman. But it’s clear you’re only in love with an image. I know I’ve gained weight since college, however I am still the same woman you married.

Jackson stuttered, Desiree, you are not the same woman I married. The woman I married was thirty pounds lighter.

Jackson went to his closet and walked back in the room with his designer suitcase filled with clothes and other personal items. He looked at Desiree once more and walked by her without saying another word. She watched him leave their custom-made two story Victorian styled home and load his bags into the back of his luxury car. The memories of the pain hit her like a ton of bricks. While watching him pull out of the driveway, she felt rejected and unworthy. It was by far the lowest moment of her life. Not even her mother knew the real reason why her marriage failed.

Desiree returned her mind to the present as she listened to the other participants in the group. She was a relationship therapist and up until recently got pleasure out of helping others resolve their issues. If she couldn't help herself, at least she could help someone else keep their relationships on track.

As the moderator of the group therapy session, Desiree made sure everyone had ample time to voice their issues. She offered possible resolutions and encouraged group participation. Desiree stopped scribbling on her yellow pad as the last person spoke.

Well gang, that’s all for tonight. Let’s all meet here again next month.

As people filed out of the room, Desiree sat and wondered for the first time why she remained in that profession. She gathered up her files and left the conference room. Sparkle Mason, her best friend, sat in the waiting room with her phone glued to her ear.

They greeted each other with a hug as Sparkle ended her phone call. I tried calling, she said.

Desiree shifted the folders to her other arm. Today's my long day.

Oh, I forgot. Well anyway, I stopped by because I want to go to the club down the street from your office, but I didn't want to go by myself.

Sure. Let me grab my purse and forward the phones to the answering service. It’ll only take a second.

Okay, one more rep. Eric Lawson told his best friend Brandon Hughes.

Eric, you said that two minutes ago, Brandon said, as he continued to lift the weights.

Man, if I was a real trainer, I would push you harder. I can pick up these little weights with my big toe.

Brandon laughed. Man, you’re crazy.

Eric and Brandon worked out for twenty more minutes. Although they each had busy careers, they usually met at the gym in the evenings three times a week and caught a game of basketball on the weekend.

Brandon agreed to meet Eric later so they could check out a new club that opened up. He was now questioning his decision as he sat and waited in Eric's living room. Brandon hadn’t been out to a club in ages. He’d been so busy trying to run his IT Security Analyst firm, it left little time for socializing. He went on a few dates over the past several years, but only to business functions. His business was his lover and his life. Tonight he was going to change that. He looked in the mirror, smiled, and admired his six feet two inches athletic frame.

Eric walked in the living room. You ready.

I was just thinking. It’s about time I get out and enjoy life more.

That's what I've been trying to tell you. Eric grabbed his keys and turned off the lights. They headed to The Spot.

CHAPTER TWO

The Spot was the hottest nightclub in the Dallas area. The best DJs in the city could be found here every Thursday through Sunday night. If you couldn’t make a connection here you may as well stay at home.

Desiree and Sparkle waited patiently in the long line while reading the promo flier handed to them.

Desiree, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize everybody and their mama was going to be here tonight, said Sparkle.

Girl, don’t worry about it. I needed a break from the norm anyway. At least the line is moving.

Yeah, you’re right. Sparkle checked out her surroundings, making a mental note of who she needed to avoid.

Do you think I’m over-dressed? I look like I just came from work.

Sparkle shook her head. You look fine. I don’t like talking about my sisters, but some of them are leaving nothing to the imagination.

Girl, look to your right. Check out the two driving up in the Mercedes convertible.

Umm . . . Looks like it’s going to be a good night after all.

We’ll see.

The bouncer loudly announced, Move back off the curve please. Form a single line. You with the pretty eyes, you and your friend, go on in.

Brandon and Eric drove up to the club. Since Eric purchased his Mercedes SLK convertible, the attention had been non-stop wherever he went.

Brandon, see all those honeys. I told you when I bought this car, it’s a magnet.

Brandon laughed. Yes, a hoochie magnet.

Man you’re wrong for that.

Look at the way most of these women are dressed.

A little eye-candy never hurt, Eric said, as he pulled into the nearest parking spot.

True.

The club was packed. Hip-hop music blasted from the speakers. Sparkle shouted in Desiree’s ear. What about the guy over there?

I’m not interested. I came to have a good time. If a man wants to get with me, he has to have more than a handsome face.

Just teasing. Loosen up some. I was feeling a little down, but hearing the music has me in the mood to party. Come on girl, let your hair down.

Desiree assumed she was going to a quiet atmosphere to lend an ear, but instead here she was in the middle of the Friday night rush. She had to admit the music made her want to dance.

Desiree moved her body to the beat of the song. A short, stocky guy walked over and asked her to dance. Hey, pretty lady. Would you like to dance?

Sparkle leaned over and whispered in her ear. Do you really want to do this?

It’s only a dance. I don’t have to go home with him. Catch you in a few, Desiree responded.

Desiree enjoyed dancing, but as the fifth song played, she grew tired.