New Life

By Susan Wells Bennett

Forty-five and pregnant, Claire is playing a high stakes game of hide and seek with her baby's father. Milo, distracted by his new business venture, has a blind spot when it comes to figuring out why Claire is avoiding him.

Meanwhile, his partner Sax is relishing his new profession, even as it drags him into the disturbing world of the Goth scene. And Sondra is attempting to calculate her way out of a marriage to a much younger man and into a generous cash settlement.

What they all wish for, in one way or another, is a NEW LIFE - and this may be their last chance to start over.

What are people saying about the
Brass Monkey Series?

Book 1, Wild Life:

Milo and Claire are two people that anyone can relate to. They could be your neighbors or relatives. There is nothing extraordinary about them, and yet I loved them because of their strengths and flaws and the fact that they were so real
Seawitch, Amazon reader

Book 2, Charmed Life:

What I admired most about Charmed Life, like Wild Life, is the compelling way Susan Wells Bennett draws a character. Each, even her minor players, are human, deeply flawed at times but in the end, endearing. I wanted all of them to find the love and happiness they deserved.
Lorie Boris, Amazon reader

Book 3, Night Life

Couldn't put it down. Bennett's characters are very well drawn and Night Life moves long at rocket sled pace.
Outofit, Amazon reader

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inknbeans Press
• Release date: Sep 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781452435657

Susan Wells Bennett

Born in 1971, I am a third-generation native Arizonan. My grandfather’s family arrived here from Missouri in 1912, just after Arizona became a state. Thanks to his stories and those of my other family members, I know how Arizona used to be and how it is today.After years of working as an editor and a writer for local companies, I began my wished-for career as a novelist in 2009. I have completed four books so far. My fourth book, An Unassigned Life, will be published by Inknbeans Press in February 2011.Please visit my blog to see my indie-novelist book reviews and recommendations. Visit Inknbeans.com and join their mailing list to receive coupons and up-to-date information regarding my books and the books of other Inknbeans authors.

Book preview

Forty-five and pregnant, Claire is playing a high stakes game of hide and seek with her baby's father. Milo, distracted by his new business venture, has a blind spot when it comes to figuring out why Claire is avoiding him

Meanwhile, his partner Sax is relishing his new profession, even as it drags him into the disturbing world of the Goth scene. And Sondra is attempting to calculate her way out of a marriage to a much younger man and into a generous cash settlement.

What they all wish for, in one way or another, is a NEW LIFE - and this may be their last chance to start over.

What are people saying about the

Brass Monkey Series?

Book 1, Wild Life:

Milo and Claire are two people that anyone can relate to. They could be your neighbors or relatives. There is nothing extraordinary about them, and yet I loved them because of their strengths and flaws and the fact that they were so real

Seawitch, Amazon reader

Book 2, Charmed Life:

What I admired most about Charmed Life, like Wild Life, is the compelling way Susan Wells Bennett draws a character. Each, even her minor players, are human, deeply flawed at times but in the end, endearing. I wanted all of them to find the love and happiness they deserved.

Lorie Boris, Amazon reader

Book 3, Night Life

Couldn't put it down. Bennett's characters are very well drawn and Night Life moves long at rocket sled pace.

Outofit, Amazon reader

New Life

Book 4 of the

Brass Monkey Series

By Susan Wells Bennett

Smashwords Edition

Published by

Inknbeans Press

Cover Designed by Nikki McBroom, Trident Art

© August 2012 Susan Wells Bennett

and Inknbeans Press

All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

For Duchess.

CHAPTER ONE

Frog Went A-Courting

Welcome to Oklahoma, y'all, the stewardess announced. We will be landing in just a few minutes now, so please return your seats to their full upright position. Donna will be making one more pass...

Milo tuned her out as he stretched and rolled his neck and shoulders.

His seatmate, a rather large woman who had claimed the armrest between them as her own early in the flight, looked down her nose at him. You've got quite a snore, you know. You should have that checked.

That's funny, he retorted, I didn't hear a thing. He felt the pocket of his Guayabera, reassuring himself that the box -- containing a one-and-a-half-carat diamond ring -- was still safely ensconced within.

A stewardess, presumably Donna, was advancing down the aisle holding a white plastic bag. Cups? Napkins? Trash? she asked, holding the bag out in his direction. Extending her arm across Milo's face, the fat woman deposited her trash in the bag. Irritable from the flight, he momentarily contemplated biting the fleshy upper arm that presented itself a mere inch from his nose. The stewardess, however, gave him a sympathetic smile and Milo decided not to create a dental imprint on the unpleasant woman.

I'm visiting my mother, the woman volunteered, suddenly chatty. Why are you flying in?

I'm visiting my fiancée and her family. She would be his fiancée, right? Of course she would say yes -- marriage was what she wanted.

Aren't you a little old to be getting married?

Aren't you a little fat to be on an airplane?

She huffed. Don't be rude!

You first.

Her mouth dropped open, creating an upside-down staircase of chins.

He focused on the back of the seat in front of him and bit down on the insides of his cheeks to keep from laughing.

When the plane had landed and finished its long taxi to the terminal, Milo jumped out of his seat, grabbed his bag from the overhead compartment, and joined the slow but steady line of passengers working their way toward the exit. Before long, he was free of the crowd and striding down the long hallway that led out of the structure. Sonia had reserved a rental car for him; he had only to find the rental company's shuttle to make his getaway. He knew the drive to Claire's parents' home would take the better part of an hour. He calculated that he would arrive in mid-afternoon, the perfect time -- neither so early that he would catch the household sleeping nor so late that his visit would be seen as an intrusion. He stopped at a courtesy map and scanned it, looking for the rental company's check-in booth.

Milo? asked a familiar voice to his left.

Turning, he saw Claire's younger sister standing a foot away. He scooped her up in a joyful hug. Beryl! How did you know I'd be here?

As soon as he released her, she took a step away from him and straightened her clothes. I didn't. I just dropped Claire off.

Where is she? He whipped his head around, searching for her familiar face in the crowd.

She's already at her gate.

Where is she going?

Back to Phoenix, where else?

Thanks! He took off at a sprint toward security.

Milo! Beryl shouted.

He stopped and looked at her, holding his hands out to his sides. What? he mouthed.

Shaking her head, she walked to him. They won't let you back through without a ticket.

She was right. His shoulders slumped in disappointment.

Why are you here, anyway?

He pulled the jewelry box from his pocket and popped it open.

Milo! That's gorgeous!

Thanks. I had some help picking it out. Do you think Claire will like it?

Of course she will. Beryl tilted her head to one side and knit her eyebrows. There's no reason for you to stay in Oklahoma...why don't you try to get a ticket on her flight back to Phoenix?

When does it leave?

She turned his wrist so that she could see the time on his watch. Less than an hour, but if you hurry--

Lead me to the ticket counter.

The line wasn't too long, considering it was Saturday. As they waited, Beryl filled him in on recent events.

I'm sorry about your father, Milo said. He was so nice to me at Christmas.

I'm just glad he and Claire were able to mend their relationship before he died. Even she and Mom are on good terms these days. I think that has a lot to do with you. You've filed down a lot of her sharp edges.

He laughed disbelievingly. I doubt that! Beryl, I love her more than anyone or anything in this world, but she's been in a bad mood for months now.

There's a good reason for that--

He held up a hand to stop her. I know, I know. She's in menopause.

Beryl bit her lip.

What?

Just...give her a little more leeway. I have a feeling she's going to be in a happier place very soon.

One of the ticket agents waved Milo and Beryl over. How may I help you today? the young man asked pleasantly.

I need a ticket to Phoenix on the flight leaving at eleven.

I'm sorry, sir. That flight is full.

Milo looked at Beryl.

Maybe you can catch her at the gate. Beryl turned to the agent. Give him a ticket on the next flight to Phoenix.

It doesn't leave until three o'clock, he warned.

That's fine, Milo confirmed, handing his credit card across the counter.

The agent printed the ticket and handed it and his card back to him with a smile. Good luck, sir.

Thanks, he said, waving. He and Beryl hustled toward security.

As they approached the line, Beryl grabbed him in a quick hug. You're a good man, Milo. I'm glad Claire found you.

I'll make sure she calls you when she gets to Phoenix.

She walked back down the hall toward the front of the airport where she had found him.

He stood in the line as patiently as he could, though the minutes remaining before the flight took off were draining away. Shifting from foot to foot like a child in need of a bathroom, he peered over the shoulders of the slightly taller man in front of him. A couple traveling with three small children was causing an unexpected delay.

Kids! said the man ahead of him over his shoulder. I'm so glad I'm past that stage in life.

You and me both, buddy. I only had one, but the wife and I never tried to travel with him when he was small.

Lucky man. My ex and I took our five kids -- all under ten at the time, mind you -- to Disney World one year.

How many of them did you leave there?

Ha! burst the guy. That might have been the right solution! Or maybe leaving all of them there -- along with the ex.

The line started to move again and both men busied themselves with preparing their items for scanning. Milo's scan went smoothly and he was off at a quick pace to try and reach Claire's gate before the plane boarded. He dodged one of the children from the harried couple's caravan and wove his way between and around the crowds he had previously raced past in the opposite direction. Milo spotted the woman who had been his seatmate still lingering at one of the airport shops. He deliberately moved to the other side of the concourse. Looking up, he saw the gate number. The tail-end of a line was disappearing through the boarding doors. He thought he saw the back of Claire's hair and called out, but she didn't turn around. Desperate, he approached the attendant who had been taking tickets at the door. Excuse me, I think my fiancée is on this plane, and I need to catch her.

Do you have a ticket? the older woman asked.

Yes. He handed her the ticket he had just purchased.

I'm sorry, sir, but this is for another flight.

I know. But I just need to--

Sir, you're going to Phoenix, too. Can't you just wait and talk to her there?

This is very important, he pleaded. She needs to know something right now.

She probably still has her cell phone on, sir.

He heard the echo of the airplane door closing. Sighing, he said, Thanks. I'll try that. He turned and walked slowly away.

Have a good day, added the attendant.

CHAPTER TWO

This Old Man

A few weeks later, Sax and Milo, business partners, found themselves patiently waiting to sign the paperwork completing their purchase of the new location for the Brass Monkey.

Has she answered any of your calls? Sax asked, referring to Claire.

No, Milo answered. I know she's at Sondra's, but Sondra told me not to stop by. Claire doesn't want to see me.

Sax shook his head sympathetically. She'll come around -- give her time.

I've given her nearly three weeks already, Sax! I think it might be time for me to step away completely. It's like you said: you never know you're with your last love until it's over.

I believe she is your last love, but I don't think it's over. I know you two belong together.

Mr. Ridley? Mr. Crosby? asked the plump secretary at the escrow company's front desk.

Yes? they answered in unison.

Mrs. Brown will see you now. Go down this corridor to the third door on the left, she instructed, pointing the way.

Thank you, Sax said, and the two men walked down the short hall to find the escrow officer.

Good afternoon, said a woman with a pleasant smile and an overly tight hair bun as they came even with her doorway.

Mrs. Brown? Milo asked.

Yes. Please come in and have a seat.

Mrs. Brown patiently walked them through the paperwork, which included a fifty-thousand-dollar bank loan. Both Sax and Milo had come up with a quarter of the asking price in cash; together, they had easily secured a loan for the other half of the necessary funds. When they finished signing everything, Mrs. Brown said, As soon as everything is recorded, I can give you the keys.

When will that be? Sax asked.

Tomorrow after ten.

The men both shook her hand and thanked her before exiting the office.

You want to have coffee? Sax asked, glancing at his watch. The bar didn't open for a couple of hours yet.

I should probably get to work. Milo looked toward the parking lot as if he couldn't wait to get back to the bar.

Come on. We should go over some of the details regarding the partnership anyway.

Milo rubbed the back of his neck. Yeah, okay. You're right. There's a Burger King on the way back toward the bar.

Meet you there.

At the fast-food joint, they found seats as far away from the other diners as they could. An uncomfortable silence fell and they both fidgeted.

Sax cleared his throat and attempted to ease the situation. I'm sorry about what I said earlier.

What did you say?

You know...about Claire.

Milo waved his words away. Don't give it another thought. I know you like her. He sipped at his cup. His brow furrowed and he looked up sharply at Sax. Have you seen her lately?

Yep.

Folding his arms over his chest, the smaller man leaned back in his seat. You might have mentioned that.

I didn't think it was relevant.

How does she look?

Good. Really good, actually. When he had seen her a few days ago, she had been glowing; the morning-sickness phase was over, and she seemed calmer and happier than she had in months. Maybe you should just drop by one day...you know, unannounced.

Milo grimaced. I don't want to upset her. Let's talk about something else.

Like what?

Business?

Sax laughed weakly. Yeah, okay. So, are you having any regrets?

About...?

The business?

Oh! No, of course not. I'm glad you decided to make me a partner. I appreciate the trust you have in me.

And I appreciate your faith in the Brass Monkey. I'm sure this move will be great for the bar.

Milo took a sip of his coffee. I think we'll lose some of our regulars.

Really? Who?

The professor, for one. He doesn't like to cross Grand Avenue in his golf cart.

He's what? Ninety-three? I don't think he's likely to be a regular for many more years anyway.

You have a point.

Anyone else?

I don't know for sure. I have a feeling our demographic will change, though, especially since the new place is near so many apartment buildings.

I think that's a good thing. If we can get a good mix of young and old--

You think the Sun City people will still come if the place is overrun with the barely legal set?

If we handle it right, the younger party crowd won't be hanging out at the Brass Monkey anyway.

You have a plan?

Of course I do. Don't worry -- the crowd won't be changing that much. When are you going to start looking for the new bartender and waitress?

Soon. I want to have them in place before we move to the new building, if possible.

Sax finished his coffee. That's a good plan. Will you advertise online?

Milo shrugged. Maybe. I think I'll start my bartender search at the school I attended. If my instructor was anything to go by, I don't think we could go wrong hiring a graduate.

It's your call. Just make sure he or she understands that our clientele aren't big tippers.

Milo laughed. You got that right.

Sax slid out of the booth and gave his friend a little salute, which he immediately regretted.

Milo smirked. You know who you reminded me of just then?

Sax rolled his eyes. John Inman?

Spot on, old boy, Milo answered in an atrocious British accent.

Just forget I ever did that.

"If you weren't twice the size of