A Hot Day In December

By David Gift

A story about a young artist trying to navigate his way through life in Tampa Florida and fulfill his dreams. Only it's not easy to endure. With the help of family and friends maybe he can overcome the wiles of temptation. In the process, hearts are broken and trust is betrayed. But joy still comes in the morning.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Gift
• Release date: Jun 10, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463200292

David Gift

PSALM 23I'm from Pittsburgh, PA and a Florida State University Alumnus.I'm the founder of Light Musick where Scripture, Life & instruments meet.'Derivatives Of A Joyful Day 2' my 7th EP and 10th studio album is OUT NOW on SoundCloud, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @ LightMusick Thanks for listening!More Laughs + More Smiles = World Peace,David GiftREST EASY Dad! ❄️

Book preview

A Hot Day In December

Published by David Gift at Smashwords

Copyright 2018 David Gift

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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 recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Connect with David Gift

About the Author

Other books by David Gift

Acknowledgements

Dear Tampa,

You will always be in my heart. Thanks for everything. The beautiful cover photo was taken by my brother James Joshua Wilson at Indian Rocks Beach. Special thanks to all my family and friends who helped in any way.

Love Always,

David

Top

Chapter 1

It was December 31, 2007 and Jordan was celebrating his 21st birthday. He was at a club in Tampa's Ybor City with his main man Chase.

We made it bro! Happy Birthday my dude! Now you can drink legally and just live life to the fullest. said Chase smiling.

Thanks bro, I appreciate that. You my main man. said Jordan.

A1 since Day 1, they both said in unison.

So, what's your next move bro? You 21 now. It's time to really start buildin' for the future you know. I mean, you like the Black Picasso around here. You nice with that paint brush. I see you rockin' a new splatter paint piece. That's dope. said Chase.

Thanks yo. Yea, I think I'ma turn up with this art thing. Go to the Art Institute, graduate, then start my own clothing company. Maybe be an international designer or something you know? said Jordan.

Yea, that's what's up. Yo I can see you doin' that for real. What you gone call your brand? asked Chase.

I was thinking Verve. said Jordan.

Verve, aiight. What that mean? asked Chase.

It means like vibrant, good vibes, bold or something like that. I just like how it looks in cursive. said Jordan laughing.

Ok, I should've bought you a dictionary for your birthday instead of all these Henny shots. said Chase laughing with Jordan.

Nah, I know what it means. It means great energy and enthusiasm. said Jordan.

Oh, ok. I hope you do. You can't be makin' up words big fella. said Chase still laughing.

Aiight. I actually could make up a word. But I hear you. You got jokes but what about you, Chase, what you gone do? asked Jordan.

Me, I'm nice with fixin' cars so I always thought it'd be cool to have a car lot and a garage. Maybe even a chain of 'em ya know? said Chase.

Yea, that's the move. You can do it bro. declared Jordan.

Just gotta find a job first. Everything cost money. The game is money. said Chase.

True. Auntie Ruth was just telling me something about what does a man profit if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul. Kinda makes you think like what's important. said Jordan.

Yea I feel you. But ah, what you want to get into? It's your birthday, it's a celebration! said Chase happily.

A smiling Jordan said, I'ma link up with Stacy when we peel.

Ok. Get you some quality time huh. I ain't mad at you. Well let me know when you ready. said Chase grinning.

Aiight. said Jordan.

Jordan and Chase enjoyed their night out clubbing, drinking, and getting at the ladies. But wait till he sees what Stacy got him.

Alright bro, let's be out. You think you can take me to Stacy's? asked Jordan.

No doubt. said Chase.

Bet. said Jordan.

She know you comin'? asked Chase.

Oh yea. said Jordan.

My man said, Oh yea. Ok brotha, do ya thang. said Chase.

No doubt. said Jordan.

Ten minutes later Chase pulls up to Stacy's spot.

Yo, thanks for all the love man. I really appreciate it. said Jordan holding his hand to his chest.

I got you yo. By the way Happy New Year! said Chase all smiles

Happy New Year bro! Alright. Peace. said Jordan laughing.

Peace. said Chase.

Soon as Jordan walked up the steps he didn't even have to knock on the door, it just opened. Stacy was standing there with a robe on. And Jordan could only imagine what was underneath.

Hey baby. said Jordan.

Hey! Happy Birthday. said Stacy as she opened her robe wearing tasteful negligee.

She had the high heels on with the lace garter belt and everything matching red and black.

Dang! What you doin'? Somebody might see you out here. Girl get yo fine self in the house. said Jordan with excitement holding Stacy's waist.

Uh uh. Not yet. Don't you want your present first? asked Stacy.

I'm bouta get my present right now. said Jordan clearly aroused.

What if I got you two? asked Stacy.

Oh ok. What else you got? asked Jordan.

Wait right here baby. said Stacy.

Ok. said Jordan as he stared at Stacy walking away.

Stacy disappeared into a room in the back of the house. She came back with a medium size box all wrapped up with a bow on it.

Here baby! Happy Birthday! Open it! said Stacy with a big smile.

What is it? asked Jordan.

Just open it. I hope you like it. said Stacy.

Ok. said Jordan.

Jordan started to rip the paper off the box and when the box was revealed he immediately sat down on the sofa in shock.

Well, do you like it baby? asked Stacy nervously sitting closely next to him.

Yea, I always wanted my own art kit. said Jordan humbly.

Yea baby. You got brand new brushes, paint, pens, pencils, stencils, and everything. Happy New Year! I love you J. said Stacy with joy.

I love you too Stace. said Jordan proudly.

Jordan was touched, so he leaned over and gave his girl a big hug and started kissing her passionately. It got hot and heavy as Jordan and Stacy made steamy love all throughout the night. Round after round.

The next day was a brand-new year and Jordan was excited about what 2008 had to offer. Win or lose, he was going hard. He left Stacy's place early that morning and set out for his Auntie Ruth's house where he lived. It was a family tradition that on the first day of the year he would help clean the house from top to bottom. Auntie Ruth would say: The floor should be so clean that you should be able to eat off it! There was also the traditional southern meal of greens, black eyed peas, and meat, usually fried chicken. Jordan wasn't that excited about it, but he participated nonetheless. So, Jordan got in and greeted his Auntie and began his annual duties.

Good morning Auntie Ruth. said Jordan.

Hey baby. You must have had a long night partying. It's 7 A.M. and you just gettin' home? asked Auntie Ruth.

Yes ma'am. said Jordan respectfully.

Well, how did you celebrate your birthday? asked Auntie Ruth.

Me and Chase went to Ybor and hung out for a while at a club. Then I spent the night at Stacy's house. She got me a brand-new art kit! said Jordan with a big smile.

Oh, ok. That's nice. Did you use a condom? asked Auntie Ruth.

Auntie! said Jordan embarrassed.

Boy, I know what yawl young folks do. Just use it baby. You can't afford no baby nor a baby mamma. said Auntie Ruth.

Yes ma'am. said Jordan.

"Ok, now shower up and get to your chores.