The Retaliation of Time

By L. Y. Reed

This is the lost manuscript that is now found. The sequel to Persona needed to be reworked upon its location to allow the reader to see the eventual outcome of the Houston Crenshaw Psychiatric Practice which is now the Thomas and Connor Psychological Associates. Mix in the wealthy Dandridges with their share of family secrets as well as the murderous Winslow brothers and the concoction tastes like the darkest novel that this author has ever written. Great Minds Graphic Design offers another fabulous book cover. Thank you, Geraldine White.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496924841

L. Y. Reed

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, the author still resides there after living in other areas of the country during his life. L. Y. Reed, which is the author’s pseudonym, was educated at the University of Texas and the College of Charleston. Work background includes sales in the communication field and many years in the hospitality industry. The author continues to write and he is in the process of producing a new and provocative novel. Reed would like to pay his deepest respect to his typist and editor, Cathy Barber.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The traffic stood still on I-85. All six lanes were stopped as the announcer on the radio explained that there was a multiple car collision on the freeway into the heart of Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Lee Thomas was in the traffic jam with her lover, Mimi Seville. Luckily, she was not in the major mishap but, unluckily, she was in her Volvo listening to the radio as all lanes were filled. It had been one year since Dr. Houston Crenshaw had left his practice to Dr. Thomas, his colleague. She had faced court proceedings as she had told a story that no juror would accept. It took a major default and plenty of money before the practice became her own. Lee never understood that the jury could not understand the witness that testified in her behalf. She thought that her life as a lesbian entered into the testimony to discredit her but it, fortunately, did not. Absence of the esteemed author and doctor gave her the practice by his written decree on his desk after six months under current Georgia legal guidelines. It was now time to expand her practice with a new energizing influence. She remembered the moments of resumes and interviews in the traffic as Mimi looked at her lover in thought. The memories raced to his meeting as she interviewed so many candidates.

Lee was tired, as the publicity had brought a lot of business to the newest, hottest practice in the Southeast. Hypnotism and past life rejuvenation were the key to many that had the money to live their dream. Dr. Thomas had forced herself to feel more proficient as lifelong episodes with clients brought this type of treatment into greater proportions. She and Mimi barely stayed afloat for six months. They could hardly see friends for her work schedule was tedious. Then Travis came into her life.

***

I admit that my parents are skeptical of my endeavor, Dr. Thomas. They wanted me to seek a high-class psychiatric firm in Boston or New York since I am moneyed from my grandparents. They are moneyed, as well, but it seems that my whims are not their goals, the very handsome man construed. He was over six feet tall, wearing a designer suit. He was dark-haired with great green eyes. They seemed to smile as he carried on this conversation. His eyes were the color of grass.

Why should I hire you with all the applicants that I have seen? Lee tantalized.

"I am your man. Let’s not play here. I sense that you are gay, and boss, that’s okay. I am the one who brings women into this practice like never before. I love women and I mean all of them. I will bring in women that cannot afford our measures but will find legitimate means to answer their cause. I will bring in women who are beautiful and enlightening because I see myself as the same. I will bring in the older women who will read my book, my credentials, and they will want to experience the likeness of me," he superbly said as she looked shocked with this approach. He rose to leave.

Where are you going? Lee asked. It was her practice now. Things would need to change because of the emerging business. She told herself that she was not impressed with his demeanor but the resumé showed the legitimate guides in San Francisco, New York City, and Europe as he had traveled to do this calling which he stressed was the wave of the future. Her eyes grew bigger and bigger as she checked these references. These were some of the doctors that she had interviewed with in the past, and they were definitely some of the best in their fields of hypnosis and reincarnation. They were the best in abnormal psychology.

I don’t really like you nor do I want to hire you, she told the doctor who was standing in front of her desk.

I’ll continue to look for a home in the South. Please consider me to be the prime candidate for the cause, doctor, he entered with a great grin that displayed his set of perfect teeth. He knew that he was in Atlanta and that he had found a home.

Any idiosyncrasies about your personal life that I should know before I write up this lucrative contract? she extended.

I love women and I want all of them, he told his new boss as he winked.

"Forget this one in front of you. You have called me gay and I am. Does that make a difference?" she afforded him.

Go for it boss. Hire me. I think that my bedside manner may intrigue the patients and you, he retracted from her comments.

I want to see you in action. I have Mrs. Coggs in the waiting room to see me. She is anxious to quit smoking and forget her foot fetish. She looks to her friends’ feet for comfort. She adores the smell of shoes and feet. I want you to see her, she told young, feisty Travis Connor as he agreed immediately to meet this task.

He obliged the greeting as the older woman fell in love with his good looks. She fell into his groaning trance at once.

Cissy, the foot is our friend. It sustains our walking and strength. The feet give us the power to walk and see the earth. It is apparent that you do not want cigarettes in your life and you are doing so well, according to your chart. Every foot besides your own will smell like stale cigarette smoke. It really smells bad to you. The smell is like a drab bar that contains the stench of the smoke that enclosed the area for hours and hours, Travis persuaded as her nose twitched with the information. He brought her out of the trance as he sat on the desk with his shoes off of his feet. His socked feet met her eyes as she awoke.

Do you smoke, young man? she engaged as she saw the display on the desk as his stocking feet dangled.

Not I. Never have, he answered as he flashed his smile. His feet still waved in the air as she commented on the stench of cigarettes as she slowly got up from her chair. She coughed a good bit as Lee took her out of the room to suppress her new problem with feet.

What a nice young man but I know he smokes. His feet smell of cigarettes! the older woman said with true distaste.

He wants a job here. Should I hire him? Lee asked innocently as Mrs. Coggs concluded her session of coughing.

"Yes, he is very good with patients but he must quit smoking," the older woman reiterated as she left the office with a smile. Lee stood astonished with his abilities. She marched back into her office, formerly Hugh’s stay in this life. She quickly tried to shake his memory from her recollection as she faced the talent and glamour of Travis Connor, who continued to dangle his feet as he sat on her desk.

Doctor, I don’t think that is necessary any longer, she told him as he quickly sat up to replace his shoes on his feet. He looked at her across the desk with longing eyes.

Doctor, I told you that I am gay. Don’t play with me. Uh, Travis, do you play with available women this way? she pursued as she caught his eye quickly to trip him up on his feet.

Never, doctor. I never need to do that for companionship nor would I conceive the need, he enforced with the wink of an eye.

Very well, Travis. You are hired. What made you play this game with Mrs. Coggs? she asked as she thought about the tough, older widowed woman.

It is truly the power of persuasion within the mind. She was a prime candidate for my persuasion, Dr. Connor unfolded as he planned to move into Lee’s old office.

May I please ask my new boss about the actual location of your old boss? He is renowned and published. What happened to Houston Crenshaw? he asked demurely as he adjusted his tie and shirt.

He left the country. He’s gone or dead. He never went back to his place. I had to send his belongings to his family, who did not seem interested in this undertaking. I was very sad with this information. When can you come to work for this practice, doctor? Lee established as she anguished a memory in her soul.

Tomorrow. I look forward to making this business work for you, he structured as she shook his hand. She could not believe his talent and innovation as the young man left the office building.

***

The car sat in traffic longer than expected. Mimi saw that Lee thought about the business as she was patient about her answer to her question.

Have you heard from Adele or Brett? she questioned slowly in her French brogue.

I’m sorry, Mimi. I heard you the first time but it did not clear my mind’s channel. It was to clear my thinking pattern, said Lee as she looked at her lover with an anticipation of question or answer. She thought about her partner’s book on the market, which was entitled, The Knight of Arabia, as she proceeded. It dealt with the past lives of a moneyed, divorced woman from Saudi Arabia who now lived in this country.

"Are you ready to speak with me? Mimi subjected tersely.

Oh, yes. I’m sorry, honey. It’s been quite a day. Brett is happy with his new job in the geriatric hospital. It’s his third position since he moved there. I warned him that too many jobs on a resumé could be devastating. Perry has opened his own business near the Castro district with TV and DVD repair. It is supposed to be doing quite well. They live in a nice apartment over an Italian restaurant that they both frequent. Brett said that his old rat nest apartment has become a dilapidated building, Lee answered.

Mimi smiled as she pursued the next interest, What about Adele? She was so sweet.

Sweet Adele is engaged to an officer of the law. I thought you knew that. Her last letter confirmed my suspicion, Lee answered.

Is she still a social worker? asked Mimi.

Yes, and she seems very happy. The information that she wrote about Smokey still dumbfounds me. Hugh should have seen the inevitable. He was so good, Lee pronounced, as there was a tear in her eye.

Hugh was not in a clear mind when she was in his presence. I still can’t believe you did not tell the court the whole truth about Dr. Crenshaw, Mimi retorted as they continued to sit in traffic.

Mimi, I could not tarnish his superb record and efforts, delivered Lee as horns started to blow and tempers raised in the scene of automobiles for miles.

The phone buzzed in Lee’s Volvo as Mini picked it up for the driver. She smiled as she answered, Thomas and Connor Psychological Associates. May I help you?

So, you are in this traffic jam, too? inquired a familiar male voice to Mimi.

Hank, how are you? she asked as she nudged her lover.

Sitting in a warm car with the windows down in Hotlanta. Where is your vehicle located? he asked as he perspired. He slung his tie into the back seat. It was an uncommon autumn for the big city.

Hank, how is the new placement in your job? Mimi questioned as Lee asked silently not to be given the phone.

Tell Lee that I know that I will be able to give her some money soon. I really appreciate the loan with everything that you both faced, he said as a woman looked his way. He ignored her pleasantly.

You did not answer my question, sweetness, Mimi continued.

The bank is the bank. Stocks and dividends are not any easier than loans and mortgages, Hank Pritchard told her as he felt the release of his anguish through his words.

Leave the bank in time. I know that you trained for this job in your schooling, but college is not the real world. It is time to find yourself, Mimi stated as she looked at Lee’s eyes.

Lee turned away. She knew that he never contacted Brett for a loan. Lee had told Brett that Hank had found harder times. Brett never offered assistance since he was trying to find himself in a new relationship and in a new city, San Francisco.

He wants to speak with you, said Mimi as Lee seemed aggravated. Mimi continued as she covered the phone, My God! He knows that you are here with me. Should I tell him that you are in the toilet?

Lee grabbed the phone with a second thought and said pleasantly, Hey. How are you?

Miserable like you at this time. Oh my God! I feel that the traffic is starting to move, he stated as he cranked his ailing car to move through traffic slowly. Lee felt good about that information since she did need to use the toilet.

Please come to my place so I can cook for you soon, I beg you, he stated as he thought about his old grill.

We’ll talk soon. Are you still attending the AIDS rally at Chastain Park? inquired Lee.

I promised Mimi that I would attend. I will be there with her since I know that you can’t be there, Hank Pritchard denoted as the traffic moved more deliberately.

I appreciate that and I will talk to you soon. I need to start to drive now, Lee slowly stated in a sweet fashion.

"I will talk to you very soon and I will bring you some money. Take care. I miss you both. Bye," Hank said as he signed off. Lee sighed over the conversation.

He is a good boy, Mimi registered with some enthusiasm.

"He is Hank and he needs to stay home from the bars in search of his Mr. Right. He could probably make ends meet if he would indulge this suggestion," Lee donated after her lover’s comments.

You were never this way before. I can’t believe that you have chosen to snub a good friend, elected Mimi as she continued, You could be nicer to me as well.

It’s been a tumultuous couple of months. I hope that you both will see fit to see my anguish like I try to see both of yours, Lee expelled as she saw the traffic moving more quickly.

I pray for your patience as I need your nurturing. I need you, dear. I depend on you in so many ways, Mimi said in her broken English as she took her lover’s hand.

I love you, too. Please be patient with my own anxiety at this time in our lives, Lee pleaded as she smiled at Mimi.

I wish you would talk to me about the day that Hugh left because of Adele. I can’t believe his choice to leave the country, yet he left you the business. Did he leave anything else? An address, a message, or anything more to his legend? Mimi addressed as she faced her lover in devotion. Lee did not look at her face as she felt her earlier explanation in court was not enough.

I miss him, Mimi. I have already told you this, so if he left the country abruptly to find himself, then why can’t you and I see that a man in love in this respect can do this? Lee allowed in patience through this traffic.

He left all of his belongings and according to the court, he left his bank accounts. How will he survive without money? Where did he go, Lee? Tell me, Mimi persuaded as she tried to sort this disappearance out in her own soul. She had never questioned it for months but it was obvious that Lee was nurturing a secret. She always sensed this to be an issue.

Lee overheard a news broadcast that she turned up in the car for both of them to hear.

Peter Winslow and his brother strike again. They have bombed the Jewish Community Center in Houston, Texas. Seventy are dead and 145 are injured. So far the Winslow brothers have bombed an Indian reservation in Oklahoma, as well as the NAACP headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi. They always take credit for their addresses as they stipulate through their mail to the media that they are after the unnatural in this world. They escaped one more time, as usual. These nuisances spell anger. What are these terrorists’ purposes in life? Do they do it for the publicity? Is it because all of these groups have affected the lives of the Winslows too many times? the reporter asked in a strained tone.

Lee looked at the traffic move slowly as she looked at Mimi with the description on the radio. Mimi sighed.

"Promise me that if you ever have the chance to help such a person that you will. Your talent would get to the bottom of this absurdity," Mimi said as she touched Lee’s lips with a kiss from her finger. Lee smiled as she heard more of the gruesome details from the radio broadcast. She grimaced with the remainder of the gory tale.

Let’s go to dinner. It’s my treat, Mimi stated as she touched Lee’s hand lovingly. Lee agreed as they discussed where they wanted to go that night as the sun set. The love between the two of them was growing more and more in time. The radio announcer continued to give more of the bloody details of the first bombing. Lee turned the radio off at once.

Mimi knew that she would approach the issue of Hugh’s disappearance again in the future. She did not feel that her lover was committing to an answer. She felt that Lee was protecting her boss’ absence in their present world and she knew in her heart that it would take time to receive the truthful answer. Sometimes, the truth was not the answer, but the answer could never be the truth at all times.

***

A helicopter flew over the city of Atlanta. It was chartered by a wealthy man, who sought his missing sister. She, also rich, seemed to escape at times. She slumped to lower levels that she could not explain. The helicopter landed on a building in downtown Atlanta in an area known for drugs. Jason Dandridge cringed as he got out of the helicopter to face his sister on the roof. She was crouched in a corner, barely clothed, in his opinion. Jason helped her into the helicopter and covered her with a blanket. She shivered, as she remained speechless.

At least tell me that you are alright. You could not talk earlier when you called the estate, Jason said with a stressed tone.

She nodded as the helicopter took off from the building’s rooftop. The old tenement building housed a predominantly black and Hispanic clientele of lower income or lower principles.

As they neared the estate, Ramona Dandridge started to cry. Jason held her close to his side as he brushed her long, wavy hair from her face. Her brown eyes filled with tears as the helicopter landed at the estate. The striking beauty disembarked the aircraft with the assistance of her brother. Her personal maid met them as she helped Jason deliver her into the mansion.

Eileen, take her up with one of the other assistants. Please bathe her, feed her, even if it’s only soup, and see that she is in bed in short order, Jason suggested as the family’s butler arrived to witness Ramona Dandridge’s efforts to climb the stairs with Eileen and another young woman who was recently employed at the massive estate.

Jason marched by the butler, Bernard, and into the study to view the oil paintings of his deceased parents. He poured a brandy and lit his pipe as the thirty-year-old bank magnate exhaled.

Beg your pardon, sir? Bernard inquired as he looked into the room at the master of the house.

Come in and close the door, Bernard, Jason stated.

He did just that as he stated, Sir, this cannot continue. These episodes are becoming more frequent. She will eventually hurt herself badly or even be killed. Your father would have taken her to an institution before the family name was marred.

"I am not my father! I would never institutionalize Ramona for fear of a family disgrace! She is a Dandridge, like myself!" Jason burst.

I realize I am the aging butler in this house and you can ask me to leave at any time but this is wearing you thin, Bernard added quickly with a dignified stance.

I would never dismiss you, Bernard. You and Ramona are my only true friends in this world. I value your opinion but I need a better suggestion, Jason issued as he threw the rest of the brandy into the smoldering wood of the fireplace.

You work all the time and you play bodyguard to a sister who needs professional help. You won’t be able to contain her under these conditions unless you lock her into a room, Bernard said with deliberation.

I guess it is time to seek other avenues to assist Ramona. Do you know any good psychiatrists? Jason asked bluntly.

Your mother saw Houston Crenshaw before her death two years ago. She never wanted you both to know that she needed therapy to prepare herself for death. Her disease was so rare anyway, Bernard answered with memories.

You’re right. I never knew that. She used to read all of his books. Didn’t he recently disappear mysteriously? I remember how the news media had multiple stories to entertain his whereabouts or demise, Jason thought aloud.

The practice is still in place with his former colleague from what I have heard. Should I research this for you, sir? the butler inquired.

I want references as well. I appreciate your candidness and your desire to help us, Jason said.

It is my job and my pleasure, Mr. Dandridge.

Is there something else that you wish to say, Bernard?

It is time for you to find some happiness in your own life, sir, or you will be old and alone like myself, Bernard suggested earnestly.

You chose to stay here for forty years, Bernard.

Is that what you chose, as well, Jason? Bernard asked.

I’ve got to maintain the family business because of my namesake, Bernard.

And Miss Ramona? the butler inquired softly.

I must make sure that she has gravitated to a better life before I seek serious companionship, Jason offered.

Suppose she is not willing, sir? Bernard pressed.

Jason met his eyes with the realistic comment.

Chapter 2

Travis Connor entered the Club Durango with his newest involvement, Sara Long. She had long blonde hair with bangs and sassy blue eyes. Her sexy figure was highlighted by a tight top and short skirt. This was Travis’ favorite watering hole since he was into country music. He took Sara to the dance floor after they grabbed two beers. The couple danced to Cotton-eyed Joe, before they settled into a slow dance.

Sara, you are the prettiest girl in the place, Travis stated in her ear. The bar was packed since it was Saturday night.

I thought the drive-in was a real kinky idea the other night. I hadn’t been to a drive-in movie since I was a child, Sara admitted. By day, she worked as a receptionist for an optometry firm.

The movie wasn’t the kinky part, he remembered as he snickered with the lustful memory.

"You’re a bad boy and that is why I like you so much," she answered as she nibbled at his ear. After their dance, he took her to a seat while he went to the restroom. The seats at the club were for ladies only. Sara sipped her beer as she awaited his return.

As he came out of the restroom, Travis ran into a recent, older date. Melanie was a shapely redhead who grabbed him immediately.

What are you doing? he questioned as he barely got his zipper secure.

Why haven’t you called? I thought we were doing great together, stud, Melanie stated as she backed him up against the wall to stick a tongue in his ear.

Melanie, I – I lost your phone number, he quickly evoked as she promised to call him tomorrow.

Melanie, I am here with a date. I need to…, Travis began as he looked around the woman in front of him to see Sara, who tapped her foot.

Melanie turned to face Sara as Travis felt the sweat on his forehead.

Did you lose your seat, dear? Sara asked poignantly in her southwestern twang.

My seat is over there, Melanie answered with Southern charm as she pointed at a nearby chair.

Well, I suggest you get your damn ass in that chair and keep your paws off my date, Sara quickly urged.

Well, he was dating me before you, bleached blonde, Melanie quickly answered as Travis came between the two.

Ladies, let’s not start a ruckus in this fine establishment. Let me get us all a beer, Travis suggested as he felt he was tap dancing.

Get an extra one so that I can throw it in Red’s face! screamed Sara as tables and chairs surrounding the incident became silent.

Should we go outside, bitch? Melanie raised.

My pleasure, slut, Sara answered as they exited the bar. It had been raining and a crowd had drawn to see the fight. It was a muddy parking lot that saw slaps, bites, and jabs as Travis tried to stop the altercation. The management had called the police as the bouncer went out to help Travis break up the fight, which would have sold a million copies on video.

Buddy, you need to party at other bars as well, the bouncer suggested as he pulled Melanie from Sara and the mud. Travis pulled the screaming, fighting Sara from the ground as he took a lick in his eye from Melanie. The redhead kept swinging with ferocity as the bouncer had his hands full.

Sara continued to struggle as she kicked Melanie in the ribs and then kicked the bouncer in the groin. He painfully fell to the ground.

Travis pulled Sara quickly to his vehicle as police cars started to arrive and the crowd quickly dispersed. Melanie held her side in pain and the bouncer moaned for his golden nuggets. Both lay flat on the ground with the rain on their faces as Travis and Sara escaped the parking lot in a miraculous fashion.

You dated that whore?! Sara questioned.

We only dated. Guys get dates, you know, he answered in a chivalrous Southern way.

She cut your eye! Let me look at it! Sara exclaimed as she touched the infliction which caused him to jump.

It will be okay, girl. I’ll take you to my place so we can clean you up and I’ll give you one of Travis’ special massages, he said as he winked at her.

Your BMW is full of mud! I’m sorry, baby! I’ll help you clean it, she offered.

Custom Car Cleaning will have it as good as new tomorrow, stated Travis as he took a flask of Jack Daniels out of the glove compartment. He continued, How about a swig for the road?

Sara crawled up next to him and hugged his shoulder as she remarked, "You must have been drunker than a teenager on glue when you dated that woman!" He burst out laughing as he hugged her until her own laughter appeared.

***

The Dandridge household was quiet that Sunday morning. The head of the household sat at the foot of the table as he eyed his sister directly across from him. She quietly thumbed through the newspaper as she nibbled on eggs, bacon and toast. Ramona seemed to ignore Jason’s blatant stare.

Finally, he broke the silence.

How and why did you end up at that building, Ramona? he questioned with a keen sharpness.

She ignored the question, as she read deeper into the society column.

I want an answer, Jason raised as his coffee cup hit the saucer with abrasion.

When I understand it all, I’ll tell you, she answered.

What the hell does that mean? Jason bludgeoned.

Don’t raise your voice to me, boy! You are not Mother or Father, she retorted.

"No, Daddy would not have put up with this as long as I, and our mother would have been shocked at yesterday’s statement of fashion and demeanor," Jason resounded.

She hurled her napkin into her plate and threw the newspaper to the floor as she got up from the table abruptly. She slammed the terrace door as she stood at the porch. Ramona surveyed the garden, the pool, and the tennis court. The morning breeze felt wonderful and was only surpassed by the sun on her face.

Jason emerged to the same patio area within minutes.

I see that you spent a little money as well. Even though there is your own legitimate solid bank account, it appears you bought a red Alfa Romeo. It was delivered shortly before your call yesterday. Why would my sister, who detests speed, buy an Italian sports car? he delivered as he showed her the paperwork signed R. Dandridge.

She knew it was her signature. Did she suffer from blackouts?

Maybe I’m going through a midlife crisis, she assessed, as she did not face him.

You are twenty-five years old. There is definitely a crisis but it has nothing to do with your age, he pointed.

She had tears in her eyes, as she could bring no explanation to the proceedings.

What should I do? she asked in a whisper.

First, here are the keys to your new car. Next, I am going to a highly touted psychiatric firm to set up a consultation about this behavior. Please, Ramona, let me help you. Mother even went to this firm to prepare for her death. Bernard got me the references and I wish for you to see the male doctor there, Jason stated slowly.

She took the keys to the vehicle as she started to have flashbacks to the days past. She remembered the car purchase, vaguely, and she remembered a foreign gentleman picking her up on Peachtree Street in front of the Ritz Carlton. She shook her head to suppress any more memories.

Ramona, please support this decision for your own sake, Jason reiterated. The young master of the household stood six feet tall with dark curly hair and dark blue eyes. He had the darker skin of his sister since their mother hailed from Colombia. Ramona was a beautiful, younger version of the wealthy actress who married their father. Reginald Dandridge was twenty years older than his bride had been. Peach State Bank was his family’s founding and it had been passed down through four generations now. The Dandridges were the wealthiest family from old money. They settled into Atlanta in the 1850s. Their bank survived the burning of Georgia’s capital city during the Civil War.

Why don’t I see Dr. Spearman first? Ramona asked as she now faced her brother. She wiped her eyes. Her makeup ran as Jason handed her a handkerchief. It was red. It brought back more startling recollections in her mind.

Ramona, you had a great physical last month. He did not see anything that was questionable. Let’s try this new idea. There are only three people that know. None of your girlfriends could find out. I will meet with Dr. Connor first, Jason said as he hugged his sister.

I have no real friends, Jason. Maybe that is why I blackout on occasion, she sobbed.

No, sis. There must be a real reason to all of this. I appreciate the fact that you will listen and let me help you, Jason denoted as he kissed his sister and headed for the newspaper on the floor of the dining room.

Ramona longed for a swim in their pool as she went to the room to change into her bathing suit. She stopped at the front window to look at the garage. She decided to walk into the five-car facility with her keys.

Ramona admired the beautiful car, which intrigued her. She decided that she must drive it just the same, if her mind told her that she should buy it. She never owned a red dress, or did she?

***

Lee looked at her computer with saddened eyes. Nothing that she had written was published. This does not bring notoriety to a PhD, when she tried to maintain a clientele within her business. She needed to be published in her area of expertise. Publishers continued to decline her well-written manuscripts with lack of concept or meaning. Where would she find it?

What’s wrong, dear? Mimi inquired at the door.

Writer’s block, I guess, she answered. She shut off the computer, walked over to Mimi, and hugged her lover.

It will happen in time, Lee. Was Hugh’s first work published? Mimi asked.

All of his works were published, Lee admitted.

Maybe it is time for you to find your own Adele, Mimi suggested with a wink.

***

Jeremy Layton knocked at Hank Pritchard’s door. The neighbor befriended Hank as a workout buddy. Even though Hank was of a different persuasion, the men developed a friendship through sports and Hank’s new pastime, cards. They played spades, hearts, rummy, and any other game that passed time with a beer. Hank suggested that it kept him out of the bars and out of trouble.

Jeremy was a strawberry blonde with interesting beige eyes. He was a short man at five feet and eight inches.

As Hank dealt the next hand, the comrades nibbled at pizza. Hank asked Jeremy to break the deck.

Camilla flies all of this weekend, as well as most of next week, Jeremy grumbled as he looked at the hand he had been dealt.

How long has she been a flight attendant? Hank asked.

Eight years now. She joined Global Airlines right after she graduated from high school, Jeremy answered.

How long have you two been dating? Hank queried.

Two years. It’s a safe relationship for both of us. Neither of us really do want marriage at this point in our lives. She wants to see the world and I continue to build accounts at my brother’s chiropractic firm. Maybe one day, I’ll start my own business, Jeremy denoted as he discarded.

Well, at least you have a life. I hate my job and I have no love interest, Hank reported as his gin rummy hand won the round.

I don’t understand why a tall, good-looking guy like yourself can’t find a mate. I’m not gay and maybe I don’t fully understand the lifestyle but I believe there is someone out there for everybody, Jeremy stated sincerely.

Oh, by the way, the money I borrowed from you is in an envelope on the coffee table, Hank remarked, as he secured the next hand that