With Cream Cheese Please

By James Mitchum Oates

Jenna is a very lonely lady who lives in Dallas. She has no significant other and her family is in another state. Her only friend in the world is her loyal cat, Cesare. Shes about to be laid off from her job and things are looking pretty bad for her. Until she meets Mr. Right at her favorite eating place. They fall for each other and suddenly Jenna has a more positive outlook on life. The romance grows as the plot thickens with a very special ending.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491853986

James Mitchum Oates

James Mitchum Oates is the pen name of Brian Steven Curtis. He was born in Chicago, IL. on Oct. 19, 1975. At a young age, he moved with his family to Kansas City, MO. He received his Associate's Degree from Penn Valley Community College in 2004. From there, he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice/Corrections. He is the author of 8 published books, one of which is being screened for a movie adaptation, and has also been nominated to win the Eric Hoffer award. His marital status is single and he has no children.

Book preview

Chapter 1

T he clock said 8:04 a.m. As I arose quickly from my awakening and saw what the clock said, I thought to myself, Damn, not again. This was the third time this week I had been late for work. The alarm clock was set to go off every morning at 6:00 a.m. This morning it went off at 6:00 a.m. as usual, but like the other two times, I woke up, slammed the off button and went back to sleep. My thinking was that I’d get up in a few minutes.

But we all know it never turns out like that.

I stumbled out of bed, ran to the dresser and grabbed the perfume that was given to me as a gift, but that I didn’t think smelled so good and sprayed it on because that’s how I felt—not so good. I threw on my jeans and a sweatshirt because today was Friday and we could wear jeans today. Then I snatched up my brush and brushed my hair wildly and fast. Next I threw my glasses on and grabbed my purse and headed for the refrigerator.

No time for breakfast, I thought, and grabbed the loaf of bread and clawed out three pieces. Then I grabbed a bottle of fierce grape gatorade and was on my way to the door.

Let’s see, I know I’m forgetting something, but what?

Then it hit me. My satchel bag with all of my important papers. I ran to the chair, grabbed it, stuffed a piece of bread in my mouth, and headed out the door.

I drove fast today and was speeding. I just hoped I wouldn’t get pulled over by a cop.

I was lucky.

When I got there, while I was on the elevator, I had butterflies in my stomach because I know Dan had something to say. Dan was my boss. This was my third time being late this week, and not only that, but I didn’t have the reports done that I promised him would be done today.

As I stepped off of the elevator, I thought to myself, the plan is simple. Tell Dan that your grandmother is deathly ill and it’s been effecting you terribly because you can’t make time to go see her because you’re so dedicated to your job you just couldn’t leave. Then look pitifully sad as if you’re going to cry. That should definitely soften the blow.

I walked into the office and turned the corner. At the end of the hall, I saw Dan at my desk—waiting on me. I expected the worst, but didn’t back down with my plan. I walked up to him, put on my strongest frown, and with a crying voice began, Oh it’s terrible. She’s suffering and dying and I can’t get to see her or help her. My grandmother I mean.

Dan’s reaction was surprising. Surprising because it was unchanging. He didn’t show anger, resentment, joy, not even sorrow—just blank. So I continued, The doctors say she’s not responding to the medicine well and they don’t think she’ll make it past three months.

Dan then waved his hand dismissively and said, Go to her.

I was shocked and surprised and said, What?

You need to be with your grandmother now. Family is very important. As a matter of fact, take off as much time as you like.

I was surprised, but not stupid enough to let it show. I very sadly said, Are you sure? I mean I love my grandmother very much, but I have a very big commitment to my job.

No, I’m sure, Jenna. Your grandmother needs you now.

So that he wouldn’t change his mind all of a sudden, I said, O.K., but only if you’re sure. Before I could get another response, I slowly turned around and walked away, still shocked from what had just happened.

Chapter 2

A s I pulled in front of my apartment I felt as if something was missing. Not a physical thing, but something else. I couldn’t explain it. It was probably what just happened at the office with Dan.

Why was he so understanding?

Then it hit me all of a sudden as I sat there. They’re trying to let me go. But they’re doing it in a subtle way. First it starts out take off as much time as you need, then more time, and then they hit you with the big one.

It was only a matter of time.

I got out of my car feeling depressed. Maybe not really depressed, but just tired. You see I know it wasn’t depression because depression is more of a sadness feeling from an emotional aspect. It couldn’t have been that because at this point I really didn’t care much about anything