Love on the Edge of Danger

By Douglas J. McLeod, TK Lawyer, Scarlette Rayne and Tamalyn E Scott

In 2020, the world suffered a viral pandemic of epic proportions. Thousands of people fell ill and lost their lives. In the grips of the pandemic, four Florida authors came together to weave these romantic tales and show that, above all, love overcomes darkness.

 

Amor En Cuarencena- Maria and Jose find love in a famous entertainment district.

 

When You Least Expect It- Collin's medical supply deliveries soon become more… than a basic necessity.

 

And Love Happened-  For Chrissy, life was perfect… until it wasn't.

 

The Megalodon Charm- Under quarantine, Can Zoe and Ezra re-connect and find love once again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Douglas J. McLeod
• Release date: Jul 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393684923

Book preview

Love on the Edge of Danger

TK Lawyer

Douglas J. McLeod

Scarlette Rayne

Tamalyn E. Scott

Love on the Edge of Danger

Love on the Edge of Danger

Amor en Cuarencena by Douglas J. McLeod

When You Least Expect It by TK Lawyer

And Love Happened by Tamalyn E. Scott

The Megalodon Charm by Scarlette Rayne

The Writers of Southeastwick © 2020

This collection contains works of fiction. The people, places, and organizations depicted in this collection of works are all fictitious and the imaginations of the authors. Any resemblance to those living or dead are purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Amor en Cuarencena

When You Least Expect It

And Love Happens

The Megalodon Charm

Social Media Links

Acknowledgements

This collection came about as a way to give back to the organizations who have aided those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. We have all been affected by the change the world has undergone, and although things may be different, we hope you will enjoy our tales of love found during what might seem like the bleakest of times.

We, the Authors of Southeastwick, would like to thank all of those who have supported us during our respective journeys as authors. Whether you might be a family member, a friend, or a reader, we tip our collective hats off to you all.

Amor en Cuarencena

By Douglas J. McLeod

Douglas J. McLeod is a multi-genre author who has written paranormal mystery, romance, and poetry under three different personas since 2012. Originally hailing from Toronto, Canada, Mr. McLeod moved to the United States in late 2015 to marry the love of his life. He currently lives in Florida with his wife and their two dogs.

Chapter 1

In the city of Tampa, there are different neighborhoods that bring to the city its cultural identity. Among them is the historic district known as Ybor City. It was here where Cuban immigrants would work in the cigar factories of yore to manufacture the tobacco products people enjoy. Also in the neighborhood are various restaurants and cafes where the factory workers would enjoy the legendary Cuban sandwiches that have become synonymous with Tampa: a distinct bread filled with layers of sliced pork, ham, salami, and pickles, along with spreads of mustard and mayonnaise; then grilled in a press to heated perfection. While the factories have long gone, Ybor City is now a bustling entertainment area within the city. The restaurants and cafes still dot the area, and within one of them, the patrons are familiar to the staff who work within them.

Maria Garcia is a 26-year old waitress at Los Gatto y Perro Café in the district. Her flowing black hair is usually tied in a ponytail, so not to shield her brown eyes. Maria is of Hispanic descent, and her smile greets all of the patrons she serves. Most of the customers come and go as the week draws on, with a few regulars who pop in; however, there is one patron who appears to be infatuated with her, a young 24-year old gentleman by the name of José Guerrero. José works at a nearby club in Ybor as a bouncer. He is a burly individual, with short brown hair and brown eyes. But he also has a soft spot for Maria. José would always stop into Los Gatto y Perro before his shifts to have a cup of coffee and a light dinner. Maria would be his traditional server, and the two had developed a good rapport with one another. She wasn’t sure what it was about her that José was attracted to, but Maria knew he was, and she couldn’t help but smile a bit more when she was at his table.

One afternoon in late February, José came into the café to partake in his pre-shift ritual. Maria came by his table to take his order.

Afternoon, José, she greeted. Shall I get you your usual?

Hola, Maria, he responded. Actually, I have a long shift tonight, so I’m going to order something substantial. Could I get an order of paella along with my usual coffee?

Sure thing. Are you working until close tonight?

Unfortunately, yes. Friday and Saturday nights are typically our busiest nights over at the club, and they’ve booked me back-to-back nights this week.

Sorry to hear that, Maria remarked. Hope things won’t be too crazy for you this weekend.

It shouldn’t be, José commented. We usually keep the crowds well-behaved. We might get the odd person who can’t hold their drinks, but those are few and far between. You know, you should come by the club some night. I can easily get you in.

Maria hesitated. I... should go get your order in. The waitress hurried off to the kitchen to place José’s order, and left the patron dumbfounded. Was he being too forward? Maria seemed to like him, but she was friendly with other customers, too.

Meanwhile, Maria placed José’s order with the kitchen, and took a moment to collect herself. José was flirting with her, and Maria was attempting to process how she felt about it. The look of contemplation concerned the head cook, 30-year old Juan Martinez.

Something wrong there, Maria? he asked.

You know that bouncer from the nearby club that I usually end up serving, José? I think he’s propositioning me for a date.

Are you sure about that?

He just asked me if I would like to come to the club some night when I’m not working.

Just yourself? Juan queried.

No, Maria clarified. I’d be going there with some of my girlfriends. But I’m not sure about it. I mean, I shouldn’t mix business with pleasure.

Hold up. José invited you and your gal pals to come to the hottest club in all of Ybor? The line to get in there is usually a mile long. If José can bypass you through all of that, I’d say go for it.

Maria still doubted the offer. You sure? I don’t know if I could get the time off work to do so.

It’s not like it’s an actual date, Juan reasoned. You’d be there with your friends. Plus, in a place like that, it doesn’t hurt to have an extra set of eyes to watch over all of you. I’d say, go for it.

After talking to Juan, the opportunity to let her hair down appealed to Maria. It had been a while since she had gone out with her girlfriends, and while it wasn’t technically a date, it would have been nice to have someone look after her in such an environment. The more Maria thought about it, the more she began to warm up to the concept.

Fifteen minutes later, Maria returned to José’s table with his order and a smile upon her face.

Okay, she stated. I’ve thought about it, and I’m considering your offer.

José blinked. You mean, you’re interested in coming to the club?

Maria nodded. Maybe not this weekend, since I have to work. But I’m going to call my girlfriends, and see if we can arrange a night out.

That would be great. Just let me know when you plan on stopping by, and I’ll do my best to get you all on the Guest List.

Sweet, Maria beamed. As soon as I hear back from them, I’ll let you know, and we can plan accordingly.

Excellent, José remarked. I’ll make sure you gals have a wonderful night out.

That would be great. Enjoy your meal, and we’ll talk later.

Thanks, Maria, José appreciated.

Maria headed off to her next station, and José dined on his meal. Once José finished eating, Maria showed up with his bill, which José paid with a nice tip. The two reconfirmed their promise to one another before he left for work. Maria continued on with the rest of her shift, but in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help but think about a night out with her gal pals, with a beefy bouncer watching over them.

Chapter 2

The next weekend, Maria was in her bedroom, getting ready for a night out with her girlfriends. She decided to wear her hair down, and tease her flowing raven locks with a curling iron. After applying a layer of makeup, she decided to don a sequined blue mini-dress, and took one last look in the mirror. She thought she looked like she would turn a few heads at the club, but knew she would be with her small group of gal pals, who were also dressed to kill. She hoped that José would be able to keep tabs on them, but understood if he would be busy dealing with other patrons. A few minutes later, her friends knocked on her door. She greeted them with hugs, and embarked to José’s club in Ybor for what they hoped to be a fun evening.

When Maria and her friends arrived at the club, there was already a line waiting to get in. Maria’s friends bemoaned about having to wait, but Maria noticed one of José’s colleagues was manning the line, and approached him.

Hi, she requested, we’re friends of José Guerrero who’s working tonight. Is there any way you could get us in?

The doorman got on his headset. José? he inquired. There’s four women outside who claim to know you.

The bouncer came outside, recognized the waitress’ party, and ushered them into the club after the group paid the necessary cover to get in.

Once inside, the club was filled with young individuals dancing and drinking, while the disc jockey was spinning the latest club jams on the turntables. Maria and her friends approached the bar and placed their drink order. The waitress opted for a Cuban Libre, while her friends picked a variety of different adult beverages to consume. The quartet observed the dance floor and listened to the music, sipping on their drinks in the process. Guys would come up to the enclave, and asked them to dance, but Maria decided to hold back for a bit; watching over her friends’ drinks, so no one would attempt to spike them.

Ten minutes later, while Maria was watching her friends on the floor, she was tapped upon her shoulder. She turned around to see José, who stopped by the bar to talk to the waitress he was smitten with.

Hey there, he greeted. Are you and your friends enjoying yourselves?

Maria nodded. We are, she commented. Thank you for getting us in.

My pleasure. Why aren’t you out there, showing off your moves?

I’m keeping an eye on their drinks while they’re out on the dance floor. You know how some creepy guys can be in places like this.

All too well, unfortunately, José noted. You wouldn’t believe how many instances we’ve had reported over the past few months.

So, it happens quite a bit? Maria asked.

Not as much in recent weeks. We’ve done our best to crack down on such instances, but there is the odd slimeball who will still try to slip a date rape drug in an unsuspecting woman’s drink.

All of a sudden, there was a commotion on the dance floor. Maria and José turned toward the surface, and noticed one of the waitress’ friends, Julia Winters, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed 25-year old, was being jostled by two inebriated male patrons. The duo rushed into the fray to try and break things up.

She was dancing with me, a blond male complained.

Up yours! his brown-haired rival disputed. She was dancing with me.

Maria’s friend was being pulled back-and-forth between the two males. The other two women in Maria’s party attempted to break it up, but were concerned that one of the drunks might have taken a swing at them. José rushed to the scene to break up the fight.

Alright, guys, the bouncer ordered. That’s enough!

Maria took her friend aside, consoling her to make sure she was alright.

Are you okay, Julia? she inquired.

Yeah, she confirmed, I’m fine. Just a little shaken up.

While Maria was tending to Julia, one of the drunken patrons who was battling over the waitress’ friend took a swing at José. The bouncer took the punch, reeling a bit before reinforcements joined in, throwing the two inebriated combatants out of the club where the authorities were waiting for them outside. José headed back to the bar to get some ice for his face. Maria, Julia, and their two other friends came up to José soon after to check on him.

Oh, my God! Maria exclaimed. Are you alright?

I’ll be fine, José insisted. I might have a bit of a black eye, but at least I didn’t go down.

Thanks for getting me out of that, Julia stated.

How did it happen in the first place? Maria inquired.

I was just out on the floor, Julia explained, doing my thing, when these two drunken idiots tried to dance up on me. Obviously, I wasn’t going to have any of it, but they started fighting over me. That’s when you two came in.

We’re going to be a while, José mentioned. The cops are going to quiz us for a report of the incident.

I get that, Julia said. I’m prepared to give a statement of the incident.

Maria and her friends all headed outside of the club with José following soon after, an ice pack still on his face to reduce any possible swelling from the punch he took earlier. Hillsborough County Police spoke to the bouncer and the assaulted woman about what had gone down inside. They told Julia and José that the two assailants were being taken to the Drunk Tank to sleep off their intoxication. The officers asked if either Julia or José would be pressing charges. The bouncer refused to and Julia considered it for a few seconds, but after what happened, she just wanted to head home. The officers understood and gave her their card; telling Julia to contact them if she did plan on pressing charges against the drunken duo. Once things had settled down, Maria approached José to check on him again.

How’re you feeling? she asked.

A little sore, he admitted, but I’ll survive. Is Julia going to be alright?

She’s still a little shaken up, and trying to process everything. But I think she’ll be okay.

I’m sorry your Girls’ Night Out had to end like this.

I am, too, Maria sighed. But I guess these things happen from time to time.

If it’s any consolation, José quipped, at least none of your drinks got spiked.

Maria giggled and brushed her hair aside. If there’s one redeeming quality about tonight, it was that.

I wouldn’t say that was the only redeeming quality, José noted. I did get to see you tonight outside of you working.

This is true. Anyway, I should make sure Julia gets home alright. Maria leaned up and kissed José’s cheek. Thanks for inviting us tonight. I’ll see you the next time you come into the restaurant?

Of course, José said with a smile. I might look a little banged up, but I will definitely come by the next time I’m scheduled to work.

Maria caressed the bouncer’s cheek, then rose up to kiss his blackening eye before dashing off with Julia and the others in their party. José saw them pile into a rideshare vehicle, and ride off into the night. He paused for a moment, sighed, then headed back into the club to finish the rest of his shift.

AS THE FOUR FRIENDS rode in their rideshare vehicle, Julia turned to Maria and made an observation about José.

Save for what happened, she said, it was a nice gesture for your friend to get us in tonight.

Yeah, Maria conceded, José is a good guy. I’m sorry things didn’t go well for all of us.

It might not have, but I did notice that he seemed really into you.

Another friend chimed in, I’m with Julia on this one. José’s got a thing for our Maria.

Guys, Maria resisted, José is just a friend. Yeah, I know he likes me and everything, but I don’t think anything is going to happen.

Are you kidding? Julia exclaimed. José is sweet, thoughtful, and not to mention a total hunk. If I were you, I’d lay claim to him before some other gal snapped him up.

Maria’s friends continued to talk up José to the waitress, but she presumed it was the alcohol talking. She did think José was a decent man, but was still unsure if he was the type of guy for her. He did come to Julia’s aid when the scuffle broke out on the dance floor, so that was a redeeming quality in all of their books. Yet, Maria was still hesitant to pursue things further. Was she not ready for a relationship?

At any rate, she did have concern for the bouncer after what had transpired, and hoped he would be on the mend soon.

AFTER MARIA AND HER friends left, one of José’s colleagues, a muscular 28-year old male of Puerto Rican descent named Marcus Gonzalez, came to check up on him while the bouncer was evaluating the darkening bruise around his eye in the men’s room mirror.

Damn, Marcus observed. That guy clipped you pretty good. It’s definitely going to leave a mark for a while.

Thanks for noticing, José commented. I hate that I’m going to have to stay home for a couple days because of this.

So, that chiqua that you were socializing with at the bar, do you know if she’s seeing someone?

José had to be careful. He was obviously interested in her, but was Marcus trying to horn in on the woman he was interested in? You mean Maria? I think she’s dating a guy.

So, you’re not sure if she’s seeing anyone? Marcus devilishly grinned. Interesting.

José grew concerned. What are you getting at, Marcus?

I was just thinking of seeing if she’d be interested in going out with me. Show her a time she will never forget.

José grabbed Marcus by his shirt, and threw him against the wall.

Whoa! Marcus demanded. What the hell, esse?

Now, see here, José spat. Maria is a great gal, and I’ll be damned if you try anything salacious with her.

Oh ho! So, you are interested in her. It all makes sense now. How you got her in here tonight, and the way you were chatting with her at the bar. I should have known.

Okay, yeah, I am interested in Maria, but I’m not sure if it’s mutual.

You could always ask her, Marcus suggested.

Nah, José disputed. Women don’t like it when you come right out and ask if they want to be with you. It’s downright rude, esse, and a complete turn-off.

But you have to find out to see if there’s some potential for things to happen between you two.

Marcus was right, but José didn’t know how to bring the subject up. It was something he would have to think about. Fortunately for the bouncer, he had a couple of days to do so.

Chapter 3

It would be a few days after the incident at the club when José would make his return to Los Gatto y Perro Café. The effects of the altercation at the club were starting to diminish, but José was still sporting a little bit of a shiner. When he sat down at his table, Maria was there to greet him with her usual smile and friendly demeanor.

Hi José, she welcomed. I see your black eye is healing nicely. How’re you feeling otherwise?

Thanks, Maria, the bouncer replied. Thankfully, there were no broken bones, but I’m well enough to head back to work. In fact, today is my first shift since the incident. How is Julia holding up?

She’s getting over what happened, but is still a little shaken up.

I can see that. I’d be upset, too, if I was in her shoes.

Maria nodded. But she’s doing okay; although, I think it’ll be a while before she goes out clubbing again.

José asked, And how’ve you been doing since that night?

I’m doing okay. I had a couple of days off after what happened, so I spent some of it keeping an eye on Julia. Since then, I’ve been working my regular shifts here at the café, but I’ve missed seeing you.

José grinned. I’ve missed seeing you, too. I’ve been wondering how you and Julia have been doing.

Maria huffed, And you didn’t think of getting in touch with me?

I would have, he chuckled, but there is one slight problem. I don’t have your home number.

You could have contacted the café to see if I was working that day.

I should have, but didn’t think of it. So, that was my fault. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t thinking about you. I wondered how you were doing, and whether you were okay.

Maria continued to protest. Nevertheless, a message would have been nice.

José turned it around. By the same token, if you were really concerned about me, why didn’t you try to reach out?

Okay, okay. I admit I’m guilty of the same thing. But I was still worried about you.

The bouncer sighed. Alright, let’s both admit that we dropped the ball. Now, can we try to move on?

Maria was still upset, but realized she would lose the battle if she continued. Fair enough. So, what would you like today?

José placed his order of a pressed Cuban sandwich and a cup of coffee. Maria gritted her teeth over the bouncer’s previous inconsideration, and went to the kitchen to inform the cooks of the request. Juan noticed the waitress was fuming over something, and decided to ask what was up.

Oh, she explained, it’s José. You know, he didn’t have the courtesy to get in touch with me after that night at his club?

Juan asked, Did you bother to reach out to him instead?

Well, no, but that’s not the point. The guy should’ve shown some initiative.

Juan shook his head. Maria, you have to understand something about males: they don’t always use the best judgment.

Maria scoffed. Tell me something I don’t know.

I’m serious. You know the stereotype where guys have two heads? Well, it’s kind of true. José was thinking with his dick instead of his rational head.

Now, you’re being ridiculous. José isn’t that type of guy. He’s a nice guy who happens to be interested in me.

Uh huh, Juan smirked. And did you ever think why he’s being nice? It’s all a façade because he wants to sleep with you.

Maria continued to disagree with the cook. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you had a thing for José.

Juan became defensive. I am not interested in him.

Don’t lie to me. I know which side of the field you play on. You’ve got the hots for him.

I do not. For one thing, he’s not my type. And second, you’re a great friend, Maria. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.

I appreciate your concern, Maria said, but I’m a grown woman, and I’m entitled to make my own mistakes. Besides, José’s a loyal customer, and I want to make sure he’s alright.

Juan scoffed. The lady doth protest too much. You’re telling me you’re not even remotely interested in him?

What makes you say that?

Come on, Maria. Would you really be this upset about him not getting in touch with you if you weren’t?

The waitress paused for a moment. She was concerned about how José was doing, but she shouldn’t have been the one to have made the first move. Maria believed that onus ought to have been on José; she was old-fashioned that way. However, she also knew that times change, and women need to take the initiative sometimes. Was José expecting her to make the first move? He did say he was concerned about Julia, but he didn’t reach out to find out about her condition. However, by the same token, neither did she. Maria knew she had to accept the fact