Young Bloods Series: Playing for Keeps

By Mary Bennett

Stacy Williams is a nurse at the county hospital, and has her hands full. After catching her husband cheating on her, Stacy realizes that it is a blessing in disguise. As she goes through a few months of personal growth, Stacy meets Sam. Sam is everything her ex husband isn’t. Sam is almost 12 years younger than she is. Worried about what everyone will think about her new boyfriend, and what her ex husband is saying threatens this new romance. While working the kinks out of her relationship with Sam, Stacy comes to realize that she was never really happy in her previous relationship and Sam has made her the happiest she has ever been. Can Sam and Stacy work through the new problems and events that come their way? Will they find and keep their true love? Read Playing for keeps, to find out!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781365936197

Mary Bennett

Mary Bennett is an author, editor, translator, and former executive for several major brand corporations, including Les Must de Cartier and l’Oreal subsidiary Artcurial. Gifted with psychic abilities, she began scientifically investigating crop glyphs in 1989. The coeditor of Aulis Online, she is the coauthor of Dark Moon: Apollo and the Whistle-Blowers. She lives in Wiltshire, UK.

Book preview

Young Bloods Series: Playing for Keeps

Playing For Keeps

Young Bloods Series: Book one

Mary Bennett

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

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

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

For my amazing Husband Don, you have given me wings and freedom to do this. Without you and your encouragement this would not have been a reality for me. I love you, before, now, and forever ~M

This book is an original publication of Mary Bennett.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and d incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The Publisher does not assume any responsibility for third-party websites or their content.

Copyright © 2014 by Mary Bennett

Cover design by Canva

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any printed or electronic format without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

First printing 2017

ISBN

MAB Publishing

77 A Hwy 285

Toston, MT 59643

[e-mail]

Chapter 1

Stacy sat at the table in the hospital cafeteria pushing her salad around her plate lost in her own thoughts. Brad had been very reclusive lately. They still talked and went to bed to sleep together, but that was it. They had no connection, no touching no intimacy at all and they hadn’t had sex in at least 4 months, which was starting to really worry Stacy. She had to make this right. Stacy got up and threw out her salad. This was another side effect from her marriage woes she could not eat. Everything turned to ash in her mouth and she could barely afford to lose much more weight. At five foot seven inches, she was perfect weight, at one hundred and twenty two pounds. Well, now she was more like one hundred and seven pounds. She was told by everyone she was pretty, she had long thick blonde curly hair, deep blue eyes and a cute nose, but being slender was a curse though; she had no hips and no boobs. She longed to be curvy; she would feel sexier then. In her profession as a registered nurse, she knew too much bosom was not good for your back, but come on, having none really to speak of at all was worse, in her opinion. Stacy sighed and went back onto her floor.

The fourth floor at County Hospital was for short timers. People who had minor surgeries, accidents, and illnesses the patients were not here for too long. These patients were here to convalesce, and then go home. Stacy loved taking care of them, she really did however, and Stacy really wanted to be on the second floor which was the pediatric unit. All newborns and neonatal babies were on that floor. Not having children yet was a blessing and a curse. She wanted to be a mom, but at this rate with Brad she was unsure of what kind of a life they would give their kids. So, Stacy waited and waited, but still no talk about children, and she didn’t want to push the issue with Brad. His job was stressful enough; he was the lead driver for a flour distribution company. He gave them fourteen years of his life and by working every shift they had given him, the company had rewarded him with this current position. He chose his days off, holidays, and took his vacations first, plus he topped out at above pay grade now. They were set. Well, financially they were set.

Stacy finished her shift. She had filled in for another registered nurse last week, so the girl was returning the favor, this week. Stacy was supposed to get off at 8:00 pm but, tonight she was getting off at 4:00 pm. Her plan was to stop by their favorite Chinese place, pick up dinner, then go over to the little bakery and get some of their favorite cake slices and head home, to romance her husband and start anew without this rut or funk they seemed to be in. Stacy was humming to herself as she undressed and showered in the locker room. She jumped when she heard someone say.

Well someone is in a good mood aren’t they?

She recognized the voice before she saw her friend Helen.

Oh, God Helen you scared the living daylight out of me, did you know that? Stacy said with a smile.

Okay, I’m sorry. I just heard you humming and I knew you were in a good mood. So tell me, did you finally break down the wall of silence between you and Mr. Hunky husband?

Helen asked and raised both of her eyebrows as she said Hunky husband. Stacy laughed and answered as she rinsed off.

No. I am going to go get a special dinner, and dessert, and head home in that. Stacy motioned to a lacy black bustier and stockings as she spoke.

Well, I will have my dress on over it, but I think I will take it off in the garage, before I head in the house.

Helen looked at her friend a smiled in excitement for her.

Ok well I am off to the school. The kids have a program and I promised I wouldn’t miss it. I will want a full detailed report tomorrow okay?

Helen said slyly. Stacy laughed and said.

I will give you a rundown on how it goes, not detailed though.

Helen shook her head sadly and said Okay. Have fun and I will see you tomorrow. Helen left.

Stacy loved getting all of her family information from Helen; she loved her kids and bragged about them all the time. Stacy got real life insight to what it would be like to have children from Helen. Being a single mom was hard, but Helen wouldn’t trade her two kids for anything. She dated but no one was as special as her husband Chad had been. Stacy knew Helen would probably never remarry she was still in love with her dead husband. He had died in a car crash 12 years ago. Helen was devastated and if it wasn’t for Stacy, she would have gone crazy and lost her kids. Helen always teased Stacy that her husband was Mr. Hunky after that. He was handsome, at six foot one inches, broad shouldered, dark blond hair and blue green eyes and a baby face, he was very handsome.

Stacy was a little envious of her friend. Helen was the same height as Stacy, but she had dark shoulder length wavy hair, blue grey eyes that looked like a foggy morning, on the coast. She had an elfish face cute and clear pale porcelain skin, and of course her friend was curvy. Helen never really knew how attractive she was. Stacy knew the looks that Helen received when they went out, or hell, even in the Hospital on their floor more than one patient’s family member had been mooning over Helen. She was always professional, and never let it get to her. Stacy wasn’t ugly, she did have her fair share of admirers but, Helen just glowed. Stacy wanted her friend to find someone to love again. That would be a huge plus for them both. She shrugged and shook her head mentally and turned off the water.

Stacy dried off and put on her lotion and spritzed her perfume all over herself. As she slipped into her naughty outfit, she felt a rush of exhilaration. She was actually going to do this. She had been planning this for the past two weeks and all of her efforts were going to pay off tonight. No more bad moods, no more painful silence, just a terrific marriage, and hopefully communication. She wanted Brad to talk to her, confide in her again. She missed talking to him and planning their lives instead of this quietness as of late. It was so depressing and heartbreaking.

Stacy drove to the Golden Palace and walked in. She saw a familiar face and smiled.

Hi Mr. Hong, I called in the order for pineapple chicken. Stacy said to the owner.

Ah, yes almost ready, you sit?

Stacy nodded and sat on the bench to wait for her order. She remembered that this place was where it all began with Brad. They were in their twenties she was twenty three and Brad was twenty eight. She was in meeting some girlfriends to have dinner. Brad was in with his friends already having dinner. They all had to sit in the back banquet room and he and Stacy had hit it off. For the next three weeks they had met there on Wednesday nights and had dinner. Then she and Brad became exclusive about one another, and they shared date night twice a month there at The Golden Palace. It was their spot.

Mr. Hong came out with the bag in his hands and said. Here you go. Everything is in here and fortune cookie too. Stacy smiled and said Thank-you. She paid the bill and walked across the street to the bakery. She ordered the mocha chocolate cake slice and the New York Strawberry covered cheese cake slice that she knew Brad loved.

Humming to herself as she drove she let her mind wander to the wonderful things she and Brad were going to do, and talk. She was especially excited to talk. These last few months had been torture. Stacy tried to think back to the events that had occurred before she and Brad had stopped really talking. He said he was going on a trip to Vegas, and that he was really starting to pick up the slack in the deliveries, which Stacy understood. She had also taken on more hours at the hospital in order to make more money, and get a better feel for her job. Promotions happened to people who took charge that is what Brad kept telling her, he pushed her to do more so she was noticed. It had occurred to her a few months ago that Brad was somewhat more different when he got back from his trip, talking for long periods on his phone to the dispatcher’s and his district manager. They sent him texts all the time for the delivery changes and pick up spots. It just seemed to Stacy that maybe Brad wanted and office job, so he was devoting himself to learning all of this now so he would be prepared when a position came open. He had told her he wanted to be financially set, which they almost were. Her car was paid off, the house was almost paid off, and his truck would be paid off in another six months if she kept paying the double payments on it too. That is what they decided to do; she would pay double payment on everything with her checks until the money was used. Then they would live off of Brad’s income for the rest of the time. Stacy became really good at budgeting and working in all of the bills so they were all paid with the money she made. She even bought the groceries too. This plan had been the most beneficial to them both. They were almost completely debt free.

Stacy rounded the corner and their home came into view. She parked her car on the street three houses away, and walked towards their house; she cut in behind the garage, and went to the door. It was locked.  Stacy pulled out her keys and unlocked it, she walked in the garage and headed straight to the door that led into the house, she tried to turn the handle there too, and it was locked. Stacy quietly got her keys out of her coat and unlocked that door too. She took off her dress and shoes and grabbed the bags of food and walked into the house. She couldn’t hear the T.V. so she thought maybe Brad was taking a nap. She tip toed down the hall trying not to laugh at her sneakiness and kept having to stop to stiffen a giggle. Finally after what seemed like hours she made it to the bedroom door. It was closed. Stacy thought that was odd for Brad, he was usually bolder that she was, walking around in nothing in the house while she opted for a robe, or a tee shirt. Stacy took a deep breath and opened the door with gusto saying I’m home! I brought... She spluttered, a gasped and then just stood there in the doorway in shock. Complete ice cold, mind numbing shock.

As her brain tried to register what she was seeing. She dropped the bags and a tried to get a grip on herself. Everything was moving in slow motion for her, Brad jumping off of the bed, the blonde haired woman trying to grab at anything to cover herself and both of them looking at Stacy like she was an intruder. Stacy stared at Brad who was asking her something, what was it? Then it registered.

What are you doing home so early? his tone half accusing.

Stacy gaped at him and tried to speak but she was focused on the blonde woman. Who was she? Where did they meet? Why were they here in her house, her bed? What the hell is going on here? Stacy recovered her voice and said calmly.

I live here Brad that is what I am doing here and at what time I want to come home I will. I think the most important thing to ask right now, is what in the hell are you doing home, and what in the hell are you doing screwing some bimbo on my bed? Anger laced her last words.

Eyes flashing like lightening she stared at the Blonde. Brad walked over to shield the blonde, putting himself in between the two women with both hand up in front of him palms facing Stacy in the universal sign of Calm Down. Baby, I can explain. Brad said in a soothing tone. Stacy folded her arms across her chest.

Really Brad? You can explain this to me? Please by all means please explain this. She pointed past him to the blonde and yelled EXPLAIN THIS TO ME! I AM OBIVIOUSLY TOO DUMB TO GET IT! I MEAN REALLY, WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO ME IS THAT YOU ARE SCREWING SOME OTHER WOMAN IN OUR BED!

The blonde jumped and Brad closed his eyes against the dam that just broke holding the unbridled fury in his wife. Stacy shoved Brad and he fell on the floor, and then she took two steps towards the other woman.

Who in the hell are you? She demanded.

The woman stopped trying to put clothes on and said in a weak sick voice. My name is Holly I’m... she stammered. I’m the regional manager for Wilson Trucking.

She finished in a thin voice.

Well Holly did you know you were sleeping with a married man? Stacy asked in an icy tone.

Holly couldn’t answer so she nodded. Stacy was boiling with rage.

Who do you think you are, coming into my home and sleeping with my Husband? She asked with a menacing edge to her voice.

I... Well we. Holly stammered.

Brad got up and did the worst thing ever. He opened his fat mouth in defense of the intruding other woman.

Hey I’m the one who did this, not Holly. He said all puffed up like a proud rooster.

Stacy rounded on Brad and said in a low voice almost a growl.

You’re defending her? You are seriously defending her and taking the blame? Ok macho man. You deal with all of this. You want her, you keep her. And you both can rot in the fires of hell too. Stacy said.

She turned around and walked out. She could hear Brad rummaging around and his foot steps behind her. Stacy threw the bags of food she had picked up from in front of the bedroom door and marched out the front door to her car. Luckily she had her keys, she hadn’t dropped them with the bags or when she threw them because she always looped the rings though her fingers, in case she needed to defend herself. The thought had occurred to her to strike out at both of them, but she didn’t want police involved and her going to jail.

Stacy made it into her car and Brad was coming around the side of the garage with his sweat pants on. She shoved the keys in the ignition and started the car. She pushed it into gear and drove off as if nothing were wrong in the whole world. As she drove her phone was ringing. She reached down and turned it off. She would have to change her phone number tomorrow. As she drove she didn’t realize that she was heading to the only place she knew she could go no questions asked and could fall completely apart.

Helen answered her door with a broad smile, but it vanished as soon as she looked at Stacy then said with a wry smile.

You came here dressed like that for me? You had better come in and tell everything. She grabbed Stacy’s arm and pulled her inside.

Stacy realized two things as she sat down on Helen’s couch. The first was she wanted to scream and cry until she could no longer do either one and the second realization was that she drove all the way to her friend’s house that has children in a naughty outfit. This day just kept getting better and better. Helen walked into the living room with a robe in her hand and sat on the couch next to Stacy. She said in a concerned voice. Are you okay? Stacy looked blankly at Helen. Helen stood up and gently grabbed both of Stacy’s hands, and pulled her to her feet. Helen put the robe around Stacy tied the sash and holding one hand like she would a child, she led her friend up the stairs to her bedroom.

Stacy lay in Helen’s big bed beside her friend in a jogging suit that Helen basically forced on her. Stacy’s eyes, nose, head and throat hurt form all of the crying, yelling, and talking that she did. She poured out every detail and every emotion she felt to her friend who offered tissues, cough drops, tea, peanut butter, chocolate, and ice cream in order to soothe them both. Helen didn’t look any better. She had tear stains on her face her nose was red and raw, and she was hoarse too, from all of the sympathetic crying she had done too. The fact was she hurt as badly as Stacy did. She had liked Brad, had half heartedly lusted after Brad, but was fully supportive of Stacy and Brad’s marriage, for him to cheat on Stacy was like he had cheated on them both.

I honestly can’t believe what and outright jackass Brad turned out to be, and defending that  ...Woman too... oh what a piece of shit he is. Helen seethed.

I can’t believe I have been beating myself up, for all these months, I have been so worried and upset about all of the things that I could have done to make him happy and here he is cheating on me with a woman half my age and looks like I did in my twenties too. Stacy half sobbed.

Honey we need to figure out what you are going to do. Helen said in a still heated tone. Stacy told Helen in a fierce tone Helen I’m leaving him. Tomorrow, I am going to change my phone number and get my stuff out of the house. I can’t stay with someone who cheated on me and did it in my own bed. That bed was the one I bought, with my great grandmother’s frame and everything. I am going to go see a divorce attorney too. Stacy continued in a quiet fury. I know me, and I couldn’t move on from here. I would never trust Brad again so, I have to leave him and move on.

Helen looked at Stacy and said quietly.

Let’s not make any decisions tonight, okay? We can do that tomorrow. You do know you are welcome to stay here for as long as you want or need to. You need to digest this and have all the crazy emotions that come with it. I’m here for you no matter what alright?

Stacy hugged Helen and said hoarsely.

Thank-you I knew this was the only place I could come to.

Stacy woke up to the phone ringing in Helen’s bedroom. After another ring the sound stopped. Someone must have answered it.  She sat up and looked around. It had to be mid morning by the judge of the sun. She rubbed her grainy eyes and yawned then turned and looked at the clock, it read 9:40 am. Stacy got out of bed and walked to the door, as she stepped out into the hall she was aware that the house was quiet. The kids must be outside. Stacy turned and went towards the kitchen and ran into Helen.

Oh! Sorry I was just coming up to get you. Helen said in a light tone.

Sorry I slept so long. What time did you get up Helen? Stacy asked as she went into the kitchen and got a drink of water.

Me? Oh um about an hour ago. The kids were hungry and they came in and woke me up. Stacy, Brad came by and he just called. He wants to talk to you. Helen said, hesitating to look at Stacy.

Well I’m not ready to talk to him. I’m not really interested in saying anything at all. Stacy said irritated at her emotions, her heart said she did want to talk to Brad, but her head was having no part of it.

I know I have to go over and get my things, so I will probably have to talk to him at some point, but right now, right now I just can’t. Stacy told Helen in a hoarse voice.

Take your time. I just thought you should know. He said he slept in his car outside last night, and he did look like crap warmed over. Helen said with a smile.

Good, I’m glad he had a miserable night too. Stacy sneered. Helen put a hand on her back and rubbed lightly. I’m so mad again. I just want to yell at him and scream. God, Helen does this burning ever go away? Stacy asked her friend in questioning voice. Knowing that she had to battle these feelings herself Helen nodded and said in a very quiet voice. In time, it’s always about the timing with these things. Stacy knew Helen’s loss was different form hers. She nodded feeling guilty for dragging her friend into this mess. I’m going to call around and see about an apartment or small house. I can’t drag everyone through this too. Stacy tried to say in a light tone, but failed miserably. Helen took hold of Stacy’s shoulders and said firmly. "You can stay here as long as you need to. You will find something in time, right now you need to deal with this cheating Brad issue, then move on to the next. Okay? Stacy nodded in acquiescence.

Stacy played with her phone. She had seen that Brad had called her 44 times. He left 38 messages. Stacy listened to 3 of them and deleted them all after. She was hurting and didn’t want to hear all the things that Brad had to say. She wasn’t ready to deal with all of this emotional stuff just yet. She picked up the phone and dialed Brad’s number. He answered right after the first ring. Stacy, I’m so sorry. I want you to come home I have some things for you and I really need to see you. Are you ok? God I was worried sick all night. I drove to Helen’s at 2:30 am and slept in my car when I saw your car was there. Baby... Stacy cut off his rambling. She said in a rough tone.

Brad stop. I want to meet you and talk face to face not over the phone. I’m by that little café on 5th street, do you remember it? She asked.

Brad all but shouted. YES! I remember it well we... She cut him off again and said abruptly, Okay I will be here waiting for you to arrive then. Brad answered in a dejected tone.

Well, it will take me a while to get there; you don’t want to come home so we can talk privately?

Stacy said politely. I think it would be better if we met in a public place for now. Brad agreed reluctantly. Stacy hung up and watched the house to see if Brad was leaving. She hated to deceive him like this, but she wanted to get her things and get out, she once loved that house more than anything, but now it held such painful of memories that she almost wanted to start over from scratch and buy all new everything, things that wouldn’t have their memories attached