In the Dark of Eden

By Adam Starks

The catchphrase "Almost Heaven" may mean much more to those who uncover the mystery surrounding Eden, West Virginia. Tyhannon Briggs' recurring dream of this majestic place consumes his thoughts until he decides to venture into Eden's lush forest to find a paradise only claimed in local Appalachian folklore. Uncover the meaning and metaphysical

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adam Starks
• Release date: Mar 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781638778783

Adam Starks

Adam Starks is a multi-genre author going beyond his autobiography, Broken Child Mended Man (published 2014). Currently, Dr. Starks is working on multiple writing projects including a book of poetry, his recent business venture, children's books, and works of fiction. For more info, visit booksbyadamstarks.com.

Book preview

Chapter 1: Elysium

Tyhannon sat on his dad’s favorite rotating counter stool, exhaled a sigh of relief, then grabbed a menu. Recalling the last time he visited the diner, a pleasant waitress, Nevaeh, interrupted his reminiscent mind, Whatcha daydreamin’ about, darlin’?

Growing up, he was mesmerized by her big brown eyes, perfect smile, and brazen red lipstick. Though it had been ages since they last connected, nothing had changed. She perched her elbows on the counter and braced her manicured fingernails to rest her flawless face on the makeshift support and united her heavenly gaze with Ty’s bewilderment.

Her flirtatious grin and hypnotic eyes made his chest tighten as he downplayed feelings and attempted to smile back, but it just ended up looking like he passed gas and hoped no one noticed.

Straightening his slouched posture, Oh, me? Nothing much. I’ll just take the steak omelette, two pancakes, and a coffee.

Just like your daddy used to! Alright, it’ll be right up, honey. She grabbed the menu from his hand and tapped the bill of his Thundering Herd cap. The awkwardness dawned on him as he realized what a goober he made of himself. What chance did I have at a woman like that?," he thought.

Plus, she flashed that pretty grin at everyone. The old men obviously liked it as they took it as a sign that they could tug at her skirt or pat her rear end. She didn’t pay it no mind and played back by pinching their face or pulling on their ears. No matter how filthy some of those geezers got, she held her own through the pervert gauntlet.

Neveah returned with that sensual sway Ty admired since his early teenage days and promptly bent down to present the omelette and pancake combo plate. Her blouse button popped off and landed in his scoop of butter. She was still bent over initially as surprised as Ty, but his eyes ventured down her shirt to see the most exposure he’d ever witnessed of a braless woman. His eyes peered back up and met hers dressed with a knowing smile. She plucked the button out of the butter scoop then licked her thumb and forefinger keeping eye contact. Without a hitch, she spun her high heels and swayed her hips away to serve the other patrons.

His forehead started to sweat in embarrassment. Now he was too hot and bothered to eat until an old man in a Vietnam Veteran trucker hat slow clapped and said Dinner and a show, huh! followed by raspy laughter.

Where did he come from? Has he been here the whole damned time?, Ty asked himself.

The elder patted Tyhannon on the back and said, She’s gonna mess around and upset my pacemaker. What a gal! So what’s your story, young man? Whereabouts you from? He dug his fork back into his sausage gravy and biscuits waiting for an answer.

"I’m from here, but don’t really have much of a story. Just trying to maintain like everyone else, I reckon. My dog ran off and my dad passed away two years ago. Mom died when I was younger. School counselors said I lacked direction, so I quit