Earth Angel

By GA Hauser

Simon didn’t know why he was chosen after he was killed during a motorcycle accident. But after death, he became an angel.
On his first assignment, Simon must help Evelyn Francis, an actress and entrepreneur with cancer, pass to the next plane. As he helps Evie transition into her death, Simon meets Evie’s son, Liam.
The loss of his mother is agony for Liam. As he struggles with her imminent demise and the responsibility of running his mother’s company alone, Liam bumps into a man named Zander on his way into the hospital.

The two men seem to have a chemistry together, but Liam’s world is in so much turmoil, he doesn’t think much of himself and his own needs.
Once Simon eases Evie into her transition to the afterlife, Evie refuses to go until her son is stable and can handle life without her.

While Evie’s ghost continues to care for her son, Simon is at a loss on what to do to help both Liam and Evie get through the sorrow.
And to make matters worse, Liam’s sister, Karen, is after his mother’s company and inheritance.

Sometimes you need an angel to stand by your side to get you through the worst of times, and maybe even to find you the love of your life!

• Language: English
• Publisher: GA Hauser
• Release date: Nov 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215382103

GA Hauser

About the AuthorAuthor G.A. Hauser is from Fair Lawn, New Jersey, USA. She attended university at The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, and has a BA in Fine Art from William Paterson College in Wayne NJ where she graduated Cum Laude. As well as degrees in art, G.A. is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). In 1994 G.A. graduated the Washington State Police academy as a Peace Officer for the Seattle Police Department in Washington where she worked on the patrol division. She was awarded Officer of the Month in February 2000 for her work with recovering stolen vehicles and fingerprint matches to auto-theft and bank robbery suspects. After working for the Seattle Police, G.A. moved to Hertfordshire, England where she began to write full length gay romance novels. Now a full-time writer, G.A. has penned over 200 novels and short stories. Breaking into independent film, G. A. was the executive producer for her first feature film, CAPITAL GAMES which included TV star Shane Keough in its cast. CAPITAL GAMES had its Film Festival Premiere at Philly's Qfest, and its television premiere on OutTV. G.A. is the director and executive producer for her second film NAKED DRAGON, which is an interracial gay police/FBI drama filmed in Los Angeles with the outstanding cinematographer, Pete Borosh. (also the Cinematographer for Capital Games)The cover photographs of G.A.'s novels have been selected from talented and prolific photographers such as Dennis Dean, Dan Skinner, Michael Stokes, Tuta Veloso, Hans Withoos, and CJC Photography, as well as graphic comic artist, Arlen Schumer. Her cover designs have featured actors Chris Salvatore, Jeffery Patrick Olson, Tom Wolfe, and models Brian James Bradley, Bryan Feiss, Jimmy Thomas, Andre Flagger, among many others.Her advertisements have been printed in Attitude Magazine, LA Frontier, and Gay Times.G. A. has won awards from All Romance eBooks for Best Author 2009, Best Novel 2008, Mile High, Best Author 2008, Best Novel 2007, Secrets and Misdemeanors, and Best Author 2007.G.A. was the guest speaker at the SLA conference in San Diego, in 2013, where she discussed women writing gay erotica and has attended numerous writers’ conventions across the country.

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EARTH ANGEL

By

G.A. HAUSER

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2023

EARTH ANGEL

Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2023

ISBN Trade paperback: 979-8862-9645-3-0

© The G.A. Hauser Collection

This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or business establishments, events or locales is coincidental.

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WARNING

This book contains material that may be offensive to some: graphic language, homosexual relations, adult situations. Please store your books carefully where they cannot be accessed by underage readers.

First The G.A. Hauser Collection publication:

November 2023

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Prologue

‘Closed casket?’

‘Your motorcycle was hit by an eighteen-wheeler on Interstate 95.’

‘Oh.’ Simon looked around the group of mourners. ‘I didn’t feel anything.’

‘That’s because we took your soul before you got hit.’

‘Oh.’ Simon heard crying coming from someone in the room. ‘But I was only twenty-seven.’ He saw his mom and cousins hugging. ‘I wasn’t ready. I had things I wanted to do.’

‘I’m sorry, Simon.’

‘What happens now?’

‘You’re being assigned to a detail.’

‘Assigned?’

‘Yes. Come with me.’

Simon took a last look at the closed coffin and followed. ‘I’m not very good at details. I mean, I don’t like to work… or study.’

‘You’ll do fine.’

‘But… you don’t understand. I’m my own boss.’

‘Not anymore. Now you answer to the Big Man at the top.’

Simon became confused. ‘Big Man?’

‘Yes. You’ll see.’

Chapter 1

Sixty-five-year-old Evelyn Frances knew she was dying. The cancer had progressed to stage 4. She was sick of the treatments which made her symptoms worse. Evelyn was ready to go, but her thirty-five-year-old son, Liam, was a mess. The two of them had been close since he was a baby, and unlike his sister, Karen, Liam had a soft heart, and was loving and kind.

Lying in the hospital bed, a tube connected to the vein in her arm, Evelyn was kept comfortable and pain free because of morphine and other medication. Mostly morphine.

With nothing but time to think, Evelyn smiled sadly to herself. She’d had a great life. She had been a huge movie star in her prime. As she aged, having nearly a hundred acting credits, including directing, Evelyn had a good life. Nothing to complain about.

She now owned a women’s clothing line with her gay son.

Her daughter had married a wealthy man, so she did very little for a living. Karen, who was forty, was an entitled bitch. Evelyn didn’t mind telling her so. She and Karen had never been close. Karen was like her father. Lazy. Although they were unmotivated to work hard, both Karen and her absent father were leeches, greedy ones.

Liam and Karen’s dad had left when they were in their young teens, never coming back. Her ex-husband decided he’d rather have a bimbo trophy wife at the premieres than her. After her diagnosis, she thought of calling him, but he didn’t care what happened to her or their two children, so why bother?

It annoyed her, of course, then over the years as he decayed, rotting in both his body and soul, she continued to thrive… until. The diagnosis.

Closing her eyes and visualizing her wonderful life of fame and fortune, she was satisfied she had done her best.

Suddenly, Evelyn felt someone in the room. It was late at night, but sometimes nurses came in to check on her. Maybe to see if she was dead. That made her smirk. Not dead yet, honey.

Opening her eyes, Evelyn saw a handsome young man in the room. He was not dressed as an orderly or nurse. And… she almost was able to see through him. How bizarre. Good ole morphine.

Hi, Evie.

Do I know you?

No.

Then, she knew. How she knew? She couldn’t say. You’ve come to take me?

He gave her a loving smile.

But… I need to say goodbye to Liam. Can I do that?

The sweet young man drew closer. It was then she saw gossamer wings. Are you an angel?

He nodded.

Please. It’s almost dawn and Liam will be here soon. Please. Can you wait just so I can kiss him goodbye?

He nodded and vanished.

Evelyn took a deep labored breath, knowing today was going to be the day. She was ready. Ready to move onto the next phase of whatever was out there waiting for her.

Yes. It’s time.

But the more she thought about it, the worse she worried for Liam. He wasn’t going to manage well without her.

~

Liam sipped hot coffee as he stood in his and his mom’s Bridgeport, Connecticut home. It was early November, and the weather was still relatively mild. No snow yet.

Checking the time, Liam wanted to be at the hospital in New Haven when visiting hours began. Last night, when he left his mother’s bedside, she didn’t look good at all.

A nurse told him to be prepared for the worst.

Gulping the hot coffee, burning his mouth slightly, Liam couldn’t think straight. It felt as if his own life were on hold until his mother got well… or…

No. He couldn’t even think of life without her.

Wearing a business suit and tie, Liam grabbed his keys and slipped on a pair of leather loafers. Yes, he should be at his mother’s importing firm, but… No. The employees of their small company knew she was ailing. How could they expect him to function?

He couldn’t. He was in agony over the prospect of losing her. When she was first diagnosed, Liam spent hours with his therapist trying to cope. Crying, cursing, damning God and the universe… Liam wasn’t ready to let her go. He wanted her to keep fighting, but he knew… he knew… she was tired.

A once vivacious lively actress confined to a hospital bed? The quality of life had gone. He didn’t blame her for wanting to take that final bow.

Jogging to his SUV, using the garage door opener on the side of the wall, Liam elevated the large double doors to allow bright sunshine in.

His sporting equipment, bicycle, lawnmower, garden tools, were neatly placed inside the huge space. Liam sat in his luxury black SUV, started it, and backed out. His mother’s white Cadillac was beside it.

He patted his phone, which was in his suit jacket pocket.

Lowering the garage door, Liam zipped down the hilly street lined with towering trees. This time of year, the lush green of Connecticut changed to red, pink, yellow, and gold, then brown and bare trees. Four seasons, he loved them.

He’d lived alone in LA long enough. While his mother was an actress, he had an apartment close to her. When she retired from acting, she wanted to do Broadway shows instead. So? The two of them left California and bought this home in Bridgeport. From here they could easily commute to New York City.

He loved the East Coast. Preferred it to the opposite end of the country.

With his mother, that’s where he needed to be… then… she got sick.

He was so pissed she was terminally ill, he wanted to punch through a wall. The good die young… that phrase went through his mind a lot lately.

Since Liam had been visiting his mom ever since she had gone into urgent care, he knew the way in his sleep. Competing with the New Yorkers that moved north after Covid ravished Manhattan, Liam weaved in and out on the highways. The right lane of traffic traveled at forty miles per hour, while the left side of the narrow highways flew at eighty. There didn’t seem to be an in-between.

Once off the highway, he slowed down for traffic signals and his phone chimed with a text. Leaving it for now, Liam found parking in a tower lot across the street from where his mother was staying.

He grabbed a ticket, the arm raised, and he drove a few levels up since the lower ones showed signs indicating they were full. Up he went, and his tires made squeaking noise on the cement.

He pulled into a spot, notated the level and number in his head, and then looked at his phone.

Karen, his annoying sister, asked him when he was seeing their mom. ‘I’m here now.’ He sent the text and chirped his alarm as he jogged to the staircase exit. The elevators seemed slow to him.

Liam kept trotting down the cement stairs to the street level. His phone chimed again and again with missed text messages, but he ignored it. He and his sister were polar opposites, and he couldn’t tolerate her. She was an elitest snob that lived off the fat of her corporate husband. Liam couldn’t stand him either. George Weston. Whatever.

Opening the exit door, Liam was about to dash across the street when he body-slammed someone.

A young man walking on the sidewalk was blindsided by him.

They both fell to their bottoms.

Oh, my God! Liam was totally to blame. I’m so sorry!

The young man laughed and appeared stunned to have been toppled. Pedestrians walked around them, ignoring them.

Cars passed on the road beside them, peering at them as if they were aliens.

Liam reached down his hand and the young man clasped it.

When they were face to face, Liam delighted in the adorable man’s blush and sweet smile. He brushed off the young man’s jacket sleeve. Are you alright?

I think so. The cutie had dimples when he smiled.

Liam lost himself in his blue eyes and high cheekbones. I feel terrible. I was rushing. I should have looked first.

It’s fine. The handsome young man blushed. I’m fine.

Are you sure? Liam was smitten. I’d like to buy you coffee but… This man is gay! I know he’s gay!

You’re in a rush! The young man laughed and patted Liam’s arm affectionately. I’m fine. Go. He nudged him. Go!

Liam laughed and checked both ways down the street. He jogged across it and turned back once he was on the other side. The young man waved and smiled at him sweetly.

Am I insane? Liam cursed himself. I should get his name and number. Just as he was about to run back across the street, a string of cars blocked his path, and the crosswalk signal was not giving him right of way. It showed a big red hand, telling him to stay put.

Laim tried to keep sight of the delightful stud, but he vanished into the crowd of pedestrians.

Shrugging at a missed opportunity, Liam continued to the hospital entrance, his mind a mishmash of thoughts.

~

Zander Stuart kept smiling after being bumped. That man in the designer suit was so hot! Why didn’t I ask for his number? He was so gay!

Zander chuckled to himself, heading to his art gallery near Yale University. As the light changed and he began to cross the street, he turned once again to look in the direction of the hottie, and before he knew it…

A car hit him, knocking him into the air.

~

He’s not very good at taking care of himself.

Simon nodded sympathetically.

We live together in a home in Bridgeport. He really needs looking after.

Simon pouted and nodded.

He’s gay, my son…

Simon’s eyes widened. Is he?

You angels don’t discriminate, do you?

No! Of course not. Simon wondered if he should tell her… sure. I’m gay too.

Her eyes widened. Angels can be gay?

I was. He thumbed behind him, as if trying to let her know he meant when he was alive. Uh… never mind.

A smile brightened her face. Perfect. Simon? Please? As a mother’s dying wish… be there for him. He’s been in therapy over my getting sick. My death is going to devastate him. I want you to make sure he’s okay…

I… I don’t know what I can and can’t do. This is my first gig.

Come here. Evelyn reached out.

Simon stood beside her.

Promise me.

But…

Promise me… she begged.

Simon smiled at her.

~

Liam kept up his fast pace going to the private hospital room his mother occupied. Before he entered, he saw a nurse busy at her station. Liam jogged closer to her. Hey, Cybil. How’s Mom?

Cybil frowned at him. Not well.

Liam’s heart sank. No. Today?

The nurse shrugged. I don’t know for sure, Liam, but be prepared for anything.

Damn. Liam’s heart broke and he paused before entering his mother’s room, changing his expression for her. He tried to smile but it wasn’t easy.

He opened the door, and she was lying still, a romance novel beside her. She already looked almost dead to him. Pale, thin, drawn… not the way his stylish mom had looked a few months ago, before the diagnosis and toxic ‘cures’.

Liam approached her, then touched her arm.

His mom opened her light eyes and smiled. There he is. My baby boy.

Mom. Liam kissed her and sat in a chair beside her. She looked much worse. Much thinner. Deathly white.

My darling boy. She smiled.

Liam interlaced his fingers with hers and held her hand near his cheek.

I want you to know I love you.

I know, Ma. Liam battled not to cry.

Baby. Look at me.

Liam did. But it was so hard.

His mother smiled at him, but it was tinged with sadness. I don’t want to battle anymore.

No… Mom…

Shh. She hushed him, cupping his face. Baby… I’m tired. I can’t keep fighting. Let me go.

Mom… Hot tears ran down his cheeks.

~

Simon lingered outside the hospital room door, listening.

… it’s time, my dearest. We must say goodbye.

Mom… I love you so much… it’s so hard…

Simon sighed heavily.

Baby, you know how to run the company. You’ve been doing it for years. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing. You’ll do fine. The staff love and respect you.

No. Mom… one more day. One more week.

Don’t cry… I’ll be with you always.

Simon rubbed his face and exhaled deeply. He listened to the young man, knew the love he had, understood the loss.

Should I let Karen know? Mom?

It doesn’t matter. Karen seems ready for me to leave. I’m not worried about her. She won’t miss me.

Let me text her. Let me call her. Okay?

It’s up to you. But… Liam? Don’t be long.

Okay, Mom.

Simon hid from view as Liam left the hospital room.

Liam put the phone to his ear. Karen? If you want to say goodbye, you’d better get here…

Simon slipped into the hospital room soundlessly behind Liam.

Evelyn smiled at him, reaching out.

Simon stood beside her bed. How are you, Evie?

I’m ready. Please take me.

Simon looked towards the door. Shouldn’t you wait for your daughter?

No. Evelyn clasped his hand. Please.

Alright. Simon smiled, squeezed her hand, and kissed her forehead.

One more thing…

Yes, Evie?

You made a vow. You promised me you’ll watch over him.

I promise. Simon crossed his heart with his finger.

~

Whatever, Karen! I’m wasting time out here arguing with you when I could be with Mom! Liam disconnected the call and saw someone