What in the World was That?: Fool Me Once, #0.5

By Astra Capone

Clara Presley and Mark Kennedy can't ever meet in the middle. He's mellow and even-keel; she's fiery and quick-tempered. They had their shot a few years ago, but it came to a screeching halt when he wanted more than casual dating. As anti-commitment as they come, Clara has closed the door on their romance, but she just can't forget the way Mark made her feel. They're just friends now, or so Clara tells herself, so she asks him to help her pack before she moves to her new life in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. Mark, being as dependent as they come, agrees to help. Will their night consist of packing and nothing more, or will Clara get her secret desire of enjoying more than Mark's company?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Astra Capone
• Release date: Feb 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224019434

Astra Capone

Astra Capone is an English and Creative Writing graduate with a classic Brit-Lit hope, a wishful pen, and a spicy women's fiction/rom-com prayer. She currently resides near Denver, CO with her husband and her cats.

Book preview

What in the World was That?

What in the World was That?

Fool Me Once Series: Prequel Short Story

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Astra Capone

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Copyright © 2023 by Astra Capone

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed:

Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the email address below.

Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Names, characters, and places contained within the story are products of the author’s imagination.

First edition 2024.

Publisher contact information:

[e-mail]

CONTENTS

Introduction

Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

Afterword

This prequel short story is dedicated to my readers.

New or returning, young or old, friend or foe

(but hopefully friend),

you’re appreciated for showing interest in my

Fool Me Once series.

Introduction

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Let’s be real. This series is a sexy comedy/drama, so here’s the shake:

Clara Presley is saltier than a sailor and takes the Lord’s name in vain like it’s her bleeping job; she’s also self-destructive. This short story is relatively tame, but some scenes get heavy in the full-length novels. These include mental health issues, eating disorders, addiction, light BDSM, and emotionally abusive relationships.

A note: I did not create this series to glorify abusive relationships. Clara is an example of addictive behavior, and man, does she run and jump like a marathon pole-vaulter.

Still interested? If so, Clara’s caffeine-addicted world, amongst other things, awaits.

Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

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December 2018 – Philadelphia, PA

Bills, bills, bills, I mumbled to myself while shuffling through the pile of letters I’d grabbed from my mailbox. Each white envelope had a little window that flashed a different company at me, and all were waiting patiently to accept their share. "Thank God the direct deposit for my advance hit a few months ago. I finally have enough money to