The Sixty Percent Man

By Angee Costa

Prepare for a wild ride with "The Sixty Percent Man," a romantic escapade that will leave you in tears and then in stitches! Meet Marcella, a mousy and timid woman and walk with her through her disastrous dates. But just when she's ready to give up on love, fate throws her an unexpected curveball. He's a charming yet delightfully perfect man. But he hides a devastating secret that threatens to rock their marriage beyond repair. In truth, he hides more secrets than one that surface in the most bizarre ways.

"The Sixty Percent Man" is a heartwarming and side-splitting romantic comedy that explores the absurdity and beauty of love in all its imperfect glory. Get ready to fall head over heels for this hilarious tale of finding love where you least expect it! But also buckle your seatbelt as you walk with her through the most terrifying and heartwrenching times. With her girlfriends by her side, she just might survive. But the question remains: Will Marcella find the imperfectly perfect love that awaits her, or will she continue to hold out for the flawless fantasy? Join her on this delightful rollercoaster of laughter, self-discovery, abuse, trauma, and unexpected romance. Buckle up, grab your tissues, pour a glass a wine, and get ready to dive into the charming chaos of "The Sixty Percent Man." It's a journey that will leave you believing in the power of love, imperfections and all!?

This is another 846 Interactive Book Experience that invites you to go deeper in the story experience. Join our Ten Things Contest where you can share the ten things that matter most to you in a man. Post your video and one lucky woman will win a luxurious pampering prize package including a professional massage and many others will win commemorative prizes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angee Costa
• Release date: Mar 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224947904

Book preview

THE 60% MAN

By Angee Costa

TITLE: The Sixty Percent Man

By: 

Edited by: 

Cover Design: 

Copyright 2018, 2023

The author has made every effort possible to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this book. However, the information herein is sold without warranty, either expressed or implied. Neither the author, publisher, nor any dealer or distributor of this book will be held liable for any damages caused either directly or indirectly by the instructions or information contained in this book.  You are encouraged to seek professional advice before taking any action mentioned herein.

In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher is unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like to use material from this book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission can be obtained by contacting the author. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

Notice of Rights: All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or other without the prior and express written permission of the author with the exception of brief cited quotes.  Thank you for respecting the property rights of this and all authors.

Permission: For information on getting permission or to contact the author at [e-mail]

For Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: 846publishing

Copyright © 2018, 2023

Visit our website to find out about other books and events.

This book is dedicated to single moms. These superhuman beings stare down hurricanes, behead monsters and transform our little corner of the world.  Somehow, we also find time for soccer games, swim meets, doctor visits, and really awful elementary school plays.  Whenever I am afraid, I think of you death-defying, earth-shaking, life-giving women and I know that all is well.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 - EVERLASTING LOVE

CHAPTER 2 – ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER 3 – IN A HAZE

CHAPTER 4 — REGAL BAY

CHAPTER 5 – ONE BAD DECISION

CHAPTER 6 - BOOMERANG

CHAPTER 7 – KISSING FROGS

CHAPTER 8 – FALLING OFF A CLIFF

CHAPTER 9 – SEED OF THE FUTURE

CHAPTER 10 – MARRIED OR MARRED

CHAPTER 11 – THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA

CHAPTER 12 – DIVINE INTERVENTION

CHAPTER 13 – TEARS OF JOY

CHAPTER 14 – STORM’S COMIN’

CHAPTER 15 – THE MESS IN THE MESSAGE

CHAPTER 16 – CLASS IS IN SESSION

CHAPTER 17 – THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM

CHAPTER 18 – IF IT WASN’T FOR BAD LUCK

CHAPTER 19 – CLIFFHANGER

CHAPTER 20 – A BATTLE OF WILLS

CHAPTER 21 – THE FAMILY JEWELS

About the Author

A close up of a paper Description automatically generated

CHAPTER 1 - EVERLASTING LOVE

Gabby struggled to stand but her legs were jelly beneath her small frame and ached as if she had been hit by a train.  She peered up at her assailant helplessly from the only eye that still opened. Suspecting that the sight of her body dropping to the concrete with a thud gave him a moment of sanity, she let her head rest on the ground. Better that she had been attacked by some stranger, a drug addict desperate for a fix, or some career criminal.  Anyone but her own husband... her husband of two months.

Every hair on Cliff’s hair seemed out of place. Circles under his eyes revealed the number of nights without sleep like a tree’s rings tell its age. He ran his fingers through his hair, eyes wide, as he took a step back from Gabby’s crumpled body and looked left and right, alerted by the sound of people screaming - their footsteps striking the pavement, getting closer to the scene.  

Annie, the neighbor Gabby met just weeks ago, was at the front of the pack screaming Gabby’s name as she ran toward them.  

Whether it was the screaming, the gathering crowd, or the growing sound of sirens approaching that jolted Cliff to his senses, Gabby would never know. But she craned her aching neck to see him dash behind the building and into the Pinelands forest that provided the scenic backdrop to the posh suburb.  Within minutes, a dozen police cars lined the street, likely summoned by neighbors who had watched the assault in disbelief.   

Gabby knew she was bleeding but couldn’t tell quite from where. She felt warm trickles turn cold as they made their descent down her skin. Days from now, she would be reminded of every blow as the wounds turned to scars — scars that would remain as a clear reminder of what power fueled by brutality can accomplish.  

Time slowed to a crawl in Gabby’s addled brain as her tender body laid on the brutally cold surface, her long brown hair spread out behind her hair where it fell... when she fell.  She allowed her unbruised eye to close as her mind raced through images of their life together — hers and Cliff’s — playing like a feature film. Their lovemaking was rough and wild, consumed with passion. She liked it rough, something she didn’t know before him. Her body like putty in his hands moving, twisting, turning in concert with him like an Argentine tango. And then the climax that sent her shivering...

The images flashed from one to the next. Him massaging her back, handing her flowers, gently brushing away her tears and holding her closely the day she gave her beloved dog, Coco, away because of Cliff’s allergies.  That was the man she knew... tender and sensitive. The audio of their courtship and marriage played in her mind as vividly as the video. The sound of his jokes or his deep bass brilliantly explaining some theological concept. How could she connect that sweet man to the assailant whose fists, wrought with fury, had just pounded away at her.  

Ma’am, the ambulance is on its way. Can you hear me?  Ma’am...?  The police officer’s voice sounded as if he was speaking to her from the bottom of a swimming pool.

Gabby? Gabby? Say something.  Oh my God! Annie stood over her crying.

She lifted her right eyelid, slowing slipping away from that altered state of consciousness and back to her horrid reality with no idea how long they had been calling out to her.  

What? Ambulance? she muttered.  No ambulance.

Oh God, Gabby. Your face. You’re bleeding, Annie shrieked.

Bleeding, she repeated as more of a statement than a question.  

Ma’am, can you stand? The officer’s voice was gruff and uncaring which confused Gabby even more.  He callously yanked her to her feet, led her to the patrol car, and wedged her in the back seat.  

The ambulance is on its way.

Gabby’s scrambled brains put the focus on others rather than herself as she gazed out the window at the people watching her like a museum exhibit. The upscale neighborhood had not seen such violence. Its well-manicured lawns and high-end homes were not accustomed to such commotion.  Within a couple of months of living there, she and Cliff had managed to give the community something to talk about for years to come. What will they think of me now?

Gabby had already discovered the blood on her clothes but had not yet noticed the trickle dripping from her forehead.  It would be several minutes before her legs began to throb from the multiple bruises forming there.  A strange tightness in her face later gave way to swelling that left her disfigured for many days to come, distorting her words.  

The officer interrogated her with the same demeanor he might have used on a murder suspect, keeping his eyes fixed on his pad as he jotted down her muddled answers. Gabby heard someone telling her story but didn’t recognize the sound of her own voice.  

The screech of the ambulance pierced her head and sent it throbbing. The muffled sound of the EMT’s voice forced her to strain to hear.

Did you move her?  You’re not supposed to move them, he scolded the officer.

Annie accompanied her in the ambulance ride to the hospital and sat by her bedside as Gabby’s wounds were tended to.  It was after midnight as they rode back to their sleepy suburban neighborhood in silence. 

Before today, the lights inside the homes on her street predictably turned off in a familiar cadence. Some dimmed at 10 PM and others at 11. But, as Annie drove under the stone pillar of Wilton Estates, nearly every house had lights on. Clumsily, her neighbors tried to hide their peering eyes peeking out between blinds and around curtains to get a glimpse of the start of their freak show.

As Annie pulled up to the driveway, a police officer stationed on the street to ensure Cliff did not return, opened his car door and gave a wave.  

After limping up the lighted path to her front door, Gabby turned to Annie.

"Fank you. She winced at the pain of speaking with a swollen lip. I affreciate you."

I could come in and sit with you for a while, Annie offered. Help you get ready for a shower and get something to eat. Or maybe just... maybe talk?

No, Gabby said, barely able to form words over her fattened lip.  "I haf to... rest."

OK, but I’ll be by in the morning to check on you.

Gabby waved and closed the door hoping Annie’s offer was just a nicety.  She didn’t want to face anyone... ever again.

The eeriness of the empty house stopped Gabby in her tracks.  Cliff was gone and would not be allowed back until a hearing.  The police officer at the hospital explained that an APB had been issued, but after several hours of searching, there had been no sign of him.  They promised to keep her informed about their investigation.  

Gabby spent her first day alone trying to figure out what she should do next and ashamed of her secret wish that Cliff would appear at the door, apologize, and take her in his arms. The silence gave her wave after wave of emotions.  First came moments of anger mixed with clarity where she blamed him for what he had done.  But they were soon followed by crushing grief and the fear of being alone.

Four days after the assault, she braved the mirror. Unable to tell if she looked any better - never having the courage to see herself after the assault - she decided to at least change her pajamas. 

A knock on the door startled her