Tuesday, January 31, 2017

I Love Dialogue from Room 103 by Dellani

Deputy Marshal Marice Houston is back for her tenth college reunion and hooks up with her former boyfriend, Kris Hood. When out for breakfast with friends, Marice has one too many mimosas.

You never could hold your alcohol,” he teased. “One of the many things I love about you.” He kissed me on the forehead.
You love that I can't drink booze? What's up with that?” I slurred.
Makes you a cheap date,” Brian added, nudging me.
I'll just eat twice as much to compensate,” I decided.
Rose giggled. I giggled. Nadine giggled. The men moved the pitchers of mimosas away from us.
I'm cutting off your supply, young lady,” Kris scolded with a smile.
As long as it's the mimosas and not the orgasms, that's okay.”
Did you mean to say that so loudly?”
No. But you got me drunk. Now you have to put up with my lack of self-control.”
I can work with that,” he murmured, nibbling my ear. “We missed our morning wake up.”
I tried to rest my forehead against his, but I couldn't manage it. It was completely beyond my skill set at that point. “Me too,” I tried to whisper, but failed. “Sex with you is super fun.”
Thanks. You're fun, too.”
And it feels really good. And it makes me scream,” I continued, unable to stop talking. “And I'm really, really going to miss you when I go home. So much!” I declared, hiccuping. “So—much!”
I think it's time to take you home and let you sleep this off.”
No sleeping. Nope, nope, nope. Not when we can have sex in the foyer again. That was fun!”
Kris dropped some money on the table toward the tip and led me out the door. I stumbled, but he held me up.
Babe, you're starting to freak me out a little.”
I don't drink much,” I slurred. “But I swear, I don't get this drunk....” I stopped by the curb and hurled, narrowly missing my shoes.
Kris, god bless him, held me as I vomited up everything in my stomach. I do believe I would have puked up my own ass if I could have. I've never felt so sick in my life.
I don't like this,” he said, looking around for something. “I don't like this at all. If I put you in the car, can you keep from barfing on my upholstery?”
For now. Why?”
I'm gonna get you an antiemetic.”
That's the no barfing medicine, right?”
Yeah.”
Why are you still here?”
© 2016 Dellani Oakes


Thursday, January 26, 2017

Matilda Dulac, Mining Guild Captain and Wife of The Lone Wolf

How do you learn best?
I learn best by seeing and doing. That's the way my dad taught me to mine and the way I do everything now.
How open are you to new ideas and information?
Life is about learning. If I don't learn, I stagnate. I'm open to new ideas, but often want proof that they're valid before I adopt them. Assimilating new information is part of my job description, because I have to have a quick mind and good memory.
When you walk into a room, what do you notice first?
I look around for familiar faces. Essentially, I'm shy in social situations. Professionally, I'm very confident. In a social situation, when I get in a group with people I don't know very well, I'm just as likely to end up by myself in a corner someplace. In a professional capacity, I walk in and take command. That's my job and I'd better act like I know what the hell I'm doing, or I've lost control before I start.
Is one sense more highly developed than another?
My hearing. I'm not sure why, but I can hear higher frequencies than most other people. My father says it would come in handy for mining Trimagnite, but no daughter of his is going to get into that life. I also seem to have perfect pitch. Not that I can sing a perfect 'C' or anything, but I can tell when an instrument isn't properly tuned or someone is singing off key. Which is ironic, because Wil is tone deaf.
Do you usually notice problems around you?
It depends on what the problems are, I think. I have to admit, I'm not always the most observant person around. I do notice big things, but little squabbles, inconsistencies, probably not. If I see a problem, I deal with it.
Would you say you're an optimist or a pessimist?
I'm decidedly an optimist. However, you can't live around Wil without developing some cynicism. He can be a serious pessimist, though he'll deny it. I have to keep it light or he'll bring me down.
Are you more interested in the past, the future or living in the now?
All three are connected, don't you think? I wouldn't be the person I am without my past. I can't look toward the future without living through the now. We shape our future by who we were and who we are now.
How do you decide if you can trust someone?
I go on instinct and feelings. Wil tells me that's the worst thing to do, but it's worked for me so far. I may not be as paranoid and discerning as he is, but I'm pretty damn accurate. Of course, I've trusted some people that he thought I was flat crazy at the time. When it turns out I was right, he's such a baby! I believe I'm accurate because I've got strong, but untrained, telepathic abilities. I can read people without realizing I'm doing it.
Are you a deliberate, careful speaker or do you talk without thinking first?
I tend to blurt things out without thinking. I'll never be one for subtlety and nuance, like Wil, but I'm working on it.
© 2017 Dellani Oakes

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

I Love Dialogue from Under the Western Sky by Dellani

"Oh, Bobby," Grace Marshall said suddenly. "I saw something at J.C. Penny's you might like to see."
"Oh? What's that?"
"In the music section. There's a new album out by Carlos Santana. It's called Amigos."
"Really?"
"Yeah, it's on promotional sale. I can get a discount on it for you too."
One of Grace's part time jobs was stocking the records at J.C. Penny's department store. She always kept her eye out for things the kids would like.
"How much? Ramon is supposed to pay me tomorrow."
"It will be a little over five dollars once I get my discount."
"Cool! I can get you the cash tomorrow."
"How about I buy it, and you pay me back?" She produced a bag from under the table.
"You didn't! For real? Thanks, Grace!" He kissed her cheek, giving her a hug. "This is too cool! I love this guy."
"We know that, silly," Maria said with a laugh. "You tell us often enough."
"You wait," he said with confidence. "Some of these other groups will be long gone, but Santana, he's going to last."
"You just like him cause he's Mexican," Rico said in a superior tone.
"I like him because he's the most talented guitarist around," Bobby countered.
"Jimmy Page is better."
"No, but he's as good." He ruffled Rico's hair. "One day you'll look back on this conversation and say, 'You know, my crazy cousin Bobby said Santana was here to stay.'"
"No, I'll look back on this day and think, 'My cousin Bobby is crazy'. That's all I'll think."
"We should take it to Toni's and listen to it later. She's got the best stereo system," Libby suggested.
"Good idea."
Grace and Consuela Menendez exchanged a curious look.
"Is there something going on here we don't know about?"
"Like what?" Bobby tried to look innocent, but the smile kept breaking through.
"You two aren't dating, are you?" Grace asked, looking at them both. "Are you? Oh, Connie!" She clapped happily, jumping up and down like a teenager. "I'm so happy!"
"Yeah, Mom. Is it such a big deal?" Libby was puzzled by her mom's behavior.
"But it's marvelous! We were hoping, weren't we, Connie? We saw it a long time ago, but we wondered when you would realize it yourselves."
"It's wonderful, Grace. So, when is the wedding? I want lots of grandchildren."
"Whoa," Bobby held up his hands like a traffic cop. "Who said wedding? We're dating and I'm taking her to prom. This doesn't mean we're choosing China patterns and stupid shit like that."
"Roberto," his mother chided.
"Sorry, Mom. 'Stuff' like that. I just asked her to go steady."
"Are you two being careful?" Grace gave them a penetrating look, then her eyes lingered on Bobby making him want to shrink into the ground.
"Mother! Oh, my God!" Libby turned six shades of red.
"It's not like that, I swear!" Bobby looked flustered. "I just asked her to go steady. Why do you assume? Can I die now?" He asked Libby, taking her hand to comfort her. "Is it okay if we both just like melt away? When did we become the center of attention?"
"About five seconds ago," Maria chided him. "So that's why Sister cornered you? She has a sixth sense for when kids are being bad. I swear she can smell it."
"We're not being that kind of bad. We kissed, that's it!" Bobby wanted it clear he was behaving himself.
"Not entirely true. You were playing a game of tonsil hockey on the porch last night."
"Mia, I don't tell your secrets."
"You don't know my secrets."
"Steve Gutierrez after the football game, under the bleachers."
"You wouldn't dare!"
"Steve Gutierrez? Oh, he's cute," Libby added. "Isn't he dating Bonnie What's-Her-Name?"
"No, he's with Suzie Thingummy," Bobby countered.
"Oh, her." Libby made a nasty face. "Slut." She coughed.
Bobby patted her on the back and the two of them left quickly while the attention was on Maria instead. As they were leaving, they heard Grace say, "So, what's this about Steve Gutierrez?"
"What about Steve Gutierrez?" Libby asked him as they walked to Toni's.
"You remember what we were doing on the porch last night?"
She remembered, blushing vermilion. "Yeah. So?"
"So, that, only under the shirt."
"Ooh. Um.... Not my business."
"And what we were doing wasn't Maria's either."
"Maybe not, but we should be more careful. If she could see, what about Bitch Lady?"
"So, next time, invite me in." He laughed, putting his arm around her waist as he gave her a playful kiss.
© 2016 Dellani Oakes 

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Manuel Enriques, Confidential Aid to Governor Ferdinand Deza of St. Augustine

What is your story?
My story is still being written, but a portion of it is chronicled in Indian Summer by Dellani Oakes.
Who are you? Where do you live?
My name is Manuel Enriques and I am confidential aid to Governor Ferdinand Deza. I live in the beautiful town of St. Augustine in the Florida territory.
Are you the hero of your own story?
What is a hero? A man who does what he must to protect that which he holds dear. I am such a man. If that makes me a hero, then I accept this role gladly.
What is your problem in the story?
The problem is that there is a pesky British spy wandering around causing trouble. The beast is wily and sly, but I'll catch him, have no doubt.
Do you embrace conflict?
Conflict is in many forms. If it is in the form of a beautiful woman, I embrace and make love to it. If it is in the form of this annoying little fly speck of a spy, then I spit on it and grind it to dust beneath my heel.
Do you run from conflict?
Never! Face conflict proudly and fight it to the death.
How do you see yourself?
In my life, I have done many bad things. However, I am trying to change to be worthy of my darling Gabriella.
How do your friends see you?
I haven't many friends, but those are very close. They see me as strong, intelligent, passionate with women, stubborn and capable. How do you see me, cariña?
How do your enemies see you?
My enemies never see me. They are dead long before that. If by chance they do catch a glimpse, it is as of the face of death.
How does the author see you?
Ah, my beautiful Dellani. If it were not for Gabriella, such stories we would write together! She sees me as romantic, passionate, handsome, slightly dangerous, and very well appointed.
Well appointed?
You will have to read my tale to find out what I mean by that.
What do you think of yourself?
I am not a modest man, but even I do not like to brag. I am all that is said of me and more.
Do you have a hero?
Yes, my blood brother, Sailfish of the River People. He is the greatest warrior I know and even more brave than I.
What are your achievements? Do you talk about them?
That is perhaps not a question I should answer here, eh, cariña? As I said, I am not one to brag. What I have achieved is a matter of history. There are things I have done that I would rather forget.
But why? Surely your accomplishments are wide ranging and very nearly stuff of legend.
Not all legends have a happy ending. Some things are better left unsaid.
Do you have any special strengths?
I am swift, strong, I speak many languages fluently. I can track prey like an Indian and shoot a bow as well as a gun.
What do you want?
I want to marry Gabriella more than anything in the world. Well, there is perhaps one thing I want more than that, but it's not polite to discuss.
What do you want to be?
I am what I want to be. An honorable man who loves a beautiful woman. One day I shall also be a father, that is my greatest ambition.
What do you believe?
I believe in God and my strength and abilities.
What makes you happy?
Would you like to me say something poetic like a beautiful sunset or the seagulls above the water? I am not poetic man. What makes me happy is very simple, my love for Gabriella. It drives me, moves me to be the best I may be.
What, if anything, haunts you?
In a soldiers life, are there not many things to haunt him? What haunts me, cariña, is better left forgotten.
Do you keep your promises?
Always. It is a point of honor.
Are you honorable?
As much as I am able to be given circumstances.
That sounds like a very cagey answer.
And it is the only one you shall get.
Do you have any distinguishing marks?
Oh, yes. I am very well appointed.
You would love for me to ask what that means, wouldn't you?
No, I would like you to read the book and find out.
Have you ever killed anyone?
I was a soldier, of course I have killed. And nearly been killed more than once.
Was there a major turning point in your life?
The day I realized how much I love Gabriella. She was a mere child and came to the fort to ask her father to help her find a stray cat she had been feeding. I thought if she could have such love for a scrawny stray, perhaps she could have love in her heart for me. I found the cat and returned it to her the same day.
If you were stranded on a desert island, would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?
Can you really see me happily stranded with a man? I'll only go if Gabriella does.
How do you envision your future?
Happily married to my beloved.
© 2017 Dellani Oakes


Tuesday, January 17, 2017

I Love Dialogue from Under the Western Sky by Dellani

It's small town Nebraska in the late 1970's and life in the small Midwestern town is quiet and uneventful. That's what Libby Marshall and Bobby Menedez think until Bobby's cousin, Ramon is beaten by a group of white boys. Racial tension is high after the beating and it's soon revealed that something quite evil lies hidden Under the Western Sky.

Once they had their tickets and popcorn, they went into the theater and found a good spot. The boys liked to sit in the back because there was more leg room, but the girls liked the middle. To compromise, they sat somewhere between the two and let Danny have the aisle seat since his legs were the longest. Toni snuggled next to him as he put his arm around her shoulders. Libby sat next to her, not really looking at Bobby, although they shared the popcorn.
"Are you mad at me or something?" he asked her quietly, not wanting to bring their friends into it.
The others were so wrapped up in one another, they didn't hear him. Libby scooted a little closer, lowering her voice as she took a bite of popcorn.
"No, I'm not mad, Bobby. I'm just not sure I'm comfortable with this whole arrangement, that's all."
"We're a couple friends going to a movie. You got a full social calendar I don't know about?" He tried to make light of it, but his feelings were hurt.
Libby nudged him, nearly spilling the popcorn. "Don't be a goof. Of course not."
"I really like you, Libby. If you can't see that, I'm sorry."
"I thought maybe you were going out with me because of what Toni said to Danny. That she wouldn't go if I didn't have a date."
"All this time you thought that's what this was? A mercy date? Baby, I think you're the greatest!"
"You do? For real?"
"Yeah, for real. Hey, would I make comments about your ass if I didn't think you were cute?"
"I dunno, you're a guy. I mean, Danny's always drooling over my tits."
"Danny's a goober. He drools over any tits he can see. You have to admit, you're killing us both with the no bra thing."
She looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "I'll remember you said that, Roberto."
"What, are you my mom? You have to scold me into behaving? I want to date you, Libby. If I wanted just to jump your bones, I'd have done that already. You know, some women actually find me very attractive."
She giggled, tossing her hair. "Yeah, I can see the appeal. You've got that whole Latin Lover thing going. The dark hair and bedroom eyes. You're cute, for sure."
"Then why won't you let me kiss you?"
She looked at the screen as the movie started. By the set of her shoulders, he could see that she didn't know how to respond. Taking a chance that he was right, he blundered on.
"Is it because all this time you thought I didn't really like you? How could I not? You're wonderful. I've had a thing for you like—forever," he whispered as the cartoon started.
Libby gave him a curious stare as the lights dimmed, her popcorn halfway to her mouth. She couldn't believe his admission was real. He didn't really want her, did he? He was taking her out so Toni would go with his best friend. That's what friends did for one another. Was he kidding? She was too inexperienced to tell.
Libby knew a lot of girls her age had already lost their virginity. She and Toni were among the few left in their graduating class who had never been with a guy. If Danny got his way, that was going to change and soon. He was so hot for Toni, he got a boner every time he talked to her. Bobby, on the other hand, couldn't possibly mean it. Or did he?
© 2016 Dellani Oakes 

Monday, January 16, 2017

Release Blitz for “Blazing Hearts” by Paul Nosach

blazing-hearts-picture
Synopsis:
Dr. Sebastian Masters has lost his job from Eastbridge hospital, due to insubordination. But now he has come across the perfect woman, Dawn Turlo, who would give him another opportunity - another job offer and his own building with staff. The only catch is marriage.
But the problem lies deeper with Sebastian. He doesn't know how to love someone, and turns to his long-time friend, Jaysen Stripe for help.
Meanwhile, Adam Ludsgarden, Sebastian's nephew, has sunk deeper into depression due to the loss of his best friend Curtis Brown. Adam has secluded himself in his room and only comes out when necessary, and where Sebastian fails to try with him, Jaysen finds the proper words to sooth his pain.
But as Dawn starts to show her true colors and the way she feels, everything starts to spiral downward under the same roof. Can Sebastian hold everything together? Can he keep the peace? Can he keep his feelings in check after everything that had happened before with Jaysen? The suspicions grow intense, and finally Dawn Turlo is exposed to the truth. What Sebastian and Jaysen find out is astonishing.
Excerpt:
By the time the Pastor reached the room where Sebastian and Dawn were sitting, he knocked on the door. He saw before him: a man in mourning, and a woman who could have turned any other man to stone with a simple gaze. But they were together and that’s what mattered, at least in the Pastor’s eyes.
It’s a tragic thing that happened to you both,” the Pastor stated. “But Adam is with God now.”
What do you know what a tragic thing is?” Dawn whipped her head at stare straight into the man’s soul.
It bored into him. He felt it, too. It was that kind of stare which would bring death to anyone who crossed her path.
And what about this God you speak of?”
Dawn, do not speak of God like that,” Sebastian said, his eyes still puffy and red from crying.
Well,” she said, turning to face Sebastian, “I don’t believe in God.”
Do not talk about God that way,” Sebastian warned her. “He gave you life and there is a little life living inside you,” he was referring to the unborn baby.
The Pastor was appalled as Dawn got to her feet and crossed his path, meeting him eye-to-eye. She left the two men in the room, retreating to Sebastian’s room, which was hers also.
Sebastian apologized for his wife’s behaviour; for her short temper and disbelief.
That is your wife?” the Pastor was surprised. But it also explained her pregnancy. “I noticed she’s expecting! Congratulations,” he sat where Dawn had been. “Do you know what if it’s a boy or a girl?”
I do not want to know,” Sebastian told him, still brooding over the loss of Adam.
He started explaining to the man beside him what he already told Dawn: about his nightmares and how they haunted him – how they would stick in his mind, and that they were all about his loved ones. His dead loved ones.
As much as the Pastor tried to console Sebastian, it was not much use. As much as the Pastor tried to focus on Adam being in a better place than where they are, Sebastian dismissed the sympathy and thought that Dawn had been right. What if his wife was right? Is my wife right? Would God influence Adam to take his own life? It was an awful thing to think of, but there was no escaping it.
May God hold him in his hands,” Sebastian suddenly broke his silence, standing and taking the Pastor’s hand.
The Pastor was shocked to hear such a thing from someone who he was consoling. He saw a shine in Sebastian’s face. Something that was unusual. Sebastian’s eyes looked as blue as an ocean in a brochure, and his blonde hair held thin golden streams. So thin, that they could have been spun by any woman. God has blessed you, the Pastor thought. But that couldn’t be true. He had never seen such a sight before. And the only other time someone had looked as such, was after sexual intercourse: a beaming glow of pure light.
Let’s join Jaysen downstairs,” Sebastian said his voice void of all sorrow.
His tone was neither one of anger or of happiness. But his facial expression – The Pastor rose to his feet, letting his hand fall into Sebastian’s – if it was indeed Sebastian at all. Could this creature standing before him be God? After what he mentioned of God being all around us, it was a possibility that the Pastor couldn’t dismiss. They walked out into the hall, then down the stairs, still holding hands as if they had been best friends for the longest of time.
Sebastian and the Pastor gracefully took the stairs that they did not need to look down once. They didn’t falter once. When Jaysen looked up and saw both men descend the staircase, his eyes nearly popped out of his head. For one thing, he had never seen Sebastian in such a state. Usually he enjoyed his privacy, but the look on his face was unlike any Jaysen had seen. To Jaysen; Sebastian seemed to look mesmerized – his blue eyes unblinking. He wanted to say something, address Sebastian, but the Pastor shook his head, gesturing that he keep his mouth closed, for he couldn’t explain it, either.
Suddenly, Sebastian opened his mouth to speak when they reached Jaysen at the island, and said, “You are both my children, and I love you both. Dawn is my child also, but she sinned: a great sin and she will pay when the time is right.”
Both the Pastor and Jaysen couldn’t believe their ears, or their eyes. It was Sebastian’s body they saw, but the voice which came from his mouth, was that of tranquility. One thing Jaysen hadn’t heard from Sebastian in a very long time. But it wasn’t Jaysen so much as the Pastor who wanted to ask questions. After all, a man of God would jump at this chance, but his voice failed him.
Please, drink from the cup of my body.”
Jaysen had several cups already. In ignorance, Jaysen held up the glass to Sebastian – or what appeared to be Sebastian – and said, “Cheers!”
The Pastor, standing just to the right of Sebastian, dropped his jaw in surprise. Now he knew that Jaysen didn’t believe in God, but now that God – in essence? In spirit! – was standing under the same roof...No, the Pastor was just having wishful thinking.
Knowing what was going to come, and sensing the Pastor’s anxiousness, Sebastian turned to look at him, smiled and suddenly, out of nowhere, the facial expression had changed. Sebastian’s body had collapsed to the floor, and dropping his glass, Jaysen rushed to his friend’s side.
Help me,” he told the Pastor, but that wasn’t needed; for as soon as the words were spoken, Sebastian regained consciousness.
¿Qué?” Sebastian asked, receiving help from the two other men.
What do you remember?” Jaysen asked, seeming to be the obvious question that he would get after having a seizure. It was obvious that Sebastian was himself, since he was speaking Spanish again.
I do not know,” Sebastian said wearily, shaking his head, as if to clear stars before his eyes. “What happened?”
It doesn’t matter,” the Pastor said, looking Jaysen in the eye, giving the impression that he should keep his mouth shut.
Jaysen knew what the other man was thinking. He didn’t need to be told, as they helped Sebastian to the sofa. Jaysen offered him some water, but Sebastian declined and told them that he felt slightly energized, which made the other men helping him feel bewildered. He falls to the floor, yet feels rejuvenated? This was a queer revelation, which either the Pastor or Jaysen could understand. Was it theirs to comprehend? The Pastor had excused himself, thinking that he over-stayed his welcome.
BLOODY HEARTS
BLEEDING HEARTS
BIAS HEARTS
BROKEN HEARTS
paul-nosach
About the Author
I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. Ever since Junior high school, I have been writing (staying up at odd hours of the night). Only recently have I thought of music to push me. Every book I've written has a soundtrack, which are carefully selected songs (from popular artists to the mundane). I always start writing and give myself a deadline of four months to complete a novel. But as we all know, personal deadlines don't always pan out in our favour.
My ideal night for writing:
1) A hot cup of tea.
2) A crisp, rainy evening.
3) The best music
Presented by
owl-and-pussycat-log

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Gabriella Deza from Indian Summer

Who are you and where and when do you live?
I am Gabriella Deza, youngest daughter of Florida Territorial Governor Ferdinand Deza. I live in the village of St. Augustine, Florida Territory. The year is 1739.
What is your story?
I haven't much of one yet, I'm only just 15, but what there is of it, is told in Indian Summer.
Are you the hero of your own story?
Me a hero? Heavens, no. That would be Manuel Enriques, my father's aid du camp and the love of my life.
What is your problem in the story?
Quite by chance, I found out a terrible secret. A British spy is trying to overthrow my father, capture the fort and take over the town.
Do you embrace conflict or do you run from it?
I've never wanted to embrace conflict, but one must face it bravely. Troubles are sent by God to test us. Am I going to argue with Him? I never run when I can fight.
How does the author see you? Do you think she portrayed you accurately?
Headstrong, demure, capable, passionate, honest, loving. I am these things and ever so much more. Dellani Oakes portrayed me very well. She seems to have seen into my heart with great alacrity.
Do you have any special strengths?
My faith in God is my greatest strength. My faith has seen me through very trying times. I would not be the woman I am without it.
Do you have any special weaknesses?
My passion for Manuel is nearly my undoing. All he need do is look at me and I go weak in the knees.
What do you need most in life?
I need the wretched spy disposed of so that our town will be saved and I may marry the man I love.
What do you want to be?
I want to be a wife and mother, what greater purpose is there for a woman save to go into holy orders?
What do you believe?
I believe in God and I believe in the love of Manuel and my family. I also believe in my own abilities to cope with any situation life presents.
What do you regret?
That I with all my education, I never learned how to shoot a pistol. I'll see to that soon, provided I live through this mess.
Has anyone ever betrayed you?
Yes, the man who spies on us, using our friendship against us. He betrays me, my family and my home. I hope I have a hand in bringing him to justice.
Have you ever failed anyone?
I hope not. I will only have failed them if I do not find the spy and send him to God early for judgment.
What was your childhood like?
Delightful in so many ways, but also sad because we lost Mama when I was five and Grandmama not long after. However, Papa and his new wife, Clara, have provided a loving home for the four of us. My older sisters, little brother and I have lived in relative comfort our entire lives.
Do you like remembering your childhood?
Oh, yes, very much. I have wonderful memories of my childhood.
Who was your first love?
My first and only love is Manuel. I never realized how much he loves me nor I him, until he declared his love for me on my birthday. He is the most magnificent man alive and I love him more than my own life.
What is your most prized possession? Why?
My peso necklace, because Manuel gave it to me. Though my parents gave me pearls for my birthday, the peso shows Manuel's love for me. He can't ask me to marry him yet, it wouldn't be proper, but that shows each of us our promise to wed.
What is your favorite scent? Why?
Sandalwood., because that is the scent of Manuel's soap.
What is your favorite color? Why?
Apple green, because it was Mama's favorite as well, and I am most like her of all three of us girls.
What is your favorite music?
The flamenco I danced with Manuel.
What is your favorite item of clothing? Why?
The apple green dress I wore to my party. It is the first dress I wore that showed everyone I am now a woman. And because Manuel and I danced the entire night together when I wore it.
If you were stranded on a desert island, would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?
Do not think badly of me of saying this, but I would want to be stranded only with Manuel. I can think of no one else with whom I have enough in common to spend any period of time. Only if we were married, of course. Anything else would be scandalous.
How do you envision your future?
I see my future happily married to Manuel, having his children and loving him for the rest of my life.
© 2017 Dellani Oakes

Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 51

Mrs. Bannister bustled in a couple minutes after Obi and Clive arrived. "Thank goodness you're here," she said to Clive. "...