Fragrance Lingers ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 6

The band started another song, also soft and easy to dance to. She hardly heard it, her attention focused on Cole. He led her around the dance floor with the same easy, casual grace he'd exhibited on the beach. Mara wasn't much of a dancer, but she felt so comfortable in his arms, she followed his strong lead as if born to it. Cole held her close, his arm firmly around her waist, bringing her into a series of tight spins worthy of Fred Astaire. The song ended and he dropped her into a magnificent dip.

Mara was panting, not from exertion, but from excitement. Never had she danced that way. Most of the men she dated were non-dancers. Cole took her breath away, moving sinuously as the song changed again to something with a syncopated Latin type beat. She felt lightheaded, as if her feet weren't touching the ground, dancing on a cloud.

Cole enjoyed the expressions on her face as he led her around the dance floor. She changed from surprised to delighted in a series of little gasps and pauses. He found himself dancing with her, better than he'd ever danced in his life.

The third song ended and he led her back to their table. It was then she realized they had been the only ones on the dance floor. As they made their way back to their table, the other diners clapped. Some cheered and several stood as they walked past.

Mara blushed a shade of pink that matched her dress. Cole stopped, bowed deeply, and worked the crowd for all it was worth. One exuberant woman tossed a five dollar bill at him, which he caught with a flourish and presented to Mara with a deep bow.

When they sat back down, Red yawned exaggeratedly. "You know what, buddy? I'm gonna call it a night. I think I'll call your sister, and talk dirty to her for an hour, before going to sleep."

"If you really want to, Red, I can't stop you. But you know...." He jerked his head toward the door. "If you feel like you need to go." He gestured with his thumb, tapping his foot under the table. "You know, by all means go. We'd love your company, bro." He pointed to the door again. "But we won't force you if you're tired."

"I think I'm being given the bum's rush," Red said, trying to look offended. "Seriously though, I am tired and I have to get up early. It was delightful meeting you, Mara. Don't keep the reprobate out late, he has to be up early, too."

"Thanks, Mom," Cole said to his friend, propelling him away from the table. "When I need your help getting rid of a lady, I'll tell you," he whispered.

Mara giggled, covering her mouth with her fingers. She wasn't sure she'd been meant to hear that. She liked Red, but was glad he was leaving. She found herself increasingly attracted to Cole and wanted his undivided attention.

Red paid the bill on his way out, waved the receipt at Cole and left to look for a cab.

"I thought he'd never leave," Cole said as he came back to the table. "Actually, he left at just the right time. That's why having the same best friend for thirty years, comes in handy. He knows when he's not wanted."

"I don't know," Mara joked. "I rather enjoyed his company. But if you really want to be alone, I'll gladly leave too." She stood and turned away from the table.

Cole grasped her gently by the hand. "I really want you to stay. That is, if you want to."

Mara sat, taking his hand in hers. "I want to stay very much. Actually, I want to leave, but in your company. I'd kind of like a walk on the beach under the stars."

"I'd like that too," Cole told her quietly.

He left Candy a big tip and they walked out the door and down to the beach strand. It was quiet here, only dimly lit. She could hear the sound of the ocean pounding against the shore. It reminded her of the pounding of her heart, that felt like it was about to jump right out of her chest.

They walked down near the water, and Cole stopped. Taking off his jacket, he put it around her shoulders. "It gets chilly down here at night." He smiled, the moon's reflection off the water lit his eyes.

"Thank you," Mara whispered.

Cole leaned in toward her, raising her face with a finger under her chin. His kiss was bold, tender, luxurious. Mara felt a tingle from her lips to her toes. Sighing, she leaned into his embrace. He held her firmly, but gently, pulling her close until their hips touched. His lips traveled down to her throat, brushing lightly like butterfly wings.

She was hot and flustered, hardly knowing how to proceed. He was obviously attracted to her, as she was to him, but she'd never had a vacation romance and didn't know how she felt about it. She turned her head away, breaking their embrace.

"I'm sorry," Cole whispered. "I've been wanting to do that since we met. You must think I'm an asshole."

"No," she said honestly. "I...well...."

"We just met, and you're asking yourself if I do this all the time. If I meet a woman, invite her out, lure her into a quiet place and proceed to have my way with her. That is what you're thinking, isn't it?" His intensity was a little intimidating, but he brought himself under tight control.

She nodded slightly. "Kind of."

"No," he answered simply. "I'm no saint, Mara, but I'm not out on the prowl either. I keep wondering if Red spiked that ball over to you on purpose. I can't tell you how many times I've asked myself that."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books 

Under the Western Sky by Dellani Oakes

 

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.

Fragrance Lingers ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 5

 

"Will do, Cole."

She took the menus, flashed another toothy smile, strutting to the kitchen. Mara heard her placing the order before the door swung shut behind her. "Three Chef specials, the works. You've got a virgin."

Mara bridled slightly. She wasn't the most experienced woman in the world, but she was by no means a virgin. How dare Cole assume? She was about to protest when another piece of music started. Too loud for her to be heard, she sat in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. The music ended and the band left the stage to take a break. Mara's frown had deepened to the point where her brows almost met. Red glanced at her, then over at his friend. Cole was distracted ordering another round of drinks and didn't notice her growing anger.

Red tugged his sleeve. "Uh, bro? I think you offended the lady."

"I what?" Cole looked genuinely surprised. "I'm sorry. What did I do?"

"Virgin?" She tried to keep her voice from rising to a screech, not wanting to attract attention. "How dare you assume!"

Cole laughed, throwing his head back unashamedly. "No, you misunderstood." He giggled. "It's the food order...." Shaking his head, he couldn't speak anymore.

Red was in no better shape. It wasn't until Candy brought the food out that she got an explanation. She looked back and forth between the two men who squirmed with ill concealed mirth. Rolling her eyes, Candy explained.

"The Chef Special," she said with a voice that was tinged with a strong Brooklyn accent, "is curry. We do it all, beef, chicken, seafood, fruit, you name it. Some folks aren't used to it, they've got to have sweet, not hot. So the joke is," she jabbed Cole sharply in the ribs, "to tell Chef that he's got a virgin. In other words, he makes one not so hot."

"Ooh!" Mara laughed as Candy served their meals.

"Okay," Candy stood proudly, pointing to the various foods. "This is curried chicken with white wine. That's curried beef with ginger. This here is Chef's seafood melange with shrimp, crab and lobster. That is to die for. In the middle of the table, there are toppings to enhance your curry experience." She pointed to bowls of fresh fruit, diced cooked apples, chopped nuts, raisins and more.

"Why's it called Cabana del Sol if it specializes in curry? Wouldn't it make more sense to have an Indian name?"

"Probably," Red told her. "But the place has changed hands a lot over the years. Each new owner hires a new chef, so the specialty changes. They have to keep the name though, it's in the contract with every sale. Besides, they're well known, and people who eat here like to experiment. Next month they may be doing Italian, if Chef Brady gets forced to fix meatloaf too many more times."

Mara surprised herself by eating most of the food she'd been served. Back home, she was notorious for taking the rest home. Patting her stomach contentedly, she leaned back in her chair.

"If I keep eating like that, I'll gain a hundred pounds!"

"A little weight looks good on a woman," Red told her. "Most of you big city ladies don't have enough meat. You buy into that whole Vogue and Cosmo thing of having to be Calvin Klein models."

Mara was proud of her trim figure, and worked hard at the gym to maintain it. She was healthy slim, not skeletal. "I beg your pardon? Not all of us big city women are anorexic!"

"Oops! My turn to offend the lady," Red said comfortably. "Open mouth, insert foot and chew. I'm used to the taste of shoe leather. I do that at least ten times a day."

Mara found herself laughing again. "It's impossible to stay angry with you two!"

"I wouldn't say that," Cole told her with a completely straight face. "My sister manages well to stay pissed at both of us, pretty much all of the time."

"She tells me that Cole's leading me down the road to perdition," Red contributed calmly. "She blames him, when she should really be blaming me."

"Yeah," Cole jerked his thumb at Red. "He's the instigator, I just mindlessly go along with him."

"How long have you two been friends?"

The men glanced at each other, unconsciously matching expressions. "Thirty years," they said in unison.

"Since kindergarten," Cole told her. "He was standing in the corner crying and I was lying on the floor looking up the girls' dresses. He stepped on me."

"Been great friends ever since!"

"Yeah, I taught him the finer points of looking up dresses. He stopped crying right away."

"We're opening the floor to requests again," the front man for the band said over the microphone. He looked right at Mara when he said it.

Flustered, she hardly knew what to say. "Do you know Linger by the Cranberries?"

"Yeah, we know it. I don't sound like Dolores O'Riordan, but we muddle through."

The soft melody wound up and around, tugging at Mara's heart. She loved the sad ballad. Cole stood, holding out his hand to her.

"Dance with me?"

Mara nodded, taking his hand. He swung her into a firm embrace, carrying her easily across the dance floor. His hips swayed, brushing against hers. She could feel his strong, muscular thighs through the thin fabric of her dress. He gazed into her eyes, and for the first time she noticed the astonishing color of them. They were jade green in the center, with a darker green around the edge. He smiled, slowing as the song faded away.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books https://www.amazon.com/Dellani-Oakes/e/B007ZQCW3A/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Fragrance Lingers ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 4

"Doing grand, Mr. Gilroy. And yourself, sir?"

"I'm always great, Frank! Business is booming!"

Frank chuckled as if that was some sort of inside joke. Red shook his hand again and got in the cab with them.

"That Frank's a caution," he told Mara. "He's been doorman there for what, the last twenty years?"

"Hell, more like thirty, I'll bet," Cole answered him. "I remember him from when I was a kid. Dad knows him well."

"Is Belle his wife?" Mara asked.

Both men burst out laughing, throwing their heads back in a simultaneous expression of glee. "No," Cole sputtered. "She's his goat. She just gave birth to twins."

"Oh," Mara giggled. "So you literally meant kids. Oh, my!"

They pulled up to a restaurant that looked like it was covered in palm thatch. Mara's experienced eye could pick out the concrete structure beneath it, but it was very cleverly concealed to blend in. Discrete neon script to the left of the door told her they had just reached the Cabina del Sol.

A doorman opened the door and they were greeted with very unexpected music. Hard hammering guitar, bass and drums hit her like a tall, cold wave.

"Papa Roach?" She glanced around for the band.

"No, but a damn good imitation, wouldn't you say? They do their own stuff too. It's one of the bands I've been promoting," Red told her. "Not exactly typical dinner music, but this isn't the typical dinner crowd either."

They walked into the dining area. Small tables were scattered around a dance floor. The band played loudly, a mirror ball spinning above their heads. Several young couples danced in front of them, obviously enjoying the hard rock sound. They were mostly of the tattooed, pierced lip crowd. The song ended and another began without a break. This time it was more of an Eighties rock tune. It wasn't much to Mara's taste, but it had a good beat and the dancers enjoyed it.

"They take requests right now," Red told her. "Anything you want to hear?"

"Not at the moment. I'll think of something eventually," she smiled. "I see what you meant that business is booming." She giggled.

Cole bumped Red aside with his hip so he could help Mara with her chair. Red chuckled, settling across the table from her, allowing Cole the place of honor next to her.

A buxom waitress in a skimpy, black outfit walked over to their table, handing them menus with a smile. "Hi, guys. What can I get you and the lady?"

"Hi, Candy," Cole grinned in return. "The usual for us. Mara?"

"Oh. What do you recommend?" she asked Candy. "Do you have a house special?"

"Well, not really. We sell a lot of those drinks with the little pink umbrellas. But that's mostly the tourist crowd who like them. I've got just the thing." She grinned.

"Great! Surprise me!"

The band was now playing electronic dance music that Mara didn't recognize.

"What strikes your fancy, Mara? Do you like seafood?" Cole asked.

"I eat just about anything," she grinned. "As long as it's not kicking or bleeding, I'm willing to try it."

"Same thing apply to the men in your life?" Cole quipped, then looked a little embarrassed.

"Way to stick your foot in your mouth, Cole!" Red clapped him on the back. "That's his none too subtle way of asking if you're seeing anyone," Red translated. "As a man who is firmly in a committed relationship, I would never venture to ask. Cole, on the other hand, is a free agent." He winked at his friend's consternation.

"Thanks, Red. I'll remember to tell Becky that next time I talk to her."

"Go ahead, she knows how I feel about her. Why the woman won't marry me, I truly do not know."

"Have you asked her?" Mara couldn't help herself.

"Lately?" Red thought about that a minute. "Not for a few months. I'm due to ask again when I get home, I think. Maybe this time she'll come to her senses, and say yes."

"And maybe," Cole interjected, "she'll come to her senses, and move out."

"You'd know better than I would," Red was devoting his attention to the band, casually ignoring Cole. "She's your sister."

"No one ever said good sense ran in our family," Cole said, nudging his friend.

Candy came back with their drinks. "What can I get you for dinner?" She waited patiently for them to place their orders.

"What's the house special tonight?" Red asked.

"You don't want the special," she told them, wrinkling her nose. "Randy picked the special. I'm supposed to push it, but Chef Brady says if he gets too many orders, he's quitting."

"So what's the special?" he persisted.

"Meatloaf and all the fixings. You can get that at home, why eat out?"

"Forget that then. How about three of Chef's Specials?"

"With everything?"

"The works," Cole told her. "Tell Brady we've got a virgin out here for him. Have him knock himself out."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books https://www.amazon.com/Dellani-Oakes/e/B007ZQCW3A/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

His Soul to Save (Dark Knights of Heaven Book 3) by TW Knight

 

Soulless and exiled from Heaven the Dark Knights have spent millennia protecting humanity from Lucifer and his demons. But the longer they live the closer they come to joining Lucifer’s ranks in Hell. Their only hope is to find their soul keepers, and love. After an attack by a demon left her injured and weak Amber Fitzpatrick welcomed the attention and caring of her rescuer Jacob—until he turned into an abusive monster. The night Amber flees the possessive, extraordinarily toxic relationship Jacob reveals his true demonic nature. Zach has more than Lucifer’s minions to contend with. Each day brings him closer to Hell. For fifty years he’s walked the thin line between sanity and giving in to his dark urges. Urges that go against his calling as a healer and a teacher. Every battle drives him closer to the edge, feeds his inner demon and pushes him to find a permanent solution to death. When Zach meets Amber he sees a chance for salvation. But Amber’s experience with Jacob makes her afraid to start any kind of relationship with Zach, especially discovering he’s not that different then the man she walked away from. Can she set her fear aside and save Zach before she loses him to the darkness forever?

To Ends of the Earth: High Plains to Patagonia by Nelda Bedford Gaydou

 

On the road to seek work in the cotton fields of Texas, an old Ford Model T truck breaks down and forces a change of destination that ultimately leads the protagonists to the Argentine Patagonia. Follow the anecdote-driven story of a devoted couple who spent their childhood in the U.S. Southwest during the Great Depression, met and married during World War II, and together undertook a lifelong journey of adventure and service.

One Night in Daytona Beach: #17 in Tirgearr Publishing's City Nights Series by Dellani Oakes

 

He hadn't seen her in 10 years, but there she was, dressed in black leather, straddling the Harley. Draven Wick is back home, on a break from filming his vampire themed TV show, when he spots Jamie Humphrey at a Bike Week raffle. The love of his teen life, Draven never thought he'd see her again. Rekindling their romance after 10 years is the easy part. Unfortunately, Draven has been blamed for the death of a notorious bike gang leader. Staying ahead of the police, and the biker gang bent on revenge, takes Jamie and Draven to the brink of disaster.

Chance - A Novel: Psychological Thriller (Sydney Jones Series Book 2) by Carolyn Bowen

 

They took her lover. Getting him back could be the last thing she ever does…

High-powered Atlanta attorney Sydney Jones never backs down from a case. So when her bodyguard and boyfriend is accused of murder, she’s determined to fight for him in court. Instead, the charges are suddenly dismissed, and he vanishes without a trace…

Suspecting CIA involvement, Sydney takes on a lawsuit with Chinese Black Society ties and finds a startling connection to her missing man. But as she digs deeper, she discovers that someone may kill to keep the secret.

Will this dangerous cat-and-mouse game reveal the truth or put a bullet in Sydney’s head?

Chance is the second book in the Sydney Jones psychological thriller trilogy. If you like fearless heroines, page-turning action, and shocking twists, then you’ll love Carolyn Bowen’s gripping story.

True Identity book 1 by Amanda Mackey

 

I don’t know who I am. I can’t remember my name, where I come from, or how I ended up in the hospital with a bullet wound to my chest. When I think back, searching for a memory, all I see is a big black hole of nothing.

But I recall her voice…the sweet, angelic sound that reached out to me through the coffin of black, pulling me back to the light.

I might not know anything about my past, my life, my identity—but the moment I opened my eyes and stared straight into hers, I knew I wanted her. I knew there was no way in hell I would let her go.

Now I need to piece back together the missing fragments of my life so I can figure out where she fits into it—or if she fits into it at all.

The only problem is if your past is buried beneath a shroud of darkness, you have no idea when it might come back to haunt you.

Fragrance Lingers ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 3

"Who can blame them? Cats are independent natured. You can't trap the wind and water, so why try to cage a cat?" Her smile was warm and welcoming. "I have just the thing," she grinned, taking a dress off the rack. "I was saving this for your mother. She loves to buy pretty things for you and your sister. But now you've come yourself."

The dress was a dark, rosy pink fabric. Cut full at the bottom, the top was form fitting with puffy sleeves. Delicate white, pink and lavender flowers cascaded down from the bodice.

"It's beautiful!" Mara's eyes were wide with delight.

"Try it on," Auria told her excitedly, leading her to the dressing room.

"I hope it fits!"

"Unless your weight has changed dramatically, it will fit like a glove. It was made for you."

"Really?" Mara struggled out of her shorts and tank top carefully putting on the dress, zipping it up the side. "It's perfect," she breathed. "Absolutely perfect."

She walked out of the dressing room and stood before Auria. Her face was flushed with delight, her eyes sparkling.

"Now there's a dress!" Auria declared, clasping her hands together delightedly. "I do believe that is the most beautiful dress I've ever made!"

"You made this? For me?"

"With you in mind, to be sure. Your mother told me the kind of things you like, and what your favorite colors are. I knew this dress would be special."

"It's magnificent, Auria! I'll take it!"

Mara changed with care. As she was paying for the dress, she noticed the bag was bulkier than she'd anticipated.

"What's this?"

"Shoes and a purse," Auria replied. "My gift to you. I am delighted you liked the dress."

"I love it," Mara told her honestly. "It is the most beautiful dress I've ever worn!"

"Come back and see me again before you leave," Auria said. She hugged Mara, kissing her on both cheeks. "You are very like your mother," she told her. "I am so very glad to have finally met you."

"I'm delighted to have met you too, Auria."

Mara sang all the way back to the hotel, her dress and shoes swinging from her hand. When she got back, she had just over an hour to get ready for dinner. She took another shower, fluffed her short, curly hair into soft ebony ringlets, and put on her makeup.

Gazing at herself in the mirror, she noticed the resemblance to her mother that Auria mentioned. Her face was heart shaped with high cheekbones. Her eyes were wide set with long, dark lashes. Her lips were pink and full, hardly needing lipstick. A scattering of freckles danced over her nose and cheeks, the legacy of her red haired father. A little mineral powder foundation covered those.

Satisfied with her look, she got dressed. The sandals and purse were tooled leather in a sandy tan. Each was decorated with flowers that coordinated with the pattern of the dress. She tossed a few necessary items into the purse, grabbed her key card and realized she didn't know if Cole was coming up to the room or if she should wait for him in the lobby. Seized with indecision, she was startled by the phone.

"Yes?"

"Front desk, Miss Cross. There are two gentlemen here who say they have a dinner appointment with you. Shall I send them up?"

"Tell them I'll be right down," she sounded breathless like her mother. "Thank you!"

The elevator hardly moved fast enough for her, but finally it reached the ground floor. Mara walked out as if making her grand entrance at a debutante ball. She glanced around the lobby looking for Cole, but it was Red's signature hair that she noticed first. Cole was leaning over talking to the clerk at the desk. Both Red and Cole were dressed in crisp, natural linen suits with Polo shirts.

Red saw her, when she waved, and tugged Cole's sleeve. Cole glanced up and froze, a look of wonder flooding his face. They walked over to meet her and Cole couldn't keep his eyes off her. His mouth hung open slightly. Red popped his chin, closing Cole's mouth with a click of teeth.

"Wow!" Cole could hardly speak. "You look amazing! I said casual... But.... Wow!"

"What my tongue tied friend is trying to say is that you look lovely, Miss Cross." Red glanced at Cole, chuckling. "I'm Red, by the way, but I expect you know that. I apologize for my boorishness on the beach. Don't know my own strength." He grabbed his arm, flexing proudly in front of Cole's face.

"Call me Mara," she said sweetly. "I told Cole already, Miss Cross sounds too much like I'm the boss."

"What business are you in?" Red asked politely, offering her his arm.

"I'm an architect."

"But she's trying hard to forget the office," Cole finally found his voice. "So we are duty bound to help her forget, my rotund, red haired friend!" He offered his arm on her other side.

"I beg your pardon! I'm not rotund, I'm solid!" He smacked his fist against his belly to demonstrate.

Sandwiched between the two men, Mara walked out onto the sidewalk. Cole hailed a cab while Red struck up a conversation with the doorman.

"Frank, howdy!" They shook hands. "How's Belle doing? And the kids?"

©2021 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books https://www.amazon.com/Dellani-Oakes/e/B007ZQCW3A/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Fragrance Lingers ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 2

 

"Sorry about that!" he called in a distinctive East Texas twang.

The man next to her picked up the volleyball in one hand. "Cole Bayard," he extend the hand not holding the ball.

"Mara Cross. Who's your pal?"

"He goes by Red Gilroy. Bet you can't guess why."

Mara chuckled, glancing at the man standing over her. He was better looking up close, with a firm chin and well toned physique. His navy blue swim trunks had big, white tropical flowers on them and rode low on his hips. What really caught her attention was the tattoo on his abdomen just below his navel. She could see two brightly colored serpent's heads intertwined, facing one another. She wondered how low the tattoo went below the level of his shorts. Shaking her head slightly, she realized he was speaking to her again. Blinking, she looked up at him, trying hard to focus.

"I'm sorry. I guess I've got a little jet lag."

Cole grinned flashing even white teeth in his tanned face. "No problem, Miss Cross. I was just apologizing again for the volleyball. We didn't mean to interrupt."

"Not a problem. Call me Mara. Miss Cross sounds too much like work. I'm here to forget the office, not burrow deeper into it."

Cole bounced the ball back and forth absently as if he were trying to make up his mind about something. "Mara, would you like to join Red and me for dinner?"

"Oh, well...I don't know.... It's just...."

"I know, it's abrupt, but we know some of the less traveled night spots. I'm here about six months out of the year. Red comes down fairly often. I sideline as a tour guide. It gives me something to do to take my mind off the office." He said with a completely straight face.

"I'd like that, actually," Mara decided. She was determined to enjoy herself. Dinner in a public place sounded harmless enough.

"Super! We'll pick you up at six o'clock. Dress casually, the fancy spots are for tourists." Grinning, he saluted her and ran back down to where Red was standing.

Cole moved with easy, unaffected grace, running effortlessly through the sand. When he got back to Red, he popped the ball hard over the net. It landed in his friend's outstretched hands. Mara watched them play until they went back into the hotel together. It was nearly one when Mara finally left the beach and went back to her room. A note had been slipped under her door. She opened it and grinned. It was covered in a masculine scrawl.

"I continue to be sorry about the volleyball, but I'm very glad I met you. I look forward to dinner. Cole."

Mara took a shower and ordered room service for lunch. She sat down to watch the ocean as she ate. Awed by the beauty and majesty of it, she couldn't get enough.

The day finally caught up with her, and she decided to take a nap. She set her alarm for two hours, closed the blinds, and lay down. The sun came through the drapes in a pale pink glow, making her think of bubble gum and cotton candy. With those images in her mind, she fell asleep.

When her alarm went off, she got up and decided to go shopping before dinner. She wanted something to reflect her mood and nothing to remind her of the city. There were several shops in the hotel, but she didn't like the looks of the merchandise—shoddy and overpriced. Instead, she headed for an open air market that was only a few blocks from the hotel. Her mother had given her specific directions, having been to the island many times. Booths and tables assaulted her eyes. Dozens of odors competed for her attention. There were fruits piled on rickety wagons, jewelry laid out on blankets, shoes, handbags, even bronze oil lamps.

She wanted a specific shop, one her mother had told her about. It sold beautiful, handmade dresses in a variety of colors and prints. Each one was covered in delicate embroidery. Mara found the shop just where her mother had told her, entering as if she knew the place. Her mother described it so specifically, Mara could have found her way around with her eyes closed. Racks of rainbows competed with one another for her attention, so she stood in the middle of the floor walking in a slow circle.

A lovely, bronze skinned woman appeared from behind a bead curtain at the back of the shop. She smiled warmly, extending her hands in greeting. "Welcome! I am Auria. May I help you?" Her voice was dark and rich like chocolate.

"Yes, please. I want a dress, a very specific type. My mother has brought me several after her visits."

"Can you describe them for me?" Auria's brow furrowed slightly as she concentrated.

"Gauzy, sheer material. They're brightly colored, full sleeves and lots of embroidery."

"Ah, yes! Come, I will show you. We keep those for special customers, those with better than tourist tastes. Who is your mother?"

"Rosaline Cross," she replied automatically, hardly expecting Auria to know her by name.

The woman turned happily, gasping as she took Mara's hands in hers. "You're Rosie's daughter? You must be Mara. You have your mother's eyes and her full lips. How's your mother and when is she coming to see Auria again?"

"Mom's doing great," Mara was surprised at the warmth of the greeting. "She's planning to come down in February, I think. Right now she's house sitting for me. I've got a couple of grumpy, old cats who don't do well in a kennel."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books 

So Much It Hurts by Dellani Oakes

 

Alone in the big city, Pia Donvan is feeling rather lost when she finally arrives at the majestic, old hotel in the downtown area. All that changes when she meets Flynn Chancellor. He and his roommate, Yancy Fredrick, take an interest in Pia, introducing her to their city. Pia seems to have found her niche, making friends with the friendly residents in the old hotel. Life seems perfect, until one weekend when everything changes forever.