I Love Dialogue from Set for Love by Dellani

Bern Cortland isn't having a very good day. He hooked up the night before with a woman he works with, who now clearly hates him. After a huge fight at work, he decides to go for a run to work off the anger. Instead, he simply runs into trouble – a mugger jumps him on a deserted part of the path. Though Bern fights him off, he gets injured. This scene takes place at the hospital.

The doctor examined his wound and had the nurse wash his hand well before giving him a shot to deaden it.

"Did a good job on this," he muttered. "What happened?"

"Got jumped by some bald, muscled guy in the park."

"Oh, so that's your handiwork? Nice!" He seemed very impressed. "Black belt?"

"Me or him?" Bern winced with the Lidocaine infiltrated the tissue around his wound.

"Sorry about that. Shit stings like a bitch," the doctor said. "I'm Dr. Fellowes. I'll be your surgeon this morning."

"Thought you guys did the big stuff?"

"Surgery got canceled, so I'm bored. Besides, this is a really slick wound. What'd you do, grab the knife?"

"Grabbed his wrist, but I guess I miscalculated. The good news is if he hadn't cut me, I'd probably be in jail for assault. Cop wasn't too bright, thought I was the mugger even though I called them."

"You'd be one stupid mugger," Dr. Fellowes replied with a grin. "What do you study?"

"Krav Maga."

"Really? Brutal. How many bones have you broken in training?"

"Lost count."

"I do Aikido myself. I was doing kick boxing but got told I needed to learn discipline and how to slow down." He worked quickly, meticulously, taking tiny stitches inside Bern's hand, pulling the muscle and tissue back together.

"No sparring for at least two weeks," he said as he continued to work. "Be very careful with this and keep it dry. If we lose any stitches inside, it could affect mobility. It's gonna leave a hell of a scar."

"I don't care, as long as I can move it."

Bern watched in fascination as the doctor continued to work quickly, his fingers flashing rapidly in the bright light. Suddenly dizzy, Bern felt himself falling as the ceiling became the floor. The nurse caught him, laying him flat on the gurney.

"Was it something I said?" the doctor quipped and continued to stitch.

Bern woke up about twenty minutes later. An IV was attached to his arm and a bag of clear liquid dangled from a pole above his head. He tried to sit up, but it made him dizzy.

"Hold up," a calm male voice said from the corner. "Just lay there, Bern. Lemme tell the nurse you're awake."

It took a moment for Bern to process the fact that it was Colt. He'd completely forgotten that his friend was at the hospital. The curtain scooted aside again and the nurse came in.

"Feeling better? You looked pretty bad there. At least you didn't need a transfusion, but you lost a good bit of blood."

"I'm okay. I think. Make the damn room stop spinning, huh?"

She grinned down at him. She was pretty and blonde with green eyes and a nice smile. "It'll stop in a couple minutes, sweetie."

"Feels like a three day drunk on tequila."

"Done that, have you?"

"Yeah. More than's good for me."

"A nice boy like you?"

She raised a teasing eyebrow and Bern got the distinct impression she was flirting with him. Her name tag said her name was Norah.

"Norah, I'm bout's bad as they come. Well—I'm good—but I'm bad—"

She giggled, checking his pulse. She noted it on his chart and took his blood pressure.

"Your friend's gonna be fine when his pulse slows down. Trust a man to pass out, then make a pass at his nurse." She grinned, shaking her head. Pretty blonde curls framed her heart shaped face.

Bern felt his face warm.

"Man's gonna flirt," Colt answered. "It's in his nature. But it shows he's on the road to recovery."

"I'd have to be 'bout dead not to flirt with a beautiful woman."

Norah blushed as she recorded his blood pressure. She took his temperature and checked the IV bag. It was more than half empty. She finished his vital signs, smiling down at him.

"I'll check with Dr. Fellowes, but I'd say you could go home pretty much any time. I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere."

"Baby, I'm not moving 'til I see your smiling face again."

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

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First Meeting from A Novel Romance by Dellani

Lionel Pettigrew is a genius, but he doesn't usually come across as one. In fact, he's so scattered, he usually appears like a moron. Mostly, that doesn't matter, but when a beautiful brunette is waiting in his office, he doesn't make a very good first impression.

He entered the sanctity of his office, sighing happily as he leaned against the closed door. It took a few moments to realize he wasn't alone after all. Someone sat in a chair in front of his desk. He stared, mouth agape.

"I let myself in," the young woman said quietly. "I'm sorry. Your assistant said it was okay."

"Assistant?"

"The girl out front when I got here. She said you were in a meeting and I should have a seat."

Jackie—pretending to be his grad assistant again. Wishful thinking on her part. She was an idiot who thought that flaunting her tits would get her through his class.

"Did you need to see me?" He wandered in the general direction of his cluttered desk, setting things in random spots as he passed.

"I'm your new research assistant," she said quietly. "Arista Lockhart." She leaned across the desk, her hand extended.

Lionel, whose right hand was still full, handed her the object instead of shaking her hand. Arista gazed at his left shoe with a puzzled frown. He took the shoe, dropping it on the floor beside his desk. After rubbing his hand on the seat of his brown corduroy pants, he took her hand.

"Research assistant? I've got one of those?"

"Don't you?"

"I didn't think so. But they could have given me one and not told me. Or they could have told me...." His voice trailed off uncomfortably. "And your name is?"

"Arista," she pronounced slowly. "Lockhart."

"Like the small spikes on grain," he said with a grin, making pointy fingers like spikes.

"I'm sorry?"

"Your name. The little spikes on wheat—they're called Arista. Or some kinds of insect antennae.... Uh...."

She gave him a very puzzled frown. "If you say so."

"So, research—um—assistant?" Lionel cleared his throat, frowning.

"Doctor Murphy said it was all arranged. You requested an assistant? I thought the other girl might be."

"No. She wouldn't know how to go about research. Do you?"

"Do I what?"

"Know how to research?"

"Depends on the subject, but yes, I'm fairly proficient. I'm here to learn how to do it better." A strained smile pasted itself on her lips. "Doctor Murphy had the impression it was imperative that I start immediately."

"Oh! Oh. I wonder when I requested you."

"Less than three weeks ago. You walked in, told him you needed a research assistant immediately and left. He got me as fast as he could...."

"Oh. How odd. I wonder what I was thinking?"

"But you do need me?"

"I'm sure I do. I must, if I asked for you."

"Excuse me, Mr. Pettigrew."

"Doctor," he corrected.

"What?"

"Doctor Pettigrew. Not—not Mister. Doctor." He gestured feebly with his hands. Scratching his head, he twirled some hair around his finger.

Arista tried very hard not to roll her eyes. She almost succeeded. "Right. We need to talk about what my duties are."

"I'll have to figure that out, Miss... Um...." The scent of her perfume had finally drifted over to his sensitive nostrils. It was sweet, sultry, enticing—a little spicy. He found it very hard to concentrate.

"Lockhart. Are you okay? You seem really distracted."

"I'm fine. Just fine Miss—Miss Lockhart," he said slowly and deliberately. "I have to figure out what I needed you for, then I can tell you what I want."

"Are you always like this?"

"Like what?" He gathered up a handful of loose papers, trying to stack them. He failed, scattering them all over the floor. Lionel stared at them helplessly.

Miss Lockhart rose, gathering the papers on her side of the desk. Her skirt was short, but not alarmingly so. It was soft, dark chocolate fabric that clung to her hips, flaring at her knees. Her long legs were shapely, encased in some sort of patterned tights. Her top was a rich, rose pink with a high neck and long sleeves. A matching brown jacket was draped over the back of her chair.

Lionel took all this in as she picked up papers. He fumbled awhile with those on his side of the desk, wondering who she was and where she came from.

"I bet if you told me what projects you're working on, we could figure out what you need me for." Her voice was slightly muffled because she faced away from him, still picking up his papers.

Grabbing the last page from the floor, she straightened up and went through them, putting them in order. Fortunately, they seemed to be numbered. Lionel didn't realize he was staring until her eyes met his with an unnerving, withering glare.

"They match your skirt," he babbled, not realizing he'd said it aloud.

"Excuse me?"

"Your—um—your eyes." He cleared his throat again. "Match." He waved his hand between his eyes and his pants, indicating they matched her skirt.

She cut her eyes at him suspiciously. What's with this guy? Is he retarded or what? "Your project," she said patiently.

"I—I'm between projects at the—at the moment." Dammit! He thought he'd conquered that stammer. Indulging in mental profanity, he cleared his throat again.

"Coffee?" he asked suddenly.

"What?"

"Want some coffee?"

"Do you want me to get you some?" She looked around in confusion.

"No. No, I can make some. I won't drink what they produce down in the lounge. It reeks of chemicals. Mine's organic."

"You a vegan?"

"No." He looked puzzled, then his frown cleared. "No. I don't trust the crap they put in coffee. Never know where it's been."

"Organic is grown in manure," she said politely.

"But at least we know where that's been." He laughed rather awkwardly.

© 2016 Dellani Oakes

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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

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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

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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 

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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

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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 

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