Monday, May 28, 2012

Tuesday Tales - Chase

Happy Memorial Day. Welcome to this weeks Tuesday's Tale with the word prompt Chase.I like to thank you for stopping by and hope you are enjoying Billy and Alexandra's story. Don't forget to visit the Tuesday Tales Blog to read my tales.

“It feels so good to be home.” Alexandra sat on the couch with her feet up on the cocktail table sipping on a latte. “I couldn’t wait to get out of the community hospital gown. It feels great to be wearing my own clothes.”

“I’m happy you are out of there too.” He didn’t want to tell Alexandra about the whole hospital incident. There was no need to scare her. He would get her settled in before going down to the precinct.

Alexandra tapped her hand on the couch. “Come sit with me. I want to taste you lips without the nurse staring from her desk.”

As much as Billy wanted to make love to her, his mind continued to wander to the doctor at the hospital. The whole staff thing just didn’t make sense. Could it be he wasn’t paying attention? Or was something going on that put Alexandra’s life in jeopardy. Whatever it is, his top priority was to keep Alexandra safe.

He didn’t take him long to put his current thoughts on hold, concentrating totally on Alexandra, who’s lips were sprinkling kisses along his neck and ears.

“Are you sure you’re up to making love?” Billy asked, exciting radiating through his body.

Alexandra licked her lips. “Yes.”

Billy scooped her in his arms. “Let’s take this upstairs.”

***

When Alexandra fell asleep, Billy walked back downstairs into the kitchen. Despite everything Alexandra been through, she still put his needs first. That’s why, no matter the outcome, he would make certain that Alexandra remains safe.

The precinct was five minutes away, right across from Chase bank. It was important to file a police report, keeping them abreast of what had happened. Billy waited over a half hour before Sergeant Gallo came out to get him, leading him into his tiny office.

Gallo leaned back in his chair, folded his arms resting them on top of his beer belly. “What can I do for you today, Mr. Davidson?”

“I wanted to tell you about what happened at the hospital the other night. I’m getting an eerie feeling something isn’t right,” he explained sitting in the metal chair next to his desk.

“In what way.”

“There’s a doctor that can’t be accounted for and an elderly volunteer who got switched from one floor to the other.”

“I don’t see any problem.”

“I think all of this has to do with the problem I have with Ralphie. I just want it on file.”

“Mr. Davison, there’s nothing I can do. I don’t see any law being broken. I can’t go on hear say.” Gallo leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows on his desk.

“I understand, but who was the doctor that examined Alexandra? No one seems to know who is he?”

“I don’t know Mr. Davidson. I’ll make a few phone calls, but otherwise, my hands are tied.”

“Great,” he shook his head in disgust. “I feel Alexandra is in danger. What am I going to do to keep her safe? And what if this doctor is a hit man?”

“Mr. Davidson, I think you’re watching too much television. Now go home and take care of Alexandra.” Gallo stood up. “By the way, how is she doing?”

“Better thank you. I’d just feel better if I knew she was safe.”

“I’ll get back to you in a couple of days.”

Billy walked out of the office with no peace of mind. Gallo wasn’t taking this serious. Maybe he thought it to be a joke, but in his heart, Billy knew they were in trouble. He would do his best to protect Alexandra, but he couldn’t be with her around the clock. He had to make a decision by the time he got home.

***
Billy unlocked the door. As he went to walk in, something caught his eye. He turned around, saw a silhouette of a person running through the weeds. Placing the box of pastries down, he ran after the person. But it was too late. He heard a car start and screech down the street.

He couldn’t keep this from Alexandra anymore. She had to know what was going on so she could be alert. If he called Gallo to tell him the latest development, he would have brushed him off again. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. This time Billy would do anything to keep Alexandra safe.



After the untimely death of her husband in the line of duty, Nikki Petrino still grieving three years later, goes on retreat to Mexico to finish her novel, where she meets musician Drake Dente a 90’s rock icon working on lyrics for his comeback CD.

After meeting at dinner, Drake and Nikki can’t keep their eyes off each other. Sparks fly and they instantly became an item. Upon returning to New York for Nikki’s high school reunion, she learns shocking events from her best friends.

After a misunderstanding, Nikki is missing and Drake is desperate to track her down.

Roses is available at:
Secret Cravings Publishing
Amazon
Barnes and Nobles


Coming Soon from Secret Cravings Publishing

Monday, May 21, 2012

Tuesday Tales – Pie

Welcome to this weeks Tuesday Tales. I'd like to thank everyone who stops by to read the adventure of Billy and Alexandra. Don't forget to checkout the other great tales at: Tuesday Tales.

I'd also like to take a few minutes to mourn the loss of Donna Summer and Robin Gibbs. They were icons in the music world, especially during the disco era. They will be missed terribly, but will forever remain in my heart, being a constant reminder of all the happy memories in my life.



Billy got off the elevator with an extra large cup of coffee and a slice of key lime pie. He had arrived a little too late to the cafeteria to get some real food. A nice quarter-pound hamburger with cheese would definitely hit the spot, but he wasn’t going to leave the hospital.

He walked into the tiny waiting room and sat on the chair facing Alexandra’s room. As he sipped his coffee, an eerie feeling came over him. Something wasn’t right. Billy walked into the corridor and walked to the nurse’s station. Vera, the red headed RN sat behind the desk.

“Good evening Billy. How’s Alexandra’s doing today?”

“She’s doing a lot better, thank you.” Leaning on the top of the desk, Billy looked around. “Where is everyone tonight? Especially the elderly volunteer.”

“What elderly volunteer?”

“Rachael.”

“We haven’t had a volunteer here in months.”

Billy folded his hands behind his head and walked into Alexandra’s room. Everything looked fine. Alexandra was sleeping with the pink and white fleece blanket he had bought for her when she said the thin white quilt wasn’t keeping her warm. He returned to the nurse’s station where another RN named Barbara sat next to Vera.

“I have to ask you again,” he said, looking at Vera. “Are you sure you don’t know who Rachael is?”

“Sorry Billy, but no.”

Barbara leaned back in his chair. “Are you talking about the cute little elderly volunteer?”

Looking from Barbara to Vera, “Yes. Do you know her?”

“Everyone knows her. She usually works on the pediatrics floor but fills in on other floors when they need help.”

“Why don’t you know her?” Billy asked Vera, raising his voice.

“Because Vera just transferred here from the south facility.” Picking up the phone, Barbara held her finger up and spoke, “Can you ask Rachael to come up to four south, nurse’s station eight?...Thank you.”

“Rachael’s on her way up.”

“Okay. Thank you. If you don’t mind, I’m going to wait in Alexandra’s room.”

Before she could answer, he walked into her room, sitting down next to her. Tomorrow, no matter what, he was taking Alexandra home with him. The doctor had said she needed a few days rest. He’d make sure she got all the rest she needed with him by her side. This hospital thing gave him an eerie feeling.

“You’re looking for me Billy?”

Billy turned around and sighed in relief. Sure enough, there stood Rachael, who had helped him out last week.

“Yes,” he nodded his head. “You took such good care of me and Alexandra last night, that I wanted to thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Rachael walked over to Billy and touched his shoulder. “Don’t worry, everything is going to be okay.”

~~~

Billy didn’t sleep the whole night. He sat slumped in the chair next to her bed. At one point, he could have sworn that someone was watching them. He kept saying to himself that it was his imagination running wild, but knew better. His instinct told him something was going on beneath the surface.

A tall lanky gray haired doctor walked into the room. “Good morning Mr. Donovan.” Extending his hand, “I’m so happy to finally meet you.”

Billy stood and took his hand confused. “Nice to meet you.” Dropping his eyes to his nametag, his heart dropped. “You’re Doctor Reynolds? What happened to Dr. Harris?”

“Doctor Harris had a family emergency down in Florida. We both did the surgery.”

“Then who was the doctor that came here yesterday morning?” Billy asked, pointing to the chart handing on the bottom of her bed.

“Hmm…let me take a look.”

Billy watched Doctor Harris open the chart, then review it with a dumbfounded look on his face.

“I’m sorry Mr. Donovan, but I don’t know who Dr. Adams is.”

“I want you to release Alexandra. I’ll take her home and took care of her.”

“There’s no reason why she’s here. The surgery to remove the bullet wasn’t complicated, and what she needs is some physical therapy.” Taking his prescription pad out of his pocket, he scribbled on a few pages and handed them to Billy. “This is an antibiotic, and this is the script for physical therapy.”

“Thank you.” Billy walked over to Alexandra and kissed her forehead. “Hey wake up sleepyhead. You’re going home.”

Alexandra opened her eyes and huge smile appeared on her lips. “Really?” Looking at Billy, “You’re taking me home?”

“How are you feeling Alexandra?” Doctor Harris asked.

“Fine. Eager to go home,” she replied, sitting up on the bed.

“Yes, right now.”

“I’ll have your release papers ready by the time you are dressed, ” Doctor Harris said before leaving the room.

Alexandra got out of bed and walked right into Billy’s arms. “I can’t wait to be home in your arms.”

“Neither can I.”

While Alexandra got dressed, Billy wondered what the hell was going on. The first step was getting her the hell out of the hospital. Something wasn’t right here. He wondered who the hell the doctor was that came into her room the day before. Things weren’t adding up. Maybe it was time to go down to the police precinct and speak to the officers in charge of Alexandra’s case. But first, he had to get Alexandra home.





After the untimely death of her husband in the line of duty, Nikki Petrino still grieving three years later, goes on retreat to Mexico to finish her novel, where she meets musician Drake Dente a 90’s rock icon working on lyrics for his comeback CD.

After meeting at dinner, Drake and Nikki can’t keep their eyes off each other. Sparks fly and they instantly became an item. Upon returning to New York for Nikki’s high school reunion, she learns shocking events from her best friends.

After a misunderstanding, Nikki is missing and Drake is desperate to track her down.

Roses is available at:
Secret Cravings Publishing
Amazon
Barnes and Nobles


COMING SOON

Monday, May 14, 2012

Tuesday Tales - Picture Prompt - Central Park Archway

I'd like to thank everyone who stops by my little corner on the web to read my Tuesday Tales. I am thrilled to see everyone coming back each week to read my story about Billy and Alexandra. Their journey will continue next week.

This week, the moment I saw the picture prompt, I knew exactly what I was going to do. I wanted to give you a background of the hero, Drake Dente from my debut novel Roses. This scene, isn't in the book.








Drake leaned against the wall in the arched stone walkway. Living across the street from Central Park had always been one of his dreams since he was a young lad growing up in Liverpool, London. Those were the days when his family lived in a one bedroom flat, stone broke, sharing a hamburger and a dream.

In the beginning he was reluctant to leave. Just the thought of leaving his lads behind and going to a new country where he would stand out in the crowd with his heavy British accent scared him half to death.

He did stand out in the crowd and wasn’t included much in any of the activities his classmates were involved with. But getting stuck in a boring music class got him thinking. That night, he went home and wrote some random words, then began tapping his pencil against the kitchen table.

The next day, when he went back to school, he picked up an acrostic guitar and started singing. While sitting under a tree playing, a lad asked him if he’d like to join their band. They had a drummer and a bass player. He accepted and while playing in a dirty, dingy club, the band was approached by a major record label. Within a few days, they were signed and shoot straight to the top, taking their first single to number 1 on the Billboard Chart.

Drake touch the cement block where: I love Drake Dente, was written. Fame. How sweet it is. But never did he imagine, when his family moved here when he was fifteen, that he would be a rock icon living in a Manhattan penthouse with Nikki, the love of his life and their three children.

Now how he met Nikki, well that’s a whole other story.




After the untimely death of her husband in the line of duty, Nikki Petrino still grieving three years later, goes on retreat to Mexico to finish her novel, where she meets musician Drake Dente a 90’s rock icon working on lyrics for his comeback CD.

After meeting at dinner, Drake and Nikki can’t keep their eyes off each other. Sparks fly and they instantly became an item. Upon returning to New York for Nikki’s high school reunion, she learns shocking events from her best friends.

After a misunderstanding, Nikki is missing and Drake is desperate to track her down.


Roses is available at:

Secret Cravings Publishing


Amazon


Barnes and Nobles

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

My Book Cover




Happy Mother's Day to me! My new novel The Boardwalk will be out in July 2012 by Secret Cravings Publishing. I am so excited. This is like a dream come true. A dream I hope I never wake up from!

Monday, May 07, 2012

Tuesday Tales - Finger

Tuesday Tales - Finger

Billy slid the card back into the envelope. Within seconds, he stood at her side. Alexandra opened and closed her eyes. She seemed to be having a hard time keeping them open. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he waited until her eyes opened wide and her lips curled at the side.

“How are you feeling?” Billy asked, resting his hand over hers.

“I’m sure better than you look.” Alexandra stiffened her legs and let out a sigh. “I want to go home.”

“I know you do. We just have to wait for the doctor to come in. I think he wants to keep you for another day or two,” Billy said, pushing the one strand of hair off her face.

“Are you all right?” Alexandra asked, squeezing his hand.

“Yes. But believe me, I would trade places with you any day. I hate to see you like this. You should have never gotten shot.”

“I was protecting you,” she said, a smile appearing on her lips.

Billy’s eyes bulged wide open, and he lifted both his hands and covered his face. Now all the pieces started to come into place. Just by the way Alexandra spoke, Billy knew that she took the bullet for him. He should have realized it when she got hit standing directly in front of him.

“I am so sorry,” Billy said, tears escaping from his eyes. “I’m supposed to protect you.”

“You are, by getting me out of here.”

“Looks like someone is feeling better,” the doctor said, standing in the doorway.

“I want to go home.”

The doctor walked over to the bed and opened her chart. “It seems that everyday is fine,” he concluded, shutting her chart, “but I’d like to keep her here for a few more days.”

“Why?” Billy challenged him. “There’s no reason why she can’t come home with me day, or tomorrow.”

The doctor placed the chart on the hook at the bottom of her bed. “I feel it’s best that Alexandra’s monitored for another couple of days.”

Billy pointed his finger at him. “I suggest that you let them know at the nurses station I am not leaving her side until she is discharged.”

“Unfortunately, that’s against hospital regulations.”

Billy bit his bottom lip. No sense in causing a scene. That would cause more attention to him. Maybe he couldn’t stay in her room, but he wasn’t leaving the hospital, not until he found out where the flowers came from.

Instead he asked, “When can she come home?”

“I’ll run a few tests tomorrow morning and if everything comes out fine, than I will send her home sometime tomorrow.” The doctor walked to the doorway and turned around as if to say something, but changed his mind and walked away.

When Billy was sure no one could hear him, he spoke to Alexandra. “You have to be very careful. I’m not going anywhere. I will be right down the hall if you need me. I am not going home until I bringing you with me.”

“What’s wrong?”

Billy thought for a second. There was no need for her to know about the flowers, especially the card. He had to keep her safe, and didn’t need to have her worrying.

When the announcement came that visiting hours were over, he leaned over her and kissed her forehead. “You have nothing to worry about. I’m sorry if I gave you that impression.”

Alexandra reached out and touched Billy’s face. “I love you. Please be careful until the police find the person who shot me.”

“Love you too.” This time, he kissed her lips as she held his face between her warm hands. “I’m going to leave your cell phone under your pillow. If you need me, press the side button. It’s a walkie-talkie. Okay?” he whispered, sliding the phone under her pillow.

“I’ll be fine. “ Touching his face, “go get something to eat. You look pale. I need you to keep up your strength if you’re going to help me finish getting the cafĂ© together.”

“You don’t stop. That’s what I love about you. I think I’ll take you up on that. I’m going to go get myself a bit to eat and a cup of coffee. Do you want anything?”

“I’d love if you got me an Almond Joy.”

“You got it. I’ll be back in a few.”

When he left the room, he glanced over his shoulder at the nurse station. That’s when he caught a shadow coming from the room behind the desk. He couldn’t make out who stood there, and wondered if it was a good idea going downstairs to the store.

Billy looked at his watch and knew he had no more than fifteen minutes before the store in the lobby closed. He’d only be gone for a few minutes, and besides he needed the caffeine to keep him up.


For more delicious TUESDAY TALES CLICK HERE.

My debut novel "Roses" is now available through: store.secretcravingspublishing.com and Amazon.com and Barnesandnobles.com

After the untimely death of her husband in the line of duty, Nikki Petrino still grieving three years later, goes on retreat to Mexico to finish her novel, where she meets musician Drake Dente a 90’s rock icon working on lyrics for his comeback CD.

After meeting at dinner, Drake and Nikki can’t keep their eyes off each other. Sparks fly and they instantly became an item. Upon returning to New York for Nikki’s high school reunion, she learns shocking events from her best friends.

After a misunderstanding, Nikki is missing and Drake is desperate to track her down.

Friday, May 04, 2012

Free Chapter Friday - Roses



Welcome to Free Chapter Friday. I am so happy to be able to share with you the first chapter of my debut novel Roses. I also like to thank all my readers from all over the world for stopping by and their support to past seven months.



After the untimely death of her husband in the line of duty, Nikki Petrino still grieving three years later, goes on retreat to Mexico to finish her novel, where she meets musician Drake Dente a 90’s rock icon working on lyrics for his comeback CD.

After meeting at dinner, Drake and Nikki can’t keep their eyes off each other. Sparks fly and they instantly became an item. Upon returning to New York for Nikki’s high school reunion, she learns shocking events from her best friends.

After a misunderstanding, Nikki is missing and Drake is desperate to track her down.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FIRST CHAPTER OF ROSES

Available at:

Secret Cravings Publishing

Amazon

Barnes and Nobles