In the Harem

Today's Guest Author - Mya O’Malley

Young: My guest author today is Ms. Mya O’Malley who was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, daughter and three step-daughters. Her family also consists of two boxers; Destiny and Dolce and a ragdoll cat named Colby. Mya earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in reading and literacy.  She works as a special education teacher and enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students.
Mya: Thank you Young for having me as your guest author today.

Young: My pleasure, Mya. It's always great to glimpse into the lives, passions and projects of my fellow Solstice authors. :)

Tell my readers about your books and projects you are currently working on?

Mya: My passion is writing, I've been creating stories and poetry since I was a child. I spends my free time reading just about anything I can get her hands on. I'm a romantic at heart and I love to create stories with unforgettable characters. I also like to travel. I've visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica. I'm currently working on my sixth novel.

Young: How exciting! 

Mya: Currently I've two new releases published: At First Sight - it's a contemporary romance about dating in the modern world, published by Astraea Press, and Where There is Love, is a contemporary romance in which a woman struggles with past obstacles, ultimately faced with whether or not she will open her heart to love. This novel is published by Solstice Publishing. I'm excited to say that Astraea Press will be releasing my contemporary holiday paranormal romance on November 25, 2014 titled If You Believe. Due out in late January is The Calm After the Storm. This book is published by TouchPoint Press. This novel is a contemporary romance that is set within a backdrop of Hurricane Sandy. The story revolves around the idea of a utility worker from Georgia falling in love with a woman in New York.

Young: Give us a little insight into At First Sight.

Mya: Okay here it is:

At First Sight

Excerpt:

Johnny’s was packed. Standing on line to place her order, Annie took in her surroundings. Just as the owner, Johnny, was coming over to take her order, something caught Annie’s eye. The guy near the window, he seemed familiar somehow. Where had she seen him before? He was eating dinner with a pretty brunette. He lifted his head to look at Annie as their eyes locked. On no! It was the guy from the mall, the one she bumped into. She quickly spun around, knocking right into the waitress who was carrying a tray of soft drinks.

Soda soaked her shirt and dripped onto the floor. The waitress was clearly annoyed and appeared like she would have loved to tell Annie off. Instead she rolled her eyes and ran to get a towel. If Annie thought she was embarrassed before, it was nothing compared to how she felt now. Every eye in the place was on her, including the guy from the mall. Helpless to do anything else, she grabbed some napkins and bent down to sop up some of the mess.

“It seems you have a knack for causing a scene everywhere you go.” It was his voice. The voice that filled her head with inappropriate thoughts, with longing. What was she thinking? Did she dare look up? His gaze was a magnet, forcing her to meet his eyes.

His eyes were a warmer brown than she had remembered, drawing her in.

“I...uh...”

“I’m joking. Here, let me help you with that.” He grabbed the napkins from her hand. The heat between them jolted her back. She moved quickly, surprised he could evoke such a reaction from her. Nobody had ever made her feel so exposed before. What was going on here? Annie felt foolish.

“I’m Shane. Shane Nicholls.” He extended his hand to her. They must have appeared to be quite the sight, bending over to clean up the mess while shaking hands.

“Annie.” Annie remembered her new rules of safety in the dating world. One of them was she would not reveal her last name or any other personal information until she was sure the guy wasn’t a stalker or anything.

“Annie. It suits you, I like it.” Annie had almost forgot about the woman waiting for Shane at the table near the window. She glanced over and took in a tight-lipped woman. It hit Annie that this woman was not the same stunning woman from the mall. Hmm, she had met his type before. This guy had “player” written all over him. She quickly brushed herself off and excused herself.

“Hey, Annie. Wait.” He reached for her hand. Annie forgot all about placing her order and made a beeline for the door. She didn’t look back. Well, Annie figured, it looked like it would be Chinese food tonight.

Young: That's great Mya. How did you discover Solstice Publishing to publish your novel, Where There is Love?

Mya: I discovered Solstice by word of mouth from fellow authors. I heard about how wonderful it was to work with Solstice and researched the company, it seemed that my novel fit the criteria for the books Solstice represents. There was plenty of positive feedback from various sources and I felt that Solstice looked very professional. I submitted to Summer Solstice division and was very happy when I was offered a contract for Where There is Love. I recently submitted a manuscript, my first Young Adult fantasy book, Miranda’s Choice to the Solstice Shadows division and am thrilled to announce that I have signed another contract with Solstice Publishing.

Young: That is fabulous, Mya. This bring me to my next question; Where did your inspiration come from for Where There is Love? Was there a character that just had to be heard? Was there an event that inspired you to start writing?

Mya: My inspiration for this book came from my background as a special education teacher. I’m lucky to be in a profession in which I can make a difference in the lives of others. My main character, Mia is a young special education teacher who has always dreamed of helping her students reach for their dreams. Mia accepts a home-schooling position tutoring a troubled high school senior named Cassidy. Cassidy is misunderstood and her self-esteem has been lowered by her past experiences. I developed the character of Mia to help Cassidy overcome her weaknesses and reach for her dreams. In the process of writing this story, I thought that it would be great to have Mia benefit from her role of mentor. It came to me then and there that Mia should have some of her own demons to battle in this story. Mia finds herself in a trusting relationship with her neighbor, Jamie, a man that she has developed a strong friendship with. Will Mia open her heart to love and allow herself to heal from past obstacles?

Young: Will you read us an exercept from Where There is Love?

Mya: Here it is:

Where There is Love

  Excerpt                

I would have done anything for that girl. Anything. I have dreamed of Mia, I have waited for Mia. I have loved Mia.

I can’t trust Mia.

I can’t get my hopes up again, only to be crushed by her. I couldn’t stand it.

She doesn’t allow herself to be happy. What has happened in her life to cause her to reject the people who love her, who care for her?

I remember the first time I ever laid eyes one her. The way she bumped into me, how embarrassed she was. I swear to this day that she is the most beautiful creature I’ve laid eyes on. Her slim build, dark hair and striking eyes. And that smile, that smile still warms my heart.

I went to see my grandma in Maine for the weekend once I realized that I was falling in love with Mia. My grandmother and I have always been close. She has been there for me through thick and thin ever since I was a child. I grew even closer to her as I was growing up, finding my way in life. For some reason, I always found it easiest to share my feelings with Grandma, the two of us like kindred spirits.

My feelings for Mia scared the life out of me. I told my grandmother that I didn’t want to risk getting hurt again and that Mia seemed so unsure of herself. She offered me a piece of advice that I will hold true to my heart forever: She placed her hand over my heart and said, “Go where there is love, surround yourself with love.” So I did, I went to Mia and tried to tell her how I felt, only to be brushed off with news of Josh coming back into the picture.

I’m happy with Danielle, she’s smart and she’s beautiful. Yeah, I’m going to give this a chance, I would be a fool not to.

But...I think...she’s not Mia.
My heart can’t take Mia.


She has the power to hurt me, and I can’t survive that again.

Young: Describe the genres in which you write (paranormal, contemporary, westerns, etc.) to the readers. Obviously you are writing in more than one genre or area, do you have a different process when you're writing different kinds of genres?

Mya: I started writing in the genre of contemporary romance. I have three novels that are in this genre. I also have a novel that is a paranormal holiday romance coming out soon. I recently signed with Solstice again, this time for a young adult fantasy. My process for writing doesn’t change when writing in different genres, but the research itself is quite different. Also, the target audience that I'm writing to and marketing to is different.

Young: Does your background in terms of job, family, geographic location, etc., play into your writing? What kind of research went into your story?

Mya: Yes, definitely. My background as a special education teacher enabled me to portray realistic components of the story, such as the chapter in which Mia utilizes multi-sensory strategies in her reading instruction. Throughout the course of my career, I have been trained in many different reading programs and learned techniques on my own as well. Many of the strategies that I discussed from story come from my own experience in teaching reading and writing. In my own teaching, I like to pull from a variety of sources and add my own strategies. I think I portrayed that experience in the tutoring scenes.

Young: I'm sure my readers will love to know your mind set or process as you sit down to write? Do you have a playlist going? Do you need complete silence? Are you a 6 am writer or an 11 pm writer?

Mya: Sometimes I have a playlist for certain scenes, but most of the time I write at the dining room table with the television on just for background noise. I also have a busy house, but I manage to write regardless of what is going on around me. I guess you could say that absolute silence doesn’t work well for me.

Young:  You lead a pretty busy life, how do you balance writing with work and/or personal life? Do you have any other projects you're working on?

Mya:  I mostly write during the weekends and breaks from school. On the weekdays my schedule is too busy to do any writing. I’m lucky to have summers off and other breaks during the school year to write. I have become skillful at marketing over the last several months. I have apps on my cell phone for my social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, my blog, Pinterest and Tumbler. You’d be surprised how easy it is to tweet or post while waiting for a train, standing on line at the store or even while watching television. My husband has said to me, “what are you doing on that phone?” countless times. :)

Young: Do you have any words of advice for aspiring writers?

Mya: If writing is a true passion of yours, don’t let anything or anyone stop you. The great thing about writing is that you get better as you continue to write. It’s important to have a support system in place, such as friends and family to help read your stories  and give advice about your writing. I’ve also found that it’s extremely important to reach out to fellow authors on Facebook to ask for guidance and help each other out. I have found that so many of the authors working at Solstice are amazing; there’s a real sense of community.

Young:  Tell us where readers can find you and your books ?

Mya: My books are available at:

http://www.amazon.com/Where-There-Love-Mya-OMalley-ebook/dp/B00NOC0PAG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1411040390&sr=1-1&keywords=Where+there+is+love+mya+o%27malley

Trailer:  Where There is Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYOrzy8koMY

Social Media:

Website:  Mya O'Malley-Website 

                  www.myaomalley.com

Facebook:  facebook.com/myaomalley

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/@MyaOMalley

Blog- myaomalley.blogspot.com

Pinterest- Mya O’Malley-  www.pinterest.com/myaomalley

Tumblr- myamalley.tumblr.com

Email- mya@myaomalley.com

Tags- #contemporary romance, #new release #romance #chiclit #women’s fiction

Amazon Author Page- amazon.com/author/myaomalley

 

Young: Thank You Mya for dropping by for a chat. I wish you all the best to your forth-coming endevours, writing, book sales and all the delightful things that goes with being a successful author.

Mya: Thank you for having me.

Young: You're welcome. Come visit us again. Best Wishes!

An interview with an accomplish author, Rocky Rochford

Young:    Good Day, sir! Thank you for dropping by for a visit.

Rocky Rochford (R.R.):    Oh, you don't have to so formal to address me as, sir. It's a pleasure to come by for a chat.

Young:    Okay! Let's get started. I'm sure my readers will like to know about you. Tell us about yourself.

R.R.:     I am Rocky Rochford, I'm not to far into my twenties and yet, already I have great insight into the world and her workings. I am a Writer from Day 1 and a Writer I shall forever be. I am a Student of Everything, yet a Master of Nothing who does not choose what he writes, but writes what chooses him, be it fantasy, crime, poetry, philosophy or even adventure, after all life is a journey we all experience.

Young:    That is an excellent self introduction. Tell us about your novels.

R.R.:    My first two books:  Dead on the Floor – The Beginning of the End starts here and The Spirit of Iris - The Battle for Oceania Begins were both released on 30/09/14. Followed by: Don't Turn Around and Rise of the Elohim -  Hour of Darkness, soon to be released on  30/10/14. Last but not least Little Boy Death - The Life Of.

Young:    You are quite a prolific writer to produce these novels in short span of time. Please give us an insight into each book and where my readers can purchase your books.

R.R.:    Sure. 

Dead on the Floor – The Beginning of the End starts here 

The beginning of the End starts now. For some of us, Life can be cruel, dealing us a losing hand and for Matthew Radley, a young Wiccan practitioner that is exactly what he got. After a lifetime of chaos, pain and losing himself, he finally got everything he wanted, the woman he loved, the future he desired and a reason to live, but in a single moment he lost it all. Unable to take the pain and no longer desire to live, Matthew takes the one thing he has left, his own life. For Matthew, his story has to end, in order for it to begin, his story has no happy ending, for his is a life of Love, Magick, Corruption & Death and only asks for understanding.

This book features gory content in the form of wrist slitting as the protagonist commits suicide. It is the first of a series, which will feature a whole range of stories to dazzle, amaze and absorb the reader. The short story itself sees its release at the end of the month and is only in ebook format. It is only 13 pages in all.

 

It is currently available on Amazon now:

http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Floor-Rocky-Rochford-ebook/dp/B00NOBCNIO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411752302&sr=8-1&keywords=rocky+rochford

The Spirit of Iris - The Battle for Oceania Begins

Set in a world much unlike our own, on a lonesome planet at the end of the universe, an epic between good and evil is about to come to pass. Living in a medieval era, the inhabitants of the world find themselves up against the dreaded Shanzi, vile creatures of pure darkness who seek one thing, the annihilation of that is good and there is only one who can stop them, a young boy by the name of Zach who must Rise up against the forces of darkness and drive them back to the shadow existence from whence they came.

 

This book alone features Magic, zombie goblins, a talking raven, an army of goblins, shadow beings of destruction and an aged Spirit. It is the first of a series, which as the story progresses, will feature many a new and exciting world, filled with plenty of fantastical beings. The novel is the Spirit of Iris (first book of the Rise of the Elohim series #ROTE) and it is a coming of age, fantasy adventure novel, aimed for ages 10 and up, which is being released at the end of this month (30/09/14), but you can take up to as long as you want as reviews before and after release are more than welcome.

It is currently available  now:

http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Elohim-Spirit-Rocky-Rochford/dp/1625261292/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411751639&sr=8-2&keywords=rocky+rochford (Print Edition)

http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Elohim-Spirit-Iris-ebook/dp/B00NP58LEY/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-2&qid=1411751639 (Ebook Edition)

The novel includes illustrations, detailing events and scenes and the book itself was written as a readable videogame and is a Legend of Zelda meets Lord of the Rings type cross-over.

Don't Turn Around

I am Death.

And I am hungry.

And there you are,

Unaware of my arrival.

Don’t turn around.

With Halloween around the corner, this is a short 26 page long story of murder, as you join an un-named killer on his latest spate of killings as he makes his way to his final victim. This is a dark tale featuring a number of curse words, adult natured and sexual references, along with blood and brutality.

Desire is a dangerous thing, it can drive a person to achieve their goals, no matter how far they are. It can drive someone to do what is right, or it can drive a person to kill. To take out a knife, to enter someone's house in the middle of the night, to stand over them and see their life be snuffed out.  The  Narrator  is  no  exception  and  a  slave  to  his  desire  and  now  you  get  a  front  row  seat  into  his  world,  to  see  as  he  sees,  to  do  as  he  does,  to  kill  as  he  kills  and  if  you  hope  to  survive  -  DON'T  TURN  AROUND!

The short story itself sees its release in ebook format, on the 30/10/14 and is available for Pre-order now:

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Turn-Around-Rocky-Rochford-ebook/dp/B00NY9T8W0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1412099709&sr=8-3&keywords=rocky+rochford

 Rise of the Elohim -  Hour of Darkness

Set  in  a  world  much  unlike  our  own,  on  a  lonesome  planet  at  the  end  of  the  universe,  an  epic  battle between  good  and  evil  is  about  to  come  to  pass.  Living  in  a  medieval  era,  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  find  themselves  up  against  the  dreaded  Shanzi,  vile  creatures  of  pure  darkness  who  seek  one  thing,  the  annihilation  of  that  which is  good. There is  only  one  who  can  stop  them,  a  young  boy  by  the  name  of  Zach  who  must  Rise  up  against  the  forces  of  darkness  and  drive  them  back  to  the  shadow  existence  from  whence  they  came.

With the Shanzi King's return to Mares looming on the horizon, ready to unleash an eternity of chaos, three of his most trusted and dangerous minions take to the World of Oceania to begin preparations for Darkari's return, the Dark King of Death. This is the story of  Shaymon, bringer of diseases, Stavros, the always hungry wolf and the warmongering Mongra. Each one desiring nothing more than the total eradication of all humanity, but first they must find themselves a place in the world before can destroy it.

Author Interview websites I'm currently on + Book review:

http://authorcjl.wordpress.com/

http://sheilarlamb.com/2014/09/22/jack-longman-rocky-rochford-author-of-the-spirit-of-iris/

serenazane.com

http://www.stuffedshelves.org/2014/09/dead-on-floor-by-rocky-rochford-review.html

 

Little Boy Death - The Life Of

Life is a wondrous journey we all undergo and it can be good or it can be bad. We are forever finding ourselves on moments that will forever shape us. In the form of Poetry this is a story of a life, the Life of Little Boy Death, a troubled soul from day one and now he is ready to share his soul with the world, letting his every fear, insecurity and nightmare be known. It is in the darkness of the soul, true beauty and depth can be found, buried deep within the years of torment, heartache and self-loathing.

Young:    Thank you for introducing your books to us. Apart from the book sale site listed for each book, where else can my readers locate you and your books?

R.R.:    You can connect with me at and also find my books at:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IamRockyRochford?fref=ts

Twitter: @RockyRochford

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7310280.Rocky_Rochford

Website:  rockyrochford.ronpelt.com

Rabmad: http://www.rabmad.com/authors/Rocky-Rochford/

Rocky Rochford Author search on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=rocky%20rochford&sprefix=rocky+rochf%2Caps

Rocky Rochford Author search on Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/rocky-rochford?store=allproducts&keyword=rocky+rochford

Rocky Rochford Author search on Solstice Publishing:

http://solsticepublishing.com/search.php?search_query=rocky+rochford&x=0&y=0

Rocky Rochford on Wattpad:

http://www.wattpad.com/user/RockyRochford

 

Young:    That is fabulous. Well Rocky, thank you for dropping by. I'm sure we'll connect again in the future. I wish you the very best.

R.R.:    Thank you for having me as your feature author. Best Wishes to you and your writing.

An interview with international bestselling author Kelly Abell

Young:    Welcome Kelly. Thank you for dropping by for a visit.  It is nice to have a chance to speak with an accomplished author, such as yourself. In your bio, you mention you have two publishers. Can you tell my readers about your writing and of course your beautiful self?

Kelly Abell (KB):    Thank you for having me on your blog, Young.

I write romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. My aim is to write about gripping characters in tense situations that keep my readers turning the pages. As a member of the Florida Writer's Association, I also spend a great deal of time helping other writers through Writing Tips on my website.

Young:    What are your favorite pastimes when you're not writing or helping other writers?

KB:    When I'm not writing, I enjoy spending time with my husband of 30 years and my two college age children, when they find time. I live in Florida and enjoy all that the sunshine state brings; such as boating, fishing, beaches, theme parks, and more. My favorite pass time is reading (what a surprise!) I like Thrillers, Romantic Suspense, and Romantic Comedy.

Young:    Where can readers connect with you?

KB:    They're welcome to stop by and visit my website for current events; www.kellyabellbooks.com 

I'm also on Facebook and Twitter;

my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-Abell/83527376788?ref=hl

and my Twitter: @kellyabellbooks

Young:    You also mention that part of the proceeds fom Meg's Secret will be donated to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Why do you choose to donate to this organization?

KB:    I hope to raise awareness of this Silent Killer and the importance of early testing. When you have a chance please visit this site for more information on Ovarian Cancer. http://www.ovarian.org/

Young:    I'm sure my readers will like a synopsis of Meg's Secret. Can you give us a summary?

KB:    Sure.

Synopsis

Meg O’Banyon makes a mistake during her senior year in high school. She gets mixed up with football star Rowdy Rod Owens, and after one night of foolish passion, Rod, on his way to serve Uncle Sam, leaves her with a gift…one she knows her father will never approve of. Fearing his drunken rage, Meg flees on a Greyhound Bus with only twenty dollars in her pocket and a baby in her belly. Meg has struggled for ten years to keep food on the table for her and her daughter, Emma, and up until now has done okay. A visit to the doctor is about to change all that.

When she gets the news of her father’s death, Meg uses it as an opportunity to secure a future for Emma in case things don’t turn out as she hopes. As if dealing with her current burden isn’t enough, the sudden return of Rod Owens from Afghanistan sends Meg into a panic. She’s never told him about Emma.

Rod Owens is a jock with a passion for his country. Wanting to serve from the time he could carry a toy rifle, he dreams of an Army career. After being injured and released from the only career he’s ever known, Rod returns home to more than one surprise. The woman who’s haunted his dreams for years suddenly confronts him with two heart wrenching secrets. Rod must now determine if he can overcome the hurt and betrayal and fight for what he loves most.

Book two of the Saving Shenanigans series allows you to witness the strength and determination of the second O’Banyon sister, Meg, as she comes to terms with the secrets of her past, battles to survive a difficult present, and struggles to secure a hopeful future. Meg’s story is also an empowering one as she gains control of the “silent killer” Ovarian Cancer. All she needs now is the support of her family and the love of a good man...her man.

Young:     Fantastic, Kelly. Thank You! Where can readers purchase your series of books?

KB:     They can purchase the Saving-Shenanigans series at;

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mabes-Burden-Saving-Shenanigans-Kelly-ebook/dp/B00H1UXFWC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1386069369&sr=1-1&keywords=Mabe%27s+Burden

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/383851

Young:    Appreciate you for taking the time to talk with me, Kelly. Come back and visit us soon.

KB:    Thank You for having me. 

Young:    Ms. Kelly Abell has provided me an excerpt of Meg's Secret. Here it is folks;

Chapter One

 Meg rocked on the front porch swing late in the evening, the cool end of summer air swirling around her. She shivered, but not because of the breeze.

Mara, her sister, stepped outside carrying two wine glasses.

“Emma’s asleep, finally.” She handed Meg a glass of Merlot.

“Thanks. I’m bushed.”

“It’s been a long day. How you holding up?”

She nodded. “The pain’s tolerable.” Since contracting ovarian cancer, Meg struggled with daily abdominal pain. For a long while she didn’t even know what was wrong, attributing it to indigestion, or maybe even her gall bladder.

One of the reasons why this damn disease is called the silent killer.

She sighed. Now was not the time to dwell on her own problems. She had enough of that facing her in the immediate future. Her family needed her full attention right now. “I’m worried about Mabe,” she said, suddenly changing the subject.

Mara smiled. “Our sister’s tough. It’ll take more than a concussion to keep her down. Aaron took care of Toreni, so that’s done. Now we can keep Shenanigans, such that it is.”

“True. Boy, Aaron sure turned out to be a true blessing. I’m glad that mobster’s paid off, but Mabe won’t be happy once she finds out what Aaron’s done.”

Mara raised her wine glass in a mock toast. “From the lip lock I saw between them tonight? I think she’ll be okay.”

Meg raised an eyebrow. “Really? That’s awesome. She deserves some happiness.”

“I tried not to eavesdrop, but I was standing outside the door. I think I heard him ask her to marry him,” Mara remarked, raising her goblet again.

Meg clinked her glass to her sister’s, grinning. “Nuh uh...really? I’m so happy for her. I guess I was wrong about him.”

“Ya think?”

Meg nodded and glanced out into the night. She sensed her sister’s gaze. “What are you staring at?”

“You’ve not been yourself all day. What’s up?”

She frowned, pinching her nose with her fingers. What’s up, she asks? What’s up is I’m a liar. How do I tell my daughter Rod is her father? How do I tell him he has a daughter? What a mess.

“Meg?”

She sighed. “I saw Rod a few days ago.”

“What?” Mara twisted in her chair to face her sister. “What the hell is wrong with you? Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

“Uh, because we’ve been a little pre-occupied.”

Mara shoved her over and squeezed in next to her on the swing. “Okay, spill it.”

Meg’s eyes moistened. She swiped fiercely at her cheeks. There’d been too many tears lately. She explained how she’d seen Rod at Shenanigans when she’d stopped there with Emma.

“Oh, wow. I bet you nearly crapped your pants.”

She faced her sister. “Ya think?” She echoed Mara’s earlier statement, then laughed bitterly.

“What’s he doing back?”

“War injury. Wounded leg.” Meg shifted on the swing. “I felt so bad for him. The Army was all he ever dreamed of. I guess that’s over now.”

“Did he say what happened?”

She nodded. “He said he took some shrapnel from a car bomb. I didn’t know what to say, Mara. I was completely dumbfounded.”

“I’m sure. Did he see Emma in the car?” Mara wrapped an arm around her sister.

Emotion overwhelmed her again. “Of course,” she choked out, dragging a tissue from her skirt pocket. “What am I going to do? I know I was wrong not to tell him about Emma, but I thought it wouldn’t matter. I never expected to see him again.”

Mara sighed and sipped her wine, pushing the swing with her foot. Meg rested her head on her sister’s shoulder.

“Do you think he suspected?”

She rolled her head side to side. “Nah...I doubt it. We were only with him a few minutes. He looked into the car, spoke to her. I introduced him as my friend, Mr. Owens.”

Mara rested her head on the back of the swing, gazed up at the ceiling. “You’re going to have to tell him.”

Meg cried into her tissue. “I know.”

“Tell who what?” The man’s voice came out of the dark.

Meg jerked so suddenly her head collided with her sister’s chin.

“Ow,” Mara exclaimed, rubbing her injured jaw. She twisted to see Rod standing on the sidewalk.

“Is this a bad time? Not too late is it?”

“You just scared the shit out of Meg,” Mara grumbled.

“I’m sorry.” He chuckled. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I was so surprised to see you in town the other day, Meg. I’ve been meaning to stop by before now, but I figured y’all might be a little busy.” He glanced at his watch. “I was out walking and heard you ladies talking so I thought I’d drop by. I guess I really should’ve considered the time.”

“Nonsense,” Mara told him. “Come on up.”

He hobbled over, parking his hip on the edge of the porch. Meg gripped her sister’s hand. Her heart warmed at the reassuring squeeze she received in return. How in the hell did I ever get myself into this mess? Who’d have believed he would have come home to Monticello? What are the odds?

She glanced at her sister, who got the signal.

“I’m going to go put some ice on my jaw. You kids have fun catching up.”

“Good to see you again, Mara,” he said. “Hope to see you around town.”

She nodded and gave him a finger wave before going inside. The screen door slapped shut behind her.

Meg couldn’t remember feeling more awkward. With her sister gone, she was left on her own to face this man she’d once loved. A man she’d have given her heart and soul to. A man she had a daughter with. Oh, God. She thought back to their high school prom night and smiled.

“You just drifted back to our high school days, didn’t you? I saw it in your eyes.”

She glanced at the handsome man in front of her. He wore jeans and an avocado green T-shirt with the words Go Army in white letters. His blond hair was longer than she remembered. He’d always worn a buzz cut for football season, but even after that, he’d never let it curl over his collar. She liked it. His eyes were the kind of blue that changed hue depending on what he wore. Tonight they were a deep blue-green, like the ocean.

“I must have been the only girl home by midnight on prom night,” she commented, still smiling.

Rod whistled. “Yeah, boy. Your father put the fear of God in me. I’m sorry for your loss, by the way.”

She glanced away from his handsome face out into the yard. “Thanks.”

“Can you come down here, sit by me?”

She swiveled her head back to face him, her heart racing. Getting close to a man she’d once loved so openly was not a good idea—especially when she had news that would rock his world.

He patted the thigh of his right leg. “I’m still having a hard time negotiating steps.”

Guilt swept through her. Jeez, how selfish can I be? This wonderful man was injured doing God knows what in Afghanistan. The least I can do is sit with him for a minute.

She joined him on the edge of the porch. “Does your leg hurt much?”

“Only when I move,” he quipped, the edges of his mouth curving into the sexy half-smile she remembered so well.

“I’m so sorry you were hurt. You think you’ll make a full recovery?”

He sighed, tapping his cane on the ground. “This is as good as it gets, I’m afraid. I may get a little more mobility back if I keep exercising, but I’m stuck with my metal buddy here.

Her glance swept from his cane to his strong rugged face. “That sucks.”

He reached for her hand. It was like grasping a bear paw, large and warm. “Where did you disappear to, Meg?” He leaned the cane against the wooden decking to grab her other hand, twisting to face her. “Your father came storming into my house just before I left for boot camp, demanding to know where you were. I was as shocked as anyone to learn you’d run away. I had to leave worried sick something had happened to you.”

She sucked in a breath. He really cared about me. The shock of that revelation set her back. She knew how she felt about him, but never realized the depth of his feelings for her. She was pregnant, so she ran. She was afraid of her father’s reaction, sure, but she also loved Rod enough not to ruin his future. Was that fair? Now she didn’t think so, but at the time she was a scared young girl.

He surprised her when he touched her face. “After Mom wrote and told me Mabe knew you were safe, I stopped worrying as much, but Meg…” He slipped his hand behind her neck, edging her closer.

Her pulse raced, her palms beaded with sweat. Oh God. I should stop this.

“I can’t tell you how glad I was when you said you weren’t married that day I saw you at Shenanigans. You had a daughter, so I automatically thought...”

Oh shit...Don’t go there...please.

“You were all I thought about.”

Meg blinked. The conversation took a completely different direction than she was expecting. She held her breath, listening to this man whom she’d once loved so passionately.

“It was your face I dreamed of at night. You were the reason I fought so hard to live after the bombing. I told myself if I could get back to the states, I’d do whatever it took to find you. And here you are.”

She exhaled, her heart warming to his words, but her brain set off wild warning bells in her head. In the past she’d wanted to hear those words, to know how he’d felt about her. But now...things were so different.

Rod held her gaze, his soft blue eyes staring straight into her soul. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a soft gentle kiss.

The Playboy Club

18 - Someday We'll Be Together

(click on the audio title 18-Someday We'll Be Together above for music/song accompaniment).

* Models are 18 years and above.

Bernard Foong (a.k.a. Young) is ranked amazon.com International Best Selling Author. 

www.aharemboysaga.com

A Harem Boy's Saga - Book I I - Unbridled;

 A memoir by Young

 An Excerpt:

"Playboy was a wonderful experience and a great opportunity for me."

Rita Mero

1967

Playboy Club Los Angeles

The moment we stepped out of our limousines into the entrance of the first four floors of a ten-story building at number 8560 Sunset Boulevard; there was a long queue of dressy revelers waiting to get into the famous Playboy Club. Since our entourage was accompanied by a renowned movie director, Roman Polanski, we brushed through the crowd without harassment. The 'Door Bunny' made sure our host, a silver key holder, gained entry with their invited guests.

Entering the club with several celebrities had its perks. We got to sit at the best tables, and we were served by several impeccably groomed and hospitable bunnies. The Bunny Mother made sure that our visit was flawless. She had allocated these top-notch waitresses to attend to our tables. Gabrielli and Mario, especially the socialite Count, were up and about socializing with this movie star and that celebrity the moment they spotted them.

Aziz and Tahu (Bahir wasn't invited, since he was hired help) went gaga over the leggy, corseted bunnies. They were every male’s (and I'm sure some females’) sexual fantasies come to reality. For the sexually repressed Tahu on his first time out of the Middle East, he was completely aghast gawking at these scantily-clad females. He must have thought he had died and gone to Allah's paradise to be served by an abundance of ‘Houris’ (Allah’s paradise playmates). Although Aziz was a sophisticated world traveler, he too behaved as if he had just been let out of confinement and was craving an evening of libidinous sex. Both our Arab companions devoured the bunnies with their ruttish eyes and mouths watering in lascivious appetite, causing unnecessary modesty whenever the bunnies did their rounds at our tables.

While waiting for dinner, I turned to my gorgeous-looking Valet and my incredibly debonair BB, saying, "I'm amazed to be inside a Playboy Club. I had seen copies of Playboy magazine when I was eight, and here I am looking at the 'real' bunnies!" I exclaimed with ebullience.

Oscar, astounded by my remark, questioned, "How did you get hold of playboy magazines at eight years old?"

"I found them under my Brother James' bed. When he returned from London on his summer breaks, he would hide the magazines from my parents."

"How did you discover these girlie publications?  Did he show them to you?" Andy enquired.

"I used to sneak into my brother's room when he was out and rummage through his things. I was curious to know what he brought home during his holidays to Kuala Lumpur.

"One day, when I was in his room, he snuck a girl into the house when Mother was out playing mahjong. Hearing their footsteps coming upstairs, I hid under his bed. That's where I discovered the magazines.”

“Did they know you were under the bed?” Oscar inquired.

"While they were making out on the bed, I was busy browsing at pictures of naked bunnies. The photographs didn't do anything for me sexually. I was more interested in imitating their sexy poses in their next-to-nothing lingerie." I explained.

Both my lovers laughed at my confession. Suddenly, we heard a shriek from the bunny who was clearing the ashtrays next to Tahu and Aziz. Standing upright, she said sternly, "Sirs, it is our club's policy that you can look but you can't touch. Please refrain from pinching my buttocks or touching me inappropriately. Otherwise, I’ll have to ask Bunny Mother to remove your presence from this establishment."

Bunnies were trained to treat this kind of crude behavior with style and panache, and soon our Arab friends were 'eating out of their palms' like obedient dogs trained to sit or move at the commands of their masters (or in this case, their mistresses). It was an amusing scenario to behold, since both men held dominant male positions in the Middle East – at the Playboy Club they were behaving quite the opposite.

The Fight

Who should descend the stairs while we were having dinner but our friends Nirob and Kismat. He had obviously made haste to pursue Anya, who was seated next to her ‘big sister’ Dominique. Andy spotted the Nubian and waved for them to join us. After a round of 'kissy face' greetings, the couple joined us at the Playmate Bar for after-dinner drinks while Motown hits that were performed by none other than the Supremes themselves. I, for one, was completely enthralled watching my idol, Diana Ross perform live in this exclusive venue. Never in my young life did I imagine witnessing a live performance by the group; I had habituated one of their songs for my 'Slipping and Sliding' dance performance at the Methodist Boy's School variety show. It was a gay boy's dream come true to witness Ms. Ross singing “Someday We’ll Be Together” for the first time, before this song official became a number-one hit in the Supremes’ 'Cream of the Crop' album in 1969. 

Needless to say, I took to the crowded dance floor, grooving to the rhythm of this fabulous song. I couldn't care less whom I was dancing with, since our entourage went onto the floor together to have a fun time. I was flapping and twirling under my own hypnotic spell, creating a descant in my dream world for this melodic tune. Unfortunately, this hypnotic experience did not last long. I was irrationally propelled back to the present by a vicious catfight playing out on the floor. Anya and Kismat were tearing away at each other's hair like a couple of wild cats in a heated fight. They were rolling around biting, scratching, and pulling at each other.

The Bunny Stuffings

While the two belligerents were tearing at one another, Kismat accidentally threw a flying kick at a bunny carrying a tray of alcoholic beverages, sending the corseted 'rabbit' flying across the room. In the swirling process, she knocked into another bunny with a tray full of cigarettes around her neck, sending beverages and cigarettes spilling onto the stage.

That wasn't the only mishap that flew across the room; Kleenex tissues, absorbent cotton, cut-up Bunny tails, foam rubber, lamb’s wool, gym socks and an entire host of other inflated objects stuffed into the bunnies 34D and 36D bra cups came tumbling out of their respective bosoms. Their corseted tops flapped downwards, revealing the two bunnies’ deflated bosoms. They did their best to cover themselves with their hands while doing their best to pick themselves up from this embarrassing situation.

The crowd was stupefied by such a display of impropriety, but was at once amused by this hilarious accident. I, for one, burst into laughter at such an unbecoming sight, and so did the others who witnessed that evening’s drama at the Los Angeles Playboy Club.

The Fight Has To Stop

Stunned by such a display of vulgarity, the Bunny Mother, Nirob, Gabrielli, and Mario intervened, doing their best to separate the two opposing entities. Finally, Bunny Mother and Gabrielli managed to pull Anya away from an angry Kismat. She was screaming obscenities at the teenager on top of her lungs, even though she was held tightly by both Nirob and the Count. The girls were soon led away in opposite directions before the music began again as if nothing unusual had happened.

Gabrielli, Dominique, and Anya left the club posthaste. Mother Bunny was talking to Nirob in a secluded corner while the Nubian did his best to bring equanimity back to Kismat's quivering body. Before long, they too left the club, leaving the Count, our two Arab companions, and us Bahriji boys dazzled; wondering what in the world had happened a few moments ago. 

I couldn't help probing my lovers, "What happened to Kismat and Anya? How did they end up fighting?" 

Andy shook his head before replying, "Obviously, Kismat found out that Nirob was having an affair with our Bahriji girl. She got jealous when she saw her boyfriend dancing intimately with Anya and attacked her on the spot."

"It's best not to mess with lady-boys; they can be extremely malicious when crossed." Oscar voiced.

"What's going to happen between Anya and Nirob, now that Kismat knows about their illicit affair?" I asked with great curiosity.

"In my opinion, it's likely that our black friend will terminate his relationship with the lady-boy and go with Anya." Oscar theorized.

Andy, being the gentleman, soon put a stop to our speculations. Since we have to start our photographic work early at MGM studio the following morning, we bid our celebrity movie director, actress, and hairdresser farewell and called this eventful evening a night.

A Harem Boy's Saga - II - Unbridled; a memoir by Young is available at:

 

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