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THE BILLIONAIRE BARITONE

Amethyst loves music and enjoys hip-hop dancing to spice up her dull and dreary life.

But one evening on her way home from dance class, she hears a voice that drew her away from her route.Caught in the act of eavesdropping, her life is about to change in a way she has never foreseen.

David didn't quite know what to do with the beautiful trespasser, but when he learned that she was injured, taking care of her was the only solution.

Little did he suspect that she was about to take care of his lonely heart in return.

CHAPTER 7

With Jeff leading the way, the two men quietly entered the room. David stood back and watched his brother with the young woman. Amethyst. A most unusual name. She looked even more fragile against the pale bed linen. More subdued. Perhaps still feeling the after-effects of the anesthesia.

“Hi,” Jeff said taking her healthy hand in his. “How are you feeling?”

She gave him a tired smile. “Thirsty.”

David spotted the glass with water and straw on the other side of the bed. He came closer and lifted it to her lips. The bed was already raised to make it easier.

“Here,” he said. “Drink slowly at first, okay?”

She turned her head towards him and blinked slowly as if to make sense of him. When she licked her dry lips and wrapped them around the straw he was holding, he felt a kick in his gut.

Maybe not for the first time, but now he couldn't help but see how beautiful she was. He reached out and gently put one hand over hers to help her hold the glass.

Her eyes smiled at him. They were still a little fuzzy after the operation. They were a deep blue and too large for her face.

Tim might have reported facts to them, but she was underweight and he would guess because she had skipped meals too often. He tightened his hand, making her eyes go wide.

“Sorry,” he said quietly. “Have you had enough?”

She let go of the straw. “Thanks.”

Somehow he thought she did that only because he asked, making him feel like a dog.

Jeff had been observing the other two in silence. He was sure that they had forgotten that he as there and it made him smile inside.

David was a hard nut to crack, and he had never seen him look at a woman the way he was doing now like he wanted to lock her up and keep her safe from all the bad things in this world. Their dad had been the same when it came to his family.

A loud noise broke the soft silence. David cursed under his breath. He put the glass on the bedside table and reached inside his pocket.

Judging by the look on his face, it was work matters.

“Excuse me.”

Amethyst's eyes followed him out of the room before she remembered about Jeff.

She fiddled with the blanket. He smiled at her adorable embarrassment.

He touched her shoulder for a moment. “Hey, I know it's almost lunch, but I have a hankering for custard and ice cream. Would you like some too?”

The near desperate look he saw on her face, made his heart ache, but he decided to keep it light. “Since we own this place, the staff will give you anything you like, so what do you say?”

A smile lit up her face. “That would be nice.”

“I will be right back. Don't go away now.”

She laughed softly and shook her head. “I won't.”

Linzé's Mischief: 24 July 2016

It isn't every day that I cannot make up my mind about something. I have several hobbies and as a result of those, always have a problem to store all the items associated with each hobby.
So earlier in the week I spotted a makeup trolley at an online store. It was expensive, but it would suit my needs perfectly to organise and store all the thread, fabric, needles and even magazines for all the cross-stitch stuff that I have. But I couldn't decide.
On Friday morning, the website told me the item wasn't available anymore and I went, phew! problem solved. But, as luck would have it, they still stock of the trolley in black. Amazingly enough, this time, my first choice had been the silver instead of the black colour. Be that as it may, they had stock. If the other colour was sold out, price notwithstanding, I had to decide if I really wanted the trolley.
Unlike the silver coloured item, the black trolley link showed more detail of the interior of the drawers and separators. I should have paid more attention the first time around, because if I did, it would have saved me the agony of indecisiveness for three days. The trolley won't work for what I want it for. Damn.
So back to searching for more options. I found plastic storage containers in the end, and while they are not perfect, they will do the job just as well. And at a much more affordable price too.
If all goes to plan, they will be delivered next week (I have ordered another item that they didn't have in stock, so it will take a few days) and then I can start reorganising my home office. Hopefully, there will be more workspace when all the thread and fabrics are properly stored, instead of dumped on the second desk.

Airbrush kit

I undertook another search, this time for an airbrush kit for a painting project. After consulting a few artistic colleagues, I decided to buy my own. It was a bit of a battle, these things were more expensive than what people told me, but I found a kit at a tool retailer. And it was very reasonable priced.
It can be used with a compressor (I bought it with a can of pressurised air) so if I like the result, and can master the technique, of course, I can utilise Francois' compressor for any future projects.
But that is for next week. I still have to finish my Camp NaNoWriMo project and validate it before I can tackle the art competition with my new airbrush.

Wishing you a terrific week ahead,
Linzé

THE BILLIONAIRE BARITONE

Amethyst loves music and enjoys hip-hop dancing to spice up her dull and dreary life. But one evening on her way home from dance class, she hears a voice that drew her away from her route.

Caught in the act of eavesdropping, her life is about to change in a way she has never foreseen.

David didn't quite know what to do with the beautiful trespasser, but when he learned that she was injured, taking care of her was the only solution.

Little did he suspect that she was about to take care of his lonely heart in return.

CHAPTER 6

Jeff entered the waiting room holding a cup of coffee and a box.

“Have you asked her yet?”

David shook his head as he took the food, before uncapping the coffee. “After the operation, there will be enough time. Did Tim get the financial report?”

Jeff sighed and pulled out his mobile phone. He scrolled to his email. “Yeah. His initial assessment was right. Our little trespasser earns a minimum wage and spends most of it on rent and food.”

He glanced up at his brother. “She barely eats judging by the numbers. The company that employs her provides their employees with a basic lunch every day, but I don't think it is intended to be their main meal of the day.”

David listened as he sipped his coffee. The meal was forgotten on the seat next to him.

“What are you saying?”

Jeff shrugged. “I think we could offer her a job.”

David turned his head. “She hasn't even finished high school.”

“I know that.”

He sighed. “I just thought that we could help her that's all. She seems like a nice person and not star struck by your reputation. Maybe if she was given a better opportunity, she could finish her formal education.”

David frowned. “I hate that damn label.”

Jeff slapped his shoulder. “So do I. Do you know how many women want to cuddle up to me just so they can meet you?”

David winced. “Sorry about that, I didn't know.”

Jeff shrugged. “Yeah, well. Hey, I have an idea!”

“I don't like it when you get that expression on your face. What the hell have you cooked up now?”

Jeff grinned. “You could marry her.”

“What?! What have you been putting in your coffee?”

The younger Morecroft stopped smiling. “Think about it. You are not the playboy bachelor the tabloids make you out to be. You want a family and a home life like Mom and Dad, and the women that you usually meet definitely have no such plans.”

David didn't argue. Jeff was a concert pianist and worked just as hard as he did to make a success of his professional life. But that success came at a price. Jeff might be the easygoing one, but deep down David knew his brother also wanted what their parents had.

Their parents had made their life work for them. Mom had been a teacher until she married a successful businessman and became a society wife. But she did it for them, not because of the prestige. When Dad passed away, she withdrew from her public obligations and focused on the literacy foundation that had been her passion.

“Why don't you marry her?” he asked instead.

“Because she doesn't look at me the way she looks at you, brother. She might not be drooling over your suit like the Barbie doll of last night, but I think she likes you.”

David didn't want to think about the woman who practically propositioned him the previous night. It happened all the time and to be honest, he was sick of it.

He attended the event with Jeff because it supported a music school for underprivileged children and the Morecroft Foundation was a major donor. He almost smiled when he recalled the children's faces when they got to play silly duets with a world famous pianist.

Jeff had a point as much as he hated to admit it.

He wondered if Amethyst liked children.

“You are thinking about it, aren't you?”

David shrugged as the doctor interrupted their conversation.

“I had to put pins into the broken fingers since her bone density is low. If she follows the instructions I left with the nurse, she should regain full use of her hand without problems.”

“Thanks, Doug.”

The doctor smiled. “Anytime.”

“How is Clarisse doing in the new school?”

Doug's smile widened. “Thanks to you and Jeff, my daughter is blooming. Trust me, I still have to hear how her 'uncles saved her from that dreadful establishment'.”

The men burst out laughing.

“Sounds like she found the classics.”

Doug shook his head. “You have no idea. Last week it was Dickens. I shudder to think who she will be quoting next week.”

They shook hands before the surgeon lifted a ringing phone from his pocket. “Hi hon,” he answered as he left the room.

A nurse came to tell them that they could see Amethyst.

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Linzé's Mischief: 17 July 2016

I often forget how much I love a good story. Being too immersed in everyday stuff, and then spending my free time writing, my reading time is often limited and during Camp NaNoWriMo, it is nonexistent.

Except this weekend. Aside from writing these words to you today, I have not written a single word since Friday evening.

Of course, there were some laundry and things to do, but I took my iPad everywhere with me when I left the house. Even took it to bed to read, while my husband was asleep next to me. Unlike my Kindle, I can read the iPad in the dark, so as not to disturb Francois' sleep. No need for both of us to lose sleep over a book.

I really liked the stories I read (I am busy reading an anthology, entitled Alphas Love Curves) and still have to finish the last one.

The good story I was referring to, is The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks. Another thing I don't usually do: watch TV. Which I did this afternoon, to watch the movie version of this story.

Being a writer also makes me watch a movie with different eyes. When that started happening I cannot say for sure, but it is as if I am more aware - more aware of the elements of good story telling: characters, conflict, tension, etc.

But it also makes me appreciate a good story more too. I wasn't wearing my glasses at the start of the movie so I had to stand fairly close to the TV so I could see what was going on. I think I stood there for about an hour before I rushed off to get my glasses to sit and watch the rest of it. My back had been hurting the whole day so standing wasn't a chore. But standing still for such a long time wasn't helping.

But I couldn't leave. I had to know what was going to happen next. Only when my back hurt too much, did I find my glasses.

And that is what a good story should be, don't you think? Captivating. It should hold the attention of the viewer, or reader, to the extent that only physical pain or discomfort forced you to do something else.

While The Longest Ride did not involve car chases or high action drama, the story was human, bull riding scenes notwithstanding. It felt real. I cried, dammit!

And yet, when it was over it was as if I had gained something too. Something beautiful had existed in my busy life for an hour and a half. Maybe I had a moment of transformation. Maybe I came away thinking that there is still a place for something akin to hope and joy in this ugly, violent and greedy world of ours.

Maybe I am being wistful or foolish. Then again, why not?

While I was ahead of my word count target on my Camp NaNoWriMo project, that advantage has shrunk quite a bit. So back to the computer for a few hundred words tonight.

May your week ahead be filled with joy and beauty everywhere you look.

Linzé

International Author's Day - Blog Hop

What is it about the mystery of a book that appeals to so many of us?

I am of an age now that I cannot remember not reading, or wanting to read. Books have always been a huge part of my life. Only when we moved into the house we live in now (almost 16 years come October) did we have enough space to have an actual library. Even when we viewed the house initially this odd little room screamed library to me.

Fitted with shelves from floor to ceiling on three walls, it is something special to me. The window has no coverings, making it an ideal spot to sit and read in natural light. I would often put two chairs facing each other when I am alone at home - one chair for my butt, the other for my feet. The room is too small to leave the chairs permanently like that.

Find books here!

I also like to draw or paint in the library because of the light in the first place, but it just feels like the best place to be creative among all these wonderful words.

But it is primarily a place to sit and read. These days I cannot devour enough cozy mysteries to satisfy my craving for them. I still read the odd romance, and science fiction novel, but the mystery sleuth always gets my attention first.

I love the characters in these novels. Ordinary people who do things that I like to do upon occasion: knit, grow their own fruit (I have a vegetable garden), run their own business, be part of a writers group and so on. I love the way their stories grow with the series.

Their friends and relationships, and the support they give each other in good and bad times. Their good and bad choices and how things don't always work out the way they hoped. Cozy mystery novels are primarily a character based story, with the odd murder thrown in to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Who dunnit? Some authors like to drop tiny crumbs throughout the story, others like to play their cards closer to their chests, until the end.

I like to see if I can spot the clues. I like the 'realness' of the characters and the settings. Even though I have never been to a lighthouse library, or walked on a beach with a French poodle, or waded through an apple orchard in picking season, the authors made it happen for me too.

Their sleuths had to rely on logic, some well thought out questions and a few moments of gut instinct to find the killer, usually to save a friend or a close acquaintance from being locked for a murder they didn't commit.

Some part of the stories are predictable - the murderer will be found, and the sleuth will always carry on, but that is also what I love about them. Happy endings do not happen so often in real life, so the relaxing escape into a world where it does exist is exactly the reason I can spend hours with my feet up, coffee mug close and struggling through the pages with the sleuth to solve yet another murder.

The end.

In celebration of International Authors' Day you can find all my books discounted (no coupon required) until the end of the month - grab them all, since I am not going to do it again for a long time.

Find books here!

THE BILLIONAIRE BARITONE

Amethyst loves music and enjoys hip-hop dancing to spice up her dull and dreary life. But one evening on her way home from dance class, she hears a voice that drew her away from her route.

Caught in the act of eavesdropping, her life is about to change in a way she has never foreseen.

David didn't quite know what to do with the beautiful trespasser, but when he learned that she was injured, taking care of her was the only solution.

Little did he suspect that she was about to take care of his lonely heart in return.

CHAPTER 5

I woke up groggy and hungry. My first thought was that I was going to be late for work when my body reminded me that I was in a hospital.

I lifted my bandaged hand and peeked at my fingertips. They were swollen and all kinds of horrible colours. I put it down and tried to reach the bell. It must have fallen off the bed.

It took some effort, and not without pain, to sit upright. Before I could swing my legs over, a warm hand fell on my shoulder.

I must have been too sleepy because he didn't scare me.

“David,” I said. I could feel the blush rising in my face. “I mean, Mr. Morecroft. Good morning.”

I felt like an idiot and shut my mouth. What was he doing here?

Instead of saying anything, he bent down and lifted the bell where it hung from its cable. I watched him press the button. A nurse came inside.

Embarrassed, I waved her closer. “I need to go,” I whispered, fervently hoping that he wasn't listening.

She nodded and helped me to stand. My ankle was strapped making it less painful to walk. After the fuss I had made last night about using a bedpan, she simply pushed her shoulder underneath mine, and helped me to the toilet.

Back in the room, having hobbled holding onto the rail, my audience was still there.

Once the nurse had helped me get back into bed, and rearranged the covers, David came closer.

“The surgeon will be here within the hour. We have contacted your employer and gave them the news. Your boss, a Mr. Henry, said that you have enough sick leave available so your job is not in jeopardy.”

I avoided looking at him as I thanked him. Mr. Henry hated his job and as a result made his employees' lives miserable if things were not to his liking. My being in the hospital would not be to his liking. I would need to look for another job when I was released.

I didn't mention that to David. I am grateful that the Morecrofts was doing this for me, but I didn't want more of their charity.

“Is there someone we can call for you. A friend? Husband?”

“No, it's okay.”

I know I sounded dismissive, but there was truly no one to call. I wasn't close to anyone I knew, and I preferred it that way.

Soon after a different nurse came to prepare me for the operation.

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