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 9

All the way to the factory, the only thing he saw was the smile in Amethyst's eyes. While he called the company lawyer and the factory's manager again, he thought about were those blue eyes.

Upon arrival at the premises, he could see the workers outside. They were being held at bay by the police. This was bad.

When he got out of his car, he was met by the lawyers of both the workers and the company. The labour representative was there, as well as two of the managers of the factory. They all started talking at the same time. He held up his hands.

“Are the people still inside safe?”

The factory manager nodded. “We managed to get the troublemakers outside before they caused more damage.”

David looked at him. “What did they do?”

The production manager sighed. “They set fire to the stockrooms and destroyed the bales of clothing that were ready to ship this week. We got the fires out, but I am afraid we couldn't save any of the stock or the shipments.”

“I see. The security footage?”

“It is being checked right now with the police present.”

The lawyers started speaking again, but he shut them up.

“This is arson and destruction of property. Why are they threatening to strike?”

No one spoke. David arched an eyebrow towards the labour representative. “Well?”

David couldn't help the sneer he aimed at the man. He had never trusted the guy, but since he wasn't on the payroll, there wasn't anything he could do to get rid of him.

He was still glancing from the one to the other man in the group, avoiding David's eyes, when the factory manager spoke up.

“There was an incident on the floor. Two guys got into a fight.”

“And why wasn't it stopped then and there?”

The factory manager shifted from one foot to the other, but he didn't look away. “We were too slow. By the time security made it to the floor, people were already getting involved. We had to call the cops.”

The head of security and three police officers approached. “We have the names and faces of the ones responsible for the damage. Do you want to press charges?”

David looked away from the people with him towards the group of people making threats and shouting all kinds of slogans at the police.

“Yes, but can we wait for a few minutes. What about the two guys who started the fight?”

The head of security spoke up. “It looks like they were used to cause a distraction. The fires were started when most people were getting involved in the fight.”

“We will take them into custody for questioning,” one of the officers said.

David nodded. “Okay. Where is Nicole?”

The financial officer of the company was called. She came out with a police escort.

“Short answer,” David began after greeting her. “How much did we lose?”

The number Nicole mentioned made him clench his jaw. He nodded. It wasn't her fault, so venting his anger at her was not going to solve anything.

He nodded to the police. “Arrest the guys and charge them, but don't leave yet. I want to tell everyone with them present what damage they had done today.”

The cops left.

He looked at the security personnel watching the mob, then addressed their boss.

“Wait until the police have arrested everyone, and then activate the fire alarm to evacuate the building. Keep the women and the men inside separate from these people.”

“What are you going to do?” the factory manager asked.

Nicole replied. “The only thing he can.”

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Book Feature: WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN by Lynn Steward

Linzé: How would you explain the value of good story telling in women's fiction?

Lynn:  Good story telling in women’s fiction transcends any period. An example would be Middlemarch by George Eliot. Although a Victoria novel, the themes are universal and relatable today: the consequences of life choices, conflicted spouses in an unhappy marriage, power struggles, and maintaining dignity. Periods, locations, and personalities may change, but human frailties remain the same.

ABOUT THE BOOK

As a fashion buyer at one of New York’s most glamorous department stores, Dana McGarry is a tastemaker, her keen instinct for fashion trends and innovative ideas coupled with a razor sharp business sense. But like the elegant and conservative store that employs her, Dana is caught between two eras—between being liked and standing her ground, between playing by the rules and being a maverick. Dana is sensitive and beautiful, but what you see is not what you get. Behind the cool and attractive facade, Dana is both driven by her need to control yet impeded by her expectation of perfectionism.

As she competes to replace women at the top of their game, she is challenged by jealous colleagues. And when a wealthy love interest wants to open doors and support her ambition, she embraces Coco Chanel’s mantra of “never wanting to weigh more heavily on a man than a bird.” As the women’s movement paves the way, Dana finds a path to the career she wants at the expense of happiness that was not meant to be.

Steward captures the nuances of 70s life in New York City and provides the perfect backdrop for an independent woman determined to make her mark. What Might Have Been is a story that transcends any period.

Title: What Might Have Been

Genre: Literary fiction/women’s fiction

Author: Lynn Steward

Website: www.LynnSteward.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-Might-Have-Been-McGarry-ebook/dp/B00U8CR2KG

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynn Steward, a veteran of the New York fashion industry and a buyer on the team that started the women’s department at Brooks Brothers, created the Dana McGarry series, set at a transformational time in the 1970s world of fashion and in the lives of multigenerational women. What Might Have Been is the second volume in the series. A Very Good Life, Steward’s debut novel, was published in March 2014.

LynnSteward.com

Pinterest.com/LynnStewardny

Facebook.com/LynnStewardnyc

Twitter: @LynnStewardNY

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 8

True to his word he returned quickly but had a frown on his face.

“What's wrong?”

He crossed his arms. “The nurse said you could only have ice cream if you eat proper food first.” He dropped his arms and sighed.

“So we will just have to eat proper food before we can have dessert.”

David turned when he heard laughter coming from her room, distracted from his call. When the man said his name again, he closed his eyes for a moment. “Okay. Don't panic. I will be there as soon as I can.”

After he rang off, he spotted Phyllis coming towards him.

“Good morning, Mother.”

She smiled as he kissed her cheek. “And how is our patient?”

He waved her inside and followed. “Why don't you ask her yourself?”

“I have to go. There is a problem at the factory on Main street. Jeff, don't you have a concert to prepare for?”

Jeff looked at his watch. “Yeah, gotta go. The damn conductor is a pain in the butt.”

He kissed Amethyst and Phyllis on the cheek. “Sorry, ladies, the great Jefferson Morecroft has a concert hall that awaits his genius.”

The women laughed at his antics, and David envied his brother's easy going personality. Despite his drama queen act, he was a great guy.

He turned to the women. “I will see you later. Mom, a moment please?”

Phyllis patted Amethyst's leg. “You relax, and I will be right back.”

Outside her room, David rubbed his forehead.

“There is a labour strike threatening at the factory. Could you please look after Amethyst? Make sure she eats properly?”

Phyllis nodded. “Of course, don't worry.”

He turned then stopped. “One more thing: find out what the hell she was doing at the house.”

Ignoring his mother's scowl at his language, he dug out his car keys and left.

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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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