Figured I’d slip a tiny reminder of my own short story from MuseItUp. This story is not my normal genre, one I don’t mix well with normally; however, I couldn’t resist the idea of a visit to a dating service with no happy ending.
Not having a typical happy ending, in a romance, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes you need a boost, a fling, in order to pick yourself up from a disaster and plant your feet back on the path of your dream. Then again, there’s a reason we use the phrase…a tall handsome “stranger.” Or in Tina’s case a bald, red-bearded stranger.
Care to discover Tina’s MIDNIGHT FIND
Broken plans plus Vegas risks equal Tina’s dreams.
Blurb:
Left at the alter, Tina decides to take her Vegas honeymoon. Her orderly life plans of marriage, motherhood, and togetherness in shambles, she throws caution to the wind and checks out the dating service, Distinguished Dates.
A midnight dinner with a bald, red-bearded, cartoon dog-sneakered stranger brings more than her dreams alive.
Excerpt:
Walking into the offices of Distinguished Dates was akin to walking in my grandmother’s house. Those were my first impressions. Warmth; home; belonging; comfort. A place to relax. For a dating service, their interior designer sure got the at-ease feeling down pat.
Who wouldn’t feel secure here? And then there’s Marie. Soothing happiness just glowed from her.
“All right, Tina, have you found Mr. Right?” Marie asked, smiling as I returned from their viewing room.
“I believe I’ve found Mr. Let’s See.” I couldn’t help but laugh as Marie rubbed her hands in a mad scientist manner.
Joining my laughter, Marie took the tape and looked up the corresponding file.
“Ahh, Mr. 666sxx. Hmmm, now doesn’t that sound devilish? Well he’s a redhead…even if it’s only growing on his face…and you know what they say about us redheads.” Marie winked.
“Stop, Marie, if I laugh much more, I’ll pee myself.” I hiccupped as I sat down opposite Marie’s desk. It’s like I’d known Marie my entire life. Which was just as well since I spilled my whole life story to the Distinguished receptionist.
“So, when would you like to meet Mr. Devilish?” asked Marie. “He’s indicated any time, day or night.”
“Hmm, how about the stroke of midnight. Seems to fit with the devil image.”
“Sounds good. Here’s to the start of something new…and fiery, we hope. I’ll call and arrange for him to meet you…where?”
“The hotel lobby. I’ll be the one in red.”
“Right you are. Midnight at Desert Dreams.”