I had recently moved to San Antonio and was looking for a place where I could blow off some steam at the end of my work day and keep myself in shape at the same time. After an afternoon of checking out a few of the gyms and fitness clubs in the area I drove past a martial arts studio that was just a thirty minute jog from my apartment. Like a lot of guys, I...
It was not far off half past five, and the night was drawing in. End of January and a wet, chilly night; the rain slanting down. I sat behind the counter, polishing cloth in one hand and a pretty French gold lady's watch with a miserable, shitty movement in the other. As I mused desultorily about why it was always the French who united the best cases with th...
Chapter 1 MEETINGS & DEALINGS I first met my wife, Leslie, when we were working at the same restaurant. I was the assistant head chef and she was the night manager. I felt an immediate attraction toward her and asked her out. We dated a few times before she told me that she was a single mother of two teenage daughters, Ann (18) and Beth (19). Their father,...
Fuck, how she hated working rainy Saturdays. Rainy weekend afternoons were always so slow. Hua — known as Ann to her friends — was the manager of a mailbox and delivery store, and disliked down times. An energetic person, she hated being bored. Like now, when she was alone in the store. Still, it gave her plenty of time to read. She was a big reader, sometim...
Prologue Janet Abbot was my first lover. She was, and is, my biggest fan and cheerleader as well. She was at my high school and college graduations. She was at my wedding. Nearly forty years have passed since I began my relationship with her and we still talk frequently. She is in her seventies and her health is slipping, but she’s still cheerful and fun. I...
I grew up in a small town. After graduation, I entered Auburn University where I majored in electrical engineering and ran track. I was not a gifted runner but was just good enough to compete in the 400 and be a part of the 400x4 relay at a school where track has always been a second thought in the athletic department. I enjoyed being part of the team and th...
I frowned as I surveyed my life objectively. Like most people's in this era, it, quite frankly, sucked. I was lucky enough that my now-deceased boomer parents had bought a small - one-bedroom, 2 bathroom - house to live in after the nest was empty. That had passed to me, so at least I was sure I had a roof over my head, as opposed to most of the people in my...
"I can't wait for Ultimate Frisbee today." I thought to myself as I got out of bed. I have been playing Ultimate for a number of years. It is a sport that I am naturally gifted in. Sometimes it's the only thing that helps me get through the week knowing that I have Ultimate to fall back on. The last few weeks haven't been too kind to me as I have been feelin...
Hello everyone, Thank you so much for your awesome comments and supportive words. This chapter was inspired by Adele's "Chasing pavements". As always, I look forward to your criticism and encouragement. Enjoy! Throughout the following month, Jason found himself making all sorts of goals and promises. He had to change his life; he felt this was the only wa...
Sally writes to Mark Saturday Dear Mark, I'm taking to texting, writing to you from work, in the hope of clarifying any misunderstandings we might have had about last night. First of all, thank you for the delicious meal, and the movie afterwards. I was charmed by the way you wined and dined me. My not inviting you inside, when you walked me to my door, w...