Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #29 (8.2)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Ryan is going with Salvation on their first gig since he joined them. That must be exciting, right? See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #29 (8.2)

The reason for Ben’s words became apparent as they approached the overly large bridge that bisected Lake Pontchartrain. Ryan groaned.  Oh no, not again. Why hadn’t he bothered to find out where Thibodaux was? At least he would have been better prepared for this.

He swallowed hard, determined not to be the baby he’d been the last time. Bad enough Ben had witnessed his panic. He didn’t want to add insult to injury by embarrassing Ben in front of Aiden and Abby, although he wasn’t sure he could pull that off since he felt close to freaking out again at the sight of the bridge.

But his worries turned out to be groundless. Ben was amazing. He forestalled any attack of nerves on Ryan’s part by distracting Ryan with gentle kisses and soft words. Ben kept Ryan’s attention so focused on him that he had no time to worry about the bridge or the lake or anything but the man who touched him so tenderly. Before he knew it, they were on the other side of the lake, crisis averted, and hopefully Aiden and Abby none the wiser.

If either Abby or Aiden had noticed anything of what was going on in the back seat, they kept it to themselves. One of them had turned up the radio—a soft jazz station—in lieu of conversation, for which Ryan was grateful.

Ryan laid his head against Ben’s chest, inhaling his scent and his warmth, burrowing into him. Ben’s arm encompassed him,  comfortable and familiar, and oh so good. It wasn’t until they’d passed through Metairie, and were driving out into more rural areas that Ryan realized, with a guilty start, what he was doing to Ben’s costume.

He attempted to sit up, but Ben held him firmly. “What’s the matter?” Ben asked.

“Your clothes. I’m messing them all up, and you need to perform tonight,” Ryan said softly. How could he be so selfish? Ben was going to work, and for that matter, so was he. They weren’t teenagers anymore, and they weren’t on a date. He needed to learn better self-control where Ben was concerned.

“So I’m a little rumpled.” Ben laughed. “It’s going to be fine. These kids won’t even notice. Trust me. C’mon, baby, just relax.” Ben coaxed Ryan into his former comfortable position. He could feel Ben’s heartbeat, strong beneath him. He closed his eyes and let himself accept the security Ben’s embrace afforded. How times had changed. Once he’d been the one who offered Ben his strength and held him in the darkness of the night. Now Ben was his haven. His home. His heart.

If only he could stay there forever, safe with Ben, and forget about the rest of the world. How amazing would that be?

All too soon it seemed they arrived at their destination. From what Ryan could see of it in the fading light, the house where the party was to be held was a stereotypical Southern mansion-style, with large columns in the front and a wide veranda. The kind where genteelly dressed ladies and gentlemen sipped at mint juleps and fanned themselves in the moist Southern heat. The drive wound around the house,  toward the back, probably used as an entrance for trades people and other non-guests. Sure enough, the equipment van was already there, the back doors open, but no sign of Deacon or Keanu. Aiden parked Cameron’s car behind the van, and they all got out.

“I bet this place has a ballroom and everything,” Ryan speculated. Hell, even the back of the house looked elegant. He thought Cameron’s house was nice, but it was nothing like this. Then again, didn’t Ben say it was his second home, not first?

“They do, but we won’t be going inside,” Aiden said.

Ryan must have looked startled at that. “It’s an outdoor concert,” Ben explained.

“Friends and relatives of the birthday boy?” Ryan asked.

“About fifty kids his age, I think,” Ben said. “I’m not sure. Marge handles the details, then she tells us where to go. Ours not to reason why.” He winked at Ryan.

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers:

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

Book Review: Blue Exorcist, Vol 8 by Kazue Kato

Blue Exorcist, Book 8   

Author: Kazue Kato

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: November 6, 2012

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/manga/paranormal/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

As the ex-wires are breaking Rin out of his solitary confinement, Yukio comes face to face with the architect of their troubles – Saburota Todo. Todo taunts Yukio about Rin in order to distract him. Meanwhile, having freed Rin, the ex-wires come across the injured Ossama. Not only that but they find that the Impure King is not only huge but beginning to resemble large buildings. Kamiki and Shiemi offer to take Suguro’s father to where he can received medical assistance, while the others take on the Impure King. From his lofty perch high above them, Mephisto observes but does nothing.

Todo tries to get Yukio to admit he hates Rin, in an effort to divide them. Will Yukio fall prey to a case of sibling rivalry? Kuro takes on his huge demonic form, and allows Rin and Suguro to ride him toward the Impure King. Suguro is to put up the barrier – if he can. After that, they aren’t sure what to do, since Rin isn’t able to draw his sword. Rin teases Suguro, calling him Princess, while Yukio thinks back on life with brother Rin. However, Yukio is not without tricks of his own.

Everyone has their job to do. Shima and Koneko fight their way through the forest, trying to get through before the sac bursts. But doubts assail one of them. They tried their best, and it seems futile to go on. No one will blame them for saving their own lives by running from danger. Isn’t that the sensible thing to do?

There is a lot going on in this volume of Blue Exorcist, and people are looking inside themselves for answers and solutions. Defeating Todo and his Impure King will be no easy task. Everyone must work together or they’ll all fall. Something I was wondering about in the last volume ends up being addressed in this – namely, does Yukio have any demon in him? While we are not given an answer, that is something to ponder.

The fight against the Impure King has become a very interesting arc, and I’m enjoying the character development. I’ve forgotten to mention that some of the volumes have bonus stories. I have to say some are better than others. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to seeing what comes next.

Book Review: Blue Exorcist, Vol 7 by Kazue Kato

Blue Exorcist, Book 7    

Author: Kazue Kato

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: April 3, 2012

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/manga/paranormal/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Saburota Todo and Mamushi Hojo have stolen the Left and Right Eyes of the Impure King and disappeared, while Rin finds himself incarcerated, in solitary confinement! Rin has received a letter from Tatsuma Suguro explaining how he met Father Fujimoto and how Fujimoto ended up with the Koma sword. The sword contains a fire demon, Karura, summoned by a monk named Fukaku who defeated the Impure King with it. Suguro takes the sword and gives it to Fujimoto, despite the priest telling him he is going to kill a child with it. But Suguro knows better.

Todo reveals to Mamushi the terrible secret of Myodha, that beneath Goma Hall lies the body of the Impure King. If they return his eyes to him, he shall live once more, a most terrible thought indeed! Ossama catches up with Todo and Mamushi, and tries to prevent them from reviving the Impure King, but he is too late, only to learn that Todo has a different agenda!

Meanwhile, back at the jail, Yukio doesn’t want to give Rin the sword to use, not knowing if his flame will even work against the Impure King, much less defeat him. Yukio is concerned that if he uses his flame, Rin will be put to death, but Shura reminds him they have much bigger problems – such as the Impure King. Yukio reluctantly agrees but there is an unexpected wrinkle in the plan.

When Ossama returns, with Mamushi, and tells the story of what has happened, the ex-wires are torn about what to do. They decide to break Rin out of his confinement so he can fight the Impure King, but thanks to the machinations of Mephisto, that is easier said than done.

Another fast-paced volume of Blue Exorcist. It’s getting easier to tell the villains from the heroes, although sometimes the heroes aren’t entirely sure themselves and are torn in their loyalties. Mephisto is something of an enigma. Although I am unsure what his agenda is, and while his methods tend to be unorthodox, deep inside, I believe everything he does is for a good reason. Amaimon, not so much. I like seeing Yukio’s affection toward his brother, which he sometimes hides. It’s still hard to believe they’re twins, but they are. I have to wonder if Yukio has powers that are unsuspected, maybe lying deep inside, that just haven’t evidenced yet. I feel sorry for Mamushi. She really thought she was doing the right thing, and was brutally used for her naïveté and for having faith in the wrong person.

I predict that Rin will make a great exorcist, although I’m not sure if he will get to face down his father in the way he hopes. I also predict that he and Shiemi will find out they are attracted to each other. Not sure where that will go.

The series is going strong, keep the volumes coming!

Book Review: Blue Exorcist, Vol 6 by Kazue Kato

Blue Exorcist, Book 6    

Author: Kazue Kato

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: February 7, 2012

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/manga/paranormal/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

The ex-wires are in Kyoto to help guard the Right Eye of the Impure King. Everyone is surprised to discover they are staying at the inn belonging to Suguro’s family. The next morning, some of the guys don’t remember the night before very well, and they blame it on whatever Shura gave them to drink. Konekomaru is confused as to why Renzo is acting so friendly toward Rin. Doesn’t he remember who and what he is? A meeting of the Myodha is being held, but Ossama is nowhere to be found. He sends word that he is busy and unable to attend. Renzo’s father, Yaozo, rises from his sick bed to inform the meeting that there is a traitor in their midst! It’s revealed that the right eye has been stolen, and six people are the major suspects, including Ossama, Juzo Shima and Mamushi Hojo.

Rin’s training isn’t going well. His first task, and he keeps blowing it! Literally. Shura set up three candles with instructions to light them, but he can’t control his power and keeps melting them. Suguro confronts his father, but to no avail. He disowns him just before his father disappears, only to be yelled at by Rin. They get into an altercation, to Shura’s great annoyance. Rin goes a little too far and finds himself revealed and incarcerated.

Yukio arrives on the scene only to learn the Right Eye has been stolen as well, and the chief suspect is High Priest Tatsumo Suguro! Yukio reveals that when the eyes come together, a poisonous gas is released! They must be found. A letter arrives for Rin from Suguro’s father, but neither Rin nor Shura can read it. Luckily Yukio can, and what a tale is revealed!

The action is getting hotter and hotter as the ex-wires are thrust into the fray. This is no exercise, this is reality! If those eyes aren’t found before they are connected, everyone will be in danger! We learn a lot in this volume, and glimpse more of Suguro and his father. Also, we watch Rin working hard to control his flame as he learns to work for the common good, a sure sign he is maturing. We see more of the softer side of Shiemi, as well, who is always ready to volunteer her help to others.

I find that the story of the Left and Right Eyes is making more sense to me now, and it’s an interesting story. I like the way the story is developing, and I find it interesting that more than a few people are suspicious of Mephisto Pheles. I’m sure he has quite a story himself.

 Another great volume, looking forward to more of the same. I’m also watching the anime, although I’m only a few episodes into it, but I really like it.

Book Review: Alpha Unit One, New York by Chris T. Kat

Alpha Unit One, New York   

Author: Chris T. Kat

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

American release date: July 27, 2018

Format/Genre/Length: eBook/m/m/paranormal/181 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

In a world in which humans and shifters have learned to live together in comparative harmony, there are still some shifters who find themselves subjected to an assortment of restrictions. Namely,  small shifters and baby shifters. Small shifters are looked down upon as unequal to their larger counterparts.  Baby shifters are those who, unlike the majority of shifters, become the immature version of their animals, even though as humans they are adults. Baby shifters are forced to endure having their spouses as their legal guardians, and they are forbidden from doing anything too difficult or too dangerous. Such —as police work.

Nicholas Reed has just joined a combo human/shifter unit in New York City known as Alpha Unit One, which specializes in drug crimes. However Nick has a secret – he isn’t the human he pretends to be, he’s a shifter. Not just any shifter, but a baby shifter, becoming a snow leopard cub in his animal form. To keep his secret, he douses himself with cologne to cover the faint trace of shifter he bears. He doesn’t feel as though he is any less than any of his team members. As far as he is concerned, he’s doing what he has to do.

Sam Black is the head of Alpha Unit One, and a lion shifter. Burned by a previous relationship by a guy who pretended to love him but only wanted to use him, he is leery of new entanglements, and of humans posing as shifters. Complications arise when he finds himself attracted to the new hire, Nick. The attraction is mutual and strong. Nicky is fearful of his secret coming out, but he can’t withstand the pull of his mate. Can he trust Sam with his secret, and trust that Sam will allow him to continue to do the job that he loves? Or is he putting his future as a cop in jeopardy?

Alpha Unit One is hopefully the first in a new series by Chris T. Kat. I am a huge fan of Ms. Kat’s books, and love to read them. She especially excels in m/m romances, and one of her specialties is dealing with shifter stories. This book is no exception to that rule. It’s obvious to me that she understand humans and animals, and I love the way she draws her characters, especially the wise-cracking seme (bottom or catcher) who engages in witty repartee with the more mature, solid seme (top or pitcher).  With this book, she is delving into territory I’ve not seen before. Namely having shifters who become the baby form of their animals. It’s an original idea and very imaginative.

Besides Sam and Nick, the unit is populated with some very memorable characters. One of my favorites is Roland, a wolf shifter who is still suffering from the death of his wife, and Annie, the feisty tough shifter who is married to a human, Jake, whom she madly loves.

Ms. Kat does characters very well, and brings them to life as being imperfect and human. The story is about a group of cops, and it does delve into their work, but mostly it is about the cops themselves. The police procedural part of the story is interesting, and will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering how they are going to make it out alive sometimes.

As far as the heat goes, there is a lot of it, and a lot of love and romance. If graphic romance is not your thing, I would suggest a pass on this book. But if you like hot guys who love each other and appreciate each other’s bodies, if you like to read about shifters and especially shifters who are different, and if you enjoy a feel-good romance, then this might just be the book for you. I know there is a second book in this series, and I eagerly await its publication.

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #27 (8.1)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Ryan and Ben were able to spend some quality time alone by Lake Pontchartrain. And yet there still seems to be unspoken questions between them. Will they ever be able to discuss them? The day arrives for the first gig that Ryan gets to witness. See what's going on in this week's episode of In Pieces.Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #27 (8.1)

Thursday night came all too soon.  The night of the birthday party in Thibodaux. Ryan's first chance to watch Salvation in action.  He was excited and nervous both. Ben had asked him to take photos of the event to use as promo, besides for use in their book, and Ryan hoped he’d do a good job. Not like he was a professional photographer or anything. But his dad had been supportive of his efforts, told him he was good. He’d also bought Ryan a good camera, which should help Ryan’s efforts look better too.

Thinking of his father made him wonder what Dad would think of him and Ryan if he knew. Would he understand? Would he possibly approve? Ryan pushed the thought aside. He’d never know. No use in torturing himself about it.

When the time came to get ready to go, Ben laughingly shooed Ryan out of the bedroom so he could dress in private. He said he wanted Ryan to see him when he was done, not little by little. Ryan pretended to pout, but his protests were all in fun and not in the least serious. Truth be told, he was really dying to see what Ben looked like in his priest’s outfit.  So he cooled his heels in the hallway and tried to put together what he’d seen in the pictures with what he now realized was Ben. And when Ben finally opened the door to the room, the evening light serving to silhouette him rather effectively, Ryan decided it had been worth the wait. Ben wore a full length black robe with long sleeves, the darkness broken only by the white on his stiff clerical collar. Around his neck he wore an elaborate gold cross, and a matching cross dangled from one ear. His colorful hair hung loosely about his shoulders in stark contrast to his somber garb. Ben’s beautiful crystal blue eyes were concealed behind maroon contact lenses and framed with kohl guyliner.

He was so stunning he took Ryan’s breath away.

Ben grinned cheekily. “Like what you see?” he asked playfully.

“You know it,” Ryan replied. “You look fabulous.” He was gratified to see Ben’s cheeks pink with pleasure at the compliment.

“You look pretty awesome yourself,” Ben said, eyeing Ryan appreciatively. Ryan had been unsure what he should wear. On the one hand, it was a young man’s birthday party and probably casual. On the other hand, his parents were probably not hurting for money if they could afford to book a live band for the event. More importantly, it was Ryan’s first time with Salvation, and he didn’t want his appearance to reflect badly on them, even if he wasn’t a part of the talent. Nobody would probably even notice him, he reasoned. Even so, he chose to wear the suit Ben had gotten for him. It was a cool gray threaded with a little pale lavender, and came with a matching vest. Ben had chosen a forest green tie to go with it that he said made Ryan’s green eyes pop. How could Ryan say no to that?

When it came time to go, Ryan was surprised to learn that Salvation owned an equipment van. He didn’t remember seeing it before, but maybe that was just him being unobservant.

“How do you think we lug our stuff around?” Abby teased. “You think I strap my drums on my back?” Ryan couldn’t help but blush at her comment. Everyone was standing outside the building where the band practiced while Deacon and Keanu loaded the van with everything they’d need. Cameron was nowhere in sight. Ryan couldn’t help but hope he wasn’t included on tonight’s guest list, then chided himself for being silly. This was a private party and Cameron wasn’t likely to be a friend of the birthday boy.

“Are we all going to fit in that?” Ryan was skeptical of that happening.

“No, we’ll go with Aiden and Abby.”

Ryan thought the band looked great. Their costumes really suited them, and they were unique. At least he thought they were. He’d never seen a band wear outfits such as those. Abby looked pretty, despite being dressed as a nun. Her deep blue eyes sparkled and she seemed happier than she had lately. Maybe it was the excitement of playing in front of an audience again. Ryan thought that must be rather intoxicating.

The van was finally loaded and Aiden slid the side door shut with a clang. “All done, we ready to rock and roll?”

“You know it!” Deacon responded. Glancing over at Keanu, he said, “C’mon, my little bishop. Let’s get going so we can get set up on time.”

“Just because you’re a cardinal doesn’t mean you’re over me,” Keanu said with a laugh.

“That’s not what you say when we’re in bed.” Deacon smirked, drawing laughter from the others. Keanu didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed at his lover’s candor. He was probably used to it. He waltzed up to Deacon and planted a big kiss on him, which evoked more titters. After some moments, Deacon broke the kiss, swatted Keanu on his ass and pointed to the van. “Inside, lover boy.”

Once the van had rolled out, the others walked around to the front of the house where Cameron’s car sat. There was no sign of his pickup anywhere, which only confirmed the man had plans which didn’t include them. Good.

Ryan was walking toward the front seat when Ben unexpectedly stopped him, tossing the keys to Aiden. “We’re in back,” he explained.

Ryan didn’t argue, sliding in behind Ben as Aiden and Abby took the front seat. Ben took Ryan’s hand in his and held it gently. He leaned in to Ryan, his soft words all for him. “Just remember I’m here for you. Always. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you, I promise.”

to be continued

Now go visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Johayan

Carol Pedroso

                                                                                                                                           

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #27 (7.7)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

A jealous Ben removes Ryan from Cameron's attentions and takes him out to breakfast. Alone at last! What will they do with this opportunity? Find out in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them!  Their links follow my tale!  Enjoy!

In Pieces #27 (7.7)

Breakfast was every bit as delicious as Ben had promised it would be. The Cajun Hollandaise sauce was creamy and spicy, and  had just the right amount of heat without being overbearing. Ryan thought he could get used to eating like this all the time. He loved Missouri, but there was something relaxing about Louisiana, and at the same time invigorating. Some people might consider Missouri to be a Southern state, but this was the true Deep South.

Of course, a lot of his feeling of contentment had to do with Ben’s presence. There was no denying that. Just being back with Ben after all those years felt like coming home, as though a great weight had been lifted from his mind… and heart.

After they ate, Ben tried to take Ryan to a high end men’s clothing store, but Ryan balked at that idea. He put his foot down adamantly, despite Ben’s protestations that he could afford it. They ended up compromising by going to a boutique on Girod Street, which resembled a home more than a business. The staff was wonderfully friendly, and Ryan allowed Ben to buy him a suit and some casual clothes, but he insisted Ben get something for himself, which he did. Ryan hadn’t realized before how much fun shopping could be.

As they threw their bags into the back of Cameron’s car, Ben announced, “There’s this beautiful spot I want to show you.  It’s on the lake, but it’s on this side, so no worries about the bridge. You’ll just love it, I know.”

“If you love it, I know I will too,” Ryan said, feeling unexpectedly giddy. How could he even begin to doubt that Ben cared about him? “Let’s go.”

 They headed toward the lake, stopping just long enough to stop by the Café du Monde to get two cups of chicory coffee and fresh beignets.  Fontainebleau State Park was close to the long bridge across the lake, but not too close for comfort. Ben paid the small admission fee at the gate as they drove in. They parked near the Visitor Center, but didn’t go inside.

“When we come back to the car,” Ben promised. “They have some cool exhibits. Let’s drink our coffee while it’s hot.”

They followed a long tree-lined sidewalk until they arrived at the beach. Ryan noticed it wasn’t too crowded, especially for August. A few families cavorted on the white sand, the children running in and out of the water, screaming joyfully. A few couples were stretched out on large colorful beach towels, hip to hip, soaking up rays. Too bad they hadn’t brought anything like that. But then they were here on an impulse, nothing planned.

Ben must have been a mind reader. “We’ll have to make a day of it sometime,” he said. “What do you think? Bring towels, an umbrella, sun tan lotion. Something to eat, something drink… the whole nine yards.”

“I think that sounds wonderful, Ben. This place is beautiful, absolutely beautiful.”  

       

“Glad you like it.” Ben smiled almost shyly.

Holding hands was out of the question, not with what they carried, so Ryan had to content himself with following Ben a little ways down the beach, to a more isolated spot.  They made themselves comfortable on the warm sand and gazed out at the lake.

Nearby a long pier jutted out across the water. “Do people fish from there?” Ryan asked.

Ben shaded his eyes and squinted toward the pier. “Not there, I don’t think,” he said. “I think they have areas set aside just for fishing. Crabbing too.”

“Crabs. I forgot Louisiana has crabs.” He polished off the delicious beignet and licked power sugar from his fingers. “The closest I usually get to crab in St. Louis is when I order Crab Rangoon from a Chinese restaurant. Or when Cassie took me to the casino once. They had all-you-can-eat crab legs on the buffet.” He took another, longer sip of the chicory. He thought it would be more bitter, but it wasn’t. He liked it. Glancing toward Ben, he noticed a frown marring his forehead.

“Who’s Cassie?”

“My stepmother.  Dad’s third wife.”

“Oh.” Ben visibly relaxed with a visible sigh. “Did she make him happy?”

“Yeah, she did. They were really good together. She’s a good person. I think you’d like her.” He deliberately didn’t mention her age. Ben seemed upset enough about her without adding fuel to the fire.

“I’m glad. D-dad was a good man,” Ben said softly. “He deserved to find some happiness after…” He left the sentence dangling, but Ryan knew what he meant. He also heard the slight hesitation over the word dad, as if he was unsure whether he was allowed to call him that after all that time. And considering the divorce.

“Yeah, I know what you mean. That reminds me, I owe her a postcard. I promised I’d keep in touch.  She’ll be thrilled when I tell her about you.” Damn, he hadn’t meant to blurt that out, but somehow he had anyway. He found it hard to dissemble around Ben.

But when Ben smiled at him like that, a warmth formed in the pit of his stomach, and suddenly his faux pas didn’t seem quite so bad any more.

“She knows about me?” He didn’t say about us, but he might just as well have.

“Yeah. She’s been listening to me whine about you for years.” Ryan laughed, a little awkwardly. He hadn’t even had to explain to her how he felt about Ben. Cassie was intuitive, and very caring. “She helped me through some… rough patches. I didn’t think I could talk to Dad. Well, because… I mean, you know.” Damn, had he put his foot in his mouth? Should he at least ask about Eliza, or would that be hypocritical on his part?

He opened his mouth to ask, but Ben was too fast for him.

“Don’t ask… please…” and stilled any possible questions with a kiss.

to be continued

Now go visit the other Briefers and see what's up!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Johayan

Carol Pedroso