Short Story: The Salad Course

 

(Note: This is a draft. There may be editing mistakes, misplaced commas, and scenes that could change before the final edit.) This short story is once again set in my fiction town of Copper Creek Haven.  My writing prompt for this short story was:  A romance writer can't find her happily ever after until she meets... On a side note, my heroine is related to the heroine in my short story Humble Pie. You can read it here.  If you want to read more about my writing you can subscribe to my monthly newsletters here.  The Salad Course  By the end of the salad course tonight, the whole town of Copper Creek Haven would be abuzz with my secret. Secrets didn’t last long in my small hometown and I, Jane Reed, wanted to preserve this confidence a little longer. What would the residents say if they knew what ‘the youngest Reed girl’ had done?  Would they run me out of town on a rail? My mind conjured up all the worst-case scenarios. The knot in my stomach tightened a fraction. I stood in my bedroom surrounded by black and white photos of celebrities from Hollywood’s Golden Age on the wall and looked into the eyes of a perfectly poised and red-lipped Audrey Hepburn. What would Audrey wear to meet an editor? Most likely a little black dress she was known for. My closet was woefully short of Givenchy dresses, but sported hand-me-downs from my older sisters piled haphazardly on my bed were faded Old Navy coats and spring dresses. My yoga pants and oversized ‘I Only Kiss Cowboys’ t-shirt showed that I preferred comfort over fashion. Should I channel my alter ego? I wrote under the pen name Adelaide Caine, but deep down I was just Jane. The girl-next-door whose idea of a perfect night in was curled up under a cozy blanket watching an old movie preferably something with Cary Grant and thought ice cream should be its own food group. My eyes landed on a black garment bag stuffed at the back of the closet. The bag crinkled under my hand as I unzipped it to reveal a copper-colored tea length dress I’d worn as a bridesmaid to my sister Julia’s wedding last fall. It was the closest thing I had to designer label. If I hadn’t eaten too much ice cream the dress should still fit…fingers crossed. My rule of thumb was I had to run three miles every time I indulged in the creamy treat. An added benefit of jogging, it helped me plot out my novels. Had it only been a year since I won the Writer’s Dream contest? My life has changed so much. Winning the competition opened doors in the publishing industry. It garnered the attention of my current literary agent Caroline Rutherford as well as an editor who Caroline said was the best in the business and had a Midas touch with romance novels. The dress zipped up with ease. I breathed a sigh of relief.  Paired with black ballet flats and a jean jacket, it was my nod to Audrey. The perfect blend of relaxation and luxury. I glanced at my wristwatch. Thirty minutes early. My studio apartment was downtown and only a ten-minute walk to the restaurant, The Copper Plate, which was owned by my sister and her husband. A walk in the fresh spring air might clear my head. I arrived at the restaurant early, which was unusual for me. I blamed my nerves. I opened the door and the hostess, greeted me by name. “Hi, Jane.  Ooo you’re really dressed up. Are you meeting someone?” Her head tilted to the side as her eyebrows rose. Before I could answer her questions, my brother-in-law Caleb Bailey stepped in. I’ll seat Jane." He consulted the reservation list and quirked a bow at me. “Colman for two?” I nodded. “Right this way. “So, Jane…who’s your date?” Fantastic! Getting grilled by my brother-in-law. Could this day get any worse? I was already on edge to meet my editor in person. The third degree from Caleb only heightened my nerves. “It’s not a date,” I huffed out a breath. “It’s a meeting.” “Ok, you’re meeting a person with the last name Colman. Is there a first name?” “AJ.” “Do you know what those initials stand for? “Well, I don’t know,” The words burst out of me. “I never asked!” Calm down Jane. “Is it wise to meet someone when you don’t know their full name?” He kept his tone measured and lowered his voice after all we were in his restaurant. A waitress appeared and soundlessly put glasses of ice water on the table. She scurried away when she saw Caleb and I were in the middle of a disagreement. Smart. I wish I could scamper away. “Please, Caleb we live in Copper Creek Haven, the news will be all over the restaurant before we finish our meal.” “Jane, I overreacted. I’m sorry.” “I’ll be sure and tell Julia you held up your end of protective brother-in-law.” “I’ll go get you a couple of menus." I settled into the secluded booth with my back to the door and looked at my watch. Ten more minutes until my semblance of a secret life would be on display because everyone would wonder why I was dressed up. The second my date, er appointment. Good grief, even I'm calling it a date now. My fingers tapped on the linen tablecloth; I took a sip of the lemon water the waitress had brought earlier. Moved the copper vase filled with flowers just a fraction of an inch. The smells of garlic and seared meat made my stomach growl. Another sip of water. I examined my watch again. How had only two minutes ticked by? My hand rested on my chin, and I started to dream of a new storyline. “Adelaide Caine?” A deep voice asked interrupted my reverie. I turned and let my eyes drift up until they collided with a beard. My editor was a man?! “AJ Colman?” He looked like he had just stepped out of the pages of my story into real life with his dark hair and beard the same shade a well-baked brownies and suddenly I craved some. His glasses covered warm dark blue eyes. He stuck his hand out to me. “My name is Archer Jay, but friends and colleagues call me AJ.” A friendly smile lit up his face. “It’s nice to finally put a face with the name. I couldn’t stop babbling, “My real name is Jane Reed. Adelaide Caine is a pen name.” My hands were calmy, I slid my hand across the tablecloth before I lifted it to his. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jane.” His large hand enveloped mine in a firm handshake and he slid into the booth opposite me. “Forgive my shock. Caroline never mentioned you were…” My voice trailed off. I twirled a strand of hair around my finger. “A man,” He rolled his eyes. I nodded heat rising to my cheeks. Before I could make more of a fool of myself, Caleb appeared with menus and his spiel. His eyes flicked between AJ and me with no tact whatsoever. I could practically feel the gossip mill starting to churn its wheels. Jane Reed was on a date with a mysterious man. But who? “Thank you, Caleb.” I ground out his name and subtly jerked my head. Caleb nodded quickly and backed away like a deer caught in the headlights. I didn’t even have to look up to know he’d be telling Julia all about this later complete with every single detail. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. AJ didn’t seem fazed his grin held amusement. He was unaware he’d just been the star in my little internal drama. “So,” AJ said, shifting in his seat, leaning forward and said quietly. “I’ll be honest—I was expecting someone a little more...panache like Adelaide Caine." I tilted my head. “Why do I feel like there’s an insult in there somewhere?” “You know,” he said, eyes shone with mischief. “I expected more...mystique. Maybe a beret or a trench coat? Not this,” he said, gesturing at my bridesmaid’s dress and ballet flats. “Are you inspired by the Old Hollywood look? It’s very he paused for several seconds before adding “sophisticated.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “The mystique is usually reserved for the books, not the author. I’m simply Jane. No mystery. I like to think of myself as an open book. No pun intended.” His lips quirked. “I’ll admit, I’ve tried to picture you based on your writing. The plots, the character, but I was so far off.” He snacked his forehead. “So much for my imagination.” “Don’t worry,” I said, picked up the menu in a futile endeavor to regain my composure. “My life is far less glamorous than my books. For one, I like ice cream too much.” “Ice cream?” AJ raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. I set the menu down. “It’s an essential part of my writing process. I think it should be its own food group don’t you agree? A short burst of laughter escaped and suddenly, it felt a little less awkward. Maybe even... comfortable? He cleared his throat and leaned into whisper like he was telling me a deep secret. “If we’re talking ice cream, we’ll need to make sure you have plenty for creativity. He sat back and crossed his arms, “What’s your favorite flavor?”

This or That: Book Edition

Here's my This or That: Book Edition!

BUY

I'm definitely a buy my own books bookworm. 

HARD COPY (Amend it to be paperbacks)

I'm a paperback book kinda girl. 

INDOOR READING

I can pretty much read anywhere (indoor or outdoor). Indoors you're less likely to deal with bugs.

FICTION

Fiction all the way. Every once in a while, I'll pick up a biography, but the majority of the time I devour fiction both contemporary and historical. 

HAPPY ENDINGS

Reading is my escape from reality, so I love a good happy ending. 

BOOKMARKS

I might have as many bookmarks as books. I that reader that likes to color coordinate my bookmark with my current read. I cringe when I see readers fold over corners. 
 

ROMANCE

I love a good romance. Especially a marriage of convenience trope. Count me in. 

SLOW & STEADY

I'd consider myself a slow and steady reader. I have finished a book in one sitting, but my usual time frame is between 3-7 days per book. 

A Lesson in Propriety is Hysterical

 Miss Drusilla Merriweather's advantageous life has been uprooted. Dumped by her fiancé, her dead father's fortune stolen, she decides the best way to provide for her family is open a girls' finishing school in a haunted castle left to her by her eccentric Aunt Ottilie.

I admired Drusilla's character taking on the monumental task of opening an academy for young ladies when society at the time still preferred women to become wives and mothers.

One trait I appreciate about Jen's books is how her heroines are not wilting wallflowers, but strong, determined women. These qualities make you want to cheer them on. I'm not sure I would've survived this time period. 

Rhenick Whittenbecker, a dashing architect accustomed to charming his way out of trouble arrives at the castle. He's convinced Drusilla needs his protection. Her fierce independence challenges him, and he's drawn to that. 

Drusilla's mother Mrs. Merriweather reminded me of Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice at the lengths she went to see her daughters married. 

If you've been living under a rock and have not discovered Jen Turano's hilarious, zany stories you are in for a treat. Her Gilded Age romances are filled with laugh-out-loud banter, colorful characters and hysterical mishaps.

One aspect that makes Jen's books so comical is the menagerie of animals and how they cause chaos. 

I'd rate A Lesson in Propriety as a 4 out of 5 stars. The humor Jen's readers have come to expect is in full force. I'm amazed at how she continues to keep her high standard of humor throughout her books. It's different for each story and never feels forced, but organic. 

You're probably wondering with a rave review of Jen's renowned sense of humor why I'd only rate this story 4 stars. I'm not sure if I can exactly pinpoint it, but I think it might be the pacing of the plot. That's simply a personal preference. I was also curious if perhaps Ms. Turano has switched to a different developmental editor. Because A Lesson in Propriety and Meeting Her Match had a similar tone. 

Jen's newest release is on par with all her books and is a fun engaging read as we delve into the upcoming summer months. 

~~A Lesson in Propriety was provided to me by the publisher in return for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

To Kiss a Knight is a Fun Romance

Grace Hitchcock is a new-to-me author. I was honored and excited to be on her influencer team for To Kiss a Knight, book two in her Best Laid Plans series. This author has been on my 'authors I want to read" list for a while.  The gorgeous book cover drew me in. 

Not having read the first book in the series, the author makes some references to other characters in book one, you aren't lost as a reader, and it makes you want to go back and read the first book. 

Right off the bat, her humor reminded me of Jen Turano. and I had a feeling I was going to like this story.

Vivienne Poppy is running away. Away from her parents' dreadful marriage of convivence scheme. All she wants to do a write under her pen name- Lady Larkby. She discovers the Larkby name isn't as dead as she thought.  

Recently, knighted Sir Sebestian Larkby is shocked to discover a Lady Larkby he doesn't remember marrying. To give his dying grandmother peace, he suggests that Vivienne pose as his wife, a fake marriage of convenience and in return she can keep the Larkby as her pseudonym.  

To Kiss a Knight has loads of humor, mistaken identities, and the right amount of romance.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward reading more books by this author.

I'd rate To Kiss a Knight a solid 4 out of 5 stars. My favorite part of course is the sparing banter and chemistry between Sebastian and Vivienne. It was just pure fun. I love a good romance especially a marriage of convenience trope. 

 

 ~~To Kiss a Knight was provided to me by the publisher in return for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

Jimmy Stewart: America's Everyman

Jimmy Srewart is my second favorite actor from Hollywood's Golden Age. (Cary Grant still holds the first spot)

2025 is the year of Jimmy Stewart and I thought it would be fun to do a profile on him. (Last year was the year of Cary Grant. You can read more of my top favorite films of his here.)

Born James Maitland Stewart on May 20th, 1908, in Indiana, PA. As the eldest and only son, the small-town values he was raised with carried him throughout his life. 

His career in Hollywood spanned five decades. Stewart gave us many memorable early screwball comedies and later serious post-war Westerns proving his range as an actor.

He married Gloria at age forty-one and remained married (a rarity in Hollywood to be only married once) till her death in 1994. She had two boys from a previous marriage and Jimmy adopted the boys. They went on to have twin girls. 

Jimmy Stewart made AFI's 50 Greatest screen legends list ranking top three in the male leads behind Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant. 

If you've ever watched an interview with Stewart, I appreciate the humility and humanity that came across. Here's one of my favorite moments:

My Top Five Favorite Jimmy Stewart movies:

5.)  Harvey (1950)

Jimmy Stewart plays Elwood P. Dowd whose family is trying to get him committed to a mental institution when he claims he's friends with an imaginary 6-foot rabbit.

4.) Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Jimmy collaborated with director Frank Capra on three films (You Can't Take It with You, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and It's a Wonderful Life.) Stewart plays Jefferson Smith, a young man appointed as a United States senator. It has the right amount of comedy, wit and drama. 

3.) Rear Window (1954)

Jimmy teamed up with director Alfred Hitchcock for four films (Rope, Rear Window, Vertigo, and The Man Who Knew Too Much). Rear Window is his best Hitchcock film. 

2.) The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart in the same movie? Of course it's going to make my list. Jimmy won best supporting Oscar for his role as Macaulay "Mike" Connor.  

1.) It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

For many, my family included Stewart's first post-war film It's a Wonderful Life is a Christmas staple. You can read more about my review of the film here. 

My hope after reading about Jimmy Stewart you'll be inspired to learn more about him and watch some of his films.