Moments for the Heart

Hey, Weekend Writing Warriors. Such an emotional week. It seems we’ve had a bunch of these lately. This week we lost a family member. My wife’s cousin passed away. An interesting turn of events; don’t worry I wont bore you with the details, but to say it was more sudden than expected.

On a brighter note, I have some exciting news. My long awaited children’s book sequel has been released. Well, it is in print. I have it listed in my IngramSpark account and it is ready for distribution. Just waiting for all the ducks to be lined up to get it listed on Amazon. This one has been through so much. Elissa Celebrates Christmas will now finally see the light of day. Just in time for the holidays.

Let’s unwrap this week’s adventure and see what happens with Aaron and Deborah.

SYNOPSIS:

Aaron Stephenson loves his job. As food critic for the popular Houston Gazette, he gets to sample the best cuisine at the finest eateries in Houston without paying a dime. And because there are so many great restaurants in Houston, he doesn’t have to visit the same establishment twice… unless he wants to.

But when Aaron stops in at Davies Deli, a non-descript, off-the-beaten-path, family-owned diner, he suddenly realizes he wants to come back;

But it has to do more with the owners’ brown haired, green eyed daughter, Deborah than the delicious food.
Aaron and Deborah feel a mutual attraction. But Deborah has a secret that could change everything.

And then there is Carter…

SNIPPET:

Summary:
This love story novel was born out of a dream I had about an angel leaving nick knacks behind for a couple to find as they walked through an amusement park together. They were reminders about them being a couple because they were struggling. Them finding these ‘little reminders’ drew them back together. The novel also has a dual storyline, in that the MC also has a struggle with their relationship with God, so they are also being drawn back to Him as well. The diner idea came from my personal love for food, writing some of the book sitting in a Denny’s, and working in kitchens for almost 10 years.

Here is a bit from last week.

In reality, there was no real diagnosis. The doctors were as puzzled about her fatigue and lethargy as she was. She had every test thinkable, but no real reason why she could be fine one moment then completely drained the next. The tinnitus they said was a common thing, that many people suffer from ringing of the ears. In her case ear, her left ear to be exact.  So, they were not concerned by it. But the fatigue confounded them. Today was a good day, she had energy, and she had been on her feet most of the day.

We are jumping into the next section of the chapter, and with Aaron. He is on the job at a local restaurant. He has taken some notes on the atmosphere when he is approached by a colleague.


“So, what do you think so far, Aaron?” A familiar voice asked from behind him.

She was short with just as equal short dark brown hair and eyes. She pushed up her glasses and smiled.

“Hey, Jessica,” Aaron welcomed. “So far, so good. I think they recognized me, so I am getting superb service. Not that I am complaining.” Aaron looked around, “You here alone?”

“No, I’m here with daddy,” she said, pointing to the restroom. “We’re just waiting on a table.”


::There is your ten, or so, but let’s continue on and get a little more into the scene.::


“Well, let them see you are talking to me, and you’ll get a prime table,” Aaron laughed. Not that he was anything. Jessica’s dad was the owner of the Houston Gazette. He could get a seat in a heartbeat, but he was not the type of person to allow his status to gain special treatment. He was a gentle, quiet man. The six-five figure appeared, almost having to duck to get from the hallway leading to the back.

“Hello, Mr. Stephenson,” Eli Lorrie extended his hand. Aaron stood and shook it.

“Hey, boss,” Aaron was still a good six inches shorter. “Checking up on the staff?”

Eli smirked, “Not exactly. Didn’t realize you’d be here this evening.” He asked the same question Jessica had asked. He repeated his thoughts. “Been here long?”

“Just a few hours. I wanted to get a feel for the transition period. Maybe that’s what gave me away. That and my notebook.” Aaron pointed to the composition book he always took notes in. It had become a habit he couldn’t break. Nothing digital for notes, everything handwritten.

“Lorrie, party of two?” a maître de announced.

“That’s us,” Eli said to Jessica. “Well, keep up the good work, Stephenson.” Then walked toward the podium.

“So, Nate tells me you got a girlfriend.” Jessica smiled like she knew a big secret.

“What? Who?” Aaron defended.

“Deborah Davies, over at the deli. I know all about it. Nate told me how you have a crush on her and asked her out.”

“A crush? What are we in High School?” He said, a little upset at the invasion of privacy.

“Hey, I’m just relaying what Nate said,” she laughed.

“Yes, I’m interested, but no, I haven’t asked her out yet,” he lied, not wanting to face further ridicule.

“Well, you should. I’ve been there several times. She’s a great match for you.”

“I’m not sure I’m ever going back,” he said, picking up his beer and taking a sip.

“Uh, oh. What happened?”

Aaron looked at her. Maybe a woman’s perspective would be beneficial. “Ok, I tried to ask her out. When I did, she made an excuse and went into her office and closed the door.”

“Hmm,” she said, searching for an appropriate response. “What excuse did she make?”

“She said she was busy and didn’t think it would be a good idea.” Aaron took another sip. This draw a bit longer.

Jessica pursed her lips in thought, then asked, “Where were her eyes?”

“Her eyes?”

“Yes, where was she looking when she gave her excuse,” she asked with an authoritative scowl.

Aaron thought back. He told her about the glow, the smile, and then it vanishing just as quickly.

“So, she was looking at the ground?”

“Yes, I suppose so,” Aaron agreed.

“See, that’s a good sign. If she were not interested, she would have been looking you in the eye when she said those things. The smile was the giveaway. You should ask her again.”

“You think?” Arron seemed to brighten up.

“I know so,” Jessica said.

Eli reappeared. “They won’t hold the table forever, Angel.”

“Really, Aaron. I mean it. Ask her,” she said and left with her dad, back toward the area where the angry man from the lobby was sitting.

Aaron turned just as his plate landed in front of him. Brian had a grin on his face. “Your salmon, sir. Let me know if you will need anything else, or a beer top off.”

Aaron smiled back and picked up his fork. The real test of properly cooked fish was that there would be no knife needed. And just as he expected – a perfectly cooked salmon filet. He opened his notebook and put his thoughts to paper.

Maybe a good sign from a female perspective. Giving Aaron some hope after all. What do you think ladies? Would this be accurate?

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Monday is Memory Monday
We remember an important event that occurred on that Monday or sometime that week.

Tuesday is Two Twenty-Two Tuesday
A weekly vlog where I talk about writing or something that’s been on my heart, all in two minutes and twenty-two seconds. — I am way behind on this… sorry.
This is posted on my YouTube channel.

Wednesday is when I post my blog for the week.
I speak from my heart on various topics from writing to faith.

Thursday is This or That Thursday
A weekly two-option poll that raises the question, do you like this, or do you prefer that?
I host this on this on Twitter, IG, and Facebook.

Friday is Fun Fact Friday
I find and share interesting or obscure facts on my pages.

Saturday is for Weekend Writing Warriors
Saturday is for Snippets from a current piece or past work.

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In His Exciting Service,

Jeff S. Bray

Check out amazing established and emerging writers at Weekend Writing Warriors. Each week we post new snippets from either published works or works in progress for each other to comment on. Gain insight into how the mind of a writer works and a behind-the-scenes look at works before they hit bookstands everywhere.

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