Hey, Weekend Writing Warriors. Hey everyone. We are in October and I have been hard at work getting an older Elissa book reprinted. I am reformatted Elissa’s Thanksgiving to align with the other books. I was unhappy with what the publisher had done. He made the fist three books 8×10 and then the fourth 8×12. UGH. Now that I hold it, I am redoing it. I should have that completed sometime this week.
As far as Elissa Celebrates Christmas goes, she is available now!! This is an awesome book to fill a stocking or to round out your list for the book lover. You can visit the link to purchase.
Thanks for your support through everything; Let’s get into this week’s adventure of Aaron and Deborah’s first official meeting.
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.
“I dunno about that, but I could hear you when I was by the door.” Erica paused, sat down the bus bin, and stared at Deborah. “And he’s asking to see you.”
“Who?”
“Who else?” Erica pointed with her thumb over her shoulder. “You better not keep him waiting too long. We’re still looking for his review in the Gazette. Don’t want to get a poor review of customer service.”
“Well, go!” said Pop heading back to the kitchen.”
We are picking up right where we left off. Deborah is ‘not keeping him waiting’. Let’s see how this goes.
Deborah took a deep breath and exhaled; okay, here we go. She stood up and fixed her hair a bit. When she pushed against the swinging door, she couldn’t see where he was sitting; it was hidden by the dessert display. She could hear his fingers tapping against the countertop, a sign of nervousness. Could he be just as anxious as I am?
He was wearing a tan leather jacket, and his keys and to-go tea were already in his hands. His green eyes lit up when he saw her. He smiled. She smiled. The silence went on for what seemed like forever until both spoke at the same time. Both quickly stopped.
::There is your ten, or so, but let’s continue and finish the scene.::
“Sorry,” Aaron said. “You first.”
“I’m sorry for the way I reacted on Friday,” she looked away from his gaze. Yes, she was embarrassed.
“And I am sorry for being presumptuous and making you uncomfortable,” he quickly followed.
“No, you don’t have to apologize. Yes, I was uncomfortable, but not for the reason you are suggesting.”
“Oh?” he said, his tone brightening.
“You were not rude. If anything, I was. And I owe you an explanation,” she said still avoiding eye contact. “As well as an answer.”
She looked up and met his stare. He had a furrow in his brow, but still held his smile. “And?”
“Yes.” The only word she could utter.
“Yes?” Aaron echoed.
“Yes, thirteen is enough.”
His smile doubled in size, and she could swear he jumped a little.
“Really?” Aaron asked.
“Really.” It was her turn to echo. “And yes, I would like to go out with you. When did you have in mind?”
He paused for a moment like he was mulling over the possibilities.
“Well, how would this Friday sound? I have to head up to Dallas tomorrow for a conference and won’t return until Thursday.”
“That will work. This should be my last week here, and I’ll be free this weekend.”
“Oh, really?” he replied with a disappointed tone.
“Yes, this was just temporary until Pop found a replacement for Josh. Pop is making a final decision this week.”
“Well, I will miss seeing your smiling face.” He said. “And trying to guess what color you’d be wearing. Your color coordination talents are spectacular.”
She smiled, not everyone noticed her efforts to match her top with her scrunchie.
“So, where will we be going?”
“Well, that’s the interesting part?”
“How’s that?”
He smiled and looked at his watch. He glanced over his shoulder as Clarence walked into the deli. “You’ll see on Friday. It’s a surprise.” He nodded over to the older gentleman sitting down. “I’ll let you get back to your customers. See you on Friday.” He raised his tea cup as a goodbye and headed to the door.
She watched him walk out the door and spoke to Clarence, “Have the Reuben, it’s amazing.” It made her giggle.
Finally, they are getting together. A first date. You remember those, right? Any first date memories? Love to hear those with your impressions on the snippet.
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The Transference (2022)
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Jeff S. Bray
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Moments for the Heart 
This is delightful, Jeff! Playful, fun and with all the awkwardness of those first moments in a relationship. Great job!!
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Going through this reminded me of how much fun it was to write. And I think I had mentioned before of how young of a writer I was. I would love to go back and grammar edit it. But after much discussion with my publisher, the cost is too high. So it will remain a token of my path as a writer.
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