Episode 2: Part 4 of 5

Episode 2

For Whom the Bell Tolls

(Opening Theme Can’t Stop by Maroon 5)

 Brian being fed by a nurse in his hospital room

“Brian, are you o… What’s going on here?” Tiffany barged into the room like a concerned wife and was stunned by what she saw.

“This kind nurse was feeding me my lunch. I’m injured you know.” He was praying that she didn’t know the extent of his injuries otherwise he’d be in for a lecture.

“Your hands aren’t broken Brian!” Clearly she did. The nurse gets up and takes away the food tray.

“Now Mr. Bentley, you need your rest.” Her flirtatiousness was unmistakable, the sultry tone she used dripped, moist with intent.

“Thanks Tanya, I know. You’re too good to me.” Brian winked at Tanya the cliché sexy nurse and Tiffany’s mouth hit the floor in shock.

“You are such a pig. What happened to Shelly?”

“You mean Sheena?”
“Whatever, the whore.”

“She’s not a whore and she’s fine. She got discharged last night.”

“Oh, she was with you?”

“She was driving.” Seeing as how Tiffany was never allowed to drive his Mitsubishi Sportero L200, she became enraged.

“She was driving you say. Interesting. Wait hold on a second.” Tiffany leaves his side to lock the door or so she thought and returns with fire in her eyes. “You sonuvabitch! After all the bullshit I put up with, and all the time i spent defending you to my friends and family! You are the most selfish ignorant jackass I have ever met and you deserve far more pain than you suffered. But I’ll make up for that.”

Amber and Daniel on their way to Brian’s room

“Why are there photographers here, somebody important in this hospital?”Amber asked wondering if a celebrity had flown in for a procedure or something.

“I think they’re here because of Brian.”
“Slow news week? He ain’t nobody important.” She said, sucking her teeth.

“He is the manager of Epic Noise, the biggest label in the region and he’s a Bentley, the richest black family in the Caribbean.”
“Who knew, I always figured he had connections but God, I would never have thought he was rich.”

“Yeah, he doesn’t like to throw around the fact that he came from money. It’s kinda why I still respect him even though he’s such a prick. He’s not that bad of a person, he just has no social skills and handles situations poorly.”
“Yeah, that I have noticed.”
“Did you know he started a charity which funds medical care, education and recreational activities for underprivileged children?”

“Seriously?”
“Yep. He isn’t a total waste of skin.”
“Guess not. That’s his room there.” They notice the door seems locked but Amber is known for pulling doors open rather than idling around debating whether or not it is. Unfortunately, her timing could be no worse because when she opens the door she and Daniel witness Tiffany beating the crap out of Brian. That wouldn’t have been such a big deal had the photographers not been following them to find out which room Brian was in. Guess who made front page news.

 

Episode 2: Part 3 of 5

Episode 2

For Whom the Bell Tolls

(Opening Theme Just Fine by Mary J. Blige)

Amber finishing a sale of a plantation house

“I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new home. If ever your friends need a Realtor, feel free to give them my contact information.” She smiled brightly as she walked away, after being out of ear shot she muttered to herself, “Fucking bunch of racist cunts, probably opening a local chapter of the KKK or some rasshole.”

Cell phone rings

“This is Amber… Hey Tiffany, what’s the matter? Brian’s been in an accident… but he’s fine… am I a bad person for smiling right now? Okay fine! I’m coming, I’m coming.”

Amber goes to her brand new specially imported 2008 model Mercedes CLK350 Carbriolet in silver-gray. This is the car she’s wanted ever since her commission cheque came, ever since that car was announced. She’s not really a flashy girl, but something about the car spoke to her, or as she says, it affected her in a positive way. Now that she actually has it, every time she hears the door closing behind her with a strong yet gentle *thump*, the smell of the leather seats, the rumbling purr of the engine as she turns the key, it all empowers her with a sense of strength and independence and when she’s actually ripping through the streets, she feels more alive than when she has her favorite thing in the world- a triple scoop of Rocher, Pistachio and Hazelnut, topped with hot fudge and sprinkles hold the cherry please. In that moment, she thinks to herself, “Maybe I enjoy food just a little too much.” Oh well… she’ll deal with that another day.

Daniel and T in the car leaving the airport

“Driver, could you take us to Cedar Grove Private Hospital please?”

“Why are we even going to the hospital, you don’t like Brian.”
“What? Don’t you want to see your best friend T?”

“You know, for such a big star you’re real lil’ bitch.”

“Stop the car.”
Daniel alone in the car leaving the airport

“Yes, as I was saying, Cedar Grove Private Hospital, thanks.”

 

Episode 2: Part 2 of 5

Episode 2

For Whom the Bell Tolls

(Opening Theme Bliss by Livvi Franc)

Tiffany hears a knock on the door of her villa

“Who is it?”

“Pizza delivery.”
“I didn’t order any pizza!” She declared, rushing to the louvers on the side of the door to peep out and see who it really was, remembering her survival training. “What the hell are you doing here?!”

“Can’t I come and visit a friend in need, seeing as I am a friend, indeed?” T came bearing a parcel, Tiffany’s cell phone.

“Whatever… how’d you get my cell phone?” She asked as she grabbed it from his hand.

“I saw you at the airport. I was late for the flight you were getting on and I took it up from the counter where you left it.”

“Why were you coming to St. Lucia?”
“Danny’s recording here with some studio he found on Myspace or whatever so I tagged along.”
“He actually wanted you near him after the whole publications company thing?”
“Yes Tiffany, we’ve been best friends for over 10 years, and he realizes I did it for his own good.”
“I somehow doubt that.” Her head down checking through her call logs to see who’s been missing her. Nothing from Brian.

“Tiffany, do you find me attractive?” His tone was a wounded one, not forward or suggestive, more so vulnerable and pathetic.

“What?” Tiffany looked up half in shock, half annoyed.

“Well I’ve been feeling ‘unsexy’ lately. Nobody’s sniffing around like they used to, so I was just wondering if it’s all in my head.” Tiffany sighs in her mind and tries to maintain a matter-of-fact demeanor.

“Your mere presence makes my loins spring forth an ocean of lubricating waters, longing for you to dive, right, in.”

“Could you be any more sarcastic?!”

“Was I?”
“Weren’t you”

“Excuse me while I go get a mop.” Tiffany walks into her master bedroom to put down her phone and to shut down her laptop she left on when she notices a window flashing on her screen. She reads the message then runs back into the living room where she left T slightly amused. “T! Brian’s been in an accident!”

*******************************************************

This part’s featured artist is Livvi Franc.

Click here for her myspace page to check out Bliss and some of her other tracks.

 

Episode 2: Part 1 of 5

Episode 2

For Whom the Bell Tolls

(Opening Theme Superwoman by Shontelle)

Amber at Infinity Realty sipping a black coffee

“So Amber, have you heard from Tiffany since Sunday?” Alex was a bit weary about talking to Amber since the brunch so he had been keeping his distance.

“Yeah she called me on Monday morning, letting me know where she was and how she was doing.” She takes another sip and notices the expectant look on Alex’s face and decides to divulge more. “In case you’re wondering, she’s fine. She’s in St. Lucia at the villa she always stays at. She says she’s working but I don’t know… she seems a bit detached.”

“Well I hope she gets better soon because apparently there’s a new blog and Tiffany’s in it since her ‘exhibition’ at Soul Shack and I think she needs to show a more put together side than what the blog’s saying about her. Oh yeah, you’re in it too.”

“What?! Why am I in it?”
“We all are. Didn’t you notice the strange looks you were getting today?” Alex asks with a sense of naivety, not realizing that everyday for Amber is a day filled with nasty looks and cut eyes.

“Really? None more than usual for me. These bitches in here can’t stand me you know, especially the admin staff, overzealous typists.”Amber notices for the first time the warmth in Alex’s eyes.

“I never knew it was that bad… I feel almost guilty for taunting you.” He then breaks off into ‘Big Girl (You Are Beautiful) by Mika, much to Amber’s disapproval.

“You know, I really hate you sometimes.”
“Amber lighten up, I was only kidding! Don’t be like that.”

“Whatever Alex. I’m going back to my office, I’m sure I have paper work to do.”
“Hey, what are you doing tomorrow?”
“What’s happening tomorrow?”
“It’s Valentine’s Day! Don’t tell me you forgot.”
“I really don’t care about Valentine’s you know. It’s not a real holiday.”

“You really know how to suck the life out of everything don’t you.”
“I try my very best to be my very worst. What’s it to you anyway?”

“Will you be my Valentine, Amber Fitzpatrick?” Amber pushes her eyebrows together then closes her eyes.

“Are you on the drugs? Why the rasshole would I want to be your anything?”
“Amber, stop cursing!” It would happen that the one person she answers to in the company would be a devout Christian AND pass at that exact moment. “We need to talk about your language. See me in my office when you get a chance.”

“Sure, why not.” Luckily for her he was also partly ignorant and had the retention capabilities of a sieve. She really had no intentions of going to his office but used that as an excuse to break the conversation with Alex.

“That’s my cue to end this conversation.” I never once implied she would be subtle now did I.

“Amber, I’m serious, at least think about it.”
“I have.”
“Hmmm… We’ll see about that.”

*******************************************************

This part’s featured artist is Shontelle.

Click here for her myspace page and to hear Superwoman and a few other tracks from her upcoming debut album Shontelligence, out June 2008.

 

Episode 1: Part 5 of 5

Episode 1

There’s No I in Team

(Opening Theme New Soul by Yael Naim)

Daniel and Tiffany at Soul Shack- Sunday Brunch

“Are we early?”
“I guess so. How have you been Danny?” Her head down busy sending e-mail or text messages, or playing a game, no one ever knows for sure.

“I’ve been okay, working. What about you? Started designing clothes for men yet?” He smiles wickedly at Tiffany and she finally makes eye contact.

“You plan on performing at Fashion Rocks this year?”

“No, just wondering. You know I think you’re a very talented designer and I want to see how you would design for men.” Tiffany resumes what she was doing and conducts the rest of the conversation from her fingertips.

“Well I have been toying with the idea to be honest, who knows, you could be the model I use when I showcase them in LifeSized Magazine. I think the publicity would be to both our benefit.”

“Sounds very interesting. Well you have my digits, or you could have your people call my people since you never once called me before.”

“I called you today didn’t I?”

“Only to make sure I was attending brunch today, why the sudden interest is beyond me.”

“You won’t want to miss this, trust me.”
“Sorry to be… late?” Amber hurried her way to the table expecting to be the last person there, obviously she wasn’t. “So, where is everybody?”

“I guess we’re either early or they’re late.” Everyone checks their watches. “So Amber, how is Alex?”

“Who?”

“From work…”

“Oh whatever, he must be alive.”

“Did someone call my name?” Alex strutted in like a peacock looking for a mate.

“Hey Alex!” Amber rushes to embrace him which makes even Tiffany put her PDA away.

“Hi Amber… what’s this about?”
“I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and embrace the vermin. Lucky you.” Before he could retort,  Brian shows up with T and some unfamiliar chick. This should be interesting.

“Hey everyone, sorry to be late. Danny, I haven’t seen you since Friday morning, what’s shaking.”
“Nothing. I didn’t know you were coming to this you usually skip it every Sunday.”
“Well I was feeling hungry so I decided to come for some grub.”

Everyone sits and everyone side-glances the strange female under Brian’s wing but no one says a word.

The meal progresses and there’s light banter all around the table when suddenly…

“I have an announcement to make.” Says Brian wiping his mouth and standing. “I’d like you all to meet this beautiful young lady I met a couple days ago. Sheena, stand with me babe.” The temperature of the room dropped except for one noticeable hot spot. Care to guess where it emanated from?

“Hi everyone, I’ve heard so much about all of you, especially you Tiffany.” And with that, like daggers, all eyes shot with deadly accuracy from Sheena’s face to Tiffany’s.

“Well, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sheena is it? I wish I could say that I heard a lot about you, but I haven’t.”

“Well Tiffany, you weren’t feeling well recently so I didn’t get a chance to talk to you about this.” Brian’s tone was anything but sincere or apologetic. As he moved to sit, Tiffany hurled a plate at his head.
“Tiffany, what the fuck!” Brian exclaims, for the first time ever abandoning his cucumber cool facade.

“You lucky your reflexes are quick you little rasshole. You have the fucking audacity to bring some trick that you met two days ago to our weekly friends only brunch without saying anything to anyone?” Her voice never once loses its composure, nor turns into a yell.

“I knew about her.” T offered. Bad timing as always.

“Who the fuck asked you, you unaccomplished, lazy, directionless prick. I should have known from the time Brian started showing interest in your ‘business proposal’ that the two of you were no different.”

 ”What business proposal?” Daniel asked, genuinely shocked at this revelation.

“Didn’t he tell you? Your best friend will be taking over your publications company, collecting your royalties etc.”

“WHAT? I never agreed to that!”

“You don’t have to, it’s part of your contract.” Brian reminded Daniel. Daniel storms out with T chasing behind him.

“Tiffany, you could really sit down. I tried to make it work between us and you made it clear you wanted no part of it or me, so I assumed we were finished.”
“You can’t assume that you and someone have broken up you fucking idiot!”

“Well…” The smug look on his face made Tiffany furious and this time, her aim was better.

“OH FUCK!” She got him right between the eyes with a salad bowl. A drop of blood hit the crisp white linen tablecloth. “You bitch! I would…”
“You would do what? You think I frighten for you? Don’t forget I’m the one with the gun!” She reaches into her purse and pulls out her Glock, Baby G as she likes to call it, removes the safety, and aims.

Amber jumps up and tries to talk some sense into her… sorta.

“Tiffany, if you’re going to shoot him, make it some place that isn’t fatal so you could claim it was an accident, I recommend the foot.” As I said, sorta.

“Amber! What sort of advice is that?” Alex shouted from the far end of the table.

“Shoot him next when you’re done with Brian.” Amber and Alex are in the midst of a heated quarrel when Tiffany puts her gun back into her purse, writes a cheque for her portion and Daniel’s, then apologizes to the host for the outburst, slips him a hundred dollar tip then excuses herself from the restaurant.

 Cell phone buzzes

“Hello?”
“Tiffany, where the hell are you? We need to talk! I can’t believe you reacted the way you did! Baby, I’m sorry…” She ends the call.

 Cell phone buzzes again

“Hello?”

Tiff, I’ve been trying to reach you for 45 minutes! You okay? Can you believe that fucker? I’m glad you didn’t shoot him but he would have deserved it. Where are you?” She ends the call.

Cell phone buzzes again

“Welcome to American Airlines, how may I help?”
“I’d like one open passage ticket to St. Lucia please.”
“For when ma’am?”
“For the next flight out.”
“Certainly… ah, the next flight leaves in 20 minutes, you have the best timing.”
“I have the worst timing, I assure you. Oh, one other thing, take my cell phone.”

“You can take it with you, just turn it off.”
“No, I don’t want it, take it.” She drops the PDA on the counter and picks up her ticket and her carry-on and heads to the departure lounge. A tear trickles down her face, the first one she’s shed in years. Then, she holds over in the seat and cries quietly to herself wondering ‘Where do I go from here?’ They announce the first boarding call for her flight and she composes herself, clutching her Prada bag with this hope and expectation. Tomorrow will be better, it has to be.

(Ending Theme Love Song by Sara Bareilles)

 

Episode 1: Part 4 of 5

Episode 1

There’s No I in Team

(Opening Theme: Hot by Avril Lavigne)

Cell phone buzzes on bedside table

“Whoever this is, it better be important.” Her voice was noticeably tired, that ‘I just woke up’ voice which made this question even more annoying than it is normally.”

“Tiffany, did I wake you?”

“Brian what the fuck! It’s 2:30 in the morning! We’re supposed to be having lunch today so unless you’re bleeding or in custody I’m going to put my phone down.”

“Could you just meet me outside?”
“Outside where?” She stumbles out of her bed to the window facing the street to see Brian outside holding a large bouquet of red and pink ginger lilies, red heliconas and white and pink orchids.

“Please…?”

They walk together for a while, not really saying much after the usual ‘Thanks for the flowers they’re lovely’ even though you know they’ll die in a few days and the ‘it’s good seeing you again’ when it’s only been 2 days anyway. Suddenly, Brian stops and Tiffany looks puzzled as to why.

“What’s the matter Brian?”

“It’s such a beautiful night, I want to take in as much of it as possible.” Knowing the last time he broke off into poetic speech a proposal came and wanting to avoid another awkward situation she used the only sure fire way to abruptly end the evening without arousing suspicion.

Tiffany and Amber sipping cappuccinos in the park

Amber nearly chokes on her coffee.
“You told him you had the belly?” Tiffany looks into her hands then looks up.

“Yes. What else was I supposed to do? I was afraid he was going to propose again.”
“And they say I have commitment issues. How did he react?”

“How else could he, he ushered me home like a den mother asking if I wanted anything from the gas station and I said no I have stuff in my house and I kissed him on his cheek and closed the door.”Amber bursts out cackling.

“You are such a clown. What time are you meeting him for lunch?”

“Supposed to be 2 but I haven’t heard from him. He must be still sleeping.”

Cell phone bleeps

Tiffany pulls out her PDA and checks the message.

“Speak of the devil, it’s Brian.”
“What does it say?”
“He can’t make it to lunch today, he has a meeting. Wants to reschedule for another day.”
“Another day? Why not dinner?”
“I’m sending him back a text now asking the same question.” Amber slightly raises an eyebrow at this bizarre turn of events. Tiffany feverishly taps away on the keys.

“You know, I’ve never heard your phone ring?”

“It doesn’t.”
“What do you mean it doesn’t?”

“I keep it on vibrate, the ringing is a bit too much for me. I prefer the buzzing.”
“Then how come I can hear when you get a text message?”
“That’s different.”
“How is that different.”
“It just is.”
“Hasn’t he responded yet?”
“No… he hasn’t as I’m sure you could hear.” Amber blinks vacantly at Tiffany.

“So I guess you’re free this afternoon.”
“Apparently. Wanna go lunch?”
“Well I was planning on hitting up ‘Friedling’s’ to see the new stock but I guess we could do lunch.”
“Ooh, I wanted to go there too, how about we get something to eat afterwards?”
“Sounds like a plan, let me throw these away and we can go. Where’s the garbage?” Amber stands with both cups and does a complete circle in front of Tiffany looking for a garbage. Tiffany points to the left of them.
“The closest garbage is over there.” As Amber wanders off, Tiffany’s phone bleeps again, she looks down and notices a response from Brian. She quickly puts her phone back in her bag after reading it.

“Ready Tiff?”

“Yeah, let’s go.”
“He hasn’t responded yet?”
“No… he must be in his meeting already.”

 

Episode 1: Part 3 of 5

Episode 1

There’s No I in Team

(Opening Theme Rehab by Amy Winehouse)

Amber sits alone at the bar in Vista D’Oro

“Ryan can I have another one of these please, the first one’s feeling lonely in my stomach.” She surveys the room and makes eye contact with Daniel who just came in, looking how she felt. “Danny, come keep me company, this mute in front of me isn’t much of a conversationalist this evening.”

“Hello Ams” He nods at Ryan courteously, then signals for his regular, Grey Goose and tonic over 3 cubes of ice poured over a wedge of lime. “What’re you doing here drinking by yourself? You don’t drink.”

“To the contrary, the bottle and I enjoy quite the romance, however we don’t usually go for public displays of affection, it’s tacky and makes singles feel uncomfortable. Where are you now coming from, the gym?”

“Ha! I just came from finishing off a new song. Brian Bentley’s getting on like a real cunt recently and I just ain’t bout it.”

“Well he should, Tiffany… how do I put this… declined his gracious proposal last night. I figure he may be a tad miffed. Such is life, I never liked his dull rasshole anyway. I always said he should have been aborted right around the time he would have been able to feel it.”

“You’re going to hell you know that right?” Daniel mused.

“And I’ll be in fine company!” Amber raises her margatini and nods to her workmate Alex who just walked over to the bar.

“Hey Amber, Daniel. What’s this, an ‘anti-AA’ meeting?”

“It’s the ’suck ya mudda’ meeting Alex.” Amber makes herself a little less comfortable in her seat like a lioness ready to pounce upon her prey. Daniel tries to contain his shock and laughter.

“Feisty. Having a margatini I see… empty calories Amber.”

“Why is he still here? Look, Ryan, in here just got too crowded for my likings. How much I have for you?”

“I’ll get it Ams, don’t worry about it. I need to unwind a little more so I’ll be here for a while. I’m sure you have something important to attend to.” Daniel said giving her that look you give people when you’re trying to make it obvious you’re covering for them.

“No! I ain’t got to do one fuck. I just am not in the frame of mind to deal with certain people right now. Thanks though, I gone.”

“Why are you so cold to me Amber?”

“It’s not you Alex, it’s me. I can’t stand you.”

“I’ll call you later Ams.”

“Okay Daniel, I wanna hear your new song too.”

“Sure babes, I have it on my iTunes, I’ll play it for you later.”

“Get home safely Amber.”

“Suck out Alex.” She said with a bright and chipper tone which still managed to ooze vitriol. She leaves the boys and heads home, actually she heads to the nearest ice cream parlour to get a double scoop of Rocher, then she heads home.

“So Dan, what’s this new song I heard you two talk about, one for your album?”

“Yeah, it’s an up tempo song, more club friendly than I…”

“I’m happy for you, excuse me.” Something else seems to have caught Alex’s attention and he leaves Daniel at the bar seething at how abruptly he was dismissed.

“Ryan, murder’s still against the law right?”

“Last time I checked, why?”

“Just curious, just curious.”

 

Episode 1: Part 2 of 5

There’s No I in Team

Episode 1

(Opening theme Superstar (ft. Matthew Santos) by Lupe Fiasco)

 

Brian and Daniel at Epic Noise

“Hey Daniel, how’s it hanging man?”

”Cool, cool. What’s good with you?” Having been called in to see the manager of his label, there was a tension in the air, built around expecting the proverbial other shoe to drop, the ‘Why am I here?’ that you ask yourself but dare not ask aloud.

“Everything’s good for now man. You’re probably wondering why I asked you to meet with me so early. The reason is we reviewed the 7 tracks you did so far and we’re liking the way they’re sounding so far but you’re behind schedule. Why?”

“I didn’t realize when you said you wanted 7 songs by last Wednesday and I gave you 7 songs by last Wednesday that I was behind schedule…”

“We actually wanted at least 9. We were hoping you’d take the initiative and give us a couple extra tracks. Aren’t you putting 14 on your debut album?”

“13, and you guys are the ones that made that decision.. I’m supposed to be heading into the studio now to work on another track, but where am I instead?”

“Alright! I get your point. Go long. Wait, one more thing. How’s Terrence?”

”T’s fine last time I checked… why do you ask?”

“He still doing de shite he’s do? You gotta watch he hear!”

Daniel pushes back his chair and stands to leave.
”Yeah, I know. Anyway, I gone. I gotta be at the studio in 20 minutes so I can’t waste any more time. You know what they say, time is money.”

Knock on door

“Come in.”

”Mr. Bentley, there’s a T here to see you, he insists it’s urgent. Should I send him in?”

“Yeah Melissa, Daniel and I are finished, he’s going to the studio to work on some more tracks for us, I know you’re a big fan” He winks at Melissa, the blood now drained from her face. She turns to make a hasty exit.

“What’s T doing here?”

”I don’t see how that’s your business. I thought you were in a rush to go record. Lata”

“Okay, okay, you stay there.” The venom in his tone was unmistakable but he knew he had to watch how he spoke to Mr. Bentley Record Exec.

“Hey Danny, I didn’t you know you were going to be here this morning.”

”I was just thinking the same thing about you, T. We’ll talk.”

“Yeah man sure, Call me lata.”

 

Episode 1: Part 1 of 5

Episode 1:

There’s No I in Team

(Opening theme Hook Me Up by The Veronicas)

Tiffany and Amber at Mama Italia

“Next customer, please.” The words appear pleasant but the tone sounded far more like ‘What the hell do you want!’ than anything else.

”Good morning dear, can I get a large macchiato, wet, with 3 sugars easy on the foam?” Tiffany smiled brightly at the teenaged looking girl with her brown apron loosely tied, representing a lack of earnest for her job. She wished not to rile up this girl because she was in a good mood and felt everyone should be also.

“De foam machine ting ain’ working so you can’t get that. You want something else?” Tiffany just stood there, as though in shock, then her mouth opened.

“My lady, is something wrong? Must you be so unpleasant? No wonder you’re there behind that counter serving coffee! When I meet people like you, I does just want to ups a rock and…”

“Tiffany!” Amber shouted from a nearby table where she was watching everything unfold. “Leave the young girl alone and just get something else.”

“I done! I want nothing else from in here, I’ll finish my sandwich with the bottle of water I brought with me.” Tiffany joins Amber at the table.

“So anyway you were telling me, Brian proposed?” Amber seeing herself as less than the marrying type lives vicariously through her more family oriented friends, somewhat of a morbid curiosity is how you can look at it.

“Yeah, he did. It was kind of weird. There we were having a quiet dinner at Vista D’Oro when out of the blue he looks up from his brazed lamb and stares into my eyes. Thinking I got something on my mouth I take up a napkin and start dabbing. He smiled and then asked, ‘Do you know how much I love you?’ Of course to this I respond no because I have my eye on a hot new bag from Sak that ‘Friedling’s’ just brought in. Then he drops to one knee, reaches into his jacket pocket, opens up this cute velvet ring box from Tiffany’s and pops the question.”

“Well fuck me running, that is so romantic! So when’re you getting married.”
”We’re not.”
”What?”
”I said no.”
“Um… why?”

“I’m not ready yet, I like where we are and I’m not ready to become ‘Mrs.’ anything. I like being Tiffany Williams a little too much to just become Mrs. Bentley. I would feel stripped of my identity.”
”You don’t have to take his name you know.”
”You’re missing the point. I’m just not ready for all of that. Besides, he could have tried a little harder with the ring. I didn’t get too good of a look at it, but from what I observed it was .5 carat SI1 princess cut set in white gold, one major stone and 4 minor stones, two on each side.”

Cell phone rings

“You, you gather yourself, I need to take this call. This is Amber Fitzpatrick, how may I help… Alex, what do you want?”
”Is that Alex from your office? I think he likes you.” Amber gives her the middle finger because Tiffany is aware that Amber loathes Alex with a passion usually reserved for child molesters and rapists.

“Yes I’m representing Mr. McMillan and his property, he’s very excited about finally getting rid of it after he won it in his divorce… No, I haven’t heard from him today, why… SHIT! I’ll be right in!” Amber grabs her bag and keys off the table with a sense of urgency. “Tiffany, we’ll catch up, I have a situation to deal with.”
”Okay… what’s the matter?’
”Mrs. McMillan just set the family home on fire! I need to see how much of the house was burned and if I could somehow keep this out of the ears of the interested buyers until I get a crew in to clean up… assuming there’s still a house left to repair… God I hate my job. Kisses love.”
”You have fun with that. I think I’m heading back to my own office, that little bitch from the counter keeps giving me nasty looks. I’m about to jump over it for her, she ain’t know me!”
”Okay, I’ll keep you posted, hey, you wouldn’t happen to want to buy a smokehouse?”
”Um… not today no. Sorry, bye.”
”Yeah, I didn’t think so. Catch ya later bitch!”

 

Introducing Harsh: The Not-So Simple Life

Harsh: The Not-So Simple Life.
‘Cuz Life Isn’t All Sunshine and Roses

This weekly blog serial chronicles the lives of a group of twenty-somethings who find themselves caught halfway between what they expected life to be and their harsh realities. Mommy and daddy never told them life could be this messed up.

First we have Brian and Tiffany, the couple everyone thought was meant to be… what was another question. After the good old college days came to an end B & T as their closest friends used to call them decided to move their relationship to the next level- moving in together. After just a couple of months, they found themselves on the verge of what could be their final break-up. Let’s call this ‘irreconcilable differences.’
“Tiffany, will you marry me?”
“Brian, this is so sudden… no.”
“Pardon me?”
“Um…. thanks…. but… I’ll pass.”
“Wait! You think you’re a fucking prize or something?”
“Well I must be more of a prize than your impotent ass!”

Then there’s Amber, a bit on the heavy side, she finds working in an office full of hot young bodies doesn’t do much for her ego, and she wants to quit, but college loans being what they are decides she’ll use the fact that she doesn’t look like everyone else to her advantage. Unfortunately, she doesn’t quite know how to do it.
“Amber, you joining us at the gym this evening?”
“Have I ever joined you at the gym Alex?”
“Hence I’m asking if you’ll be joining us this evening.”
“No I won’t be joining you at the gym, why the sudden interest?”
“Well, the office has noticed that you could stand to lose a few pounds…”
“Fuck the office. The bible says Eat Drink, Be Merry, not Diet, Exercise, Be Skinny!”

Finally we have Daniel the up and coming musical sensation, and gripping firmly to his coat-tails is his best friend of 11 years T, just the letter as he likes to remind everyone because he thinks it’s cool. Daniel works hard at everything he does and is very cautious about how he spends his money and the things he does, which is all fine in theory, however given the fact that his best friend is somewhat of a spendthrift, alcoholic with no actual talent or skills to speak of, his career is in jeopardy because of the amount of time he spends getting T out of trouble.
*cell phone rings*
“Start talking it’s your nickel.”
“Danny, how much do you love me?”
“If this is T not as much as you’d think… whose phone are you calling me from, I don’t recognize the number.”
“I think police station payphones come up as private…”
*sigh*
“Should I ask or just bring my cheque book and Grif?”
“No need for the lawyer… just the cheque book”