Author Anon

“So, what is all this business about writing a book?” asks Nicholas.

“I had to establish a connection in Brighton,” says Gavin. “Now, I’ve got to send in a few chapters as a teaser.”

“And if you don’t finish?”

“I’ll finish somehow. If not, I’ll hire a ghostwriter.”

Nicholas laughs. “You don’t think they’ll get suspicious and impatient.”

“I don’t think it will take much to pull the wool over Ashley’s eyes. Why they decided to put her in charge of reeling in the new writers beats me.”

“Hmm. So, you think if I decided to change writing directions, it would not be too difficult for me to get my foot in the door?”

“Not with Ashley guarding the door.” Gavin consults the map. “All right, we’re a few blocks away. I say we find a parking spot and do the rest on foot.”

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“Why are you so quiet?” asks Amanda.

Michael looks up. “I’m sorry. I guess David just put a damper on the evening.”

“Why do you let him?”

“I try not to. It’s just that I’ve always been reminded that David has all the looks and charms. Girls didn’t look at me if David was around.”

“Did you resent that?”

“At times. I guess I’ve always avoided being like him because of that. I wasn’t about to admit that he was superior and I wanted to copy him.”

Amanda smiles and reaches for his hand. “Well, I’m glad. If you had been like him, I wouldn’t have you here.”

Michael raises his eyebrows. “You don’t regret the chance to experience real satisfaction?”

Amanda snuggles up to him. “But I AM satisfied. Very satisfied.”

Kissing her, Michael reaches down and carries her to bed.

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“I found the perfect place,” says Leslie. “It’s in the middle of downtown.”

“Won’t it be too expensive?” asks Carrie.

“What does it matter?” says Leslie. “William gave us the money to do what we want.”

“But we don’t want to run out before we make any.”

“Don’t worry. These designs are going to be sellers.”

“But we still need to buy material,” says Carrie.

“I know,” says Leslie. “We can go to the fabric stores we went to before and get our material.”

“What about the quality?”

“Who cares? If it’s too good a quality, it will cost too much and no one will buy. We want them to buy lots.”

“But if it’s not good quality, they might not buy either.”

“If the designs are original, they’ll want it. Besides, we’ll get fabrics that are good enough for us to have a high profit margin. We’ll be sewing into the night when we get started.”

“How many are we going to make before we open the shop?”

“Oh, we’ll have a sample of each in different sizes and colors. Customers will have to order their gowns. That should only take a day or two to make.”

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“Mrs. Silverman?”

“Yes,” says Sylvia.

“I’m Justin Van Ness, Stephanie’s brother.”

“Oh, I’m so glad you made it. It was sad to think that she had no family, except for Lucas.”

“Lucas?”

“Yes, her son.”

“We lost touch with her when we moved and she decided to stay here. There were… some personal conflicts.”

“Every family has them. But I’m glad you’re here. Are there any special wishes from your family?”

“No. We just wanted to thank you and see how we can repay you.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. What we are worried about is Lucas.”

“Why?” asks Justin. “Doesn’t he have a father?”

“That’s sort of a sticky point right now. I think it’s best for all of us to agree to some arrangement before the courts have to decide it. I believe the poor boy has been through a lot already.”

“I’m sorry I can’t contribute much. I’m not even out of school, yet. And my parents are both in poor health.”

“So, your family will be unable to take him in if his father decides to give up his rights?”

“I’m afraid so.”

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“Why so gloomy?” Ashley asks. “It’s not like that’s Tracy.”

“No, thank God,” says Paul. “If it was, I would be worse. But death is sad, especially when you have no one.”

“Are you still holding out hope that Tracy will come back soon.”

“Right now, her job comes first. I can’t hold out any hope. I can’t be sure how long that will be.”

“Well, I’m glad you realize that. You need to get on with your life. There’s plenty of fish out in the sea.”

“Yes, and too many of them are minnows.”

“Well, if you want a shark, I can fix you up with one.”

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Filed under: All That Glitters