Author, Author! (closed thread)
- Thread starter Huntress
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Huntress
On the wild thing's trail
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2001
- Posts
- 1,050
Taxis… a loathsome necessity when one lived in New York. Their drivers were garrulous, acting as though they owned the streets of mid-town while they vied for supremacy on the rivers of asphalt that ran through the city’s narrow defiles of steel and concrete. Cursing in twenty languages, including a crude variation of signing, they sparred with one another and jousted in their massive vehicles for fares and passengers. Yet there weren’t many other options available to a timid gal from Colorado. The subways were smelly and crowded, buses were worse, walking was a definite no-no when danger lurked round every street corner, and the throngs of people on the sidewalks made her feel panicky. Spending a little extra in order to enjoy the comfort and security of a cab ride to her publisher’s office was a sacrifice she made gladly.
“She” was Marian Dougherty, an unintentional latecomer to the burgeoning ranks of romance novel authors. The success of her first book had been a complete shock. considering she’d submitted the manuscript on a lark. Goaded by the failure of her more serious philosophical works to be considered worthy of publishing, she’d spun the gauziest erotic tale she could imagine and had her agent send it off to Ballantine. Three weeks later, he’d called to say that Ivy Books, Ballantine’s romance label, had picked up the option and wanted to publish it. Marian had initially felt dismayed but her practical side won over. The extra income would at least augment her meager teaching salary. Within a week of the first book’s release, it sold out. And the resulting royalty check was substantial. While she was perturbed at being compensated for writing what she considered “fluff,” the prospect of future checks gave her incentive to continue. She’d written seven more novels during the past couple of years and each time they hit the supermarket racks her growing contingent of fans eagerly bought them out. In fact, she’d been able to quit working for the school district entirely after the third book was published.
While the money made it possible for her buy a home and travel to places like Ireland and Tuscany, the notoriety than came hand in hand with being a popular author made her decidedly uncomfortable. She’d been plagued by shyness since childhood and preferred the solitude of living half way up the side of a mountain in southwestern Colorado. With two mongrel dogs and an orphaned raccoon for company, Marian was content to be left alone. Unfortunately, her fans refused to give her that peace. The quantity of letters and emails sent to her publisher begging for a personal appearance finally made it impossible for her remain in seclusion. So, here she was, back in the Big Apple with its crowds, for the second time in six months.
She’d been to New York many times over the past few years and it still gave her the willies. Her sense of privacy was offended by the incredible number of people who lived elbow to elbow in the sprawling city. This particular visit was more loathsome than usual because it was preamble to a book signing tour, the very idea of which made her skin crawl. Writing about a fantastic, romantic life was something she’d come to terms with but exposing herself publicly as the author of such imaginings was absolutely terrifying. If only she’d chosen another genre instead of romance novels!
Aaron Hopkins, her agent, had been adamant during their last phone conversation. “Marian, you’ve got to tour. You can’t avoid this any longer without violating the terms of your contract or alienating your fans. If you don’t get over this hermit complex, your fans’ interest will wane and so will sales. You know what that means. So, buck up and get used to the idea that you will make these appearances. The flight arrangements are all taken care of. My secretary is emailing you the itinerary as we speak. I’ll send a limo to meet you at La Guardia tomorrow night. ”
She’d reluctantly acceded and put the put the phone down with a heavy sigh. Yes, she knew exactly what he’d that meant. Reduction of sales spelled the loss of her home and her treasured privacy... It threatened a return to teaching where, once again, she’d be faced with hammering basic English grammar into a bunch of ninth grade kids who had no desire to speak it properly in the first place. No matter how frightened she felt, Aaron was right about the abhorrent alternatives. She loved the independence those fat royalty checks afforded and losing that lifestyle was definitely more disturbing than signing a few autographs could ever be. So, early the next morning she’d dutifully driven to the airport where the milk run took her to Denver and onto New York.
“She” was Marian Dougherty, an unintentional latecomer to the burgeoning ranks of romance novel authors. The success of her first book had been a complete shock. considering she’d submitted the manuscript on a lark. Goaded by the failure of her more serious philosophical works to be considered worthy of publishing, she’d spun the gauziest erotic tale she could imagine and had her agent send it off to Ballantine. Three weeks later, he’d called to say that Ivy Books, Ballantine’s romance label, had picked up the option and wanted to publish it. Marian had initially felt dismayed but her practical side won over. The extra income would at least augment her meager teaching salary. Within a week of the first book’s release, it sold out. And the resulting royalty check was substantial. While she was perturbed at being compensated for writing what she considered “fluff,” the prospect of future checks gave her incentive to continue. She’d written seven more novels during the past couple of years and each time they hit the supermarket racks her growing contingent of fans eagerly bought them out. In fact, she’d been able to quit working for the school district entirely after the third book was published.
While the money made it possible for her buy a home and travel to places like Ireland and Tuscany, the notoriety than came hand in hand with being a popular author made her decidedly uncomfortable. She’d been plagued by shyness since childhood and preferred the solitude of living half way up the side of a mountain in southwestern Colorado. With two mongrel dogs and an orphaned raccoon for company, Marian was content to be left alone. Unfortunately, her fans refused to give her that peace. The quantity of letters and emails sent to her publisher begging for a personal appearance finally made it impossible for her remain in seclusion. So, here she was, back in the Big Apple with its crowds, for the second time in six months.
She’d been to New York many times over the past few years and it still gave her the willies. Her sense of privacy was offended by the incredible number of people who lived elbow to elbow in the sprawling city. This particular visit was more loathsome than usual because it was preamble to a book signing tour, the very idea of which made her skin crawl. Writing about a fantastic, romantic life was something she’d come to terms with but exposing herself publicly as the author of such imaginings was absolutely terrifying. If only she’d chosen another genre instead of romance novels!
Aaron Hopkins, her agent, had been adamant during their last phone conversation. “Marian, you’ve got to tour. You can’t avoid this any longer without violating the terms of your contract or alienating your fans. If you don’t get over this hermit complex, your fans’ interest will wane and so will sales. You know what that means. So, buck up and get used to the idea that you will make these appearances. The flight arrangements are all taken care of. My secretary is emailing you the itinerary as we speak. I’ll send a limo to meet you at La Guardia tomorrow night. ”
She’d reluctantly acceded and put the put the phone down with a heavy sigh. Yes, she knew exactly what he’d that meant. Reduction of sales spelled the loss of her home and her treasured privacy... It threatened a return to teaching where, once again, she’d be faced with hammering basic English grammar into a bunch of ninth grade kids who had no desire to speak it properly in the first place. No matter how frightened she felt, Aaron was right about the abhorrent alternatives. She loved the independence those fat royalty checks afforded and losing that lifestyle was definitely more disturbing than signing a few autographs could ever be. So, early the next morning she’d dutifully driven to the airport where the milk run took her to Denver and onto New York.
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Huntress
On the wild thing's trail
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2001
- Posts
- 1,050
Leaving the safety of her hotel room, she descended fifteen floors to the lobby. The doorman recognized her and smiled cordially as he opened the door and stepped outside to hail a cab. His whistle was jarring; loud enough to make one of the yellow beasts stop at the curb. Stooping and opening the door for her, he turned and smiled again, cutting a dashing figure in his charcoal grey uniform with its braided epaulets. Too bad his ample paunch spoiled the effect. Marian lowered her eyes abruptly, cheeks reddening as she chastised herself for thinking so rudely about the fellow. An embarrassed “Thank you”, escaped her lips as she stepped into the taxi. The door shut behind her with a thud.
“Where to, lady?”
“1540 Broadway” she instructed. Shutting her eyes as the cab lurched away from the curb and she steeled herself for the ride uptown. The ride was a blur of sound; curses flew from the driver’s lips with remarkable ease and fluency. Tires screeched. Horns blared. It was an endless cacophony assaulting her senses. Suddenly all movement ceased.
“Dat’ll be twenty two fifty, ma’am.”
Fishing two bills from her wallet, Marian handed them over to the cabby and got out. An autumn breeze caught at the wispy tendrils of red hair which perpetually escaped the tight bun crowning her head. She tilted her head back and looked up at the forty story office building that housed the offices of her publisher. Go on… get up there and get it over with!
The secretary greeted her warmly and escorted her into Aaron’s office. A breathtaking view of Manhattan served as a backdrop for his walnut desk and high backed chair.
“Hello, Marian. I’m glad you made it. Now that wasn’t so bad, was it? Come on, have a seat. Norma? Will you bring us some coffee, please? Here’s the proposed tour schedule. We’ll start in Boston, from there we’ll go on to Chicago, Omaha, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Austin, Charleston, Louisville, Trenton and back to New York.”
She glanced at the print out and gasped audibly. There was no more than a twenty four hour span between each city. That meant half her time would be spent in the air and the other half on the ground. She wouldn’t have time to breath! Already the panic was beginning to mount. The metallic taste in her mouth attested to that.
“Aaron, this isn’t going to work. I am just not cut out for a whirlwind tour. I don’t care what Ivy says, this itinerary is impossible!”
“Calm down, Marian. I’ve already spoken to them. We’ll have at least two days in each city. You’ll have plenty of time. Of course we could stretch it out longer but that would mean you’d have more than one signing and it would take that much more time away from your mountain.” His smug grin underscored how well he understood her priorities.
Bowing her head, she handed the paper back to him.
“Alright, Aaron. Just keep your word about the breathing room and I’ll go along. I’ll try to smile.”
“There's my girl. Ok. That’s settled. Time to get you ready. Ah. Coffee. Thanks, Norma. Did you line up the personal shopper for Ms. Dougherty? Oh, good. When will she be here? Excellent! Marian, I’ve got another surprise for you. Norma’s arranged to have you fitted for a new wardrobe and a… a… hairstyling appointment.”
She had to give him credit. He made a valiant attempt to avoid sneering and almost succeeded. Aaron’s assessment of her wardrobe was no surprise at all. Flannel shirts and jeans didn’t meet anyone’s definition of “dressed for success”. New clothing was understandable, but her hair? Marian knew there wasn’t anything special about her looks except her red mane. Was it worse than she realized? Dumbfounded, she could only sit mutely as Aaron continued.
“The limo’s waiting out front. Gordon will be your driver for the day. When you’ve finished you’ll have enough time to go back to your hotel and freshen up before the reception tonight at the Ritz. Time you started rubbing elbows with some of your colleagues. I expect to see evidence of your successful and cooperative efforts, Marian.”
“Where to, lady?”
“1540 Broadway” she instructed. Shutting her eyes as the cab lurched away from the curb and she steeled herself for the ride uptown. The ride was a blur of sound; curses flew from the driver’s lips with remarkable ease and fluency. Tires screeched. Horns blared. It was an endless cacophony assaulting her senses. Suddenly all movement ceased.
“Dat’ll be twenty two fifty, ma’am.”
Fishing two bills from her wallet, Marian handed them over to the cabby and got out. An autumn breeze caught at the wispy tendrils of red hair which perpetually escaped the tight bun crowning her head. She tilted her head back and looked up at the forty story office building that housed the offices of her publisher. Go on… get up there and get it over with!
The secretary greeted her warmly and escorted her into Aaron’s office. A breathtaking view of Manhattan served as a backdrop for his walnut desk and high backed chair.
“Hello, Marian. I’m glad you made it. Now that wasn’t so bad, was it? Come on, have a seat. Norma? Will you bring us some coffee, please? Here’s the proposed tour schedule. We’ll start in Boston, from there we’ll go on to Chicago, Omaha, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Austin, Charleston, Louisville, Trenton and back to New York.”
She glanced at the print out and gasped audibly. There was no more than a twenty four hour span between each city. That meant half her time would be spent in the air and the other half on the ground. She wouldn’t have time to breath! Already the panic was beginning to mount. The metallic taste in her mouth attested to that.
“Aaron, this isn’t going to work. I am just not cut out for a whirlwind tour. I don’t care what Ivy says, this itinerary is impossible!”
“Calm down, Marian. I’ve already spoken to them. We’ll have at least two days in each city. You’ll have plenty of time. Of course we could stretch it out longer but that would mean you’d have more than one signing and it would take that much more time away from your mountain.” His smug grin underscored how well he understood her priorities.
Bowing her head, she handed the paper back to him.
“Alright, Aaron. Just keep your word about the breathing room and I’ll go along. I’ll try to smile.”
“There's my girl. Ok. That’s settled. Time to get you ready. Ah. Coffee. Thanks, Norma. Did you line up the personal shopper for Ms. Dougherty? Oh, good. When will she be here? Excellent! Marian, I’ve got another surprise for you. Norma’s arranged to have you fitted for a new wardrobe and a… a… hairstyling appointment.”
She had to give him credit. He made a valiant attempt to avoid sneering and almost succeeded. Aaron’s assessment of her wardrobe was no surprise at all. Flannel shirts and jeans didn’t meet anyone’s definition of “dressed for success”. New clothing was understandable, but her hair? Marian knew there wasn’t anything special about her looks except her red mane. Was it worse than she realized? Dumbfounded, she could only sit mutely as Aaron continued.
“The limo’s waiting out front. Gordon will be your driver for the day. When you’ve finished you’ll have enough time to go back to your hotel and freshen up before the reception tonight at the Ritz. Time you started rubbing elbows with some of your colleagues. I expect to see evidence of your successful and cooperative efforts, Marian.”
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darrenfate
Golden Boy
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2001
- Posts
- 2,310
Jeremy
Jeremy watched from his beloved 55th floor window as dusk slowly set on Central Park. He was a New Yorker now, in fact more so than the few who had actually been born here. It had been fifteen terrific years since he had moved here from Pittsburgh and the rust belt.
Jeremy had received instant fame. A natural self promoter his first book on money and investing had rocketed to Number One on the New York Times non fiction list. From a Pauper to a Prince was a dopey title <apologies to Mark Twain> but hey it worked. His degree in Finance from Carnegie Mellon had given him the credentials to write and his initial purchase of 100,000 shares Yahoo stock at the IPO the money to do what he wanted.
He walked over to the wall length walk in closet. He chose a simple black tux with subtle black pearl custom cufflinks. Deftly tying his bow tie he waited until 8, when a limo arrived to take him to the Ritz. Maybe he'd meet one of those Physical fitness Yoga and You women authors. You know the ones with the size two frames and the fake size D cups. One could always hope.
As he strode over the red carpet up to the reception, he was filled with a nagging sadness that had decended upon him occasionaly in the last few months. What it was that made him sad Jeremy had no idea. He slowed a bit and breathed deep. Shake it off.
Smile old boy. Perceptably he straightened. The smile came back as he entered the room.
"You are on"
Jeremy muttered aloud to no one in particular.
Jeremy watched from his beloved 55th floor window as dusk slowly set on Central Park. He was a New Yorker now, in fact more so than the few who had actually been born here. It had been fifteen terrific years since he had moved here from Pittsburgh and the rust belt.
Jeremy had received instant fame. A natural self promoter his first book on money and investing had rocketed to Number One on the New York Times non fiction list. From a Pauper to a Prince was a dopey title <apologies to Mark Twain> but hey it worked. His degree in Finance from Carnegie Mellon had given him the credentials to write and his initial purchase of 100,000 shares Yahoo stock at the IPO the money to do what he wanted.
He walked over to the wall length walk in closet. He chose a simple black tux with subtle black pearl custom cufflinks. Deftly tying his bow tie he waited until 8, when a limo arrived to take him to the Ritz. Maybe he'd meet one of those Physical fitness Yoga and You women authors. You know the ones with the size two frames and the fake size D cups. One could always hope.
As he strode over the red carpet up to the reception, he was filled with a nagging sadness that had decended upon him occasionaly in the last few months. What it was that made him sad Jeremy had no idea. He slowed a bit and breathed deep. Shake it off.
Smile old boy. Perceptably he straightened. The smile came back as he entered the room.
"You are on"
Jeremy muttered aloud to no one in particular.
Huntress
On the wild thing's trail
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2001
- Posts
- 1,050
Marian
The hotel room door closed with a dull "thunk". Marian stood still for a moment, then sagged with her back against it as she surveyed the pile of boxes and bags on the floor of her room. The day had been grueling. In and out of one of one store after another, trying on suits, dresses, jewelery, shoes... Keeping up with the personal shopper had been a great aerobic workout, to say the least.
The amount of money spent on her tour wardrobe was staggering. More than she typically spent on three month's mortgage. Shaking her head at the outrageous expense and spluttering incoherently about how pointless it was in the long run, Marian wondered how she'd ever manage to sort through everything. Just then a tall blond woman emerged from the adjacent room and Marian looked up, eyeing her warily. Why was she still here?
"Um, Ms. Ahern? Thanks a lot for your assistance today. I really appreciated all your help. Don't think I could have managed without you. Um... Is there anything else you need?"
Marian paused, wishing she had the nerve to finish the thought aloud. I'd really love a little... um, solitude before I have to go meet the press...
The personal shopper smiled benignly and said, "Well, actually, Norma did put one last item on my 'to-do' list for you. She asked me to help you get ready for the reception this evening. You know: touch up your hair, get your gown pressed and perhaps a offer a little advice for your makeup?" The smile began to look a little patronizing.
"Why don't you go ahead and take a quick shower. I'll send your dress down and have it back before you're done. Go on, now. There's only an hour before the limo comes back."
Marian pressed her lips together in irritation, then realized how ridiculous it would be to argue. She didn't know the first thing about getting dolled up. She wasn't even comfortable in her own skin. Darn that Norma. She's too bloody efficient. Bet she thought I'd skip the whole affair if left to my own devices. Mmm hmm. Efficient and deadly. She knows me too well. Nodding submissively, Marian walked into the bathroom leaving the very capable Ms. Ahern to take care of the details.
Twenty minutes and about a hundred gallons later, Marian stepped out of the steaming shower, put her old terry bathrobe on and timidly walked into the other room.
Ms Ahern had made extremely good use of her time. The boxes and bags had disappeared, their contents having been hung in the closet, or stacked neatly on it's shelf. Her new evening gown was pressed and carefully draped over a chair. The beading shimmered alluringly and, despite her avowed dislike of "girly things", Marian found herself yearning to put it on just to feel the silky champagne colored lining against her skin.
"Ok, let's get moving, Miss Dougherty. That limo will be here before you know it and we've a bit of work to do." Ms. Ahern tried to sound encouraging.
Marian smiled weakly and reluctantly abandoned the dress to let the stylish blond weave her magic spell. It would take a serious one to turn 'Dowdy Dougherty', as she'd been called in school, into someone who could do that gown justice.
The hotel room door closed with a dull "thunk". Marian stood still for a moment, then sagged with her back against it as she surveyed the pile of boxes and bags on the floor of her room. The day had been grueling. In and out of one of one store after another, trying on suits, dresses, jewelery, shoes... Keeping up with the personal shopper had been a great aerobic workout, to say the least.
The amount of money spent on her tour wardrobe was staggering. More than she typically spent on three month's mortgage. Shaking her head at the outrageous expense and spluttering incoherently about how pointless it was in the long run, Marian wondered how she'd ever manage to sort through everything. Just then a tall blond woman emerged from the adjacent room and Marian looked up, eyeing her warily. Why was she still here?
"Um, Ms. Ahern? Thanks a lot for your assistance today. I really appreciated all your help. Don't think I could have managed without you. Um... Is there anything else you need?"
Marian paused, wishing she had the nerve to finish the thought aloud. I'd really love a little... um, solitude before I have to go meet the press...
The personal shopper smiled benignly and said, "Well, actually, Norma did put one last item on my 'to-do' list for you. She asked me to help you get ready for the reception this evening. You know: touch up your hair, get your gown pressed and perhaps a offer a little advice for your makeup?" The smile began to look a little patronizing.
"Why don't you go ahead and take a quick shower. I'll send your dress down and have it back before you're done. Go on, now. There's only an hour before the limo comes back."
Marian pressed her lips together in irritation, then realized how ridiculous it would be to argue. She didn't know the first thing about getting dolled up. She wasn't even comfortable in her own skin. Darn that Norma. She's too bloody efficient. Bet she thought I'd skip the whole affair if left to my own devices. Mmm hmm. Efficient and deadly. She knows me too well. Nodding submissively, Marian walked into the bathroom leaving the very capable Ms. Ahern to take care of the details.
Twenty minutes and about a hundred gallons later, Marian stepped out of the steaming shower, put her old terry bathrobe on and timidly walked into the other room.
Ms Ahern had made extremely good use of her time. The boxes and bags had disappeared, their contents having been hung in the closet, or stacked neatly on it's shelf. Her new evening gown was pressed and carefully draped over a chair. The beading shimmered alluringly and, despite her avowed dislike of "girly things", Marian found herself yearning to put it on just to feel the silky champagne colored lining against her skin.
"Ok, let's get moving, Miss Dougherty. That limo will be here before you know it and we've a bit of work to do." Ms. Ahern tried to sound encouraging.
Marian smiled weakly and reluctantly abandoned the dress to let the stylish blond weave her magic spell. It would take a serious one to turn 'Dowdy Dougherty', as she'd been called in school, into someone who could do that gown justice.
darrenfate
Golden Boy
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2001
- Posts
- 2,310
Jeremy
Unmitigated disaster.
Jeremy usually liked to arrive early like tonight, since he loved watching people filter in. Besides, people were just so much more interesting before the free flowing wine dulled their faculties. He had been cornered by a pair of matronly women authors we wrote in that dreadfully stuffy non fiction genre - Oxford style. They seemed to be dueling as to who could quote the most dead English authors - Coleridge, Keats Hardy and Thomas were but a few. Ghastly stuff this. Quite.
For the 10th time Jeremy looked at his Rolex Presidential watch. The hands told the tale. 8:45PM. Arghh. Time dragged on and on. Still he had promised his publisher to stay until at least 11PM. Might as well be tomorrow. Excusing himself from their clutches <rather poorly done actually> he was free again.
He wandered against a far wall from which vantage point he could crowd watch with a clear view. There were the usual cast of characters - blood sucking agents who just barely could contain themselves from trying to steal each other's clients. The writing wanna bes came next those on the opposite side of the scale hoping to attract an agent - any agent. They deserved each other. Of course there were the usual suspects people who cared about their craft. They gravitated together. Jimmy Breslin, Thomas Friedman, Gretchen Morgenson.
Jeremy was strangely detached from all this. He felt like a disembodied observer rather than a participant. That is until a rather curious woman made her entrance. In an elegant champagne colored dress she instantly turned heads. Tall and majestic looking she was. Yet to judge from her darting eyes and obvious surprise at being offered free drinks she somehow didn't fit in here. Fascinated, Jeremy watched her. He felt for the first time overdressed. Not by New York standards certainly but he sensed somehow by this woman's opinion. She lifted her eyes and their gaze locked.
Uh oh. Jeremy had no alternative for good manners but to weave his way over to her and engage in a conversation.
Game on.
Unmitigated disaster.
Jeremy usually liked to arrive early like tonight, since he loved watching people filter in. Besides, people were just so much more interesting before the free flowing wine dulled their faculties. He had been cornered by a pair of matronly women authors we wrote in that dreadfully stuffy non fiction genre - Oxford style. They seemed to be dueling as to who could quote the most dead English authors - Coleridge, Keats Hardy and Thomas were but a few. Ghastly stuff this. Quite.
For the 10th time Jeremy looked at his Rolex Presidential watch. The hands told the tale. 8:45PM. Arghh. Time dragged on and on. Still he had promised his publisher to stay until at least 11PM. Might as well be tomorrow. Excusing himself from their clutches <rather poorly done actually> he was free again.
He wandered against a far wall from which vantage point he could crowd watch with a clear view. There were the usual cast of characters - blood sucking agents who just barely could contain themselves from trying to steal each other's clients. The writing wanna bes came next those on the opposite side of the scale hoping to attract an agent - any agent. They deserved each other. Of course there were the usual suspects people who cared about their craft. They gravitated together. Jimmy Breslin, Thomas Friedman, Gretchen Morgenson.
Jeremy was strangely detached from all this. He felt like a disembodied observer rather than a participant. That is until a rather curious woman made her entrance. In an elegant champagne colored dress she instantly turned heads. Tall and majestic looking she was. Yet to judge from her darting eyes and obvious surprise at being offered free drinks she somehow didn't fit in here. Fascinated, Jeremy watched her. He felt for the first time overdressed. Not by New York standards certainly but he sensed somehow by this woman's opinion. She lifted her eyes and their gaze locked.
Uh oh. Jeremy had no alternative for good manners but to weave his way over to her and engage in a conversation.
Game on.
Huntress
On the wild thing's trail
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2001
- Posts
- 1,050
Marian
The instant Ms. Aherns had closed the limo door, Marian knew a terrible mistake had been made. All the fussy clothes, make up and hairstyling couldn't hide the fact that she was a fish out of water in New York and pretty much anywhere else except on her mountain. Worse yet, people were staring at her, making it all the more obvious! She felt utterly naked parading around in the oh-so chic gown with it's soft fabric clinging to her body in the most atrocious way. She might as well have strutted into the party in her birthday suit for all the difference it made.
There hadn't been much choice but to do as she'd agreed. The limo driver had practically threatened to drag her from the vehicle if she didn't get out under her own steam. "Ms. Dougherty, I have strict instructions from Mr. Hopkins to escort you to the door, if necessary." She'd managed to do it after several false starts, but it had taken every bit of will power she could muster. Now inside, Marian could do more more than paste on a smile and nod politely while she frantically scanned the crowd for Aaron.
The coward! Where is he? Make me play dress up and then leave me alone in this viper's nest...
The room was filled with elegantly dressed men and women who all seemed to be vying for someone's attention. Publishers and top-selling authors were identifiable by the knots of admirers and "wannabes" surrounding them. Everyone seemed to know, or at least know about, everyone else. Everyone except her. The unease which had prickled at the base of her skull mounted and her hands trembled. If she didn't find Aaron soon, she'd wind up spending the night in the powder room.
One last look and then I'm leaving...
Trying very hard not to look like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car, Marian nervously peered about the room again. Not a familiar face anywhere in sight. She sipped at her champagne to mask a tremor in her lower lip, her search suddenly arrested by a pair of dark eyes from across the room. Immediately lowering her gaze, heart pounding in her chest, she began to study the small diamond pattern in the carpet.
"Oh, please go away... please go away...", she prayed silently.
When she dared to look up they'd gone and so had the man attached to them. The feeling of relief (oddly tinged by regret) lasted only a moment. There he was. Only a few feet away and moving in her direction!
The instant Ms. Aherns had closed the limo door, Marian knew a terrible mistake had been made. All the fussy clothes, make up and hairstyling couldn't hide the fact that she was a fish out of water in New York and pretty much anywhere else except on her mountain. Worse yet, people were staring at her, making it all the more obvious! She felt utterly naked parading around in the oh-so chic gown with it's soft fabric clinging to her body in the most atrocious way. She might as well have strutted into the party in her birthday suit for all the difference it made.
There hadn't been much choice but to do as she'd agreed. The limo driver had practically threatened to drag her from the vehicle if she didn't get out under her own steam. "Ms. Dougherty, I have strict instructions from Mr. Hopkins to escort you to the door, if necessary." She'd managed to do it after several false starts, but it had taken every bit of will power she could muster. Now inside, Marian could do more more than paste on a smile and nod politely while she frantically scanned the crowd for Aaron.
The coward! Where is he? Make me play dress up and then leave me alone in this viper's nest...
The room was filled with elegantly dressed men and women who all seemed to be vying for someone's attention. Publishers and top-selling authors were identifiable by the knots of admirers and "wannabes" surrounding them. Everyone seemed to know, or at least know about, everyone else. Everyone except her. The unease which had prickled at the base of her skull mounted and her hands trembled. If she didn't find Aaron soon, she'd wind up spending the night in the powder room.
One last look and then I'm leaving...
Trying very hard not to look like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car, Marian nervously peered about the room again. Not a familiar face anywhere in sight. She sipped at her champagne to mask a tremor in her lower lip, her search suddenly arrested by a pair of dark eyes from across the room. Immediately lowering her gaze, heart pounding in her chest, she began to study the small diamond pattern in the carpet.
"Oh, please go away... please go away...", she prayed silently.
When she dared to look up they'd gone and so had the man attached to them. The feeling of relief (oddly tinged by regret) lasted only a moment. There he was. Only a few feet away and moving in her direction!
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darrenfate
Golden Boy
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2001
- Posts
- 2,310
Jeremy
Jeremy kept the mystery woman in sight while he made his way across the room. At first she met his gaze, then she looked hurridly away. He saw her take a quick peek at him once and then nervously glance aside, smoothing non existent wrinkles from her dress.
Jeremy thought about people who were not comfortable in their own skins. Like the guy in the funeral home. You know the one the once a decade tie guy. He that claws at the big poorly knotted silk draped around his collar the entire time until he literally yanks it off during his first step into the parking lot.
There was a huge exception to this little analogy though. Far from wearing ill fitting clothing the mystery woman was flat out beautiful. Her clothing, makeup and hair were all perfect.
His silent reverie was only broken by his arrival in front of her. Jeremy summoned up his best warm voice and said :
Good evening. My name is Jeremy.
He paused giving her the opportunity to respond. When none was forthcoming Jeremy forged ahead.
Welcome to New York - I'm guessing that you are not from around here. Neither am I, I know how hard it is when you don't know anyone. Please let me introduce you around. First though I need to know your name Ms ....
Something about her demeanor made her vulnerable and oddly irresistable. God, how long had it been since Jeremy had met a real woman like this? Too fucking long. He could see her struggle to reply knowing damn well that she only did so because that is what good manners dictated!
Jeremy kept the mystery woman in sight while he made his way across the room. At first she met his gaze, then she looked hurridly away. He saw her take a quick peek at him once and then nervously glance aside, smoothing non existent wrinkles from her dress.
Jeremy thought about people who were not comfortable in their own skins. Like the guy in the funeral home. You know the one the once a decade tie guy. He that claws at the big poorly knotted silk draped around his collar the entire time until he literally yanks it off during his first step into the parking lot.
There was a huge exception to this little analogy though. Far from wearing ill fitting clothing the mystery woman was flat out beautiful. Her clothing, makeup and hair were all perfect.
His silent reverie was only broken by his arrival in front of her. Jeremy summoned up his best warm voice and said :
Good evening. My name is Jeremy.
He paused giving her the opportunity to respond. When none was forthcoming Jeremy forged ahead.
Welcome to New York - I'm guessing that you are not from around here. Neither am I, I know how hard it is when you don't know anyone. Please let me introduce you around. First though I need to know your name Ms ....
Something about her demeanor made her vulnerable and oddly irresistable. God, how long had it been since Jeremy had met a real woman like this? Too fucking long. He could see her struggle to reply knowing damn well that she only did so because that is what good manners dictated!
Huntress
On the wild thing's trail
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2001
- Posts
- 1,050
Marian
Fire... I'm on fire...
Marian knew her cheeks were scarlet, the color of a bad sunburn, they were so hot. She just couldn't bring herself to respond to the man's resonant voice and gentle greeting so she stared at him mutely while an insane wish to spontaneously combust spun round in her head. It could happen. She could just go "poof" and disappear in a wisp of smoke, ending this excruciating ordeal. Unfortunately, the powers that be never granted her wishes.
She fought the onset of mental numbness and concentrated on his mouth. That was a trick she'd learned in her twenties. Watch the lips and don't think about anything else but the words being spoken.
"...let me introduce you...need to know your name..."
"Marian. M-marian Dougherty," she managed to whisper. "P-pleased to meet you."
She gulped, avoided his eyes and continued.
"Um... actually, I'm waiting for my agent. I think that's what he's supposed to do. I'm sorry, but I feel like I should wait for him a few minutes more."
His smile was oddly reassuring, almost encouraging, as though he somehow understood her plight. The country mouse in the big city. It didn't seem possible. Surely someone with as much style as he had never suffered a lack of self-confidence or felt ill-at-ease in social situations, particularly at gatherings like this. Whatever his game, it worked.
A strange notion occurred to her just then. A familiar pattern... His behavior was reminiscent of a character from her third book, a self-possessed attorney. Maybe that was the key. If she imagined him and everyone else at the reception, including herself, as characters from one of her novels, she might be able to get through the night. It was worth a shot.
Taking a deep breath, Marian quickly sifted through the personalities of the heroines from her stories. Julia. That was the ideal persona for tonight. A successful photographer who valued her independence above all until she met "Mr. Right." Perfect... now if she could just manage to pull off the ruse. No time like the present.
Willing herself to raise her head and look him in the eye, Marian smiled back at him coyly.
"He is scandalously late, though. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to meet a few people."
Fire... I'm on fire...
Marian knew her cheeks were scarlet, the color of a bad sunburn, they were so hot. She just couldn't bring herself to respond to the man's resonant voice and gentle greeting so she stared at him mutely while an insane wish to spontaneously combust spun round in her head. It could happen. She could just go "poof" and disappear in a wisp of smoke, ending this excruciating ordeal. Unfortunately, the powers that be never granted her wishes.
She fought the onset of mental numbness and concentrated on his mouth. That was a trick she'd learned in her twenties. Watch the lips and don't think about anything else but the words being spoken.
"...let me introduce you...need to know your name..."
"Marian. M-marian Dougherty," she managed to whisper. "P-pleased to meet you."
She gulped, avoided his eyes and continued.
"Um... actually, I'm waiting for my agent. I think that's what he's supposed to do. I'm sorry, but I feel like I should wait for him a few minutes more."
His smile was oddly reassuring, almost encouraging, as though he somehow understood her plight. The country mouse in the big city. It didn't seem possible. Surely someone with as much style as he had never suffered a lack of self-confidence or felt ill-at-ease in social situations, particularly at gatherings like this. Whatever his game, it worked.
A strange notion occurred to her just then. A familiar pattern... His behavior was reminiscent of a character from her third book, a self-possessed attorney. Maybe that was the key. If she imagined him and everyone else at the reception, including herself, as characters from one of her novels, she might be able to get through the night. It was worth a shot.
Taking a deep breath, Marian quickly sifted through the personalities of the heroines from her stories. Julia. That was the ideal persona for tonight. A successful photographer who valued her independence above all until she met "Mr. Right." Perfect... now if she could just manage to pull off the ruse. No time like the present.
Willing herself to raise her head and look him in the eye, Marian smiled back at him coyly.
"He is scandalously late, though. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to meet a few people."
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darrenfate
Golden Boy
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2001
- Posts
- 2,310
Jeremy
God, I want her!
Startled, Jeremy realized that he had said those words out loud. Embarrassed, he hoped that no one had heard. They had milled through the crowd stopping for the prescribed time at each little group. At times they became separated and unable to hear her words Jeremy drank in her profile.
Marian had a classical hourglass figure, the long hair hung far down her exquisite back. The delicious swell of her hips made Jeremy weak in the knees. But despite her physical wonders what attracted him most was her intelligence.
He had watched the shy introverted Marian literally will herself to play the game. Sure if you what you were looking for them you could see cracks in her pseudo gregarious veneer. It was a very impressive performance - not easily granted here in the city of Broadway.
The crowning acheivement of Marian's role play was her handling of the ever half bagged Terri "Three Martini" Morrison. Terri was always one octave too loud. Terri loved Marian. Marian detested her but Terri never knew. Or even had an inkling. Marian graciously focused her attention on Terri's words, her eyes only once darting in Jeremy's direction. That was enough. Jeremy glided over and extricated her from Terri's clutches.
It was time. Jeremy leaned over to Marian and whispered -
Hey - there is a perfect little coffee shop around the corner that is calling us. If you've had enough here we can slip away. I'd love to talk to you over a steaming mug of Sumatran. Shall we go or shall we stay?
God, I want her!
Startled, Jeremy realized that he had said those words out loud. Embarrassed, he hoped that no one had heard. They had milled through the crowd stopping for the prescribed time at each little group. At times they became separated and unable to hear her words Jeremy drank in her profile.
Marian had a classical hourglass figure, the long hair hung far down her exquisite back. The delicious swell of her hips made Jeremy weak in the knees. But despite her physical wonders what attracted him most was her intelligence.
He had watched the shy introverted Marian literally will herself to play the game. Sure if you what you were looking for them you could see cracks in her pseudo gregarious veneer. It was a very impressive performance - not easily granted here in the city of Broadway.
The crowning acheivement of Marian's role play was her handling of the ever half bagged Terri "Three Martini" Morrison. Terri was always one octave too loud. Terri loved Marian. Marian detested her but Terri never knew. Or even had an inkling. Marian graciously focused her attention on Terri's words, her eyes only once darting in Jeremy's direction. That was enough. Jeremy glided over and extricated her from Terri's clutches.
It was time. Jeremy leaned over to Marian and whispered -
Hey - there is a perfect little coffee shop around the corner that is calling us. If you've had enough here we can slip away. I'd love to talk to you over a steaming mug of Sumatran. Shall we go or shall we stay?
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Huntress
On the wild thing's trail
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2001
- Posts
- 1,050
Marian
A gentle touch on her elbow signaled a rescue from Terri’s inebriated prattling. Marian turned to smile gratefully at her liberator but found herself transfixed by the suggestion, paralyzed momentarily by idea of straying outside the bounds of safety. Safety? How typical. She’d entered the party nearly frightened out of her skin by the crowd and now the mere mention of being alone with one man had almost the same result. Julia would never act like this…
Forcing the few nerves she had control over to stop jangling, Marian adjusted her façade and responded. “Oh, I’ve had more than enough of this crowd. Coffee sounds perfect. Let’s go.” Her hand slipped into the crook of Jeremy’s arm and they wound their way to the exit, stopping to pick up her wrap before stepping out into the warm evening air.
The humidity of the day had lessened somewhat making it easier to breathe, but it was still a foreign environment. Compared to her mountain top, it was like stepping into a locker room after a very hot shower. Cloying warmth accompanied by conversations of passersby and the ever-present traffic sounds made her dizzy for a moment and she clutched at the sleeve under her fingers as Jeremy guided her around block to a small bistro.
Scents of old leather and coffee and low lights greeted them as the pair descended three small steps from the sidewalk to the door. Once inside, Jeremy led the way to a small booth, pulling the table away from the banc so Marian could slide in easily. “I’ll go order our drinks. Don’t bolt before I get back, alright?”
Watching his back as he strode to the counter, Marian let go a sigh and realized that she’d been holding her breath the entire way. For some reason his shoulders seemed very broad under the dim lights. Broad enough to look comforting and sexy at the same time. Solid enough to tug at her innards and twitch them uncomfortably. She sighed again as the alien feelings of desire tickled her muscles and tried valiantly to suppress them. Years ago she’d given up after having been hurt one too many times. This was not the time for her body to start getting ideas of it’s own. Not with the tour starting in less than a month.
Relax. Drink your coffee. Say thanks to the nice man and go back to your hotel room. Finis.
There were a few other patrons scattered throughout the little café. Sounds of hushed conversation and the “chink” of dishes from the kitchen were audible but the room’s leather upholstery and heavy drapes softened them, creating a nearly melodic tone. Marian relaxed against the well worn leather, firm in her resolve and waited for Jeremy to return.
A gentle touch on her elbow signaled a rescue from Terri’s inebriated prattling. Marian turned to smile gratefully at her liberator but found herself transfixed by the suggestion, paralyzed momentarily by idea of straying outside the bounds of safety. Safety? How typical. She’d entered the party nearly frightened out of her skin by the crowd and now the mere mention of being alone with one man had almost the same result. Julia would never act like this…
Forcing the few nerves she had control over to stop jangling, Marian adjusted her façade and responded. “Oh, I’ve had more than enough of this crowd. Coffee sounds perfect. Let’s go.” Her hand slipped into the crook of Jeremy’s arm and they wound their way to the exit, stopping to pick up her wrap before stepping out into the warm evening air.
The humidity of the day had lessened somewhat making it easier to breathe, but it was still a foreign environment. Compared to her mountain top, it was like stepping into a locker room after a very hot shower. Cloying warmth accompanied by conversations of passersby and the ever-present traffic sounds made her dizzy for a moment and she clutched at the sleeve under her fingers as Jeremy guided her around block to a small bistro.
Scents of old leather and coffee and low lights greeted them as the pair descended three small steps from the sidewalk to the door. Once inside, Jeremy led the way to a small booth, pulling the table away from the banc so Marian could slide in easily. “I’ll go order our drinks. Don’t bolt before I get back, alright?”
Watching his back as he strode to the counter, Marian let go a sigh and realized that she’d been holding her breath the entire way. For some reason his shoulders seemed very broad under the dim lights. Broad enough to look comforting and sexy at the same time. Solid enough to tug at her innards and twitch them uncomfortably. She sighed again as the alien feelings of desire tickled her muscles and tried valiantly to suppress them. Years ago she’d given up after having been hurt one too many times. This was not the time for her body to start getting ideas of it’s own. Not with the tour starting in less than a month.
Relax. Drink your coffee. Say thanks to the nice man and go back to your hotel room. Finis.
There were a few other patrons scattered throughout the little café. Sounds of hushed conversation and the “chink” of dishes from the kitchen were audible but the room’s leather upholstery and heavy drapes softened them, creating a nearly melodic tone. Marian relaxed against the well worn leather, firm in her resolve and waited for Jeremy to return.
darrenfate
Golden Boy
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- Sep 18, 2001
- Posts
- 2,310
Jeremy
Jeremy came back with two steaming mugs of coffee. The smell wafting from the fresh ground beans filled his nostrils leaving a literal aroma trail from the counter to where Marian sat.
For a moment, Jeremy had a sense of sudden deja vu, as if they had played this scene out before - perhaps in San Francisco at the Jumpin' Java Coffee House on Noe street. Jeremy shrugged, and the moment vanished. Still he smiled. Marian was still beautiful - even more so now that she was relaxing.
Jeremy had been afraid that the conversation would be stilted perhaps Marian would withdraw from him again - or worse that he would appear pushy and "fast talking". In fact neither one happened. They instantly liked each other. At first they spoke of banal things, life in NY, publishers, agents and the like.
Gradually the conversation took on a life of its own. Each soon felt free to say or ask any follow on question or tangential thought that occured to them. Time became irrelavent as it slipped by neither wanted to be anywhere else. the coffee house emptied out there were only two other couples left in the whole place. There was that special magic in the air as two people begin to get to know each other.
Jeremy admitted that he had never read any of her work. Yet, he recounted a conversation, complete with a mimicked cackling voice - where he had overheard an overweight dowager say to her companion:
Marian Dougherty - she's the one I was telling you about! Such clever language - send me scrambling for a dictionary. Now who would have thought that romance novels full of intricate prose would sell so well? She's the new Anita Shreve of the pulp set. Come dear I simply must meet her ... .
He leaned back grinning waiting for Marian's response ...
Jeremy came back with two steaming mugs of coffee. The smell wafting from the fresh ground beans filled his nostrils leaving a literal aroma trail from the counter to where Marian sat.
For a moment, Jeremy had a sense of sudden deja vu, as if they had played this scene out before - perhaps in San Francisco at the Jumpin' Java Coffee House on Noe street. Jeremy shrugged, and the moment vanished. Still he smiled. Marian was still beautiful - even more so now that she was relaxing.
Jeremy had been afraid that the conversation would be stilted perhaps Marian would withdraw from him again - or worse that he would appear pushy and "fast talking". In fact neither one happened. They instantly liked each other. At first they spoke of banal things, life in NY, publishers, agents and the like.
Gradually the conversation took on a life of its own. Each soon felt free to say or ask any follow on question or tangential thought that occured to them. Time became irrelavent as it slipped by neither wanted to be anywhere else. the coffee house emptied out there were only two other couples left in the whole place. There was that special magic in the air as two people begin to get to know each other.
Jeremy admitted that he had never read any of her work. Yet, he recounted a conversation, complete with a mimicked cackling voice - where he had overheard an overweight dowager say to her companion:
Marian Dougherty - she's the one I was telling you about! Such clever language - send me scrambling for a dictionary. Now who would have thought that romance novels full of intricate prose would sell so well? She's the new Anita Shreve of the pulp set. Come dear I simply must meet her ... .
He leaned back grinning waiting for Marian's response ...
Huntress
On the wild thing's trail
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- Sep 4, 2001
- Posts
- 1,050
Marian
She laughed heartily enough to feel very self-conscious as eyes turned toward the sound and put a hand to her mouth to stifle the giggle that persisted.
That woman!
“Oh, dear. I remember her! Anita Shreve, huh? Well, I suppose it’s a compliment, although I’d hoped one day to be compared with the likes of Jostein Gaarder or Christopher Phillips.”
Eyes still glittering with amusement, Marian studied Jeremy while she talked a little more about writing subject matter that was nearer her heart.
For all his polish, there was a sad quality in this man. It didn’t seem so profound since they’d left the party; the shadow of grief or longing no longer clouded his handsome face but she sensed it just below the surface of his bravado. He was more human and approachable because she identified with those feelings. Her own demons: isolation, inadequacy, and fear of intimacy being chief amongst them, were silent for the moment, allowing her to be oddly relaxed with this perplexing fellow.
“My agent just couldn’t find a buyer. Not enough letters behind my name, I guess.”
She sighed and shrugged.
“I don’t know why I’m telling all of this or why you’re acting interested. You’re making me very confused. All my instincts are at war. I can’t decide whether to run away at the first opportunity or spill all my secrets to you. ”
Marian’s voice dropped to a near whisper.
“New York is a long way from southern Colorado. You’re sophisticated, you know all the right people, your work is well respected… What are you doing here with me?”
She laughed heartily enough to feel very self-conscious as eyes turned toward the sound and put a hand to her mouth to stifle the giggle that persisted.
That woman!
“Oh, dear. I remember her! Anita Shreve, huh? Well, I suppose it’s a compliment, although I’d hoped one day to be compared with the likes of Jostein Gaarder or Christopher Phillips.”
Eyes still glittering with amusement, Marian studied Jeremy while she talked a little more about writing subject matter that was nearer her heart.
For all his polish, there was a sad quality in this man. It didn’t seem so profound since they’d left the party; the shadow of grief or longing no longer clouded his handsome face but she sensed it just below the surface of his bravado. He was more human and approachable because she identified with those feelings. Her own demons: isolation, inadequacy, and fear of intimacy being chief amongst them, were silent for the moment, allowing her to be oddly relaxed with this perplexing fellow.
“My agent just couldn’t find a buyer. Not enough letters behind my name, I guess.”
She sighed and shrugged.
“I don’t know why I’m telling all of this or why you’re acting interested. You’re making me very confused. All my instincts are at war. I can’t decide whether to run away at the first opportunity or spill all my secrets to you. ”
Marian’s voice dropped to a near whisper.
“New York is a long way from southern Colorado. You’re sophisticated, you know all the right people, your work is well respected… What are you doing here with me?”
darrenfate
Golden Boy
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2001
- Posts
- 2,310
JEREMY
Jeremy paused, his response was uncharacteristically slow to Marian it must have seemed like months <actually 54 days, wink>. Then he snapped to attention as he realized that she was right. They were so different, by all rights he should have moved on hours ago. Yet something held him spellbound in her presence. She connected with him, and he with her. In big cities that was a rare occurance indeed. He took a deep breath and spoke.
We should go.
He looked around and saw that it was indeed time to leave this place. Wordlessly they got up and walked out towards the door.
Jeremy stopped her as they got outside. He slipped her into his arms and gave her a full kiss. For long minutes they stood there, oblivious to the rest of New York City. A honking taxi finally jolted them back to reality.
Marian, I've enjoyed this night more than any other I can remember. I just don't the night to end. Let me walk you back.
Hand in hand they strolled the three short blocks until they stood in the lobby, warily eyeing the elevator. They fell together again, into a passionate embrace.
What happens next, Marian, is up to you .....
He looked her in the eye, and saw twin emotions, passion and fear. Jeremy honestly didn't know what she would do next ...
Jeremy paused, his response was uncharacteristically slow to Marian it must have seemed like months <actually 54 days, wink>. Then he snapped to attention as he realized that she was right. They were so different, by all rights he should have moved on hours ago. Yet something held him spellbound in her presence. She connected with him, and he with her. In big cities that was a rare occurance indeed. He took a deep breath and spoke.
We should go.
He looked around and saw that it was indeed time to leave this place. Wordlessly they got up and walked out towards the door.
Jeremy stopped her as they got outside. He slipped her into his arms and gave her a full kiss. For long minutes they stood there, oblivious to the rest of New York City. A honking taxi finally jolted them back to reality.
Marian, I've enjoyed this night more than any other I can remember. I just don't the night to end. Let me walk you back.
Hand in hand they strolled the three short blocks until they stood in the lobby, warily eyeing the elevator. They fell together again, into a passionate embrace.
What happens next, Marian, is up to you .....
He looked her in the eye, and saw twin emotions, passion and fear. Jeremy honestly didn't know what she would do next ...
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Huntress
On the wild thing's trail
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2001
- Posts
- 1,050
Her head was reeling still from the kiss they'd shared outside the coffee bar when they reached the hotel lobby. People moved through her range of vision like colorful, blurry cels from a poor quality film with a bad sound track. The occasional blare from a taxi's horn jarred her, but didn't quite dispel the dizzy, surreal quality provoked by his lips. Suddenly, his arms were about her again and her mouth was engulfed in another heady kiss.
Jeremy loosed her gently and stared at her for a moment. His words were drowned by the low roar tumbling about in her ears.
... up to you...
Thoughts spun round at lightspeed and before she could bow to the fear which normally ruled her actions, her words betrayed her.
"Don't go... my hotel isn't far... there's a limo waiting for me out front..."
Holding her breath she backed away from him toward the revolving door, fingertips trailing down his arm until they touched his hand. Clasping it, she turned and nearly ran toward the limo Aaron had sent.
Quickly, girl. Before you lose your nerve... just once be brave and take what you want...
Jeremy loosed her gently and stared at her for a moment. His words were drowned by the low roar tumbling about in her ears.
... up to you...
Thoughts spun round at lightspeed and before she could bow to the fear which normally ruled her actions, her words betrayed her.
"Don't go... my hotel isn't far... there's a limo waiting for me out front..."
Holding her breath she backed away from him toward the revolving door, fingertips trailing down his arm until they touched his hand. Clasping it, she turned and nearly ran toward the limo Aaron had sent.
Quickly, girl. Before you lose your nerve... just once be brave and take what you want...
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darrenfate
Golden Boy
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2001
- Posts
- 2,310
JEREMY
She wanted him! She wanted him! She wanted him!
Jeremy's heart sang as she led him by the hand to the waiting limo. He could hardly believe this was happening. He would have been very content with the night just the way it had been. Is this how normal guys end up, he wondered? The one time that he had ever just let things develop of their own accord and here he was. Amazing. And so was she.
Jeremy ducked into the open limo door, literally tumbling on top of a breathless Marian. Before the driver shut could even shut the door they were kissing. This time there was no hesitation. There mouths found each other and simple desire flamed into more, much more.
His hand fell onto her breast and she arched her back to give him a better angle and allow him fuller access. With a deft movement her breast sprung free from its confinement. Her nipples were hard pointing right at his mouth. Unwilling and now unable to resist Jeremy took her breast fully in his mouth.
Marian let out a low moan of pleasure as Jeremy sucked her deeply. She was incredible - all he wanted now was to pleasure her. All Marian had to do was ask - he was hers to do as she bid him.
His reverie was interrupted by the intercom speech of the driver - thankfully hidden behind the opaque partition.
We are almost at your hotel Ms. Dougherty. Shall I stop or drive slowly on around Central Park?
She wanted him! She wanted him! She wanted him!
Jeremy's heart sang as she led him by the hand to the waiting limo. He could hardly believe this was happening. He would have been very content with the night just the way it had been. Is this how normal guys end up, he wondered? The one time that he had ever just let things develop of their own accord and here he was. Amazing. And so was she.
Jeremy ducked into the open limo door, literally tumbling on top of a breathless Marian. Before the driver shut could even shut the door they were kissing. This time there was no hesitation. There mouths found each other and simple desire flamed into more, much more.
His hand fell onto her breast and she arched her back to give him a better angle and allow him fuller access. With a deft movement her breast sprung free from its confinement. Her nipples were hard pointing right at his mouth. Unwilling and now unable to resist Jeremy took her breast fully in his mouth.
Marian let out a low moan of pleasure as Jeremy sucked her deeply. She was incredible - all he wanted now was to pleasure her. All Marian had to do was ask - he was hers to do as she bid him.
His reverie was interrupted by the intercom speech of the driver - thankfully hidden behind the opaque partition.
We are almost at your hotel Ms. Dougherty. Shall I stop or drive slowly on around Central Park?
Huntress
On the wild thing's trail
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2001
- Posts
- 1,050
Marian
Jeremy drew her nipple deep into his warm mouth and laved it, his tongue like rough velvet. The sensation sent her thoughts reeling and her heart to pounding uncontrollably. She inhaled sharply only to catch it mid-breath as the driver’s voice came through a speaker just above her right ear. Jarred into reality by the sound, Marian cast a horrified glance at the privacy glass while pulling her dress back into place, covering her breasts, then turned to look at Jeremy’s face which was only half visible in the shadow of the car’s roofline. Colored lights flickered over his lips and jaw line as taxis and buses passed by giving it the appearance of a weird Mardi Gras mask, complete with an eerie smile.
“Don’t worry, he can’t see a thing.” Jeremy whispered. “But you have to answer the man, Marian. What do you want to do?”
“I… I…,” she stuttered softly. “I don’t know… oh… Not here, please.” Emboldened by her own words, Marian’s voice rose to respond to the driver. “The hotel.”
“Very well, miss.”
“Am I being foolish? I know it’s not a ’57 Chevy, but I can’t help feeling like a teenager in the backseat.”
Jeremy chuckled and the colored lights danced across his cheekbones.
“No. You’re not being silly. A hotel room is much more civilized.”
Marian didn’t have time to wonder if he was being mildly sarcastic because in the next moment, the limo had come to a stop and the curbside door opened onto a well-lit entry. While her eyes adjusted to it’s brilliance, she gratefully accepted Jeremy’s hand to steady her exit from the car. She avoided looking at the chauffer and barely mumbled her thanks en route to the hotel entrance so great was her embarrassment, but as she led Jeremy through the double doors toward the elevator, a thrill of relief (or was it courage?) washed over her.
Experience had taught her that just becoming aware of such a feeling could jeopardize its longevity, so she turned abruptly, wrapped her arms around Jeremy’s neck, and pressed her lips to his as the elevator doors slid open.
I do want you... please don't let me go...
Jeremy drew her nipple deep into his warm mouth and laved it, his tongue like rough velvet. The sensation sent her thoughts reeling and her heart to pounding uncontrollably. She inhaled sharply only to catch it mid-breath as the driver’s voice came through a speaker just above her right ear. Jarred into reality by the sound, Marian cast a horrified glance at the privacy glass while pulling her dress back into place, covering her breasts, then turned to look at Jeremy’s face which was only half visible in the shadow of the car’s roofline. Colored lights flickered over his lips and jaw line as taxis and buses passed by giving it the appearance of a weird Mardi Gras mask, complete with an eerie smile.
“Don’t worry, he can’t see a thing.” Jeremy whispered. “But you have to answer the man, Marian. What do you want to do?”
“I… I…,” she stuttered softly. “I don’t know… oh… Not here, please.” Emboldened by her own words, Marian’s voice rose to respond to the driver. “The hotel.”
“Very well, miss.”
“Am I being foolish? I know it’s not a ’57 Chevy, but I can’t help feeling like a teenager in the backseat.”
Jeremy chuckled and the colored lights danced across his cheekbones.
“No. You’re not being silly. A hotel room is much more civilized.”
Marian didn’t have time to wonder if he was being mildly sarcastic because in the next moment, the limo had come to a stop and the curbside door opened onto a well-lit entry. While her eyes adjusted to it’s brilliance, she gratefully accepted Jeremy’s hand to steady her exit from the car. She avoided looking at the chauffer and barely mumbled her thanks en route to the hotel entrance so great was her embarrassment, but as she led Jeremy through the double doors toward the elevator, a thrill of relief (or was it courage?) washed over her.
Experience had taught her that just becoming aware of such a feeling could jeopardize its longevity, so she turned abruptly, wrapped her arms around Jeremy’s neck, and pressed her lips to his as the elevator doors slid open.
I do want you... please don't let me go...
Last edited:
darrenfate
Golden Boy
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2001
- Posts
- 2,310
Jeremy
It was raining and unseasonably cold for a New York late August night. A strange northerly front was blowing down from Canada dipping the temperatures into the mid fifties.
The weather fit his mood. Dark and cloudy.
Face it Jeremy my boy, you miss her.
Marian of course. As late as this very evening he had tried to IM her when he saw her ID pop up, only to be stiffly ignored. Jeremy deserved it.
He should have followed her on her book tour, at least 50 times a day since that first magical night had he wished to be with her again. No woman he had ever met was the complete package of intellect, looks, and solid core values that Marian was. New York women paled in comparison one dimentional in their lives pursuing career or family or school.
But the time they spent together was far too short and their bond more tenuous than either of them had imagined. Despite the way Marian and Jeremy had connected each found their careers pressing upon them imposing its own will making them drift apart. The calls happened less frequently until last Friday Jeremy realized with a start that they hadn't spoken in more than a week. It shouldn't have been that way.
Just then a bolt of lightning flashed in his face. Jeremy resolved to go find Marian and try and rekindle the opportunity they had lost. She was worth the try.
This time, if she let him, he'd grab hold of her and never let her go ...
It was raining and unseasonably cold for a New York late August night. A strange northerly front was blowing down from Canada dipping the temperatures into the mid fifties.
The weather fit his mood. Dark and cloudy.
Face it Jeremy my boy, you miss her.
Marian of course. As late as this very evening he had tried to IM her when he saw her ID pop up, only to be stiffly ignored. Jeremy deserved it.
He should have followed her on her book tour, at least 50 times a day since that first magical night had he wished to be with her again. No woman he had ever met was the complete package of intellect, looks, and solid core values that Marian was. New York women paled in comparison one dimentional in their lives pursuing career or family or school.
But the time they spent together was far too short and their bond more tenuous than either of them had imagined. Despite the way Marian and Jeremy had connected each found their careers pressing upon them imposing its own will making them drift apart. The calls happened less frequently until last Friday Jeremy realized with a start that they hadn't spoken in more than a week. It shouldn't have been that way.
Just then a bolt of lightning flashed in his face. Jeremy resolved to go find Marian and try and rekindle the opportunity they had lost. She was worth the try.
This time, if she let him, he'd grab hold of her and never let her go ...
