Boogers On The Wall At Work? Really?

    It was a hot, sweltering September day in Atlanta, unusually warm during this time of the year. Marigold Applegate’s light brown eyes stared out the window of an old Marta bus as it rattled down Candler Road. She was casually dressed wearing a loose-fitting summery blouse over black stretchy slacks. Marigold sighed deeply as she fingered combed her short, curly, auburn red hair. Always good-natured, she wasn’t in the best of moods. It was Monday, the beginning of the workweek, and Marigold was tired. She didn’t get much sleep from the night before, and she wondered if she had enough energy to make it through the next ten hours. 

     Employed as a social worker in a psychiatric hospital, most days, Marigold was up for the challenge. She worked the evening shift working with the mentally ill, however, lately, the job’s daily grind and constant program changes grated on her nerves. Exhausted from the daily mayhem, Marigold longed for a cruise. She dreamt of relaxing on a deck in her bathing suit and reading a good book. As she mentally prepared for the evening shift, a malodorous mixture of musky mops and human waste slapped her in the face.

      Homeless men in need of a shower sat or laid sprawled out asleep on seats near the back of the bus. Their faces were dirty and motley as their heads bobbed up and down like puppets on a string. Marigold frowned, wrinkling her nose as the musky smell floated through the bus. Between the men’s snores, and the putrid body odor, Marigold was overwhelmed. She rubbed her nose and her brown framed prescription glasses slid down on her face. She pushed them back in place on the bridge of her nose using one index finger. 

     Marigold tightly pursed her pink lip-sticked colored lips and held her breath. Trying not to inhale, she fought the urge not to pass out. Marigold lost the fight momentarily and took a deep breath. Then she tightly pursed her lips and held her breath again. Soon the bus pulled in front of the hospital, and stopped. Eager to get off, Marigold slid out of her seat. She walked briskly to the front of the bus, and when the doors open, Marigold got off.  With her black handbag swinging on her left shoulder and her lunch bag clenched tight in her right hand, Marigold walked through the hospital’s sliding glass doors inhaling deeply, welcoming the fresh air, relieved to be free from the stinky odor. Marigold checked her watch. The time was eleven fifty-five. Although her shift began at twelve-thirty, she often arrived early. She used the time to settled in, chatting with co-workers and reading emails. 

     Nurses dressed in purple scrubs, doctors in white lab coats, and patients mingling in the hallway waved at her as she scurried by. Marigold waved back as she hurried down the hall. She was focused and she wondered what nonsense awaited her from the weekend. Marigold smiled inwardly as questions weighed on her mind. Did management make up another screwy policy or did a doctor make a crazy decision? “I’ll guess I’ll find out,” she mumbled to herself, rolling her eyes heavenward.

By the time Marigold reached the office, she was mentally ready for the day. With her hand poised on the doorknob, she opened it and eased in. Angela Kennedy and Hallie Smith were sitting at their desk, eating lunch. They waved at Marigold as she hurried past them to the break room. “Enter at your own risk!”  Marigold heard Angela yelled from behind.

     Marigold chuckled to herself as she stood in front of the break room door. She knew what Angela meant. The break room was always filthy. Staff was either too busy or too lazy to clean up after themselves. A neat freak herself, their lack of cleanliness irritated her. As Marigold twisted the doorknob, and walked in, she took a sharp breath. The place was in disarray as she expected. Dirty dishes were stacked high in the two-bowled sink, and scattered food crumbs were on the counter. Marigold’s shoes stuck to the floor momentarily as she made her way to the refrigerator. Dried, sticky grape juice was splattered all over the floor. “Damn, why don’t these people clean up after themselves,” Marigold muttered out loud as she scrunched up her face.

Marigold shook her head in disgust as she opened the refrigerator door. Her face tightened when she saw what laid before her. Lunch bags of every color and size were jammed packed on every shelf. Marigold sighed harshly making room for her lunch bag. It took several minutes to fit hers in, and once this daunting task was done, Marigold slammed the refrigerator door shut. She whirled around, and her light brown eyes landed on a large paper napkin taped to the wall above the table. Marigold’s eyes lit up, and her mouth gaped open. With an arrow pointing down toward the table, the napkin read in big, bold letters, Please Don’t Put Bougers On The Wall!

     Marigold fell out laughing. She grabbed a chair and sat at the table in awe. She laughed so loud, her belly ached drawing both Angela and Hallie running to the break room. Still laughing, Marigold pointed at the wall. When the women saw the sign,  they fell out laughing. After Angela gathered herself together, her dark brown eyes stared at the distasteful sign. “Where are we? Are we in kindergarten or in an adult work setting? Unbelieveable!

“I know,” Marigold smirked.

“Are there boogers on the wall? Did you check?”

“No, I didn’t check,”  Marigold laughed lurching out of her seat. She took her glasses off and rubbed her watery eyes. Then she slid them back on as she hovered over the table. Marigold inspected the area below the pointed arrow, bursting out into mirthless laughter.  “The wall is clean as a whistle! There are no boogers here!” 

“Maybe, someone wiped the boogers off,” Angela suggested.

“Maybe.” Marigold giggled.

 “But who would be crazy enough to put a sign like that on a wall at work?” Hallie gasped with her blue-green eyes glistening through her black-framed eyeglasses.

“Beats me,” Angela said, twirling a black curl around her pinkie finger.

Hallie shook her head vigorously with her dark ponytail swishing back and forth. “So disgusting and nasty!” 

“Yep! You can say that again,” Angela laughed half-heartedly. Erring on the side of caution, Angela’s face turned serious. “We probably should take this down before someone in management sees it.”

“Before you do that, I need to take a picture. No one would ever believe this.”  Marigold said as she pulled her iPhone out of her jacket pocket. She leaned forward and snapped a picture. “There,  I’ve evidence now,” she laughed.

 Angela shook her head, folding her arms while Hallie reached over the table and snatched the sign from the wall. She crumbled it up into a ball and threw it in a trashcan.

“Send me that picture when you get a chance,” Angela said. “I want to put it on Instagram.”

“Seriously?” Hallie asked, staring at Angela with big eyes. 

“Why not? Let’s give the Instagram world a good laugh,” Angela replied with a gleam in her eye.

 Marigold laughed hysterically. “You’re so crazy!” 

“Not as crazy as the person who put that damn sign on the wall!”

     All three women laughed,  and Marigold found herself in a better mood. She started her day wishing she was somewhere else but the little napkin taped on the wall with the words Please Don’t Put Bougers On The Wall, drastically changed her tune. It reminded her she worked in an engaging, bizarre work setting, a daily comedy show that has never failed to keep her entertained and engaged. Thank you for reading.

Upcoming Book Signing For Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story

http:/amazon.com/author/anitadixonthomas
http:/amazon.com/author/anitadixonthomas

Good Morning! This Saturday, September 21st, Cinco’s Mexican Restaurant at Perimeter Mall in Atlanta is hosting my book signing for my latest novel, a steamy romance tale of love, betrayal and triumph. The festivities began at 1 pm thru 6 pm. Complimentary light refreshments will be available, and there will be a drawing for giveaways. It’s also an opportunity to meet my amazing editor of this real-life racy romance novel! So come on out next Saturday, meet some new friends, and have a little fun!

Note: Copies of the novel will be available to purchase at the cool, smooth price of $11!

http://amazon.com/author/anitadixonthomas

Address: 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd Dunwoody, Ga 30346 Telephone: 770-557-1598

Coming This Weekend- The Austell Labor Day Festival!

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For the first time in twenty years, The City of Austell is having a Labor Day Festival on Saturday, August 31, 2019, with a parade, vendors, live music and fireworks. The City of Austell is a friendly, small-town atmosphere with its new residential, commercial and industrial growth. There’s the South Cobb Diner, The Austell Farmer’s Market, Bruster’s ice cream parlor as well as several eateries and antique shops along Jefferson Street.

Both residents and businesses benefit from easy access to both Interstates 20 and 285 as well as main through-fares, such as, C.H. James Parkway, Veterans Memorial Highway and Austell-Powder Springs Road. Austell is also home to the Norfolk-Southern Railway John Whitaker Intermodal Facility-the largest facility of its kind east of the Mississippi River.

I encourage you to come out and enjoy the Labor Day Festival in Austell. It promises to be filled with family fun events. The festivities begin at 10:00am and ending at 9:30 pm with a huge firework display. I will be there with bells on with the rest of the vendors selling my latest novel, Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story at the cool, special price for $10! So Don’t Miss Out On The Fun! Come and See Me At The Austell Labor Day Festival This Coming Saturday!

From The Author’s Corner-Reader Reviews

“He was her cream, and she was his coffee, and when poured together, they sizzled.”

Based on a real-life happily-ever-after, this is not your typical romantic fantasy. Because Isabelle Perkins doesn’t believe in fairy tales.

Newly divorced and recently transplanted to Atlanta at the age of thirty, Isabelle has never met a man she truly loves and doesn’t believe she ever will. When she meets the dashing Lincoln Davis, she’s smitten by his handsome looks and take-charge confidence. As Lincoln recklessly and persistently pursues her to escape his loveless marriage, she finds herself embroiled in a hot affair and falls in love.

Isabelle’s Christian morals and self-esteem are deeply undermined as the lines between right and wrong become irrevocably blurred. Convinced that Lincoln is her one true love, she hangs on until Lincoln is forced to break off their steamy affair, leaving Isabelle devastated and heartbroken

Eighteen years later, they’re paths cross again. After a sobering brush with death and now divorced, Lincoln is determined to win Isabelle back. But can she set aside her deep hurt and disappointment to let him back into her life and heart?

Here are a few reviews.
I love the dialogue in the story! Very funny moments!” Holly Lightkep

A stunning Love Jones rollercoaster ride, it made me laugh out loud, cry and the ending was most gratifying.” Crystal

“I enjoyed reading this book. The way each character was described, I could visualize each one. It was sweet and romantic. I definitely would recommend Whiskey And Merlot to my friends.” Susan Walker

“The author’s descriptive narrative made it easy for me to envision the setting, the characters, and emotions involved in the story. Once I started reading, it was hard to put the book down!” Courtney Jones

I couldn’t put this book down! I enjoyed it to the end!” Doria E. Hillsman

Love these reviews? Then get on Amazon and purchase your copy of Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story by clicking on the link below. Don’t Miss Out!

Stuck In The Basement-Excerpt From Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story

Chapter Fourteen

Nine o’clock the following evening, the lights in the radio station flickered on and off as the evening shift came to an end. Everyone packed their belongings and made a mad dash to the elevator. Growling loud like a baby lion with water leaking from the corners of her bleary eyes, Isabelle was sleepy. Lincoln took note of her peculiar yawning, making a face.  “Damn! What kinda noise was that?” he teased.

“I’m exhausted,” Isabelle dryly replied, unamused by his comment. 

“Maybe I should go home with you and perk you up,” he kept teasing. 

Isabelle lazily chuckled. “Buddy, not this time.”

The elevator stopped, and everyone except Lincoln and Isabelle piled inside. He waved them on. “We’ll wait for the next one.”

Pat looked at them sideways. “Don’t get into trouble, you two,” she smirked as the elevator doors slammed in her face. Lincoln and Isabelle looked at each other and laughed. He pointed to the exit. 

“Let’s take the stairs,” he suggested.

“Good idea,” Isabelle agreed. They ran down six flights of stairs. Their footsteps echoed against the paved surface as they raced to the ground floor. Lincoln opened a gray steel door, and they stumbled into a bright empty room with walls made of concrete slabs. Lincoln let the door slam, and it clapped like a bolt of thunder. 

“Damn!” Lincoln cursed as he fiddled with the locked door handle. 

Isabelle’s heart pounded in her chest, scared. “We’re stuck, aren’t we?” she dared to ask, biting her bottom lip.

“I’m afraid so,” he mumbled as he hurled his muscular frame against the steel door.

“What are we going to do?” 

He stopped for a moment and searched the room. He looked up and pointed at a corner near the ceiling. “There’s a camera up there.”

Isabelle’s eyes followed the direction of his long finger. “Oh, I see it. Someone will rescue us soon!” she excitedly said repeatedly hopping on one foot. Isabelle was hoping for a miracle. Her blouse, soaked with sweat, clung to her body like a cold, wet bathing suit. Sweat beaded on her forehead and blood rushed into her cheeks. Burning up because there was no air conditioning, Isabelle swooned, getting dizzy. She felt like roadkill, and Lincoln took notice.

“Are you all right?”

“I think so,” Isabelle whispered steadying herself. She wiped her face on her blouse sleeve and burst out in anger, “Get me out of here right now!”

“Whoa…calm down,” Lincoln said with his eyebrows touching. “Don’t get so hyped up. Everything will work out.”

Livid he was so calm, Isabelle glared at him and snarled, “You think you’re so damn cool, don’t you?”

“What’s with the attitude?” he scowled. “We’re both in the same boat. There’s no need to get your panties in a knot.”

Isabelle folded her arms over her chest and glared at him. He reached for her, and she jerked away. “Hugging won’t help,” she hissed.

He made another attempt, and she recoiled. “Stay away from me,” she pouted. 

Lincoln curled his lips and demanded, “Woman, come here.”

He came at her, and this time he was successful. 

“Leave me alone!” Isabelle half-heartedly pleaded as she tried to wiggle out of his strong embrace. His hot, sweaty body melted into hers and she surrendered. His warm lips grazed her forehead, and her heart fluttered when he kissed the tip of her nose. His velvety lips brushed against hers, and she clasped her hands on each side of his smooth dark face. Isabelle took him in, and his lips tasted like mint candy. Lincoln’s sizzling kiss was open-mouthed, sweet, hot, dry, and then wet. His breathing quickened, and he licked her neck with delicate kisses, so faint they felt like little whispers. 

She broke away, spoiling the romantic mood. “Don’t you dare give me a hickey!” 

“I wasn’t trying to,” he grinned. 

Isabelle knew he was lying. “Yeah, you were. I felt those little bites.”

He lurched forward reaching for her again. “Let’s finish what we started.”

Isabelle backed away. “No way. We need to get the hell out of here.”

“Come on, just another little kiss,” he seductively begged her. He grabbed her hand. A bolt of electricity shot up her inner arm when his hand wrapped around hers. A tiny pulsating twinge stirred in her fiery loins as he pulled her to him.

Suddenly the lock clicked, and the door flew opened. A security guard, medium in stature, stood in the doorway with a hilarious baffled look on his face, his chestnut eyes crinkled at the corners

Isabelle shouted with glee, “We’ve been rescued!” as she broke from Lincoln’s strong embrace.

“Great,” Lincoln mumbled sounding less enthused.

The security guard snickered. “How did you two get down here?”

“The elevator took too long, so we decided to take the stairs and ended up here,” Lincoln explained. “How did you know we were here?”

“I saw you two kissing on the camera,” the guard snickered again. 

“An eye full, I bet,” Lincoln joked.

“Borderline X-rated,” the security guard joked back.

Isabelle felt her face getting warm. “Not funny!” Embarrassed, she stepped to the door. “How do we get out of here? I want to go home.”

“You’re in the basement. The lobby is on the first floor,” the guard said. 

“Can we go?” Isabelle groaned.

“Sure.” The security guard stepped aside, and Isabelle ran past him. She couldn’t wait to get out of there. Lincoln followed her, and they both booked it up the stairs. “Remember the lobby is on the first floor,” the guard hollered after them.

Isabelle slapped Lincoln hard on the shoulder once they were in the lobby. He grabbed his shoulder and moaned. “Ouch, woman, what’s your problem?”

“Every time I hang with you, I get into trouble,” she complained. “I’m not going to hang out with you anymore.”

His face lit up, and he fell into a donkey-like braying laugh. His massive arms encircled Isabelle’s waist, and he pulled her to him. “You don’t mean it,” he growled.

“Yes, I do!”

He nuzzled his head deep in the soft spot of her neck. His warm breath tickled her, causing her to erupt into hysterical high-pitched laughter. Isabelle wiggled from side to side. “Stop it!” she whined with sheer euphoria mixed with agony. He flipped her around and planted a warm kiss on her lips. Isabelle broke free and pushed him away. “I have to go. I can’t hang with you all night. It’s getting late.”

“I know,” he softly said as he edged closer to her. Isabelle turned away and took off strutting outside into the balmy night air. She stepped briskly to her car, but her quick steps were no match to his long panther-like stride. He threw his arm over her shoulders and yanked her close. Her eyes drifted up, and she gazed into his mocha eyes. His warm lips covered hers, taking her by surprise. The warmth of his hard, hungry kiss spread throughout her entire body, and it felt like she was floating on air. It was magic the way his lips connected with hers. 

Then it was over. Just like that. He rested his forehead against hers.  

“I’ll walk you to your car,” he whispered as he pecked her on the tip of her nose.

“Hmmm,” Isabelle moaned. They held hands strolling to the car with no words passing between them, savoring their special moment and falling deeper in love. On cloud nine, she decided to hold off ending their affair. She was caught up in the moment and she wasn’t ready to let go. Isabelle unlocked the car, and he opened the door. She slid into the driver’s seat, and he leaned in kissing her on the cheek. “See you tomorrow, handsome!” Isabelle softly crooned.

His eyes sparkled and his lips curved up into a smile. “Likewise, beautiful. Be careful driving home.” He slammed the door and backed away. Isabelle turned on the ignition and waved as she backed out, viewing him through the rearview mirror as he walked to his car.

By eleven thirty, she was home, two hours past her bedtime. She slid out of her clothes, dropping them on the floor. Too tired to shower, she fell into bed. Eight minutes later, Isabelle was fast asleep.

Early the next morning, Isabelle struggled out of bed. With only four hours of sleep, she was exhausted. She staggered to the shower and turned on the water. The warm water in her face woke her up. Revitalized, she finished her shower and dried herself off. After she dressed, made up her face, and ate a quick breakfast, she was out the door.

It was seventy-five degrees, unseasonally cooler for an August morning in Atlanta. Once she arrived at work, Isabelle stopped by the mail room to retrieve her messages. After she settled in her office, she made herself a pot of Starbucks coffee. Soon, the coffee’s citrus aroma consumed her office and she poured herself a cup. While enjoying her morning brew, the telephone screeched loud in its cradle. Startled, she almost dropped her cup as she answered the phone. 

“Good morning, this is Isabelle,” she said in a cheery voice.

“I see you made it in,” Lincoln said.

Isabelle’s face brightened. “Yes, I did. You’re working tonight, aren’t you?” she coolly asked, trying to temper her enthusiasm.

“I plan to,” he replied. 

“Good,” she said.

“So, will I see you later?” 

“Yes!”

“Bye.” He hung up, and Isabelle slurped down her coffee. Barely tasting its nutty flavor, the hot liquid burned the tip of her tongue and her entire palate stung. She waved her hand in front of her face, taking short breaths to cool off her mouth. Again, the telephone screeched in the cradle, scaring her. She answered on the second ring. 

It was Jinx. “Are you coming by this morning?” she inquired in a loud voice.

“Yeah girl, I got something funny to tell you,” Isabelle informed her.

“Hurry up and get down here,” she cursed, hanging up. The phone slamming in the cradle rang loud in her ear. She grabbed her coffee and hustled to Jinx’s office. Five minutes later, Isabelle pounded on the door. 

“Come in!” Jinx hollered. Isabelle plowed through the door and sat. She crossed her legs, sipping on her coffee, quiet. Jinx’s eyes were birdlike as she examined Isabelle’s face. “You’re up to something. What happen?”

Isabelle set her coffee on the end table and burst into a belly laugh. “Nothing bad.” 

“Tell me,” Jinx inquired as her hazel-green eyes flickered with excitement.

“Last night, Lincoln and I got locked in the basement at the radio station. At first, we couldn’t get out, then…”

Jinx reared back in her chair, and curse words fell from her lips. “Shit, girl, what the fuck did you say?”

Isabelle lost control as she burst into wild laughter. 

“Stop laughing,” Jinx scolded her, looking cross. “How did you two get locked in a basement?”

“We decided to take the stairs instead of the elevator, and we ended up locked down there.” 

Jinx stared at her with intrigue. “How in the hell did you two get out?”

“The security guard saw us kissing on the video camera, and he let us out.” 

It took a moment to sink in, and when it did, a toothy grin crossed Jinx’s face. Then she howled with uncontrollable laughter, doubling over and holding her stomach. Isabelle cackled hard. Their tummies ached from all the laughter. Finally, they manage to stop as they struggled to catch their breath. 

Jinx, still red in the face, spoke first. “Girl, you and Lincoln are fucking crazy.”

“We didn’t plan it,” Isabelle snickered. “It just happened.”

“Who in the hell gets locked in a basement?” Jinx said violently shaking her head.

Isabelle pleaded with her. “Don’t tell anybody please, not even Kandy.”

“I won’t,” Jinx chuckled, bucking her eyes. “So embarrassing. Who gets locked in a basement? Crazy!”

“Shit happens,” Isabelle shot back.

Jinx rolled her eyes. “Girl, please. I suppose you plan to see him again this evening with your crazy self.”

“I sure do,” Isabelle said as she sprung to her feet and dashed to the door. 

Jinx followed her and stood in the doorway. “Isabelle, keep your little ass out of the damn basement!” she yelled after her as Isabelle hurried down the hall. Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this chapter click on the link below and purchase your copy of Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story. Don’t Miss Out! Until next time.

Don’t Miss Out On The Special Promotional Offer for Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story On Amazon!

Happy Saturday Everyone! Starting Monday, August 26, 2019 thru Labor Day, the paperback version of Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story will be available on Amazon for a special promotional price of $10.99! So Hurry and Take Advantage of this Special Offer by clicking on the button below.

FROM THE AUTHOR’S CORNER: WHISKEY AND MERLOT A Love Story On Amazon For $10.99!

Good Afternoon Everyone! I’m pleased to announce that Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story is now available on Amazon. For a limited time you can purchase the paperback version for $10.99, and after Tuesday, August 13, 2019 the retail price will go up to $15.99. So Hurry and Take Advantage of this Offer by clicking on the link below!

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06XBDKBYC

For you kindle readers, there is a kindle version available for $9.99 ongoing. All you have to do is go to Amazon.com and input the title Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story and you are on your way to purchasing your copy of this steamy, entertaining novel! I promise, you will not be able to put this one down!

Then if you happen to be in Atlanta on Saturday, September 21, 2019, there will be a Meet And Greet Book Signing with the author, Anita Dixon Thomas.

Where: Cinco’s Mexican Restaurant at Perimeter Mall

Time: From 1-6pm

Purchase your copy of Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story in advance on Amazon and come out to Cinco’s Restaurant to meet the author and have your book signed

Bring your friends! There will be light refreshments, free giveaways, a brief presentation as well as a question and answer session with the author .

Limited editions of Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story will be available for purchase at the signing for the regular retail price of $15.99. Hope To See You’ll There!

Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story-Prologue

Prologue

Eleven Years Earlier-July Nineteen Eighty-One

Isabelle gazed in the mirror, touching up her red lipstick. She rolled her lips, smoothing out the bright color. She looked pretty in her white lacey floor-length dress with the heart-shaped bodice cut low above the breast. The gold cross dangling around her neck was a gift from her Dad. On the dresser, in front of her, laid a pair of simulated pearl earrings with a matching necklace. Isabelle picked it up and placed it over her cross. After she hooked the jewelry in place, she slipped on her pearl earrings. Then Isabelle stepped away from the mirror to admire herself. On each side of her smooth coffee-latte face was a dangling black curl, and the rest of her hair was swept up into a loose curly bun.

Preoccupied, Isabelle stared into the mirror with sad, mahogany eyes. She was supposed to be happy because today was her wedding day. For the first time in her life, she felt unsure about her decision. She was always confident with her decisions, never second-guessing herself. However, her biggest fear she might be marrying the wrong man, and that bothered her to no end. From the moment she saw Rosette, Isabelle instantly knew he wasn’t the one. However, she liked him. He seemed to fit the bill. He was tall, handsome, a Christian and a gentleman, and he was college-educated with a great sense of humor. He had all the attributes of a life-long partner, but Isabelle felt something was missing. 

Isabelle drew in a deep breath as those thoughts weighed heavily on her mind. She entertained canceling the wedding, after all, she and Rosette only dated for ten months. Maybe, just maybe they needed more time. If they had time, perhaps she could figure out what was missing in their relationship. Isabelle flinched from the hard knock on the door and she hollered. “Come in!” 

The door swung open, and Claude Dickson, her father, walked in. He was looking handsome and dapper in his doubled breasted gray silk suit, and his smile lit up the entire room like the morning sun. Claude was six-foot-tall with a vibrant chocolate complexion, and his graying afro was cut low to his head. His dark brown eyes rested on Isabelle, and he beamed with joy. “My number one daughter, don’t you look beautiful this afternoon!”

“Thank you, Dad,” Isabelle said. Her father fondly called her his number one daughter because she was the oldest of four.

“Are you ready to take that trip down the aisle?”

“I think so,” Isabelle sighed, shrugging her shoulders. 

“Ah…what’s wrong? You’re supposed to be happy on your wedding day.” Claude came over and stood in front of her, placing his large warm hands on her shoulders. 

“Dad, I feel weird,” Isabelle said, poking out her bottom lip. “I care for Rosette, but something is missing. I’m wondering if I’m making the right choice.”

Claude looked his daughter square in her eyes and said. “You don’t have to do this. You can put this marriage on hold.”

Isabelle folded her arms and frowned.“ I know Dad, but I’ve two hundred and fifty guests out there waiting to see us get married! I can’t cancel now. It’s too late!” 

“It’s never too late. It would be best if you didn’t worry about that. Your guest will get over it. After all, it’s your life,” Claude flatly said as he let go of his daughter. He went to the sofa in front of the stain-glass window and sat. Claude drew up his right leg and rested it on his left knee. Quiet and somber, he intently studied his daughter’s face as he stroked his graying mustache.

Isabelle flattened her hand against her stomach, frowning slightly, concerned. Her eyes zeroed in on her father’s. “I thought you like Rosette! You said he’s a good man.”

“He is, but he’s not right for you, and I think you already know that,” Claude’s forehead furrowed. “If you don’t feel it’s right, don’t marry.”

 Isabelle’s eyes went round with surprise. Swallowing hard, she absorbed the seriousness of her father’s words. She marveled at how well her father knew her. He was right. She shouldn’t marry Rosette, but she didn’t want to disappoint him or their guest. So to save face, she came at her father from another angle. “Dad, I’ll be all right. It’s just cold feet,” she calmly insisted.

Claude gave her a stern, all-knowing look. “Are you trying to convince yourself or me?”

“Dad….” Isabelle whined.

“Dad nothing!” Her father cut her off, unwilling to agree with her. “It’s your life! You got to live with your choices, not me, not Rosette, not those people out there! You do!”

 Isabelle hung her head. She hated when her father chastised her. “You’re right. I guess I have a decision to make.”

“You certainly do.”

 Isabelle dragged herself to the sofa and sat. She rested her head on her father’s shoulder and closed her eyes. They sat in silence for a while then the wedding march song faintly echoed through the door. “So what’s your verdict?” Claude asked, breaking the solitude.

Isabelle opened her eyes and raised her head. She looked at her father. “I guess I’m getting married,” she said. 

Claude stood on his feet and smiled. He extended his hand, and Isabelle grabbed it. She got up and followed her Dad to the door. When he opened it, the wedding march boomed overhead through the loudspeakers. Isabelle walked out first, then her father next. As he closed the door, Claude turned toward his daughter, and his lips erupted into a bright smile. “Are you ready?”

“Ready as I’m going to be,” Isabelle smiled back. 

“Then let’s get you married!”

 Isabelle held her head high as they walked to the sanctuary. When the usher opened the wooden doubled doors, everyone rushed to their feet. Rosette Perkins stood at the altar smiling broadly. He looked dashing in his white tux as he stood anxiously waiting for the ceremony to start. With all eyes peeled on her, Isabelle smiled. Then she slipped her left arm inside her father’s bent elbow, and together they entered the sanctuary and walked down the aisle.

Thank you for reading. If you want to know if Isabelle stay married, purchase your copy of Whiskey And Merlot A Love Story on Amazon.com Now by Clicking On Link Below! I promised you it will be an entertaining read!