A Holiday Break

Hello all! Just a reminder that there is no free read for this week because of the holidays. But The Saga of Steve and Joey will be back next week. But just because there's no new story doesn't mean I'm not writing. I'm starting a brand-new short story for an anthology. I don't have a lot of information to share with you now, but be sure to check back for more details. Have a great rest of the holiday week everyone!

The Saga of Steve and Joey-2013 Christmas Interlude

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is having a good start to the week. Today's free read from The Saga of Steve and Joey is set about seven years after Steve and Joey first meet in Part 1 of the saga. It's about the first Christmas Steve and Joey have with Aiden. Enjoy!

Christmas Interlude

Steve

I’m just starting to come out of a deep sleep when I feel a soft pressure against my lips. It is warm and makes me smile against the velvety softness. The pressure retreats and I open my eyes to stare into Joey’s gaze.

“Good morning,” I slur out.

“Merry Christmas, baby.”

I wrack my brain, thinking about the day. It’s rough, still trying to wake up my foggy brain. But he’s right. It is Christmas.

“Merry Christmas,” I reply.

Joey’s smile lights up the room. He always was a big kid when it came to Christmas. And this year he’s been even more enthusiastic.

“Let’s go get Aiden,” Joey says enthusiastically as he jumps out of bed.

“Baby, baby,” I say quickly, grabbing his arm.

“What?”

“Let him sleep. What time is it?”

“Seven.”

“Well, we gave him his bottle about two so he should be up soon. But let him sleep.”

You would have thought I killed his dog the way he looks at me. He’s just so crushed. “But it’s his first Christmas.”

“I know. But it’ll be Christmas all day. Besides, he’s only three months old. He has no idea what’s going on.”

“But don’t you want to see what’s under the tree?”

“Considering I bought half of it, I think the excitement can wait. Come on, let’s go back to sleep. Aiden will be up soon enough.”

Joey gives me a dubious look before sliding back down against my chest. I wrap an arm around him and hold him tight.

I spend the next hour or so holding my man tight, drifting in and out of sleep. I don’t think Joey is asleep and I’m proven right when the first cry comes from the nursery. Joey is out of bed like a shot, almost racing down the hall to get to our boy. His movements wake me up the rest of the way and drag myself out of bed at a much more sedate pace.

I head to the nursery and stand just inside the doorway. Joey has Aiden wrapped in his arms, swaying our baby from side to side. I can hear him whispering words to Aiden, but I can’t make them all out since he is facing away from me. But when I hear the word ‘Christmas’ I figure Joey is explaining the holiday to him.

When Joey finishes saying his piece, he turns to face me with a huge smile on his face.

“Okay. Aiden understands Christmas now. We can go open presents.”

I smile as I walk farther into the room. “Oh, he does, does he?”

“Yes,” Joey says with upmost confidence.

“He’s sucking on his hand.”

Joey looks down at our baby as I chuckle at his obviousness. But Joey is not deterred. “Come on, Scrooge. We’re going to open presents.”

So the three of us head downstairs. The Christmas tree we set up in the living room is still surrounded by presents of all sizes and shapes. Joey immediately sits on the floor next to the present pile. Knowing his arms must be getting tired, I grab Aiden’s reclining chair and sit it next to him.

Joey takes the hint and straps Aiden in before grabbing the presents. As he starts to sort them out, I go and make a bottle for Aiden, who is starting to show signs of fussiness.

Joey manages to hold off his excitement a little longer while we feed and change Aiden, but by the time I finish, he is practically vibrating with excitement. The presents are not only divided up by person, but also neatly stacked by size.

“Now can we open presents,” Joey says as I strap Aiden back in his chair.

“Go ahead,” I say amused.

The rest of the morning passes in a blur or laughter and wrapping paper. Joey and I got Aiden clothes, toys and all sorts of other things babies need. He doesn’t notice. But Joey and I have fun, laughing and smiling over the gifts we got each other. Eventually, all of the gifts are open and we start playing. We try to engage Aiden with some of his toys, but he quickly losses interest before falling asleep.

“Joey,” I call to him just as the clock hits noon.

“Yeah,” he calls from behind his new tablet. He has been engrossed in the things since Aiden fell asleep.

“We have to get ready to go to Lucas and Hal’s place.” We’re having dinner with our two best friends, since neither one of us have a relationship with our families anymore.

Joey lifts his head and pats the seat next to him on the couch. I head over and sit in the spot, leaning over to kiss him as I go.

“What,” I ask once I’m settled.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“And this has been the best Christmas ever. I don’t think it will ever get better than this.”

I chuckle. “Sure, it will. In a year or two Aiden will start being interested in presents and Santa. Then it will get even more fun.”

Joey just smiles more. “You’re right. That will be more fun. I won’t be the only one excited about the holiday.”

“I’m excited. Just not as much as you.”

“Scrooge.”

“I am not,” I reply indignantly.

“Yes, you are. But you’re my Scrooge.” Joey leans over and kisses my lips. And in this moment, I know they’re will be many more Christmases to come. And as long as I have Joey and Aiden, they will all be merry and bright.

Well, there is your 2013 Christmas Interlude. I hope you enjoyed it. Remember there will not be a new part next week as I will be working, spending time with family, etc. But check back on January 6^th for Part 5. At that time, we will be going backwards in time to where Part 4 left off. See you all then. 

Have a great holiday everyone!

Making Sense of my Crazy LIfe

Hello everyone!
   I am very sorry I have not been on here too much lately. Real life has really kept me very busy. I haven't had much time for writing or anything else. Christmas is always a really busy time for me, as I spend time with family and friends. If anyone out there is following me, I do most of my work on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as those are my days off. Well, I lost yesterday because I took a day trip to New York with some family. It was a great day, but there was no writing. And today, I slept most of the day. Going forward isn't much better. For the next two weeks I have to work mandatory 6 days. (The "joys" of working in a Customer Service industry.) So until my birthday comes around on January 11th,  not much will be moving on the writing front.
     But here is where all of my writing stands now. MWMGML was just resubmitted for consideration. Hopefully, there will be a better result this time. Look for more updates in the new year. The first draft of Death: Meet Love and Happiness is finished and I am hoping to start the editing in the next few weeks. I don't know how successful I will be, but hopefully, I can edit a chapter or two on the days I work. My short story, which I was hoping to finish this year, was put on hold when I found out I needed to edit MWMGML. That will take first priority once I have time again. When all that is done, hopefully, MWMGML will be under contract and I can start the second book in that series. If not, maybe I will start another small project. i don't really know. I'm just trying to take it one day at a time. But I'll be sure to keep you updated.
     I hope this clears up my absence lately. Keep checking back for more updates on my writing, as well as free reads on Mondays! Thank you!

Sophie

The Saga of Steve and Joey-Part 4

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying their December. I have been sooo busy with my personal life and as a result my writing as suffered. I will be going back to editing work on Thursday and I will, hopefully, update everyone then. For now, I have Part 4 of The Saga of Steve and Joey. Enjoy!

Part 4

Steve

I stare at the phone in my hand, the screen glowing in the low light. I want to call Joey, but I made such an idiot of myself on our first date. I know he didn’t seem to mind, but I did. How stupid was I almost falling asleep like that?

At the time, I was much too tired to care. But the way that he drove me home and let me get more sleep rather than try anything X-rated. It made me feel bad that our date ended like that.

But I’m getting another chance. He’s given me his number. I have to go back to work tomorrow, but for right now, I’m well-rested and feeling good. I have time to chat. All I have to do is hit the damned call button.

I move my finger so it’s hovering over the button, but somehow I just can’t get the balls to lower my finger to the screen. I don’t know why. What the hell am I so nervous about? Joey seemed like a perfectly normal guy. Not insane, good sense of humor, hot body. What more could I possibly ask for in a man?

So why aren’t I calling him? Am I really that scared? It has been a long time since I had a real boyfriend. Before medical school.

Actually, if I am really honest with myself, I’ve never had a boyfriend. I was always too focused on me, trying to get the best grades and working my ass off to make sure I could get into the best college and then the best med school. Sure, there were boyfriends in my past, but nothing all that serious. Just someone I could take to parties and have some extracurricular activities with. I’ve never really had someone who could be considered a life partner. Is that what’s freaking me out? The prospect of having someone I could share my life with. It is a huge step. But with med school, was I really ready for all of that?

I bite my lip as I stare at the screen again. I hover my finger about the little green telephone symbol that would connect me to Joey. And before I can change my mind, I press my finger to the screen.

I hold my breath as the phone starts to ring. I’m torn between hoping and dreading him picking up the phone. Nevertheless, I start planning out what I’m going to say when the voicemail picks up.

“Hello?”

“Uh,” I say awkwardly as I’m caught off-guard by the sound of his voice.

“Hello?”

“Joey?” Yeah, that’s very smooth. Who else would it be? It’s his phone. Geez, I’m so stupid.

“Yeah. Who is this?”

“Uh…this is Steve. From the other night.”

“Oh,” Joey replies with a good amount of happiness. “I was wondering when you were going to call.”

“Yeah. Well, I had to catch up on my sleep,” I reply with a relatively smooth voice. Smoother than I would have thought possible, given how nervous I am.

“Yeah, I would agree with that.”

“So what’s been going on?”

And that is just the beginning. The two of us talk for three hours, chatting about everything we didn’t cover over our dinner date. Any hesitation I had during that dinner slowly fades away as we laugh over movies that we loved as kids and books we love now. The man is a total nerd with a propensity for happy endings. It made for some eclectic tastes and interesting conversations.

At the end of the longest conversation ever, Joey explains his need to go to work tomorrow. We say our goodbyes, which still involves a lot of laughing and joking. We even agree to meet again next week.

As I lower the phone and disconnecte the call, I have a smile on my face so wide my face hurts. I may have been nervous at the beginning, but now all of my fears have been put to rest. Being with Joey, regardless of how experienced I am with relationships or how busy I am, is something so natural. I can even feel the first stirrings of what might be considered love. That is a huge leap for me, but there is just something about him. We click and there is no other way to describe it.

We have our date next week and we’ll see what happens from there on. But the good news is, I don’t think I have to fear calling him ever again.  

And there is Part 4! I hope you enjoyed it.

So next week is December 23^rd, and in observance of the holidays, we are talking a break from Steve and Joey’s story at this point in their relationship. We will be jumping farther ahead in the timeline to see what their first Christmas with Aiden. I probably won’t have a story on December 30^th, because of the holiday, so look for Part 5 on January 6^th! Stay tuned!

The Saga of Steve and Joey-Part 3

Good evening everyone! I hope everyone's having a good Monday, despite the snow and ice that had walloped so much of the States. Hopefully, you have someplace warm to curl up and read Part 3 of The Saga of Steve and Joey because here is is! Enjoy!

Part 3

Joey

I watch Steve get out of my car and walk to his front door. I sneak a glance at his ass as he walks. I feel a little guilty about it, since the guy is so out of it. But most of the guilt fades away when I see it. It’s nice, tight and just the right size to hold on to.

As soon as the door shuts behind him, I take the car out of park and start to drive home. I have to admit I was a little skeptical when Lucas first set this meeting up. I’d never been on one before, but I had certainly heard the horror stories. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Lucas, because I did. He was one of the nicest guys in my office. Everyone knew that if you needed something you went to see Lucas and he would do everything he could to help you.

Despite his reputation, I didn’t set out to get a date. I remember back to that fateful lunch when Lucas started talking about his new beau. It made me feel lonely. He must have noticed, because he asked me if I had anyone special in my life. I couldn’t even get the words out. I just shook my head and let that speak for itself.

But Lucas was not so deterred. He badgered me until he found out I was gay and then set me up with one of his friends. I wasn’t given too much information about Steve before the date. I knew he was a med student and that he and Lucas were best friends. I was also told he was hot, but that didn’t mean much coming from the guy’s friend.

And yet, everything Lucas told me about Steve was true. And then some. The man was absolutely adorable. He looked good enough to eat, even with those dark circle under his eyes.

I feel bad now that I didn’t notice his exhaustion earlier in the date. We had a lovely start to the meal, getting to know each other. I learned a lot about him and his back story. Where he went to college, how many siblings he had, that he was a geek in high school. And he learned the same stuff about me.

It should have been boring, telling my life story over again. After all, how many first dates can you go on before you just want to type it all out and hand it to the person.?

But there was something about Steve. I didn’t want to hand him a sheet of paper about my life. I wanted to tell him. I can’t even really explain why. I just knew I needed to talk with him and share my feelings with him. Personally.

It was a little weird at first. I had never in my life wanted to talk to a person so much. Nor had I ever had such a good time talking with someone. Sure, it was simple and mundane, but there was just something about him.

At least until he started to fall asleep on me. At first, I have to admit I was a little perturbed. I know I’m not the most exciting guy in the world, but falling asleep was really rude. Of course, when I learned why it made me feel like an ass. I guess I should have put med student and lack of sleep together, but, for some reason, I just didn’t.

Once I found the reason behind it, I couldn’t help but admire him just a little bit more. He tried so hard to be involved in the date when all he must have wanted to do was collapse. It makes me think maybe he’s interested in me too. And that kiss…

There is something special about that man. I hope he calls. Because I really, really think we might have something here.

There you have it! Part 3 is complete.

Next week: Steve tries to work up the nerve to call Joey. 

And the Hits Just Keep On Coming

Hello all. It has really not been a good week for me. Journey of Xibalta just got rejected. I have the option of doing some editing, waiting and resubmitting, but I'm not sure I want to wait. I've spent a good part of the night looking into other options, like self-publishing and other publishing houses. I have some decisions to make, but right now I'm really not thrilled with any of my choices. I think I'm just going to put the whole thing on hold until after Christmas and decide what to do then. In the meantime, I just keep editing MWMGML, Death-Meet Love and Happiness and work on a few short stories.

No one even said being an author would be easy.

Until next time...

~Sophie

Another Story Done and other Writing News

Hello everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays that have taken place over the last week. I know I did. But I've found that the holiday chaos makes it very hard to maintain some balance in terms of writing and blogging. So I apologize for my absence. Don't forget. If you ever feel I'm gone for too long or if anyone out there wants to chat, feel free to contact me. All of the info is here.

So what have I been up to? Well, tonight I just finished the first draft of a brand-new novella. I've decided to call it Death-Meet Love and Happiness. It's all about the Grim Reaper and his quest to find love. It is a dark comedy with moments of real heart. it came in at just over 32,000 words. So I'm going to start proofing it next week and hopefully, it will be done by the end of the year.

If you aren't willing to wait for one of my new stories, I have a brand-new free-read serial. It's called "The Saga of Steve and Joey." I've currently finished the first two parts. You can read the first part, as well as the inspiration for the story here. The second part is here. And be sure to check out a new chapter in their story every Monday night.

So that's my good news. Sadly, not all of my news is happy. My World, My Game, My Love was not accepted for publication. It's a little disappointing, but the good news is this is not the end of this story. I've been given the opportunity to re-edit the story and change some of the story's structure and resubmit. So I will be working on that over the next few weeks and hopefully I can get that in within the next month. finger crossed that it's accepted this time.

That's pretty much where all of my writing is at the moment. Next week, in addition to editing Death-Meet Love and Happiness and My World, My Game, My Love, I want to start working on my short story Who I Really Am. It's kind of been put on the back-burner while I worked on other things, but I want to start working on it again. I'm a little nervous about this one, since I've never written a transgendered story, but hopefully, it goes well. I will be sure to keep you updated.

So that's my life. What's going on with all of you? Let me know in the comments. And don't forget to check back on Monday for the next chapter in "The Saga of Steve and Joey".

~Sophie

The Saga of Steve and Joey-Part 2

Hello everyone! I hope everyone had a great holiday last week. I know I did. But it's Monday again which means the next chapter in the saga of Steve and Joey. If you missed the first part, you can read it here. So now we will continue the story with Steve and Joey's first date. Enjoy!

Part 2

After the sparks that flew between us when we first met, I expect dinner to be a more interesting affair. But, actually, it’s quite mundane. We look over the menus, talking about the food choices and if we’re getting appetizers or not. Once we order, we make small talk, chatting about this and that. Nothing really important.

I can’t deny the man’s magnetic personality and the fact there’s clearly a lot of chemistry between us. But as dinner starts to wind down, the exhaustion I’d been keeping at bay came to the forefront, the combination of the full stomach and the long day makes my eyes burn from being forced open.

“Hey? Are you okay?”

Pushing a smile on my face, I look up at Joey. Even through the exhaustion, I can’t help but smile at his concern. Maybe this date isn’t as mundane as I thought. Maybe there really is something here. Too bad, I’m too tired to care.

“Yeah. It’s just been a really long week. Haven’t slept for awhile.”

“How long’s a while?”

“About four days since I took more than a power nap.”

Joey’s jaw drops to the floor. “What do you mean four days? How the hell are you even still up?”

“Honestly, I have no idea,” I say with as much humor as I can muster.

“Why haven’t you slept?”

“Because I’m a med student. We sign away our rights to sleep.”

“That’s awful.”

“That’s life.”

“Why don’t we skip desert and call it a night? You’re obviously falling asleep.”

I couldn’t help but feel a rush of disappointment at his words. Sure, it isn’t the most exciting date in the world, but I still there might be something between us. Something that could lead to a real relationship. But did he feel the same? Is he really worried about me or is he just trying to end this date? I’m not sure. And I really don’t feel like trying to figure it out. I’m starting to get a headache from not sleeping.

“Is that your way of getting rid of me,” I say, cringing at the harshness of my voice. I didn’t mean for it to sound that way. I just want an answer. Damn headache.

“No,” Joey says vehemently. “Of course not. I’ve enjoyed our date. Haven’t you?”

The hurt in his voice shakes me out of my own head for a minute. Maybe I wasn’t reading this wrong. Maybe he really does want to be with me.

“Of course I have,” I say as quickly as possible. “I’m sorry. I guess I just didn’t think you were in to me.”

Joey shakes his head. “Wow. You must be tired. I think you are amazing. I mean, I admit I had my doubts when Lucas set this blind date up, but you’ve proven me wrong. I mean, you’re going to be a doctor, you are seriously hot and you have an amazing personality when you’re not falling asleep. How could I not be in to you?”

I’m shocked. “Really? But all we’ve done is make small talk.”

“What do you think first dates are for?”

I just stare at him as he motions the waiter over. He quickly pays the bill, fending off any attempt for me to help pay. I really am too tired to fight him, so I just let him have his way and soon we’re walking out side by side.

“Where are you parked,” he asks as soon as we’re outside.

“I walked.”

“Do you want a ride?”

“No, it’s okay. It’s not far.”

Joey shakes his head and takes my hand. “Come on, let me drive you. I can get you to your bed faster.”

The prospect did sound pretty tempting, so I didn’t fight as he led me to a cute little Toyota. It’s painted a bright blue, which seems to suit his happy personality. I slide into the front seat, trying not to close my eyes as soon as my body sinks into the leather seat.

Joey jumps in the driver seat and starts the engine.

“So where am I going,” he asks.

Somehow I manage to stay awake long enough to give him directions and before I know it, I’m in front of my building.

“Thanks for the ride,” I say as I realize the date is over.

“Anytime.”

An awkward silence reigns over the car as I try to figure out the next step. I already know I want to see him again, but how do I go about asking?

“Gimme your phone,” Joey demands out of nowhere.

Curious, I hand it over without a fight. I watch as he flips through the screen and taps on the digital keyboard before handing it back to me.

“There. Now you have my number. Call me when you’ve had some sleep.”

Happy this isn’t going to be the end, I nod before turning and placing my hand on the door handle.

“Steve,” Joey calls right before I open the door.

“Yeah,” I ask, turning back.

I can only watch as Joey leans over and kisses me gently on the lips. “Thank you for tonight. I had a lot of fun. Call me and we’ll do it again.”

I sit there frozen for a second, my brain trying to process what the hell just happened. Finally, everything clicks. Joey likes me. He wants to go out again. Even with me almost falling asleep on him. I’m so happy I want to kiss him all over again, but I need to sleep. Kissing will come later.

“I will. Thanks again.”

Acting on impulse, I lean forward and quickly peck Joey’s lips before opening the door and heading up to the main door. Using my key, I open the door and let myself in. A huge smile creeps onto my face as soon as the door shuts behind me. Joey kissed me. He wants to go out with me again. I feel a strange happiness I haven’t felt in a long time. I would have to call Lucas and thank him later. But for right now, my bed is calling my name.

Well, there’s Part 2. I hope everyone liked it.

Next week: We move to Joey’s point of view to see what he thought of Steve and their first date.