Sneak Peak Sampler

Think of it as lunch at Costco or a night out at a wine tasting, only in the literary sense. Here is a small taste of FRACTURED.

             After Lynn is gone, Ben’s smile is full of questions. “What was that all about?”

“She has a crush on you,” I answer.

“Really?”  He thinks I’m lying.

“Really.”

“So about that art book…”

I shrug. “I know. Not very creative.”

“When do I get it back?”

“Never,” I say playfully.

“Never?” 

I watch him meander to the opposite side of my desk where he fingers a glass apple, turning it over and studying it like a Chihuly. I examine him and find myself liking the way his smile pushes the dimples deeper into his cheeks while grooves form along the sides of his eyes.

“Well, I was thinking this weekend would be a good time to get it back.”

Suddenly, I think of Lloyd who will spend the holiday and the weekend alone. I feel a deep sense of shame for even having this conversation with Ben. And I wonder for a moment if I should have invited Lloyd to my parents’ for dinner.

“What if I’m spending it with my husband?”

“Well then, I guess this weekend wouldn’t be a good time after all.” He sets the apple down. “Are you?”