In her imagination, Sophie saw Jonathan place his well-polished boot on the step of the gazebo. “Oh, you’re alone,” he said. “I was hoping to find you with the kitchen maid so we could speak.” He pivoted to go. “Please stay, Jonathan.” Sophie rose from her seat and took a … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 14)
An apron over her morning dress, Sophie ambled around the garden, dead-heading flowers and cutting a bouquet for the dining room table centerpiece. Dropping a zinnia in her basket, she took a deep breath of perfume-scented air and tried to sort out her thoughts. It had been a week since … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 13)
“Nice to see you again, Secretary,” Michael said to a Latino woman dressed in a bright yellow cocktail dress. “This is my date, Jane Edwards. She’s a writer.” “How very nice to meet you, dear,” the U.S. Secretary of State said as she shook Jane’s hand. “My husband is a … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 12)
The dress arrived at Jane’s apartment at two in the afternoon on Friday. Included instructions said they’d pick it up on Monday. The dress was a simple black sheath with spaghetti straps. A pair of Jimmy Chou strapless heels accompanied the frock. Michael knew how to do things with class. … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 11)
A tap on her shoulder shook Jane from her replay of Michael’s after dinner kiss the night before. “You’re not doing it right,” a young female voice said. Jane turned and stared at the figure dressed in an empire-waisted green dress. The woman’s light brown hair was swept up in … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 10)
Jane suggested a small Ukrainian restaurant near her apartment. “I go there a lot,” she said to Michael. “They know me and what I like. It’s like having my own personal chef and dining room.” She slid on her coat, Michael helping her with the sleeve that seemed to have … Read More
The Dreaded Writer’s Block
It’s been a while since I’ve written another scene for “The Bodice Rips…” Part of it is that I was working on another story, one that, frankly, excited me more. As I sat down to work on “The Bodice Rips…” today, I realized I was stuck. So, I did what … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 9)
Page Five Sophie stabbed at the needlework, jabbing her index finger. “Ouch!” Sucking the tip of her finger in her mouth, she scowled at the offending fabric. She’d made quilts at home, but they were practical. This, this artistic nonsense was a waste of time. A prettily embroidered jack-in-the-pulpit would … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 8)
Jane snatched the envelope from Michael. If only she could hide it in the freezer along with the cat food, dirty dish and tampon box. Maybe he wouldn’t recognize it for what it was. “Landlord problems?” Michael said as he shut the door. “Mmmm.” She tossed the envelope on the … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 7)
Page 4 It was unfair. Jonathan had been enjoying his grumpy mood far too much and now this chit of a girl was ruining his ability to remain testy. She was attempting to look down her nose at him–a difficult feat for a slight girl a little over five feet … Read More