And the Winner Is...

A few days ago, I was sitting in restaurant having lunch and eavesdropping like I am known to do. Seated behind me were two women. My first assumption was they were out for a day of fun and companionship, but as I listened more closely, I realized they were not there to enjoy each other's company or even to commiserate over each other's hardships. No, they were there to compete with each other for the title of Most Pitiful Person at the Table?

Okay, so it’s wasn’t an actual competition with official rules or cheering sections, but these two were definitely vying over who had the crappier life. During the entire lunch, they lobbed shots and returned volleys. One would toss a,  "My allergies are acting up." The other would smack it back with, "Well, you think that's bad, I just got over pneumonia.:

Back and forth they went with their ailments and complaints.

Gal One had bum knees, a bad back and grandchildren who never call or help. Gal Two needed her gall bladder removed and was prone to migraines. No grandkids yet, but her children were selfish asses who probably shouldn’t breed.

Gal One, not to be outdone, countered that her children were also selfish then slammed in an ace with the revelation that her kids were also unemployed and a drain on her wallet.

Gal Two, a scrappy little fighter scored big in DO (dessert overtime), seems Gal Two's children were also  broke-ass losers, BUT she didn’t have the good fortunes that Gal One had to help her lazy offspring out.

With that, there was a pause in the conversation, then a somber, "Check, please." which I took as Gal One forfeiting the match.

Gal Two with her bum gall bladder and empty bank account gets the crown. She can either wear it with pride or complain that it’s weight aggravates her migraines. Her choice.

My choice? I hope I never enjoy playing that game.

I’m off now to count my blessings and work on edits. I’m realizing not using my publisher causes me so much stress. Usually, I have an editor who says it’s good to go. But on this, it’s me. I think I’m on round 103 and still worried about what I’ve missed. Maybe I’ll finish tonight. Or tomorrow. Definitely by next week.

Coming Soon! (if only I could finish those pesky edits!)

Hayden Matthews isn’t looking for love—she was trying to get as far from it as possible. She's already wasted eight years in a failed marriage. She wants a good life. A peaceful life. One where she can raise her daughter to be strong, independent, and happy. But to make that happen, she must fix her own life first.

Cam Vorelli has loved Hayden since he was in grade school. Always in the friend-zone, he stood on the sidelines, his heart broken, as she said I do to the wrong man. A man he knew didn’t deserve her, who could never love her as he did. But what could he say? She was marrying into his family. Cam would never break a holy vow much less be disloyal to his kin.

Until he sees the bruises on Hayden. Abuse is a game changer.

Leaving a husband like Tag, who has a hot temper, a badge, and a gun is tricky. When Hayden calls Cam for help, she isn’t trying to lure him into any romantic webs. She needs someone she can trust and knowing her soon-to-be ex fears his former NFL cousin is a bonus.

When Cam comes to her rescue, he isn’t doing it to win her love. He does it because it’s the right thing to do. But if she starts to feel the same for him…couldn’t it be fate?

Image by kannojiashreyak from Pixabay