Mixed Reality (Indigo Love Spectrum), page 1
Mixed Reality
Chamein Canton
Genesis Press, Inc.
Indigo Love Spectrum
An imprint of Genesis Press, Inc.
Publishing Company
Genesis Press, Inc.
P.O. Box 101
Columbus, MS 39703
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, not known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without written permission of the publisher, Genesis Press, Inc. For information write Genesis Press, Inc., P.O. Box 101, Columbus, MS 39703.
All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author and all incidents are pure invention.
Copyright© 2010 Chamein Canton
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-607-4
ISBN-10: 1-58571-607-3
Manufactured in the United States of America
First Edition
Visit us at www.genesis-press.com or call at 1-888-Indigo-1-4-0
Dedication
My mother always said love was a thirteen-lettered word, communication. This novel is to remind all of us to talk to the one we love, openly and honestly. Remember to back up your actions with words, so there is never any doubt about how you feel and what the love of your life means to you. Actions may speak louder, but words filter straight from the ears to the heart.
Acknowledgements
My journey as an author has been made more special by all the readers who have taken time to reach out to me. I want you to know that I think of you with every word I type. You inspire me to want to improve and to continue to grow as a writer. Thank you. As always I never forget my family, who is always there to support me in all my endeavors. My dad, Leonard F. Canton Jr, who is the absolute best father I could ask for. Then there is my mother, Mary E. Wallace, who keeps me in stitches with her straight talk. I again thank my sister Natalie and my brother-in law Donell for always being in my corner when it comes to my career and my children. Again there’s my brother in spirit, Joel Woodard, who always cheers for the big girls. I again thank Mrs. Frances Watkins, who taught me how to find joy in everyday life even when there is physical pain. I also am grateful to my sons Sean and Scott, who have grown into fine young men. I also thank my uncles, Calvin and Cecil Canton and Charles Salley, for being great uncles.
Thanks also to the man that puts a smile on my face and opened my mind to delve further into NYC politics, Michael Bressler. He is the most wonderful man, and I thank him for loving me unconditionally. As always I also want to thank those I’ve lost but carry in my heart every day: Grandma Salley and Grandma Canton; my great-grandmother Dorothy Donadelle; my great-uncle, Ernest “Unc” Donadelle; my Auntie Ruth, Uncle Willis, and Aunt Edna. Thanks also to my friends, near and far: James Weil, Eric Smith, Pearl Alston, Sheri Collins, Kim Bettie and Edward Kemnitzer. Thank you all for being in my life. I also want to thank the mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, and the wonderful tour guides at City Hall for helping me fill in the blanks about life at City Hall.
Finally, thanks to the wonderful folks at Genesis Press: Deborah, Valerie, Diane, Brian, and my new editor Mavis Allen. You are a terrific team and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Chapter 1
The morning sun shone brightly on the sands of Martha’s Vineyard. It was a little after six in the morning and the seagulls were the only creatures stirring as Mirielle Abbott casually strolled along the shoreline. Elle, as she was known to her family and friends, had decided to take advantage of the early morning before the beach got too crowded and the hangover twins awoke. Although just nineteen, Elle passed for over twenty-one and could have easily joined her travel companions in yet another alcohol-soaked night in Margaritaville, but, after she’d spent the previous six months convincing her parents to let her fly solo, she wasn’t taking any chances. Her parents, Richard Abbott and Lynette Chambers, may not have agreed about much after their divorce, but they were on the same page when it came to their only child. They wanted her to be safe.
If her parents seemed a little overprotective, they had every reason to be. Growing up on Long Island, Elle had a Doogie Howser life. At age four, when most kids were learning their ABC’s and basic counting, she read at a high-school level and her math scores were off the charts. By the time she was eleven years old Elle had graduated high school. So when other teenagers were getting ready for the prom and the SAT’s, she was in graduate school, all under the watchful eye of chaperones, tutors and her parents. So it was no surprise Elle intended to enjoy every second of her newfound freedom, even if it was only for a few days.
Walking slowly, she closed her eyes as the ocean breeze wrapped her gauzy white halter dress around her curvy figure. She smiled as the wind gently combed through her long, wavy auburn locks. Too bad I can’t bottle this feeling, she sighed. Just as she opened her eyes she noticed a shirtless runner heading her way. Oh my. Her eyes widened. Who knew you could find Adonis in Martha’s Vineyard? Elle’s stomach fluttered as she beheld his broad shoulders, incredible pecs and dark, wavy hair. Before she realized it he had stopped in front of her.
“Good morning.” He smiled.
“Good morning,” she said shyly.
“I see I’m not the only one taking advantage of this beautiful morning.”
“Yes. I like how peaceful it is.”
“I do, too. It helps me clear my head.”
“I know how you feel.” Elle looked down at the sand.
“By the way, my name is Douglas Brennan.” He put his hand out.
She shook it. “It’s nice to meet you, Douglas Brennan. I’m Mirielle Abbott. Everyone calls me Elle.”
“May I call you Elle?”
“Sure.”
“So, Elle, are you here on a family vacation?”
“No. I’m here with friends. Are you here with family?”
“Yes. We have a place just up the beach.” He pointed. “Are you on a break from school?”
“I guess you could say that. I just graduated.”
“Congratulations. Have you decided what college you’re going to?”
“Princeton,” she began.
“That’s a terrific choice. I went to Harvard, but Princeton was one of my top choices.”
Elle laughed.
“What’s so funny?” He looked a little puzzled.
“I just completed my doctorate in sociology at Princeton.”
His eyes widened and his jaw just about hit the sand. “You just finished your doctorate? How old are you?”
“I’m nineteen.”
Douglas shook his head. “That blows my mind,” he said as he laughed. “Here I am thinking you just left high school. You must think I’m a putz.”
“No. It’s an honest mistake.” Elle looked up as a seagull passed overhead.
“I think we should start walking so we’re a moving target.”
“I think you’re right. But don’t you want to get back to your run?”
“No. I think I’m done for now. I’d like to slow it down and walk for a while, if that’s okay with you.” He smiled warmly.
Elle felt the butterflies swarm in her stomach. “Sure.” Just as she turned to walk she nearly tripped on a mound of sand. Douglas quickly grabbed her hand and steadied her.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes. Thank you, Douglas.”
“You’re welcome, and please call me Doug.”
In that moment their eyes met and their hands didn’t part as they walked down the beach.
“Elle? Are you awake, baby?”
She slowly opened her eyes to see Douglas sitting on the edge of the bed. “Good morning.” She yawned. “What time is it?”
He looked at the clock. “It’s not quite 7:00 a.m. I’m sorry I woke you up. You looked so happy.”
“That’s okay, honey.” She covered her mouth as she yawned again. “Oh, excuse me.” She paused. “I have to get up and get this day started.” Elle sat up.
“Did you have that dream again?”
“Yes.” She smiled. “I don’t know why I keep dreaming about the day we met. “
He leaned in and kissed her. “That was the best day of my life.”
“Mine, too.”
“And once this term is over we get to go back to that life.”
“Hmm.”
“What? You don’t believe me?”
Elle had been married to Doug long enough to know the name Brennan was synonymous with politics. Doug’s grandfather, Hugh Brennan Sr., came from a family who had owned a pub in Boston when Irish had been a dirty word. His grandmother, Kathleen, was the daughter of Boston’s first Irish mayor. Hugh’s family could afford to send him to Harvard, but once he was there he quickly learned that if he wanted acceptance and respectability, he would have to buy it. It didn’t take long for him to amass a fortune working as a bank president and dabbling in the still unregulated stock market. However, certain country clubs and associations wouldn’t accept him regardless of his wealth. The realization led him into the world of politics, and he backed Democrat FDR for his first term as president. After FDR rolled into office, he rewarded Hugh Sr. with a position with the then newly formed Securities and Exchange Commission in New York, making it necessary to move the family to Bronxville, a wealthy enclave in Westchester and a mere train ride from all the action in Manhattan. Nevertheless, his real dream was to make a run for the White House himself. Unfortunately Hugh’s business practices made it impossible for him to run for office without inquiry. So he did what every stifled politician did, he passed on his political aspirations to his eight children, including Doug’s father, former two-term Congressman from New York Hugh Brennan Jr., who in turn passed the family mantle to his eldest son Doug.
“Let’s just say I’m not going to hold my breath.”
“You know there are term limits for New York City mayors. It’s not like I can change that.”
“True.” Elle still sounded skeptical.
“Well, technically I could challenge it. But why would I want to? Two terms is more than enough.”
“That’s easy to say now, but running New York City is a tough act to follow and you love a challenge. What would you do next?”
“I don’t know, but it will be nice not having to worry about campaigning for re-election or pissing off this or that group. No more press conferences, budget meetings, special appearances or official dinners.”
“You could get back to your civil rights law practice…”
“Yes.” He leaned closer to her. “I’m also looking forward to more than an occasional morning in bed with my beautiful wife.” He kissed her.
“Is that right?” She grinned.
“Yes. That’s right.” They kissed a little longer. “Mmm. Are you heading over to the office this morning?”
As the President of Community and External Affairs at New York Hospital, Elle developed outreach programs for the community the hospital served and beyond. More importantly as a Brennan she didn’t have to take a salary, which meant the hospital couldn’t afford not to have her. In return she had the flexibility of working from the office or home, which made it easier for her to stay involved with their children.
“No. There’s a parents’ meeting at the school. I’m working from here later on today.”
“Oh, that’s right. Should I be there?”
“That’s okay, honey. I think today’s meeting has to do with the upcoming winter dance. They’re probably looking for chaperones, people for the refreshment committee…really interesting stuff like that.”
“In other words it’s just up your alley.”
She smiled. “It is in a way. I never went to a high school dance.”
“You couldn’t go. You were only ten.”
“Right. That’s why I’m so into this stuff for Kyle and Kevin. I want them to enjoy being teenagers.”
“You know there is such a thing as teen angst.”
“True, but at least it will happen in high school. Let me tell you it was no fun to go through it in college. There Melissa and I were, the M & M girls, escorted by our chaperone to every class while eighteen-, nineteen- and twenty-year-olds looked at us like the geek freaks we were.”
“They didn’t think you were freaks. I bet most of them wished they had a tenth of your smarts.”
“You always know just what to say.” She smiled warmly.
“I guess that’s the mark of a politician.”
“No. It’s the mark of a wonderful man.”
“I love you so much, Elle.” He gently touched her chin and began kissing her more deeply, raising the temperature and the stakes. “Where are the boys? It’s kind of quiet this morning.” He continued kissing her neck.
Elle closed her eyes. “They had an early lab.”
“So it’s just the two of us?”
Elle reluctantly pulled away. “Don’t start anything you can’t finish, my love.”
“You’re right. I certainly don’t like leaving things unfinished.” He reached over for the phone and dialed. “Morning, Ki. I need you to push my meeting back this morning by a half hour or forty-five minutes. Make whatever excuses you have to, and I’ll see you soon. Thanks, buddy.” He hung up.
Elle shook her head. “I know that had to be his voicemail.”
“It was.” He unloosened his tie and tossed it on the chair. “He’ll get over it.” He unbuttoned his shirt. Then he took it and his undershirt off. Elle couldn’t help but smile. Douglas still had the same hard body with great pecs. His shoulders were as amazing as ever. He pulled his pants off. “You know sweetie, you’re still the same sexy mocha goddess I saw on the beach all those years ago. It’s like time stood still.”
“And you’re still the same Adonis I saw on the beach.”
He climbed in bed with her. “Thanks, baby, but you haven’t seen anything yet.” He tossed aside his boxer briefs and kissed her fervently.
Sorry, Ki. I was gonna go to bat for you but…oh God. She thought before she succumbed to her husband’s passion. Douglas knew just what to do to drive her crazy. He kissed and caressed her neck and shoulders and teased her soft breasts. The smell of his cologne and the warmth of his body next to hers drove her wild. Every time felt like the first time for her, although she’d grown more adept at turning the tables on Douglas.
She rolled on top of him and removed her nightgown. Douglas could barely catch his breath before she began kissing and gently sucking her way down his neck to his chest. She softly blew on his skin as she tickled it with her tongue. Doug’s body tensed with anticipation when she grew ever closer to his waist. Oh, baby, she really knows how to get me. One more centimeter, Elle, just one more kiss. He closed his eyes and Elle went the distance.
“Okay, baby,” he said breathlessly. “You’re mine.” He rolled her onto the bed and soon their bodies were intertwined as they slowly savored every moment of their lovemaking. When they neared the peak they locked eyes.
“I love you, Elle.”
“I love you, too, Doug.” Elle was breathless and within an instant sheer ecstasy washed over them.
A few minutes later Elle lay on Doug’s chest. He gently rubbed her shoulder. “Soon this will be us every morning.”
Elle lifted her head. “Did you say every morning?”
“You heard me. We’ve got a lot of lost time to make up for, you know. Are you up to it?”
“Of course I’m up to it. I’m just not sure you’re really done with politics. You thrive on challenges most people would run from screaming.”
“I can’t help it. I do love politics.”
“Be honest, you also love being in the spotlight. I, on the other hand, would rather be in the witness protection program before I have to put on my Stepford wife act and smile pretty for the cameras.”
“You are definitely not a Stepford wife. I know you’re tired of all the scrutiny that comes with the job.”
“If the media only concentrated on you, I’d be fine. But I did marry into this family with my eyes wide open. I mean, once I realized you were the sexiest man alive.”
Doug cringed. “It’s been twenty-plus years and I haven’t been able to shake that title.”
“Most men would still be milking it for all it’s worth.”
“I’m not most men.”
“Hallelujah to that!”
“I’ll say it again; in a few months you will have me all to yourself. So I’ll ask you again. Are you ready for that?”
She kissed him. “Bring it on, Your Honor.”
The phone rang.
So much for our quiet time, she thought. “I bet I know who it is.”
“That’s a sucker bet.” He looked at the phone.
“If you don’t answer it he’ll just keep calling.”
“I know.” He sat up took a deep breath and picked it up. “Hello, Ki.” He stopped to listen. “Really? Okay. I’ll see you then.” He hung up.
“That didn’t sound bad at all.”
“It wasn’t bad. He said this morning’s meeting was cancelled at the last minute.”
“Oh, so you have time to take another shower and get ready.”
“I wouldn’t say that exactly…”
“You wouldn’t?”
“No. You know I was a boy scout and our motto is ‘be prepared’.”
“And?”
“I want to make sure I’m ready for civilian life.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me, Mrs. Brennan. Class is in session.” Elle giggled as he took her into his arms.
