Melissa Brayden: Heart Block

“Wait. So that means…”

“Sold out. Entirely. And we’re still getting inquiries. How fast can you paint exactly?”

Emory laughed out loud. “I don’t believe it.”

“It’s pretty impressive, actually. I don’t recall another artist I’ve worked with doing this well their first time out.”

Sarah squeezed her hand. “Of course not.”

Melody checked her watch. “We should be wrapping up soon. Shall we get drinks and discuss the future?”

“Ah, can’t tonight.” She glanced at Sarah. “We kind of have plans.”

Sarah nudged her shoulder. “It’s fine. Go.”

“No way. I’ve been looking forward to this. Melody, can we do it Tuesday?”

“Tuesday’s great, actually. I’ll call you. And congratulations, Emory, you deserve it.”

Emory watched her walk away and turned back expectantly to Sarah. “How quick can you wrangle the kiddo and meet me in the car?”

“Time me, superstar.”

*

An hour and a half later, the kitchen table at the beach house was covered with blueberry French toast, hash brown potatoes, maple bacon, and Emory’s contribution, “Hobo Scramble,” which consisted of eggs, cream cheese, scallions, and ham. Sarah had to admit, it all tasted amazing.

Grace helped herself to a second spoonful of hash browns. “I think I adore breakfast for dinner.”

“Not more than me,” Emory echoed. She sliced excitedly into her French toast.

Sarah watched them, amused by their matching kid-like expressions. Over the past few months, she’d watched Emory slowly relax into life. She went into the office a couple of days a week to consult on any pressing issues, but for the most part spent her time in the spare room they’d converted into her art studio or painted on the beach. Her eyes shone brighter and she seemed so carefree, unencumbered. It was wonderful to see her so full of life.

“Mom, can I give Walter a piece of bacon?”

Sarah glanced over at Walter, who sat obediently back from the table watching each and every move they made as if his life depended on it. “Sure. Make his day.” Walter accepted the offered piece of bacon with lightning speed and then licked his lips in gratitude. He collapsed comfortably back into his spot on the floor and rested his chin atop his toy raccoon, his best friend in the world next to Grace, whom he followed throughout the house religiously.

“That’s a good buddy boy, Walter,” Emory said affectionately. “You’re the cutest of the cute, you know that?”

His tail wagged in seeming appreciation.

When dinner was done, Sarah and Grace worked together to clear the table, as Emory started the dishes. “Go get your pajamas on, monster, if you want to watch the movie. I’ll finish up.” Grace scampered up the stairs to her room and Sarah brought the last dish to the sink. In doing so, she couldn’t help but let her eyes drift down Emory’s body in appreciation of her in those yoga pants. Her mouth went dry, as it always did where Emory was concerned.

“Mom, it’s your turn to pick the movie!” Grace’s voice from upstairs brought her back from where she’d drifted, but not before Emory caught the stare.

Emory was smiling as she shook her head. “You cannot look at me like that. Not when our daughter will be back down here any second to watch a two-hour movie.”

Sarah feigned complete mystification. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m trying to clear the table. Could you focus, please, on the dishes?”

Emory moved in and stole a playful kiss. “You’re a bad liar. I will deal with you later.”

Sarah grinned. “Then my plan has worked.” Hearing Grace in the living room, she headed that way.

“Did you pick a movie, Mom?”

“I’m in the mood for a classic. How about To Kill a Mockingbird ?”

“Oh, that gets my vote.” Emory snuggled in next to Grace on the comfy couch, a Matamoros contribution to the beach house when they’d moved in. “You’ll like it too, kiddo. It’s right up your alley.”

“Okay, cool.” Walter wedged himself tightly on the other side of Grace, placing his head in her lap as Sarah set up the DVD. She then settled in next to Emory and took her hand just as the opening credits appeared on the screen. Sarah looked across at Grace and exchanged a private smile, her mind drifting to how far they’d come in just a year’s time. So much had changed. So much had fallen into place.

But now they were home.

Her family was complete.

And she was so very lucky.

About the Author

Melissa Brayden currently works as a theater director at the performing arts center of one of the largest high schools in the state of Texas, a job she completely enjoys. Recently, she’s fallen down the rabbit hole and rediscovered her love for creative writing. Her first novel, Waiting in the Wings, was honored with two 2012 Goldie Awards for Best Debut Author and Best Traditional Contemporary Romance.

Melissa is married and working really hard at remembering to do the dishes. For personal enjoyment, she spends time with her Jack Russell terriers and checks out the NYC theater scene several times a year. She considers herself a reluctant patron of the treadmill, but enjoys hitting a tennis ball around in nice weather. Coffee is her very best friend. www.melissabrayden.com

What Reviewers Say About Melissa Brayden’s Work

“This was an engaging book with believable characters and story development. It’s always a pleasure to read a book set in a world like theater/film that gets it right…a thoroughly enjoyable read.”— Lez Books

“This is Brayden’s first novel, but we wouldn’t notice if she hadn’t told us. The book is well put together and more complex than most authors’ second or third books. The characters have chemistry; you want them to get together in the end. The book is light, frothy, and fun to read. And the sex is hot without being too explicit—not an easy trick to pull off.”— Liberty Press

Books Available from Bold Strokes Books

Crossroadsby Radclyffe. Dr. Hollis Monroe specializes in short-term relationships but when she meets pregnant mother-to-be Annie Colfax, fate brings them together at a crossroads that will change their lives forever. (978-1-60282-756-1)

Beyond Innocenceby Carsen Taite. When a life is on the line, love has to wait. Doesn’t it? (978-1-60282-757-8)

Heart Blockby Melissa Brayden. Socialite Emory Owen and struggling single mom Sarah Matamoros are perfectly suited for each other but face a difficult time when trying to merge their contrasting worlds and the people in them. If love truly exists, can it find a way? (978-1-60282-758-5)

Pride and Joyby M.L. Rice. Perfect Bryce Montgomery is her parents’ pride and joy, but when they discover that their daughter is a lesbian her world changes forever. (978-1-60282-759-2)

Timothyby Greg Herren. Timothy is a romantic suspense thriller from award-winning mystery writer Greg Herren set in the fabulous Hamptons. (978-1-60282-760-8)

In Stone: A Grotesque Faerie Taleby Jeremy Jordan King. A young New Yorker is rescued from a hate crime by a mysterious someone who turns out to be more of a something. (978-1-60282-761-5)

The Jesus Injectionby Eric Andrews-Katz. Murderous statues, demented drag queens, political bombings, ex-gay ministries, espionage, and romance are all in a day’s work for a top-secret agent. But the gloves are off when Agent Buck 98 comes up against The Jesus Injection. (978-1-60282-762-2)

Combustionby Daniel W. Kelly. Bearish detective Deck Waxer comes to the city of Kremfort Cove to investigate why the hottest men in town are bursting into flames in broad daylight. (978-1-60282-763-9)