Choice,Compliments, and Coffee #AtoZchallenge #Feminism #AdForRoomatesStory #LGBTQIA+ #UrbanFantasy

This month-long story, “Ad for Roommates,” told in twenty-six parts, is an urban fantasy intended for readers over age fifteen. Liv, the main character, is an adult in her thirties. This is a prequel to a forthcoming book and my theme for the #AtoZchallenge. To meet another character from from this story world, visit the (adult) blog of co-host Jayden R Vincente.



I post a roommate wanted sign on the community board at my favorite coffee place. Sure, there are normal people here, but I’ve also met more than a few open-minded types. Even scored two clients while sipping a latte in this place. And anywhere I meet new clients is an investment, not a waste of money.

“You’re looking for a roommate?” A guy in brand new leathers asks, putting an emphasis on the opening word.

“Well, I’m hanging up the sign.” Not a yes, but not a no. I keep the answer free of any tone.

“Liv!” the barista calls out while sliding my hot grande coconut milk caffè latte onto the pick-up counter. I roll to get it, only to have biker-in-training block my path.

“That’s a nice hoodie.”

“Yeah, thanks. Excuse me, please.” Can I mentally will him to not be a jerk? Maybe I should roll over his feet. Sandals? You’ve got to be kidding me.

Our eyes meet. He tilts his head, looks at his feet, and then back at me. “Feet gotta be free.”

“Sure. I’m going to grab my coffee now.” Motorcycles and sandals don’t mix. Sorry, not sorry.

“Hang on, beautiful. We weren’t done chatting. I want to know more about the roommate gig. Not every day a hottie offers to let you move in right off the bat.”

I know five creatures who could eat this guy. One who would love a new leather bed. “I’m just hanging the signs and filtering the calls. My friend Jaxson is the one looking. He is a hottie, and gay, so you might be in luck.” Jaxson was straight before the surgery, I guess. I’m not really sure how that works, to be honest. What’s the word for someone who likes men and identifies as a male while the person is still trapped inside a female body? None of that is leather-man’s business. Jaxson is my protector against humans. Fangs, claws, and webbing I can handle, but people test my limits.

“Uhh… what? I don’t know. But forget that for a minute. How about if I grab your coffee and we sit together? I want to stare into those beautiful brown eyes.”

“Thanks, but no. I’m leaving.”

He crosses his arms. The new leather squeaks in response. “What? I just tossed you like three compliments. Drinking your beverage at a table with me will be the highlight of your day, Sexy.”

“First off, a compliment can only be about a choice. Those are welcome.” My voice rises as I make my points. He’s a creep, not genuine. Plus, my eyes are yellowish light green, not brown.

“Comments about my eye color, something I did not choose, isn’t a compliment. Second, I was polite in my decline. Third, I’ve requested more than once for you to allow me to pass so I might acquire my beverage. As you can see, it is difficult to maneuver around you. So, while I pose little threat to you, I feel as if you pose a threat to me.” Everyone in the place is staring at us now.

From the corner of my vision, I see a girl grab my cup, glance at the name, and walk over. “Liv?”

I nod.

“Been years since I last saw you. Rebecca Hamilton, from school, remember?” The girl, thin as a rose stem, slips between the guy and me. She hands me my beverage. “Were you headed to that sale at the cosmetic store? I have a coupon that’s good if you bring a friend.”

Rebecca beams. She dances as she spins around to face the guy in leather. “You don’t wear lipstick, do you? Maybe some eyeliner?”

“No. What?” Ah, the look of annoyed confusion. I love how it creases his brow, making him ugly.

“Then you wouldn’t want to join my friend Liv and I. We must be going.” She sips her frosty coffee drink.

“Yeah. I need more fuschia lipstick. And maybe a mauve,” I say as I blow on my hot beverage.

“For me, some cherry red and either caramel kiss or pink pleasures. Which do you think would look better on me, Liv?” Rebecca hands me her cup, glides behind my chair, and wheels to the exit.

“I don’t actually have a coupon. Or know you from school. Just figured you wouldn’t object to a rescue.”

“Thanks. I kind of figured.” I motion to her cup. “Tink?”

She laughs. “Tink for Tinkerbell. It’s my nickname. Guys like him try crap like that on me all time thanks to my size.”

“I can imagine. How do you deal?” We head a few doors down, toward the cosmetic store. Leather-guy isn’t following us.

“Well, I’ve had to headbutt a few guys in the nuts. Then I drop down and spin away before they can catch me.”

“That’s an impressive move.”

“Thanks. I’ve been a professional ice-skater for most of my life.”

*** words 821

Tenth Anniversary of the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge bloghop.

Bethlehem #AtoZchallenge #ShortStory #AdForRoomatesStory #LGBTQIA+ #LehighValley Pennsylvania

This month-long story, “Ad for Roommates,” told in twenty-six parts, is an urban fantasy intended for readers over age fifteen. Liv, the main character, is an adult in her thirties. This is a prequel to a forthcoming book and my theme for the #AtoZchallenge. To meet another character from from this story world, visit the (adult) blog of co-host Jayden R Vincente.



I need to put my roommate ad up in more places. Places I can get to in this wheelchair. Grocery stores? I mean, everyone eats. I’m not looking for “everyone” types though. Not considering what I live with. Nightclubs? That might work. Or land me with loud twenty-somethings who do a lot of drugs and get the cops called over. Then one of the police dogs smells the wrong scent and I’m screwed.

I nibble on a basket of french fries as I contemplate places to hang this. Is there a community bulletin board at the Lehigh Valley Mall? How about one right here at the New City View Diner? No, these are both places with normal people. And I need weird folks. My kind of people.

“You’re looking for a roommate?” A girl at the next table asks as she glances at my flyer.

“Or two. I’m Liv.”

“I’m Beth.”

“Like the song? Kiss is awesome!”

“I wish. No, my parents aren’t that cool. Did you know that song was originally called Beck? Short for Becky. It was another band, Chelsea, that drafted it. Later, their drummer joined Kiss.”

“Oh, fun music fact. Love it!” This roommate search might be easier than I thought.

“I’m actually Beth, short for Bethlehem. I know, I know, totally lame.”

“Wow.” I offer her a fry.

“Yes, people ask me if it’s Beth-le-hem or Beth-lum all the time. Lazy local tongues. Which is why I just go by Beth.”

“That’s gotta be fun,” I drip sarcasm like it’s ketchup running off my fries. “Were you born here? At St. Luke’s?”

“No. My dad got a job at Air Products. And then I got an apprenticeship at one of the tattoo shops. Been doing that the last couple of years. You have any ink?”

I shake my head. Like I need one more thing to spend money on. “Thought about it. But I’ve had enough needles and pain for a lifetime. I don’t know, maybe one day. What was your first?”

She rolls up her sleeve. “This albino weasel. There’s a local writer’s group that uses them as a mascot.”

“Not just a regular weasel, an albino one. Sure, why not.” I laugh. “Looks good though.”

“Yup.” She shows me a few of her other ones.

“So, any interest in applying?” I tap the flyer.

“I’m actually all set. But my brother might be. Would it be odd to live with a guy?”

“It depends on the guy,” I nibble another fry. Gotta make it last, since eating out is a rare treat.

“True. I mean, certainly different with a gay guy. Or a maybe a trans.”

“Well, yeah. It would be less intimidating with a guy who isn’t possibly going to be interested.” I’m bisexual, so gender doesn’t make a big difference. But the odds of a guy not understanding the word ‘no’ is higher than with a woman. Then he gets eaten by a monster friend.

Beth shows me her sexy belly ring. It’s getting warm in this diner.

“I have another tat, but it’s under my thong, so I can’t show you that one.”

I’m dying to take a look there. I wonder who’s cuter, her or her brother? I’m going to Hell, if there is such a place. It would be wrong to Google him on my laptop while I’m here, right?



***562 words

Tenth Anniversary of the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge bloghop.

Ad for Roommates #AtoZchallenge #ShortStory #AdForRoomatesStory #Paranormal #UrbanFantasy

This month-long story, “Ad for Roommates,” told in twenty-six parts, is an urban fantasy intended for readers over age fifteen. Liv, the main character, is an adult in her thirties. This is a prequel to a forthcoming book and my theme for the #AtoZchallenge. To meet another character from this story world, visit the (adult) blog of co-host Jayden R Vincente.



Great, I’ve inherited this big house from my dad. The only thing he has given me in years. Despite our shared genetics, we were never close. Which is why his soul has turned into a ghost. He can’t move on because of his guilt. He cut mom and me out of his life, but now can’t cut me from his death. So I’m stuck dealing with him in a house that, yes, I’m grateful to have, but I can’t afford the taxes on.

So, if I am going to stay, I’m gonna need some roommates.

Given that my hip arthritis has me in a wheelchair most of the time, I don’t really need the top floor or most of the finished basement. Plus, it’s a basement. Those are kind of creepy anyway. So I may as well rent it out.

Assuming, of course, that I can find people who are accepting of my… lifestyle? Hmm, how will I phrase this ad?

Two Roommates wanted.
Basement and Second Floor (three bedrooms) immediately available. Suburban neighborhood with driveway.

Do I want to mention the school district? No. I don’t want to live with children. They could get eaten, and that’s just too messy.

Attached to Good Psychic Readings.

Is that enough of a warning? Can’t very well come right out announcing I live with monsters.

Cat-friendly. No smoking. There will be a shared area for the kitchen, dining, laundry, and living room.

Do I mention the sunroom? It’s not really shared. And people might be eaten if they go in there.

I wheel out of the copy center with two dozen flyers. Where will I put them? I look at nearby places.

An adult shop? Well, why not.

I roll inside. The sweet smell of the leather section floats over me. It’s nicer in here than I expected. I spot a cute goth girl behind the counter.

“Hi.”

“Welcome to Aphrodite's Toychest. Can I help you find your fantasy today?”

“I, no, well, I mean, maybe.” No one has ever offered to find my fantasy before.

She smiles at me. It’s a really great smile. Makes me want to hug her. The feeling from her warm glow is kind of like the feeling of looking at my cat. Fred, not Sir PussPuss.

“Well, we’ve got lots of toys, depending on your preferences. For yourself or to use with someone?”

“Oh. I don’t have a someone. Actually, that’s kind of why I’m here.”

She raises an eyebrow. “I’ve got dolls, but there are no hookers in the back.”

I laugh. “Good to know. I’m actually looking for roommates. The more open-minded variety. I run a psychic business out of my converted garage. I’m hoping to avoid the judgemental types. You know?”

She nods. “Yeah. I can see how a place with fuzzy cuffs probably has a better audience than a grocery store.”

I hand her my ad. “Fuzzy cuffs? My ex stole my last pair. So, since I’m here…”

“Leopard, pink, purple, black, or red?”

“Hmm. My favorite color is copper. Don’t suppose you have that?”

“Not in fuzzy cuffs. Nipple clamps though!”

I laugh. “I’ll take the leopard print, please.”

She rings me up, thanks me, and promises to get the ad seen by the right people.

***545 words
Check out JR Vincente's blog today for this story from the point of view of that goth cashier!

Tenth Anniversary of the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge bloghop.

Theme Reveal #AtoZChallenge Short Story

This April, I'll be presenting a short story featuring my character, Liv. She's a psychic who just inherited her father's home. But to be able to afford to stay, she's going to need to get a roommate or two. This is a prequel to the book I'm writing with two other published friends.

Will the 15 Minimum Wage Work

The negative responses I've read to the $15/hr minimum wage increase are all about "I already make that amount, does this mean I'm now gonna be a minimum wage employee??? That's not fair!"

I think that protests the wrong issue. What concerns me is if the pay hike doesn't come with price increase restrictions, what will happen to costs? The purpose of raising it is because necessities have become more expensive. But is there a law to keep them reasonably priced so a minimum wage worker can spend just the suggested quarter of income on a home?

$15 hr× 40 hrs= $600 week / 25% tax= $450 a week × 52 weeks a year=  $23,400 a year / 25% income= $5,850 a year on housing / 12 months= $487.50 a month.

That's about half of what I pay in rent now, and I'm living in el-cheapo.

Proof:

The door knob to my building broke. It was replaced with a ribbon for quite some time.

I'm not saying there aren't worse places. But our level of security was "tug the ribbon to get in." Stray cats mastered it on the second day.

So, yeah, I believe there should be required apartments for rent for $487 a month, and while they don't have to be fancy, they should meet some minimum requirements. (Working smoke detectors, no wires dangling from the ceiling, handles on doors, proper hallway lights, etc.) Not to sound all "first world problems" about it, but maybe those become the homes assigned to Congress. That's the new governor's mansion- the exact place that their lowest paid constituents live. Because to serve the people you need to know the people, understand what they go through.

Mostly though, I just don't want to hear one more economist jabber on about only spending 25% of income after taxes on housing, and not knowing that such places don't exist everywhere, especially the places with lots of jobs and in good school districts. They make up budget charts for living in fairytale lands. If you want the charts to matter, set laws that make it possible. Cap rent, food costs, transportation cost, etc. Fight the fire on both fronts.

Hilarious Budgeting

Silly me! I've been spending money on a home and healthy food. What I SHOULD be doing is living in my car 🚗 (which I shouldn't insure despite the law), eating three $1 meals a day,  and only buying my prescriptions. No more electricity, Internet, rent, or paying other bills (cause no more address so they'll have a hard time finding me). My phone is probably my want, so maybe I get to keep that. Sure, I'll probably die from exposure to the elements, especially with my health. But I'll be a millionaire, so at least I'll be able to afford the funeral. 🤦‍♀️

The advice would be good, but it's just not realistic. Because the other thing they have is either a starting pile of family money or a job that makes more in a month than my household does in a year.

~From Pinterest~

Live The Dream

~Found on Pinterest~

I wake up in our home. It's big enough to hold all our stuff without being cluttered, and without having to discard our stuff to make it uncluttered. Someone else comes two or three times a week to clean. All the meals are prepared already, and are healthy, and none of them make me sick. The bills are paid without worry,  because there's always more money in the bank and no worry it'll run out. I sit in my office and write. Pain doesn't stop me. I can breathe. John and I go for a walk before dinner. It's the kind of neighborhood where a couple can go for a walk safely. We relax together after dinner,  watching movies or whatever. I'll see my friends on Tuesday, maybe on the weekend too. My family might stop by. My brother is happy.  He has his son back. He let go of the hate and anger.  My Aunt and Uncle no longer have diabetes, and they're not going blind. They come over to play with our cats. Because we have cats. Our in-laws come to visit once in a while too. Or we visit them. Because I can breathe, so we can do that. And we're going on vacation, not only because we can afford it, but because I don't have to worry about the temperature of the place and if my body can keep up. We don't have to pack medicine because we don't need it because our bodies aren't rejecting life. We're happy. And not afraid of the future. We can help more, do more, contribute more. We're alive. We're living life, not just surviving and scrapping by. It's better than fine, it's great.