#Delores Phillips

[perfectlyyoungtimetravel]

Music Mondays

Today I drew Sam Cooke. He was born on January 22nd in 1931 Clarksdale, Mississippi. He was the fifth child out of 8 children of a baptist minister Rev. Charles Cook (Sam added E to his last name in 1957.). Cooke was raised a baptist. In 1933. His family moved to Chicago and he attended Doolittle Elementary school and Wendell Phillips Academy High school. Cooke was in the choir of his father's church and he actually began his career with his siblings in a group called the 'Singing Children' when he was 6 years old He first became known as lead singer with the Highway Q.C.'s.In his. Teenage years he joined another group and he even befriended a fellow gospel singer Lou Rawls who was in a rival gospel group. In 1950 he replaced gospel tenor Rebert H. Harris into a lead singer of his gospel group 'The Soul Stirrers' who had signed with Specialty Records on behalf of the group., Cooke led their first recording called 'Jesus gave me water' and also recorded more songs called 'Peace in Valley', 'How far am I from Canaan', ' Jesus paid the debt', 'One more river' and etc. He also had fangirls that rushed to the stage to see him. Cooke had basically 30 U.S. top 40 hits between 1957. To 1964. And his major hits were 'You send me', 'A change is gonna come', 'Cupid', 'Chain Gang', 'Wonderful world's, 'Another Saturday Night' and one of his most popular one 'Twistin' the Night away'. He was the among of the first modern Black performers and composers to attend to the business side of his musical career. He was also involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Now he did crossovers of the souls and pop genre Which really...umm was bad for him because there was a stigma against gospel singers singing pop songs, he tried to sing under different alias but because he had a recognizeable big,velvety and expansive voice that could hit a high C note fans were like 'Hey umm that's your voice sir' so yeah. But luckily he got a fresh new start into pop and changed his last name into 'Cooke'. In 1957. He was rocking it! He appeared on ' ABC's The guy Mitchell Show', signed with Keen Records, his songs 'You send me' and 'Summertime' were hit so much so he was on the Billboard R&B chart and was on Billboard Pop.In 1958. He performed for the Cavalcade of Jazz concert. He signed with the RCA Victor in 1960. And he had more hits coming like 'Sad Mood', 'Cupid', 'Twistin' the Night away', 'Another Saturday night', 'Bring it on home to me', a year later he started his own record label SAR Records with J.W. Alexander and his manager Roy Crain, the Simms Twins, the Valentinos, Mel Carter and Johnnie Taylor, He later created publishing imprint and management firm called 'Kags'. He was becoming more and more famous and he in 1963. Signed a contract for Allen Klein to manage Kags and SAR Records and made him his manager, made a single 'Night beat' and made a famous famous album 'Ain't that good news' in 1964.Now his personal life was bad...His First wife Delores Elizabeth Milligan Cook have divorced in 1958. and was killed in auto collision in 1959. He married Barbara Campbell in 1958. And their son Vincent drowned in the family swimming pool and apparently he fathered at least 3 other kids out of wedlock and another woman claimed he fathered her son (I don't know if this is true) and he was involved in a car accident where his driver was killed meanwhile he,Cliff White and Lou Rawls were hospitalized, IN THAT SAME YEAR. And he was a central part of the civil rights movement using his popularity and influence with white and black populations to fight for the cause, he was friends with Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X and Jim Brown and they together fought for racial equality. On December 11th in 1964. He was killed. Some described him as the creator of soul music.

[desswright29]

If you could recommend one book to Tish what would it be?

I would suggest the book I’m currently reading called The Awakened Brain by Lisa Miller. It’s an interesting read on how spirituality or a strong sense of faith in a higher being can change the chemical makeup of your brain and help improve mental illness like depression and anxiety, evidence backed by scientific research. I think she would like it since she is such a vocal advocate for mental health and seeking God.

Sounds like a good read! There’s a few. But I’ll narrow it down to two because I can’t choose. “The Darkest Child” by Delores Phillip. She could’ve possibly already read that one. But it’s such a beautiful read about a young girl who was born the darkest out of six children.

And the Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, She since she has a little time on her hands with the strike she may be able to read this. It’s intimidating being over 700 pages but I think that is worth it. It’s also faith based but it stems more around the relationships surrounding the characters. And nothing is ever as it seems and those are my favorite types of books. I like to be taken for a ride lol.

Ooohh And honarable mention from one of my favorite authors because he gets me everytime! The Presidents Daughter by James Patterson and Conwritten by Bill Clinton. A great casual read if shes into crime and investigation.

[deloresknowsbest]

Father's Day Poem: My Daddy Was a TV Man

Father’s Day Poem by Dear Delores

Father’s Day Poem by Dear Delores Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 18th. It’s a time to celebrate the amazing father figures in our lives. On that note, I wanted to show tribute my way. My Daddy Was a TV Man poem is an ode to the father figures from some of my favorite television shows of the past. Phillip Banks from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Julius Rock from Everyone Hates Chris, Flex Anderson…

[jaketrains]

Jake & Friends: Reboot Series: Season 25: Series 1 (2023)

Characters

Jake Heaston

Zane Heaston

Rick Heaston

Kim Heaston

Grandbo

Jeanne

Leah

Sliver

Usually

Chris Kratt (PBS Kids and Amazon Prime Video)

Martin Kratt (PBS Kids and Amazon Prime Video)

Dr. Scott D. Sampson (PBS Kids and Amazon Prime Video)

Aviva

Koki

Jimmy Z

Wild Kratts Kids (PBS Kids and Amazon Prime Video)

Zach Varmitech

Donita Donata

Dabio

Chef Gourmand

Paisley Paver

Rex

Ryder

Chase

Rubble

Marshall

Rocky

Zuma

Skye

Robo-Dog

Everest

Tracker

Tuck and Ella

Rex

Liberty

Al (Pup)

Coral

(Cat Pack)

Wild

Rory

Leo (Cat Pack)

Shade

(Rubble’s Construction Crew)

Charger

Mix

Grandpa Gravel

Auntie Crane

Motor

Wheeler

Mayor Goodway

Chicketta

Julia Goodway

Julius Goodway

Mayor Greatway

Mr. Ducky-Doo

Mr. Porter

Alex Porter

Cap’n Turbot

Francisco Turbot

Tilly Turbot

Dr. Tammy Turbot

Taylor Turbot

(Ruff Ruff Pack)

Hubcap

Dwayne

Gasket

Mayor Humdinger

Kitten Catastrophe Crew

Harold Humdinger

Cheetah Humdinger

Helga Humdinger

Moby

McSquidly

Ace Sorensen

Tough Guy

Carmen

Marty Muckraker

Adventure City Camerawoman

Butch and Ruben

Kendra Wilson

Tony

Barney

Delores

Harris

Rocket

Danny

Arrby

Sid Swashbuckler the Pirate

Carols

Gus the Truck Driver

Mother Mer-Pup

Baby Mer-Pup

Kelp

Unnamed Mer-Pups

Katie

Cali

Shopkeeper Shelley

Farmer Zoe

Cafe Carl

Sweetie

Busby

Princess of Barkingburg

Earl of Barkingburg

Butler of Barkingburg Castle

Duke of Flappington

Jean-Claude

Claw

Sparks the Dragon

Speed Meister

Mr. McTurtle

Lily

Omar

Lucas

Juniper

Tyrannosaurus Rex

Timmy the T-Rex

Codi Gizmody

Elly-Dee

Park Ranger Rose

Camila (Rubble & Crew)

Mr. Hudson

River

Omar

Mandy (monkey)

Farmer Al

Ms. Marjorie

Maynard

Ladybird

The Copycat (Mr. Nibbles)

Hailey Daily

Thomas the Tank Engine

Gordon the Big Engine

James the Red Engine

Percy the Small Engine

Emily the Emerald Engine

Devious Diesel

Nia the Kenya Engine

Kana the Electric Engine

Kenji the Electric Engine

Riff and Jiff

Harold the Helicopter

Skiff the Sailboat

Carly the Crane

Sandy the Rail Speeder

Ashima of India

Beresford

Annie and Clarabel

Troublesome Trucks

Brake Car Bruno

Boxy

Whiff the Recycle Engine

Darcy the Driller

Sir Topham Hatt

Fireman Sam (character)

Penny Morris

Elvis Cridlington

Arnold McKinley

Ellie Phillips

Jodie Phillips

Station Officer Steele/Fire Captain Steele

Tom Thomas

Ben Hopper

Malcolm Williams

Rose Ravani

Sarah and James

Bronwyn Jones

Charlie Jones

Charlie Jones

Gareth Griffiths

Mike Flood

Helen Flood

Mandy Flood

Trevor Evans

Dilys Price

Norman Price

Derek Price

Mrs. Chen

Lily Chen

Moose Roberts

Joe Sparkes

Lizzie Sparkes

Hannah Sparkes

Bella Lasagne

Professor Pickles

Scoop Dooley

Krystyna Kaminski

Peter Kaminski

Radar

Nipper

Prince the Horse

Police Dog Shadow

Police Horse Kilo

Blue

Josh

Steve

Joe

Lola

Aly

Camila (Blue’s Clues & You!)

Magenta

Periwinkle

Rainbow Puppy

Mailbox

Sidetable Drawer

Malinda

Tickety Tock

Slippery Soap

(The Spice Family)

Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper

Paprika

Cinnamon

Sage and Ginger

Shovel and Pail

Firetruck

School Bus

Farmer McColl (Does Not Speak)

The Construction Workers (Cameo)

Drew (Cameo)

Unnamed Children (Cameo)

Unnamed Peoples (Cameo)

Cowgirl Beryl (Cameo)

Farmer Yumi (Cameo)

Luke Stars (Cameo)

Traveling Travis (Cameo)

Cletus (Cameo)

Mr. Wingnut (Cameo)

Mrs. Wingnut (Cameo)

Cora Colors (Cameo)

Toodles the Clown (Cameo)

Deirdre (Cameo)

Randy (Cameo)

Gustavo Goodway (Cameo)

Henry the Green Engine (Cameo)

Farona and Frederico (Cameo)

The Mayor of Adventure City (Mentioned)

Unnamed Adventure City Policeman (Mentioned)

Unnamed Adventure City Policewoman (Mentioned)

Scoop Dooley’s Cameraman (Mentioned)

Sally Thomas (Mentioned)

[wutbju]

Robert D. Garrett December 10, 1934 - August 9, 2022

Robert D. "Bob" Garrett, 87, of Anderson and husband of the late JoAnn Neal Garrett, passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2022.

Born December 10, 1934, in Waterloo, Iowa, he was the son of the late Doran and Carol Murdock Garrett. He was a Commercial and Residential Real Estate Developer. Mr. Garrett attended Auburn University and received his Honorary Doctorate from Clearwater College. He was a United States Army Veteran serving as a Jumpmaster in the Airborne 11th Air Assault Division. He served on the Boards of Bob Jones University, Clearwater Christian College, the Wilds Christian Camp and Transformation Life Center. While he was a true entrepreneur with a love for land development, his passion was that of a spiritual paramedic . Nothing thrilled him more than to see Jesus deliver someone from the bondage of addiction. He taught us all to "Praise the Lord' at all times - even during the hard times. He loved the Lord and shared that love with everyone he met. His was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather - and Uncle Bob to many nieces and nephews.

Surviving are his children, Penny Crowell (Drew) of Durango, CO, Robbie Garrett (Pam) of Honea Path, Sherri Settle (Mike) of Anderson and Rusty Garrett of Anderson; grandchildren, Charlie Phillips (D.J.), Mackie Phillips (Anna), Michael Wilson (Hayden), Cory Wilson, Andrew Crowell (Jessica), Carolina Emsbach (Travis), Garrett Crowell, Marianne Powell, Mallie Plonk (William), Claire Hirte (John), Thomas Settle, Michelann Settle, Austin Garrett and Davis Garrett; great grandchildren: Alex, Sean, and Ryan Phillips; Gus and Lark Wilson; R. J. Wilson; Brooks and Gracie Crowell; Riggins and Henry Emsbach; Alethia, Everly, Luther, and Grimke Plonk; Stevie and Sammie Hirte, and siblings: Marion Keener, Michael Garrett (Cathy), Virginia Peterson, and sister-in-law, Delores Garrett and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Garrett was preceded in death by his daughter, Cindy Leigh Wilson, and his brother, George "Skip" Garrett.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 pm Saturday, August 13, at New Covenant Church at 301 Simpson Road in Anderson, SC with Rev. Robert Garrett, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. prior to the service at New Covenant Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shalom House Ministries, 349 Blake Dairy Road, Belton, SC 29627. A ministry for long-term care and recovery of women looking to leave addiction behind.

[chrancecriber]

Radio NET Bulgaria (December 01, 2022)

23:56 JAKOB MAGNUSSON - Hook, Line & Sinker 23:52 CHILLAXONIC - Quintessence 23:48 BRADLEY LEIGHTON - Santa Clause Is Coming To Town 23:44 EUGE GROOVE - Livin' Large 23:39 EARNEST WALKER JR - Bourbon Chill 23:35 CHRIS STANDRING - Mumbo Jumbo 23:31 DANCING FANTASY - Mother Earth 23:27 MARK ETHEREDGE - Love Planet 23:22 NORMAN BROWN - The Christmas Song 23:18 CAROL ALBERT - Magic Mirror 23:13 PHILLIP DOC MARTIN - Beautiful 23:09 MARION MEADOWS - Carousel 23:05 GREGG KARUKAS - Walkin' in Time 23:00 PETER WHITE - Let's Stay Together 22:58 HOUSE MASSIVE - Children (Lounge Mix, Cover R. Miles) 22:47 ENVIO - Touched By The Sun (Rusch & Elusive's Chillout Mix) 22:43 TIFF LACEY - Show Me The Way (Acoustic Mix) 22:39 ALAN MORRIS, ENZO, JESS MORGAN - Tapestry Of Us (Piano Acoustic Mix) 22:36 ROB NUNJES - Smells Like Teen Spirit 22:32 ANDAIN - Promises 22:28 SEVEN24 - Rescue Me (Original Mix) 22:24 NURKO, AUTREY - So Far Gone 22:20 GARY B - Time To Slow It Down 22:11 TWENTYEIGHT - Hope (Original Mix) 22:06 FEINT - Clockwork Hearts (Fetch Remix) 22:02 BEBE - Siempre Me Quedara (Serge Vegas Relax T!me Remix) 21:59 THE LIGHTNESS PROJECT, NICK FERA - Beautiful Dream 21:54 RIHANNA - We Found Love (DJ Fernandez Chillout Remix) 21:49 BLUE STAHLI - Corner (Ad Astra Remix) 21:45 ABOVE & BEYOND - Blue Sky Action 21:38 TRIANGLE SUN - Buddha 21:33 GANGA - Secrets 21:29 BON JOVI - It's My Life (Piano Version) 21:25 SMOOTH STAB, AELYN - These Words Between Us (Incognet Chill Out Version) 21:22 STONEBRIDGE - Don't Matter (Album Mix) 21:16 MARK WATSON - Submission 21:09 THE RHYTHM DIVINE - Moments In Love 21:05 LEONA LEWIS - Dip Down (ReUnited Chill Out Mix) 20:59 KENNY FONTANA - U R The Sun (Toni Rivera Mix) 20:54 NITIN SAWHNEY - Breathing Light 20:51 MENZI - Zug Nach Nirgendwo 20:46 JENS BUCHERT - Bug In Mind (Vocal Mix) 20:39 SUNLOUNGER, ZARA TAYLOR - Found (Downtempo Version) 20:36 TRACEY THORN - Night Time (Original Mix) 20:32 PAROV STELAR - You Got Me There 20:27 THE SHAPESHIFTERS - Lola's Theme (Lola's Loungin' Mix) 20:20 ABOVE & BEYOND, RICHARD BEDFORD - Sun & Moon (Paul Hills Sunset 2 Moonrise Mix) 20:15 RADIO KILLER - Lonely Heart (Kenny Hayes Nitelite Mix) 20:11 MICHAEL E - Deja Vu (Short Mix) 20:06 MY 7SKY - Time Moment Has Stopped (Original Mix) 20:01 ANDY MOOR, SUE McLAREN - Fight The Fire (Masoud Chillout Mix) 19:58 SUNLOUNGER, SEIS CUERDAS - Balearic Breakfast (Chill Version) 19:54 MIA LEMAR - Colourful Life (Photo In Lounge Remix) 19:50 ERINYA MOON - On The Edge (Russian Vocal Mix) 19:45 JEAN MARE - Just Equality (Electro Downbeat Mix) 19:42 SEVEN24, VLADIMIR LOBOV - Fable 19:38 MORGAN PAGE - In The Dark 19:34 LINKIN PARK - New Divide (Lukas Termena Chillout Mix) 19:31 DIANA KRALL - California Dreamin' 19:27 MR. SPECIAL - Aren't You Clever (CJ Alex Chillout Remix) 19:23 SHIBUMI - Gemini Love (Kinobe Remix) 19:21 RICHARD DURAND - Wide Awake (Zetandel Chill Remix) 19:13 DJ OKAWARI - Luv Letter 19:09 DEEP DIVE CORP., RICOLOOP - Enjoy The Silence 19:04 ATB - With You! (Original Mix) 18:58 SCHILLER, KATE HAVNEVIK - Don't Go 18:54 PIXALEND - Maritime Sadness 18:48 DJ KODI - Love Will Tear Us Apart 18:44 SAMI COVER - Love You Like a Love Song (DjR remix) 18:40 BLANK & JONES - Pura Vida (Radio Mix) 18:34 SIMON LE GREC - Decisions (Delor Mix) 18:29 NADIA ALI - Is It Love 18:24 REUNITED - Sing It Back (Shazz Man Chill Mix) 18:20 FABERLIQUE, SYNTHETICSAX, K.S.PROJECT - Fantasy 18:11 RED BUDDHA, LINDA WONG ENSEMBLE - Stone Buddha 18:06 PROJECT BLUE SUN - Angels 18:02 CATHY BURTON - Reach Out To Me (Sadege Chill Out Remix) 17:58 DASH BERLIN, SECEDE, SARAH HOWELLS - Believe In You 17:54 MARCUS SCHOSSOW, ANDY DUGUID, EMMA HEWITT - Light (Acoustic Version) 17:49 ALY, FILA, TIFF LACEY - Paradise (Original Mix) 17:44 KAIMO K, GEMMA PAVLOVIC - Leap Of Faith (Sadege Chill Out Remix) 17:36 DELIRIUM, SARAH MCLACHLAN - Silence (Michael Woods Mix) 17:32 ROBERT NICKSON - Maybe Next Time (Chill Out Mix) 17:27 DAVID GUETTA - The World Is Mine (Paul Mira Chillout Remix) 17:24 ARNEJ, JOSIE - Strangers We've Become (Acoustic Mix) 17:17 SUNLOUNGER - Heart Of The Sun (Chill Version) 17:14 AMAZONICS - Lovin' You (Astrovoid Remix) 17:10 EMILY UNDERHILL - Fly 17:03 ANTURAGE - Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough (Original Mix) 17:00 METAHARMONIKS - Doors 16:59 MARK ETHEREDGE - You & Me & We (Remastered) (feat. Paul Brown) 16:55 JAREZ - Mr. Sexy Saxy 16:50 A & MARK R. HARRIS - Westside Memoirs (feat. Ignacio Nunez & Dean Rickard) 16:45 DAVE KOZ - This Christmas (feat. Eric Benet) 16:41 BRETTINA - Simple Pleasures 16:37 ELAN TROTMAN - Millie's Song (feat. Althea Rene & Nathan Mitchell) 16:33 DREW DAVIDSEN - Don't Delay 16:29 MARCHIO BOSSA, RYU ZEE SU - Somewhere 16:24 BOBBY LYLE - Living In The Flow 16:21 JONATHAN BUTLER - Away In A Manger 16:16 MARION MEADOWS - Be With You 16:12 JASON PETERSON DELAIRE - Nightcap 16:08 JAZZ IN PINK - Joy Joy! 16:04 MARCUS ANDERSON - A Brighter Smile 16:00 BOBBY WELLS - Oooh Baby 15:55 PETER WHITE - Perfect Moment 15:50 BRIAN BROMBERG - Choices 15:47 CHRISTMAS CAROLS - Jingle Bells 15:42 RAY OBIEDO - A Thousand Reasons 15:37 REZA KHAN - The Way 15:33 DAVE SERENY - Talk To Me 15:29 MEKIEL REUBEN - Corey 15:25 JEFF LORBER FUSION - Curiosity 15:22 LISA MCCLOWRY - Do You Hear What I Hear 15:17 GARY METZ - Summer Night Jam 15:13 SKINNY HIGHTOWER - Force 15:09 GREGG KARUKAS - Simone 15:03 ROB SABADO - I Just Wanna Hang Around You 15:00 NILS - Malibu 15:00 JAZMIN GHENT - Work Wit' It 14:55 UNDER THE LAKE - Around The Block 14:52 SEAN U - Key West 14:46 BROOKE ALFORD - The Christmas Song 14:43 DAMIEN ESCOBAR - Phoenix 14:39 PETER WHITE - Bright 14:35 SAM BASSMAN JENKINS - That's The Way Of The World 14:31 GEORGE JINDA - Lavish 14:28 BRANDON WILLIS - In The House 14:23 MICHAEL LINGTON - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 14:19 DAVID BENOIT - Long Journey Home 14:14 NORMAN BROWN - The King Is Here 14:09 REZA KHAN - Seven Mile Road 14:04 ILYA SEROV - Ironic 14:00 DAVE KOZ - Only Tomorrow Knows 13:56 EUGE GROOVE - Cafe Del Soul 13:51 JAREZ - Love Like This 13:48 BRADLEY LEIGHTON - Joy to the World 13:43 PAUL HARDCASTLE - Domino Effect 13:39 LOWELL HOPPER - Ever Lasting 13:36 496 WEST - Intentional 13:32 ELAN TROTMAN - Lay Back and Ride (feat. Nephrok! & Tyrone Chase Jr.) 13:28 MARCUS ANDERSON - Just Like Me 13:23 BEN TANKARD - White Christmas 13:18 MICHAEL MANSON - Sundance 13:13 MARCIN NOWAKOWSKI - Nobody But You (Feat. Billy Mondragon Of DW3) 13:08 RICHARD ELLIOT - People Make The World Go Round 13:04 3RD FORCE - Breakout 13:00 KENNY PORE - Touching Hearts Today 12:57 BEN TANKARD - It's Working 12:53 SPECIAL EFX - Never Ending Love 12:49 DWIGHT SIRLS - Dimensions 12:44 JAY KING - I Want Your Love 12:42 HERB ALPERT - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 12:38 PHILLIP DOC MARTIN - It's U 12:35 DAVID BENOIT - @Home 12:31 GREGG KARUKAS - Relentless 12:26 BRIAN CULBERTSON - Waiting For You 12:22 NILS - Shake It 12:18 THE TIMELESS QUINTET - Mary Did You Know 12:14 JULIAN VAUGHN - Ride Along 12:10 TONY SAUNDERS - Theme for Ellen 12:08 JAEE LOGAN - Portrait of Patrice 12:03 PETER WHITE - Who's That Lady 12:00 PEET PROJECT - Bizd magad most ram 11:56 SPECIAL EFX - Lavish 11:52 VINCENT INGALA - Read Between The Lines 11:48 K.VIO, TIM TONIC - Winter Waltz 11:43 EJAZZ ARTISTRY - To Love You More 11:39 PETER WHITE - Sunny 11:35 KIM WATERS - Boo'd Up 11:31 GERALD ALBRIGHT - Eddie's Groove 11:27 MARION MEADOWS - Consequences 11:23 DAVE KOZ - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 11:18 PETER WHITE - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow 11:14 ROB MALETICK - Give It Back 11:09 EUGE GROOVE - The Journey Ahead 11:05 RONALD BOO HINKSON - Dance the Hall 11:00 SAN GABRIEL SEVEN - Moment by Moment 10:56 DANIEL DOMENGE - Between Your Hands 10:52 WILL SUMNER - Pier Groove 10:47 JACK JEZZRO - White Christmas 10:43 JOYCE COOLING - Don't Mind if I Do 10:38 MICHAEL MANSON - A Ray of Hope 10:34 KIRK WHALUM - Ruby Ruby Ruby (feat. Earl Klugh) 10:29 RICHARD ELLIOT - Mango Tango 10:26 CAROL ALBERT - Angels Watching over Me 10:21 BRADLEY LEIGHTON - Little Drummer Boy 10:17 RICK HABANA - I'll Be There (feat. Will Donato) 10:12 EDGARDO CINTRON - People Get Ready 10:08 MARCIN NOWAKOWSKI - Tell Me Why (Feat. Paul Brown) 10:04 JAKOB MAGNUSSON - Karlsson's Arrival 10:00 ROB TARDIK - Synergy (feat. Vincent Ingala) 09:56 LES SABLER - Crescent City Strut 09:52 GREGG KARUKAS - Daylight 09:46 JAY ROWE - O Tannenbaum 09:42 QUINTIN GERARD W. - Have a Safe Flight Home 09:36 OLI SILK - Didn't Know About Love 09:33 PHILLIP DOC MARTIN - After the Rain 09:29 LAWSON ROLLINS - Momentum 09:25 PETER WHITE - The Look Of Love 09:20 NATHAN WOODWARD - We Three Kings 09:17 ALEX FALDIN - Throwback Vacations 09:12 CHIELI MINUCCI - Anything and Everything 09:08 ROD TATE - Kool 09:04 PAT BELLIVEAU - Lakeview Drive 09:00 NORMAN BROWN - Feeling The Way 08:55 JAZZ FUNK SOUL - You'll Know When You Know 08:52 PAUL BROWN - Brother Earl 08:48 VINCENT INGALA - My Favorite Things 08:44 MARION MEADOWS - Dreamin 08:39 PAUL TAYLOR - The Hills 08:35 JACKIEM JOYNER - Lil' Man Soul 08:31 EUGE GROOVE - Hide And Seek 08:26 NILS - Fire of My Heart 08:23 ART FOUR SALE - O Come All Ye Faithful 08:17 RHYTHM LOGIC - Sweet Talk 08:12 3RD FORCE - You Are The One 08:09 JAREZ - 24 Hours (feat. Julian Vaughn) 08:04 WARREN HILL - Gimme Some 08:00 ROBERT HARRIS - Standing by a Friend 07:56 JEANETTE HARRIS - 12 57 (feat. Marcus Anderson) 07:51 THE SMOOTH JAZZ ALLEY - Been A Long Time Comin' 07:48 JOHN FLUKER - We Three Kings (Instrumental) 07:44 CAROL ALBERT - Stronger Now 07:40 RICK HABANA - Journey 07:36 MARK JAIMES - Evenin' (feat. OLI SILK) 07:31 BONEY JAMES - You Can Count on Me 07:26 NICHOLAS COLE - Beyond the Stars (feat. Lynne Fiddmont) 07:22 BRADLEY LEIGHTON - Christmas Time Is Here 07:17 GREGG KARUKAS - Isabella 07:13 RICK BRAUN - Love Will Find a Way 07:08 EUGE GROOVE - Silhouette 07:04 DEAN JAMES - Neon Skies 07:00 TIM BOWMAN - All My Life 06:57 PHILLIP DOC MARTIN - Groove Love 06:53 STEVE OLIVER - In the Shade of Cool 06:49 PETER WHITE - Sunny 06:45 CHRISTOPHE GOZE - Soul to Soul (2022 Version) 06:42 PEGGY DUQUESNEL - Santa Claus Is Coming to Town 06:38 LAWSON ROLLINS - Bossa Nova California 06:34 RICHARD ELLIOT - Sly 06:31 SPONTANEOUS GROOVIN' COMBUSTION - The Wind Whispers 06:27 NICK COLIONNE - Morning Call 06:23 NORMAN BROWN - Talk It Out 06:20 MICHAEL MCDONALD - This Christmas 06:15 RAGAN WHITESIDE - How Do You Know (vocal) 06:11 JOYCE COOLING - Almost Home 06:08 DREW DAVIDSEN - Overdrive 06:04 NAJEE - Luna 06:00 JACOB WEBB - Brazilian Moments 05:56 ANDRE DELANO - Vocalistic 05:52 JOHN E. LAWRENCE - Wake up the Groove 05:46 NATHAN WOODWARD - O, Holy Night 05:42 RHYTHM LOGIC - You Know I Will 05:38 PAUL JACKSON JR. - Walkin' 05:33 ALEXANDER ZONJIC - Musaic 05:29 CHRIS STANDRING - Living the Poetry 05:25 PAUL HARDCASTLE - Angelic Chimes Radio version 05:21 K.VIO, TIM TONIC - Sweeter the Bells Never Sound 05:17 WALTER BEASLEY - Come On Over 05:13 JIM ADKINS - Answered Prayers 05:08 KIM SCOTT - Rite of Passage 05:03 ROBERT HARRIS - Search Me 05:00 RICK HABANA - Rum Factory 04:55 NELSON RANGELL - Old School 04:50 NORMAN BROWN - In My Life 04:46 CAROL NETHEN - Pat a Pan 04:42 BONEY JAMES - A Little Attitude 04:38 NILS - Dance With Me 04:34 JODY MAYFIELD - Manhattan Cafe 04:28 JOEL DEL ROSARIO - Coastside 04:23 AVENUE BLUE - The Conversation 04:20 HERB ALPERT - The Christmas Song 04:16 PETER WHITE - Song For Robin 04:11 GIL - You & Me 04:08 DEON YATES - Love On Top 04:04 MICHAEL LEMMO - Chandler Boulevard 04:00 RICHARD ELLIOT - Inside Out 03:55 UNDER THE LAKE - Can't Believe It's True 03:52 PAUL BROWN - Hello Again 03:48 NICK COLIONNE - Santa Claus Is Coming to Town 03:43 NORMAN BROWN - Just Chillin' 03:39 ROB TARDIK - The Right Time 03:35 RICK BRAUN - Notorius 03:31 DAMIEN ESCOBAR - Night Drive 03:26 GREG MANNING - I Need To Know (Feat. Adam Hawley) 03:22 GLODEAN, LINDA - Christmas Time Is Here 03:18 LINDSEY WEBSTER - I Didn't Mean It 03:13 NA & MARK R. HARRIS - A Better Day (feat. Ignacio Nunez & Jason Meekins) 03:08 EUGE GROOVE - Sneak A Peak 03:04 JEANETTE HARRIS - Chi Town 03:00 SEAN U - Magic Hour (feat. Blake Aaron) 02:55 NORTH 2UNES WOODALL - I Want Her 02:51 DIRK K - It's On 02:48 DREW DAVIDSEN - Away In A Manger 02:43 BILL MCGEE - Stay 02:39 PIECES OF A DREAM - Smoothing Out 02:34 JACKIEM JOYNER - When We Come Together 02:29 KIM SCOTT - Landscapes 02:25 BLAIR BRYANT - Secret Agent (Radio Single) 02:21 RHYTHM JETS - We Wish You a Merry Christmas 02:17 DAVE KOZ - Don't Give Up (feat. Burt Bacharach) 02:14 DAVE KOZ - Summertime in NYC 02:09 BILLYRAY SHEPPARD - On My Way Now 02:06 GARY MEGGS - Cuban Nights 02:00 JEFFERY SMITH - Summers Melody 01:56 JODY MAYFIELD - For Your Love (feat. Heidi McLaughlin) 01:52 NILS - Casablanca 01:47 GERALD ALBRIGHT - O Holy Night 01:42 DEAN JAMES - Loving You Forever 01:37 PETER WHITE - For The Love Of You 01:34 MARC ANTOINE - Groovy Sunday 01:30 DAVE BRADSHAW JR. - West Coast Jammin' 01:25 DARREN MOTAMEDY - Candleglow 01:21 JOHN FLUKER - Oh Come All Ye Faithful (Instrumental) 01:16 JEFF KASHIWA - The Name Game 01:12 NICK COLIONNE - The Closer I Get To You 01:08 MICHAEL LEMMO - Smoove 01:04 PAUL BROWN - Just Chillin' 01:00 TONY SAUNDERS - Always Thinking About You 00:55 KEN NAVARRO - Island Life 00:51 REZA KHAN, DAVID MANN - Under the Moon 00:48 SHAKATAK - Sing (Little One) 00:43 KIRK WHALUM - Courtney 00:39 THE SMOOTH JAZZ ALLEY - Subway 00:35 DAVID PETROSYAN - Dancing with My Soul 00:30 H ALLAN - Bam! 00:27 BE'NE MUSIC - Missing You 00:22 MARCUS ANDERSON - Christmas With Her 00:18 DEE BROWN - Hey Baby 00:14 RICHARD ELLIOT - Melrose Diner 00:08 CHUCK LOEB - Unspoken 00:04 LISA ADDEO - She Closed Her Eyes In Paris 00:00 NORMAN BROWN - Sunset On Chandler

[the-book-queen]

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[thequeensthrone]

#TopTenTuesday - New To Me

#TopTenTuesday – New To Me

Another #TopTenTuesday post, hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl.

This week’s topic is a discussion on new authors read last year.  Thank goodness for Goodreads because I had forgotten some of the books read earlier in the year.  Of the 20 read, only 4.5 were people I’d read before (J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, Kiese Laymon, Dan Brown, and the .5 you’ll learn more about shortly.  Everyone else was…

[veryplushcat]

Drew Phillips has kidnapped Delores

[elvistheonlyking]

Elvis at the Eagles Nest 1954

[tcm]

The Spirit of SPARKLE By Constance Cherise

A precursor to the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, SPARKLE (‘76), a film about three young Black sisters in late-1950s Harlem with dreams of stardom, is commonly believed to be loosely based on the story of The Supremes (rest easy Mary Wilson). Like THE WIZ (‘78), initially, SPARKLE did not do well in the box office, and like THE WIZ, it also became a classic Black film garnering fan loyalty. If the sizzling 1992 rendition of “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” by En Vogue wasn’t proof enough of its endurance, the 2012 remake of SPARKLE (tragically Whitney Houston's final film) should be sufficient evidence.

Directed by Sam O’Steen, with music by ‘70s producer extraordinaire Curtis Mayfield, SPARKLE shares notable ties to classic film. One of its screenwriters, Joel Schumacher, whose extensive portfolio includes the film adaptation of THE WIZ, noted Billy Wilder as his favorite director. In a 2010 interview, Schumacher recalled a mischievous youth, watching black-and-white films in a theater near his home. “I was watching the Golden Era of Hollywood...watching Elia Kazan and John Ford and Alfred Hitchcock, I could go on…” Schumacher stated. Although Robert Stigwood is not credited on screen as the producer, the film was made under the banner of his production company. The all-around entertainment impresario, called by Newsweek “the Ziegfeld of the disco age,” also released the everlasting SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (‘77), GREASE (‘78) and SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND (‘78).

Another Classic Hollywood tie is Lonette McKee, who portrays Sister. McKee had her breakout role in 1983 as the first mixed-race woman to portray Julie, starring alongside Donald O’Connor, in her Tony-nominated performance of the Broadway musical Showboat. The character was previously depicted by white actresses, most famously Ava Gardner, who won the role over her best friend Lena Horne in MGM’s 1951 film. The decision was made by the studio due to Horne’s race, which she maintained cut her deeply. If you haven’t seen Horne’s rendition of “Can't Help Lovin’ Dat Man,” in TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (1946), watch it and you will understand Horne’s justified frustration.

Although SPARKLE is a story about three sisters—Sparkle, Sister and Delores—and their short-lived rise to fame, the catalyst of the tension in the story truly begins with Sister (McKee). Well aware of her unique beauty, she becomes involved with Satin (Tony King), whose focused attention towards her further inflates her ego cause her to not see him for who he truly is: an abuser and gangster. He openly engages Sister with another woman at his side, and Sister witnesses him punch this woman in the stomach and pull the fur coat from her back. Yet Sister’s reaction seems to be more of excited intrigue. In that moment of silent acceptance, she seals her fate. Not only is it apparent this cannot possibly end well, the resulting repercussions on her and those who truly love her soon come into grave focus.

In the scene where Satin is introduced to Effie (Tony Award-winning Mary Alice), the mother of the three hopeful sisters, and sits beside her, Effie’s expressionless glare takes over, all her years of wisdom instantaneously coming to the surface. Everything Satin is flashes in Effie’s eyes. Instinctively, Effie knows – and Satin knows she knows – that Sister is headed in the wrong direction. When Effie arrives backstage to congratulate her daughters after a successful show, she straight-talks Sister, cradling her face, looking into her eyes almost as a lover. With precise articulation, she tries to ensure her daughter comprehends her words of wisdom.

“I’ve lived in Harlem all my life. I do know a rat when I see one.”

Considering Effie’s domestic employment, when her white employer notices her sullen mood and states that she hopes Effie considers her “enough of a friend to confide in,” there are multiple takeaways. We can conclude that Effie’s employer is wholly oblivious to her authentic identity and her role as a maid, and we get a snapshot of Effie’s sacrifice for her daughters. Powerfully poignant, Alice's performance embodies a silent strength present in many of her performances. As she quietly endures the deconstruction of her family, you have to wonder about the substantial weight she holds within.

A youthful Phillip Michael Thomas is as gorgeous and equally as captivating in SPARKLE as he was during his days of palm trees, Miami pastels and pink flamingos, portraying the character Ricardo Tubbs in the TV series Miami Vice. Although the film’s main characters are all beautiful women, you simply cannot take your eyes away from him; when Thomas is in the scene, he steals it every time.

Most famous for her role as Coco in the film FAME (’80), which caused a measurable rise in attendance at performing arts schools internationally, Irene Cara’s career began at the tender age of 3. She was only 13 years old when she played Sparkle, but her performance is so spectacular, she competently rivals her elder co-stars. In a role that could easily escalate to excessiveness, Cara underplays. Her scene with Thomas, after a funeral, is a perfect example. Years in the entertainment industry expertly result in a stellar performance.

With a time-capsule quality much like other Stigwood films, SPARKLE seems like two separate yet cohesive stories – a tragedy that is unexpectedly a comforting diversion. In the end, the abiding spirit of SPARKLE satisfies.

[coffeeheartaddict2]

When egos collide pt 12- Declaration of war

Book: Open Heart (book 3 rewrite)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Casey Valentine

Summary: well well well, Leland will be in for a surprise in later chapters but the keeping Casey out of this mess plan that Tobias and Ethan hatched is looking rather shaky. The title says it all so this will be a Caroline and team Toban (Tobias and Ethan) installment.

Warnings: language

Disclaimer: All characters, plot points, dialogue (actual and paraphrased) belong to Pixelberry. MC is Casey Valentine.

Tobias, Ethan and Casey are shocked. They had all seen the email from Caroline. Casey was shocked as she too her knowledge had not done anything wrong, Tobias and Ethan though exactly how Casey was dragged in and it was back to the Ethics hearing Ethan had recently endured. Casey was also anxious, from what Ethan said, it would be at least another week or two before any offers came in, however if she got embroiled in whatever Leland was planning she was anxious for her future. Ethan said there was not much that they could do until Friday when they had their meeting with Caroline. Ethan said they would run business as normal until they knew more.

“If Leland knows we know, that will force him to move stuff up, I do not want to give him that advantage.” Stated Ethan. They worked as normal for the next few days then it was Friday. They met in Caroline’s office.

“Thank you for meeting Doctor’s, this is my personal lawyer Ms Juanita Phillips. I will let her give you a run down of what we know.”

“Thank you Caroline,” said Ms Phillips. “Basically the cornerstone of this case is a lawsuit that is being brought forward by a Ms Anika Groves. Due to this case nearing the statute of limitations, Leland has found other cases of alleged Medical misconduct. One, he is still investigating as he is convinced there was some money paid to drop the lawsuit in the first place. The client is the family of a Mrs Theresa Martinez. He tried to get the sister of a Delores Hudson involved also but she was not willing to join in on the suit. The last complainant is a Sen. Ed Farrugia, who is citing the attempted assassination of him as medical malpractice. “

Ethan is shellshocked about Annika Groves. Caroline advises that anything that is said in this meeting is covered by attorney client privilege.

“Annika was treated here for Asperilgus poisoning. I had her on a course of NSAIDS to control the symptoms but whilst she was still on them, she was given variconazole. That caused an anaphylactic reaction...”

Tobias cuts in. “Ethan, we took that class in our first year, majority were second years, you topped the exam with me a close second and in all honesty daylight third, how the fuck did you make such a juvenile error?”

“I may have signed my name on all the charts but it was Naveen who made the error. His sister to whom he was really closed passed away quite suddenly. Needless to say he did not cope with the death well. Needless to say the situation with Ms Groves was a wake up call to him. She was offered a very intense regimen of speech, she always was going to have a rasp. Naveen never found out what I did.”

Everyone was shell shocked. Even Ethan was upset. He thought that this incident would never see the light of day.

“Sorry for coming across as selfish, especially after that bomb you just dropped on us Ethan but is Leland bringing all of these suits on in one hit or will it be gradual?” Asks Casey.

“I don’t think it is selfish Dr Valentine” said Ms Phillips “you have an important exam coming up, from what I have heard from Caroline, the medical world is your oyster. From what we have been able to gather, Ms Groves is the first suit, then the other matters will be brought on regardless of result. It appears Mr Bloom’s main priority is to discredit and defame Dr Ramsey and then anyone closely associated with him.”

Casey sits in stunned silence and Ethan grabs her hand and starts to massage the outside with his thumb.

“I have a lawyer, who I engage for malpractice matters, she will be called upon when I get the summons for Ms Groves. I will also swear an affidavit that no money or threat of any other action transpired between myself and Luis Martinez, the son of Theresa Martinez to drop the lawsuit. All I did was send him an email of his Mother at Sacre- Couer, which was where she wanted to go most in the world. He realised when he saw it, that despite what Casey did, it enabled Theresa to live, not merely survive.” Resolutely stated Ethan.

“Ok plan time, we need to get Dr Banerji involved. I know he does not know what he is done but the fact that it was not you will throw a major spanner. Engage your lawyer. We will see what we can do to keep the other matters out of court entirely. To be honest Sen Farrugia is a weak case because anyone who did due diligence would have picked up that Mr Perry was a family member of someone who died and that the death lead back to something that the senator did. As Dr Ramsey just said, there is no evidence of coercion to drop the Martinez suit, which is what seems to be pinning that case together so Casey, you should hopefully be alright but we will prepare you just in case. Mr Carrick, Leland believes you are on his team, so you will more than likely be called upon to testify against Ethan. Dr Valentine, we will get you to testify for Ethan.” Said Caroline.

“Question, how do I find myself a malpractice lawyer? Am I covered by the hospital?”

“Do not worry about the legal representation Dr Valentine. And as for the rest of it, if any of this comes to court you will be covered by hospital insurance.” Casey nods. The meeting ends. The three of them make their way back to the office in silence. When they arrive back they finally speak.

“That was unexpected.” Stated Tobias, “at least it looks like yours may not see the light of day Casey.”

“I am still nervous though. And boards, like this could not have come at a worse time.” Casey starts pacing. “And Naveen, how could you have done that Ethan and not tell him.”

Ethan pinches the bridge of his nose. “He felt bad enough that what happened had occurred. He was already in a bad enough shape mentally. I did not want to add to it, in fact he did blame me for what happened, claiming I was too distracted by Harper at the time.”

Just then Harper walks in. “Who was distracted by me now?” Questions Harper.

“Remember Annika Groves?” Asked Ethan

“I received an email from Leland awhile now, asking me if I thought anything would come of it, I just presumed he was getting files ready for archiving given the statute of limitations was fast approaching.” Stated Harper.

“Well glad you are capable of throwing other team members under the bus then” said Casey rather spitefully.

Harper was taken aback by the reply.

“Long story short, there is legal action now being taken.” Stated Tobias “it is all we know at this stage.” Tobias knew he was lying as there was a lot more that he knew but he wanted as many people in the dark as possible, given how he had been playing double agent all this time had the potential to be exposed.

Casey gets a page about one of her patients and leaves the room. Tobias, Harper and Ethan chat about what will happen as Ethan will again be out of action temporarily. Tobias states that he was happy to have the team again, with boards so close I do want Casey minimally involved however.”

Harper stated that she had little objection to this. Ethan stated that he would work up to when he gets the summons which is the normal procedure.

Harper then leaves.

“I was not expecting that level of spite out of Casey” said Tobias.

“Nor was I” stated Ethan, “I can not blame her though after the ethics hearing debacle. Although I do not think it was deliberate in this case, if she was flat out asked if she thought anything would come of it then well she gave her answer. How was she supposed to know Leland was upto anything sinister?”

“Good point. Who is telling Caroline of this development?”

Ethan states that he will and he does. He also contacts his lawyer as well.

Ethan catches up with Casey at the end of her shift and he takes her to her apartment. When they arrive they are home alone but go to her room out of habit.

“I know I said I would move in with you in two weeks but can we put it off until after boards and the legal stuff?” Asks Casey, visibly upset. “I still want go move in with you, please do not panic about that, it is just another stress I do not need right now.”

Ethan comes up behind her and gives her a hug. “I am looking forward to when you do move in Casey and I understand your reasoning. Just let me know when you are ready to do so.”

Casey turns around and burrows into his chest.

Casey and Ethan have a quiet night in, both not knowing what will be brewing as early as tomorrow.

Late the next morning, Tobias is summoned into Leland’s office. Tobias is informed by Leland that there will be a malpractice suit brought against Dr Ramsey. Leland does not know that Tobias already knows and Tobias makes sure he has his best poker face on. Leland goes through the details of the case whilst he is doing something on his screen. The next thing Tobias knows is that there is an alert on his phone for a deposit into his bank account. Tobias looks at the alert. “$100,000???? What is that for?”

“Let’s just say that I feel you need to be rewarded for our relationship but also I want to ensure you that our working relationship continues.”

Tobias knows that Leland means inducement to throw Ethan under the bus which he never had any intention of doing even if he still hated his guts. Tobias just simply states thank you. They talk more about trying to get more immuno compromised patients through the team to get onto various research projects. The meeting ends. Tobias has patients to attend to but he knows he needs to tell Caroline what Leland just did.

Meanwhile Ethan is office alone when a courier comes. It is the court summons for the malpractice suit. Ethan calls his lawyer, Ms Laura Whitman to advise that he has received the official summons. What is being brought against Ethan is what Caroline and her lawyer stated. There was a court date on the summons. Ethan breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it was after Casey’s boards. Ethan again reminded Ms Whitman that one of his key witnesses was to be prepped sooner rather than later to board exams. The call ends. Ethan sits at his desk, looking troubled. Just then Harper, Tobias and Casey walk in. Ethan advises that he has received the official summons for the Annika Groves case. Ethan states that Tobias will be leading the team as he did when Ethan was suspended. Ethan reiterates that Casey’s load within the team is to be kept to a minimum due to boards fast approaching.

Harper once again apologises for her involvement. Ethan ignores her and he gives Casey a hug, as he can see she is visibly upset.

“We will get through this.” He mutters in her ear.

Casey takes a breath and goes and answers a page for one of her patients and Harper also leaves.

Tobias remains. “The overlord does not fuck around does he?”

“Appears not,” says Ethan, mind you with statute of limitations being nearly up. Speaking of the overlord, what did he want with you earlier?”

“Let’s just say I was given a bribe to perjure myself. Caroline will not be happy, I am meeting with her tomorrow when Leland is not in. Don’t worry, I will not be lying on that stand. You have always being a great doctor, you had your reasons for protecting Naveen, hell even all the background stuff you did to help Casey out with her Ethics hearing in the intern year show how great you are. I could never do it. Even if we were not getting along.”

Ethan is left speechless. “Go home, kick some legal butt, I will mind the fort here and please try not to shut Casey out, I know there would be some legal stuff you can not talk to her about but you do need each other.”

“I know Tobias. I know.”

Casey skips her lunch break, choosing to work but in the afternoon she hits a wall during afternoon rounds. Tobias is the attending supervising today and at the conclusion he meets with Casey.

“What is up?” He asks.

“Ok I may have worked through lunch in the hope that it would help keep my mind off stuff.”

“I am not going to let you work yourself to exhaustion. Your shift is nearly over, I will get Aurora to look out for your more trickier patients, please take the rest of today off and no skipping breaks please.”

Casey opens her mouth to argue but Tobias cuts her off. “No arguments, go.”

Casey finishes up and leaves the hospital. She makes her way to Ethan’s. He is home and is both shocked and relieved to see her. He gives her a hug.

Casey burrows into his chest and Ethan hugs her close. “You will be ok and I will be ok, we will be okay he whispers into her hair. They stand in the doorway for what seems like ages. Light headedness from hunger and being burrowed in Ethan’s chest force Casey to move. Ethan gets Casey to sit down while he cooks an early dinner for them both.

They eat their meal in companionable silence. When they are finished Casey asks Ethan if he is nervous about the trial.

“A little yes, if I am being honest, coming clean to Naveen about what I did has me more nervous. How are you feeling with it all?”

“Terrified to be honest. I have always had your back and will do so but still scary, given that Leland is after my blood too.”

“His cases are pure witch hunt and show no malpractice, there was malpractice with mine, even though it is the wrong person being accused. I spoke to my lawyer today and I did remind her that you do have boards coming up so she should be in touch soon.”

Ethan laces his fingers between hers and massages the outside of her hand with his thumb. Casey smiles, rather exhaustedly.

“Did you want to stay or head to yours?” Asks Ethan.

“Stay, I feel like I could fall asleep standing up in the shower.” Says Casey.

Casey and Ethan shower together and Casey falls asleep straight away when they finish. Ethan lays awake for awhile and he eventually falls asleep.

The next day comes, Tobias meets Caroline. He shows her the transactions page of his bank account. Caroline wishes she was shocked but she knew that $100,000 went missing from an account but it was nice to know where it ended up. Tobias was shocked that Caroline was not as shocked.

“I have been taking over and gaining access to various accounts and assets, not only as apart of my contribution with what you and Dr Ramsey are uncovering with my husband but my end game is to ultimately take control of this hospital from him and a few of his other businesses also where I have a considerable stake.”

Tobias raises an eyebrow. “Well I am sure you will do a better job in a lot of respects Caroline.”

“Thank you for the vote of confidence Dr Carrick. He has been a man possessed for far too long and quite frankly I am over it. What happened to Casey would not have happened in any of our other businesses. Leland has always generally respected the FDA on quite a lot so the fact he wanted to make his own shows just how much of a changed man he has become.”

Caroline suggests making another account so that any further inducements can be quarantined. Caroline also advised that she was meeting Dr Ramsey, with his lawyer and Naveen on Monday. Tobias wished her luck with that and left.

As he leaves the office he sees Casey.

“I was not expecting you today” be said with a hint of concern.

“I need to keep busy Tobias, thank you for the concern though but I need to go to my mediation session with Harper.

Casey, Harper and the mediator met. The main topic was Ethan’s lawsuit and Casey’s spiteful reaction of Harper inadvertently throwing Ethan to the lions.

Harper was adamant that she had no idea what Leland was planning.

“As I said the other day, I literally thought that he was prepping files for archive given how close it was to the statute of limitations was.”

The mediator then asked, “If the file was nearing the statute timeframe, and it was a patient that was in the care of Dr Valentine, and there appeared to be no signs of any legal action, would you have given the same response?”

Casey held her breath, she hoped it would be similar to what went down as she hoped that jealousy was not a motive for the study debacle.

Harper took a deep breath before giving her the answer. “I would advise to hold off onto giving the file to archives until the statute period was up as anything could have happened in that time.”

Casey in that moment turned away from Harper.

The mediator then asked Harper why the difference, and did the difference have anything to do with what had occurred with Dr Ramsey.

Harper was shocked as she in that moment realised that she did favour Dr Ramsey and perhaps there was a deep seated jealousy of Dr Valentine that was manifesting itself by favouring Dr Ramsey.

“I’m sorry Casey, truly,” says Harper. “I do not consider myself a jealous type, and my actions are not typical of a jealous person so that is why I always ruled it out, however it appears that there is some there.”

Harper then leaves the room. Shocked at herself but in one way relieved as she knows what is really driving her behaviour.

She goes to find Tobias. She finds him in the office. Harper details the revelation that she has come too and advises that she will be stepping down from the team at the completion of Ethan’s trial.

Tobias is shocked at the admission, however understands her reasoning and is quietly relieved that Harper will be staying on the team until Ethan’s trial is over.

Later that night at the Bloom residence Caroline confronts Leland.

“Why do you have a vendetta against Dr Ramsey and to a lesser degree Dr Valentine?” Questioned Caroline.

“What vendetta sweetheart?” Asked Leland.

“What so it is not you behind the current lawsuit and two potential ones? It is not you who did his utmost best to keep someone who admitted to rape of a colleague out of prison when in any other company even the rumour of someone wanting to do something untoward would get them warned by HR straight away?”

“The tech world is different to the medical world darling, there are different expectations...”

Caroline cuts him off. “Sexual harassment or sexual assault is still the same thing, no matter the industry and you know it. I hate the man you have become Leland. I get wanting to find a cure for my condition but it has turned you into a man that I can not love. The Leland I know would not do half of what he is doing or has done in the past year. I did appreciate the zeal in the beginning but I can not pretend to be alright with what you are doing and what you have become. I will be taking up residence at one of my other properties. Any further contact you wish to have with me will be through my attorney Ms Phillips. As far as I am concerned, this marriage is over. You will be served papers in due course.”

Caroline walks out and makes her way to the car that is waiting for her. Leland sits there in stunned silence. He had no idea that Caroline had grown to resent him. He was not going to give up on his marriage without a fight though. This was no longer a battle to find a cure but a war to save his marriage.

[abbatoirablaze]

Til The End Of The Line, Chapter 5

Word Count: 3.2k

Warnings: light violence, mentions of needles/injections (the serum being introduced), unprotected sex, loss of virginity.

"I see here that you specifically, had caused quite a stir with Doctor Erskine."

Dot nodded, looking away from Agent Carter, "he trusts my judgement, ma'am. My father was a doctor that worked in Sweden before I was born. They became friends and kept in touch when my family came back to the states. He helped him come to the US after the Germans began to take over."

"Ma'am," she smiled. A light laugh swept over the wind as she walked around the base with the nurse that Erskine had dictated follow her everywhere and record the results of the men's tests. Agent Carter turned to the young twenty-year-old, "tell me, Delores, did you choose your applicant based on his potential or because you have a crush."

Dot felt herself blush, "Steve is my best friend, Agent Carter. I-I don't have a crush on him. His best friend, my other best friend is...well was my boyfriend."

"Was?"

"He and I had a disagreement last night at the expo."

She nodded, sucking in her cheeks, "well let me tell you this. I expect good, solid responses. No bias based on your relationships with any applicant. Is that understood? If we have to let him go or he cannot handle it, you must accept that decision."

"Yes, Agent Carter. Of course!"

"Good," she smiled as they rounded the last corner. She came in view of about a dozen and a half soldiers. As Agent Carter started her journey down the line, Dot stood at the end, passing clipboards through the ranks, "RECRUITS! Attention. Gentlemen, I am Agent Carter, and this is Nurse Dot. We supervise all operations for this division!"

"What's with the accent queen Victoria?" one of the recruits laughed looking to his friends, "I thought I was signing up for the US Army."

"What's your name soldier?"

"Gilmore Hodge," he said simply. Then he added a smirk, "your majesty.

"Step forward Hodge," she commanded. When he did so she smirked, "put your right foot forward."

"Oh, are we gonna wrestle?" he laughed, "Because I got a few moves I know you'll like!"

Before any further 'cute' comments could come from his lip, she punched him with a firm right hook. He fell to the ground as a patrol jeep stopped behind her.

"Agent Carter."

She looked to her new assistant and Dot mouthed 'colonel.'

"Colonel Phillips."

"I can see that you are breaking in the candidates," he said smugly, "that's good. Nurse Dot."

"Colonel."

He kicked the ground in front of Hodge, "Get your ass up off the dirt and stand at attention til somebody comes and tells you what to do."

"yes sir."

Colonel Phillips looked at Dot as he walked down the line, "General Patton has said that wars are fought by weapons, but they are won by men. We are going to win this war because we have the best men...and because they are going to get better."

He looked at Steve and turned back around, raising a brow at Agent Carter. She rolled her eyes as they began to lead the drills. While none of the soldiers had really seemed to notice Dot, she could see Steve glancing at her every so often. She tried to give him small smiles of encouragement, but it felt like Agent Carter was always catching her doing it. She would always frown and shake her head at her.

"Are you sure that you are able to do this without a bias, Delores?" she asked, later that night as they sat down to have some schnapps, "or will you need to be reassigned to Europe early?"

"I'm fine, ma'am."

"Call me Peggy," she said softly. Peggy watched her curiously as she never really answered the question. When she yet again confirmed that she was fine, Dot nodded and Peggy took another drink, "now, you have the notes from todays physicals, correct?"

Dot nodded, "yes ma'am-err, Peggy."

Over the course of the next week, Dot stood by Agent Carter, Colonel Phillips, and Doctor Erskine as they tested the men. Unfortunately, Steve had found himself failing at just about every task. He wasn’t the strongest and could barely keep within an acceptable range when the unit ran. It wasn't until the halfway mark of the run where Steve finally showed his true skill.

While the men tried to climb the flagpole to reclaim the flag so that they could get a ride back to base instead of running, Steve simply unhooked the pin, which allowed the flag pole to fall. When he got the flag and handed it to his commanding officer, it left everyone in shock, including Agent Carter.

"Agent Carter," he smiled as he got into the seat next to Dot. Then he turned to his best friend, "weather's beautiful today, isn't it Dot?"

"Mhmm," she nodded, trying to focus on making sure that Steve's first real victory was noted in the file, "Agent Carter?"

"Fine weather," she smiled. She tapped on the dash of the patrol jeep and the man sped back to the camp. When Colonel Phillips heard about Steve's little victory though, he remained unimpressed. He and Doctor Erskine continued to talk about it until the next afternoon, "Dot?"

"Yes?" she asked, looking up from her notes.

"Steve," Peggy said simply, nodding forward to the small, left out man, "I think I'm beginning to see it...him being the one that gets the serum."

"I know."

Dot looked at Peggy, and the two of them shared a knowing look. In the short period of time, she was beginning to see Steve not as the shrimpy kid from Brooklyn who had to get special approval to join the army, but as a smart, logical man who truly believed that the war was his sole purpose in life, even if he wasn't built for it.

As the two women listened to the doctor and the colonel argue for Hodge or Rogers, they both felt compelled to intervene. Steve was the underdog, but also the one that best suited the needs of the serum.

It needed a good guy.

But Phillips argued that it needed a soldier that had guts. He believed that Steve was a man of little substance. A chihuahua. All bark and no bite. His physical examinations had proved that. So, in order to prove his point he pulled a dummy grenade and threw it into the throng of soldiers. Immediately they scattered.

But not Steve.

No.

Not your Stevie, the man who had a bigger heart than the whole unit combined.

Everyone witnessed as Steve openly jumped onto the grenade and yelled for everyone to get back. And in that moment, Colonel Phillips couldn't disagree.

Not when every man around them dove for cover.

Not when the littlest guy proved that he was the only real one with a bite.

The procedure room was set up perfectly. Doctor Erskine smiled at Dot, rubbing her cheek. Since they had started working together, she really had come to know him as a second father, and he was really protective of her, "are you ready for the day that science advances my dear?"

"Yes," she nodded softly. He gave her a welcome grin as the door above them opened. Steve came walking in with Agent Carter. He looked at her expectantly, before his eyes glanced at the rest of his surroundings. The room was round, large, and sterile. As he came down the staircase, Erskine pushed her towards Howard Stark, "do you need anything else, Mr. Stark?"

"I think we're ready to go sweetheart." he smiled affectionately at her, “You know…unless your finally willing to accept a date with me where you don’t discuss your ex the whole time.”

“Howard you are incorrigible,” she said with a shake of her head, “I-I’m spoken for.”

“Right, the sergeant in Europe,” he chuckled, referencing yet again how the two of you did have a date but you only spoke about Bucky the whole time once he’d gotten a few too many glasses of wine into you, “you’re gonna find him after the war. Well, if you don’t, you have my number, sweetheart…and you know I’d love to give you more than just the Stark special.”

“Oh darn,” she said with a wink, “and here I was, looking for something from Tiffanys.”

“I could still get you something from there.”

“No thank you, Howard.” She giggled, “do you need anything else?”

“No, Dotty.”

She nodded and he chuckled, going back to the machinery. She began to prep the serum, making sure that it was the effective temperatures, and re-sterilizing the equipment.

In the front of the room, as Erskine met with Steve to go over the procedure, a photographer rushed to get a picture.

"Not now," Erskine muttered to the man, "Delores!"

The nurse rushed to the photographer, quickly ushering him upstairs to the secured observation room. Steve's eyes watched as she skittered back down the stairs, only to again usher Agent Carter up at Doctor Erskine's insistence.

"Your friend," he smiled, nodding to Dot, "she helped make sure you got into the program you know...she cares about you a lot, Steven."

"She's something else," he admitted to the doctor, "you know there was a time when we were kids when she asked me out. I thought it was a pity date, so I turned her down."

"No Steven," he laughed, "if I didn't know any better, I'd say that girl is in love with you. She believed in you, and she allowed us the opportunity to see just how amazing you are...and now it's time for the rest of the world to believe in you as much as we do."

"Are you ready, doctor?" she asked, coming face to face with Doctor Erskine. He nodded and she turned to Steve, "Private Rogers?"

Steve nodded as he looked at his best friend. He tried to make a joke about the cocoon being too big, but she just looked at him with worry in his eyes.

"I'll be fine, Dot," he reassured her as she placed the steel clamps against his chest. He shivered at the coolness of it against his skin, and he couldn't stop the momentary chattering of his teeth as they warmed up to him, "you know that, right?"

"I know Steve," she said nervously, "I just-"

"You worry too much, sweetheart."

She sighed as she began to follow Doctor Erskine's instructions, putting the serum into the holsters so they could do the injections. Then she gave him a shot of penicillin.

"That wasn't so bad," he said with a smile after wincing, "see."

"That was penicillin, Steve!" Doctor Erskine said softly. He went back to talking to the people in the observation chamber and Steve took the chance to grab Dot's hand before she could turn away.

"Steve?"

"If I die, here-"

"Steve, stop."

"I wish I never said no to you," he admitted his voice shaky at the rush of emotions he felt, "I thought you only asked me out because you pitied me."

He watched as the tears pricked at the corner of her eyes.

"I asked you because I knew I loved you, Steve. I’ve loved you since the first day I met you. The day I asked you was the first time I ever had enough courage to act on it…and so you know, I-I never asked Bucky out. I never intended on it. Y-you were my first choice Stevie," she whispered, looking at him, "now shut up. You are an amazing man, and you're gonnna come out of this in a few minutes, and you'll be laughing because you'll be even more amazing, and I'll just be a nurse headed to Europe."

"After this, I owe you a date," he whispered in a low tone, "a real one, Delores. And it’ll be way better than whatever you said yes to with Howard Stark."

She smiled and he let her hand go. Doctor Erskine turned around and everyone backed away from the cocoon as it closed down on Steve. When they were sure it was secure, Erskine knocked, "Steven, can you hear me?"

Dotty held back a smile as he made a joke asking if it was too late to go to the bathroom. And then he asked for her again.

"Dotty?"

"She's here Steve."

"Dotty, are you with me?"

"Always! Until the end of the line, Stevie."

Steve smiled, closing his eyes as Stark turned the power on to the vita-rays. By the time it reached 70% Steve was screaming in agony. Peggy came rushing out of the room, demanding that they shut it off. Erskine was about to kill the power when Steve yelled at them to keep going. When it hit 100, the machines went haywire and began short circuiting. When the lights went out, the backups kicked in, and the cocoon began to open.

Steve was no longer the small man from Brooklyn.

He in every way looked like the super soldier the government had dreamed of.

Both Peggy and Dot gasped as Steve was helped out of the cocoon by Doctor Erskine and Mr. Stark. The men from the room started coming down the stairs to take a look at the newest weapon for the US.

After the explosion and Steve going after the Hydra agent, no one knew what to think. Doctor Erskine had been murdered, which left the super soldier project up in the air. No one knew the components or how to recreate it, so the medical team had been separated from any other government official. As Colonel Phillips spoke with his higher ups though, Steve and Dot had been shuttled back to the base. Steve was to be kept in a bunk without other soldiers.

"This isn't exactly the date I would have planned for us," Steve mumbled as the door closed behind Dot and himself, "I'm sorry you're stuck with me, Dot."

"It's fine," she said, giving him a soft smile, "I don't mind. I’m glad they left me in here with you, Steve."

"Listen," he asked, turning around to face her, "what you said, in the-"

But he couldn't finish his sentence. She had gathered up her courage and done something that she wanted to do since Kindergarten: kiss Steve Rogers. She’d held him by his shirt, forcing him to bend down slightly as she craned her neck up and stood on her tiptoes.

He felt his eyes drift closed as he pulled her closer to his chest. His breath hitched in his throat at how her frame felt against his now. She felt so much tinier in his arms, and he loved it. She sighed against his lips, and he smiled.

It was his first kiss.

"Steve."

He moaned hearing her moan his own name. In a panic he ripped off his own shirt and started working on freeing her from her clothes. He needed to feel her even closer to him, and clothes put too much space between their bodies. She gasped as he accidentally pulled too tight and popped some of the buttons loose.

"Shit," he cursed nervously, "Sorry I-"

"Language," she smiled, teasing him. He chuckled and she began kissing him again. He hungrily pawed at her body, not spending too much time in any one spot as he'd dreamt about this moment in his head for years. It wasn’t the fantasy that he’d twisted in his head where they’d run off together. No. It was real.

And all while he knew he was going way too fast, and not really enjoying the moment, he couldn't stop himself. When he felt her hands drift towards his pants, he let out a guttural moan. She had somehow managed to skillfully undo his pants without him noticing and was stroking him. As he grew painfully hard in her hand, the two of them managed to find the bed, "do-do you want me, Steve?"

"I've wanted you as long as I can remember, Dotty," he moaned against her lips. Steve tried to gracefully lay both of them down, but it became a circus of limbs where he ended up almost falling off of the bed.

"Sorry," he cursed again, "I-"

"Shhh," she cooed. She helped Steve out of his pants and slid out of her cotton panties, leaving her wholly exposed to him. He began kissing down her neck and to her breasts, unsure of what to do. She pulled him back up to herself however, and kissed him once more, before pushing him to his back, "let me take care of you, Steve."

He nodded, slipping out of his briefs, and she hovered over him, letting her womanhood graze over his already leaking head.

"Please," he whined. She continued to tease him, which only infuriated him. He wanted her in every way, and here she was, unable to pull the trigger. Growling more to himself he flipped them quickly. She was pinned underneath him before she could even question it, "I need you, Dot."

"I need you too, Steve."

That was all he needed to hear. Lining himself up with her entrance he drove himself into her. She swore she was seeing stars, and it was like the both of them had forgotten that he was 'enhanced' in more ways than one. He had forgotten that both of them were virgins until he pulled out to thrust back into her wet core, only to realize that Bucky hadn't gotten as far as he had in that moment.

He looked to his best friend, who was choking back a scream from being impaled on her best friend's cock. Her nails digging into his biceps, carving fresh little crescent moons into the newly formed muscle.

As he slowly slid back into her, she pulled herself against his chest, tearfully begging him not to move. While they lay there for a few minutes, not moving as she tried to adjust to his size, Steve tried everything he could to calm her down. He praised her, telling her how beautiful she was, and began telling her every story that made him fall in love with her, starting from when they were barely old enough to ride bikes together.

When the pain subsided and Steve allowed himself to move again, he nearly came as he sank into her fully. The way her body milked him for everything it was worth and they hadn’t really even started, drove him wild.

How she clamped down on him.

He was in heaven.

But there was one woman who had witnessed the events as she almost entered the barracks. That was until the moan letting her know that he was cumming was almost shouted loud enough for the whole base to hear.

Agent Carter wiped away a stray tear from her cheek and turned around, immediately going to the office to push through the transfer of one such nurse.

"I hope you like Azzano," Agent Carter whispered into the darkness, "and do tell your ex-boyfriend hello when you see him. I'm sure he'll like to know how much he and Steve truly have in common."

Chapter 6

[fantasticfemmefatale]

dolly’s- chapter two

BUCKY BARNES X READER

SUMMARY: you and bucky make up woohoo

WARNINGS: reference to the reader’s abuse (not that bad tho) there might be like one bad word idk

The next morning was rough. You were at Dolly’s at 6 am, scrubbing the scratched coffee pot as if you were attempting to scrub everything about the day before from your memory. You could still hear Colonel Phillips’ gruff voice in your memory, see your father’s journal in his hand, feel the fear that replaced the rage you’d been harboring when he explained his knowledge of your “abilities,” as he delicately put it. He’d lectured you like you were a toddler, describing how you could be key to winning the war, how you could help some guy named Erskine finish some serum of some sort if you’d let him experiment on you. Your blood ran cold at that, as memories came rushing back full of bloodied syringes containing odd-colored, swirling substances, hard, unforgiving treadmills, and your father’s harsh face glaring down at you, voice full of malice as he spat, “You were meant to be the perfect human! Not some housewife!” 

Phillips noticed the change in your demeanor and stopped speaking. It would be hard not to notice, not when you were staring past him, eyes wide and empty, skin pale and ghostly. Your eyes snapped back to focus on him shortly, and you paused for a second before asking, “How’d my father die?”

Phillips froze at that. It wasn’t the question itself that gave him pause, it was the way you asked it. There was no emotion in your voice or gaze when you asked, just cold resolve. A need to know, simply for the sake of knowing.

“Kidnapped and tortured by Hydra, Hitler’s science division. When he refused to disclose your location, they shot him.”

You nodded. Some part of you deep inside that you’d tried to kill long ago wanted to feel bad, wanted to say he died for your sake, and yet you keep on hating him. What kind of daughter does that make you? But one act of kindness couldn’t even begin to heal the scars he’d dug into your skin, literally and metaphorically.

You told Phillips to give you a time and place, and you’d be there.

Bucky breezed into Dolly’s just past 7, like always, with Steve not far behind. You handed Steve the coffee you’d brewed for him, a steaming red mug with two spoonfuls of sugar and three spoonfuls of milk, the way he liked it. Crossing your arms and leaning them over the white ceramic countertop to look at Bucky, you asked, “Whaddya want, Barnes?” Your lips were pulled into a small frown, and one eyebrow was cocked as you gave him a challenging glare.

“Not even a hello, doll?” the subject of your anger challenged, smiling brightly as he leaned towards you. You sighed and straightened, turning around to grab a rag and clean the same mug you’d cleaned twelve times already, just to look busy.

“You couldn’t even spare me a call last night, plus you stood up me and Steve! So I apologize if I’m not in the best mood, James!” You yelled. “Which girl did you blow us off for this time? Carlotta? Rita? Delores?”

Bucky looked genuinely sad, and you almost felt bad for what you’d said. “I swear I didn’t mean to this time, Becca was sick and I stayed home to take care of her. And I was gonna call, but she needed her rest, and I didn’t want to risk waking her up.”

Oh god.

“Sorry,” you muttered.

Bucky merely shrugged, and told you what he wanted to drink. As you made it, you could hear the jingle of the bell atop the door, signaling Steve’s exit as he murmured a soft, “See ya later, Y/N.” You slid Bucky’s mug across the counter and he grabbed it, staring down it for a second.

“What’s a guy gotta do to take you out, doll?”

Bucky’s words froze you, like ice, crawling up your body until you couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think.

But the anger, the flames that were still burning inside you melted the ice away as you replied, “Maybe start with not standing me up.”

He chuckled, but then met your eyes as he said, “I’m serious, doll. I wanna take you out on a date, just you and me.”

You shook your head, muttering, “No you don’t. You want a girl that you can go on one date with and then forget about, Barnes. And I’ve got no intentions of letting any guy do that to me.”

Bucky scoffed at that. “Doll, I-”

“Stop it,” you barked sharply.

“What?”

“Don’t call me doll like there’s really something between us, Buck, not when you’re running around with every girl in Brooklyn! You know, I waited for years for the right moment to tell you I liked you, but it never came! You wanna know why? Because you-” you pointed a finger to his chest accusingly “ -couldn’t care less about a girl’s feelings! You just act like they never existed, like you never cared.” You angrily swiped an arm across your nose, and sniffed, trying to hold onto what little composure you had left. “And I would’ve rather stayed friends instead of risking it all for one date, but lately it’s like you don't even want to be friends with me.”

Bucky let you yell at him, and took it. He didn’t try to defend himself, or tell you how whatever you were feeling was your own fault, something you’d always admired him for doing. Really, why couldn’t every guy have that same amount of respect when a girl spoke? The conflicting feelings you felt towards Bucky confused you. Your heart was tearing itself in two, both wanting to run to Bucky, hug him, and agree to go out with him and wanting to ignore him for the rest of your lives.

Eventually Bucky spoke. “I’m sorry.”

You looked up, preparing to yell at him more when he held his hand up to stop you. “You had your turn, now it’s mine.”

You pursed your lips, and he continued. “You’re right about those other girls. If I’m honest, I never liked any of them. Really, I just hoped one of them would be good enough that I could get over you, but none of them were. And believe me, I’m sorry I stopped hanging out with you and Steve. Seeing you just hurt, knowing you’d never like me back. I just wasn't used to feeling this way around a girl.”

You met his eyes and tilted your head to the right slightly in a silent question, but then the meaning behind his words dawned on you. After all, he was James Barnes. Practically every girl in New York threw themselves at his feet. He’d never had to deal with rejection. Before you could stop it, a laugh bubbled up from your throat, and Bucky’s head that was hanging dejectedly shot up. “What?”

“It’s just funny,” you choked out in between laughs. “You’ve never been rejected by a girl, have you?”

Bucky glared playfully, but his stern gaze was offset by the bright, lopsided grin gracing his face. “C’mon, doll, don’t be the first.”

“Fine,” you said, feigning residual anger. “One date.”

Bucky leaned over to kiss your cheek, then practically bolted out the diner, grinning like a maniac. “I’ll be at your apartment at 6 tomorrow!” He called over his shoulder as the door slammed shut.

You smiled, pressing a hand lightly to where you could still feel Bucky’s lips. It was the first time you’d been kissed by a boy, if you were honest. Most men wanted a perfect housewife who’d cook, clean, and look after the children, but you wanted more than that from life. You wanted a partner who saw you as an equal, someone who’d share your dreams of adventure and glory. You wanted to be free, free from a world where you were seen as second-rate simply because you were a girl, free from the scars of your father’s experimentation, and free from the SSR, who currently wanted to do just what your father had done to you.

Sacrifices were necessary, and helping Dr. Erskine with his Super Soldier serum could be your only way of moving up in the world. If it got you out of a dead-end job running a diner, you were willing to endure whatever was thrown at you. Hopefully, Erskine would be a bit nicer than your late father was.

The black phone mounted on the back wall of the diner rang, and you ran to it in less than a second, simply a blur and rush of wind to anyone unlucky enough to spot you. Wrapping a hand around it, you took a deep breath, screwing your eyes shut, and praying it wasn’t Colonel Phillips again.

It was.

The second you lifted the phone to your ear, his loud voice resounded through the speaker, informing you that Erskine would be working with the SSR in a base in New Jersey, and that they’d need you there in a week.

You felt the beginnings of a stress headache pull at your head as you hung up, letting your head hit the cool wall and stay there, until the clock by the door chimed brightly, cheerfully informing you that it was opening time. God, it was only 7:30?

~~~

The rest of the day went without a hitch, until an angry woman demanded that you switch her seat with two patrons that were regulars at your diner. When you refused to move her seat, she left in a huff, dragging her two whining children behind her. 

“Sorry, Bonnie,” you said, turning to the pair that had just been yelled at. “You too, Ralph. Anything I can do for you?”

“How about dancing with us tonight?” Bonnie questioned. Her eyes shone with mischief as she spoke. Bonnie was one of those girls who could make a story about what she ate for breakfast sound like an odyssey, and make the room shake when she spoke. You couldn’t help but love her.

“You know I’m busy, Bonnie.”

Ralph murmured something, but Bonnie spoke over him, saying, “Busy with Bucky? I saw him and Steve today, and all Bucky would talk about was you! Did ya finally tell him how you feel?”

“More or less,” you muttered, as the remaining girls in the diner turned to stare at you, no doubt wondering why Bucky wanted you, but you paid them no attention. You had nothing to prove to those sycophants.

Bonnie stood up and scooped you up in a hug that gave you a mouthful of her dark curls, before whispering in your ear, “I’ve got somewhere to be with my man, so I can’t stay.” She smiled devilishly, before grabbing Ralph’s wrist and pulling him off to who-knows-where. 

You glanced towards the beat-up clock, and seeing that there were only two more people eating, you decided to let yourself close up early, to give yourself time to think. Bonnie always seemed to make her way into your mind at times like these. Even when the world tried to hold her back because of her gender, she loved herself with a fierce passion you could only hope to achieve someday. It was infectious, really, the way she carried herself, and the laughter that always seemed to precede her wherever she went. You tried your best to be like her, but you’d always been a bit more solemn than her, and more of a dreamer at the same time. She was content with the way her life was, refusing to let herself make expectations for the future that might not be achieved. Although you didn’t understand her, you loved her all the same.

~~~

The next day was Saturday, so you didn’t have to work. Instead, you spent the morning in your apartment with Bonnie, dancing like idiots to Bing Crosby on the radio and trying to pick an outfit for your date with Bucky. Eventually Ralph came knocking on your door, wondering where Bonnie was. Bonnie tried to stifle a laugh as Ralph grumbled, “She didn’t even tell me she was leaving to go someplace!” 

“Well, at least I know he misses me when I’m gone,” Bonnie giggled as she left, but not before telling you exactly which outfit to wear to get Bucky’s attention.

When Bucky showed up at your apartment, just a few minutes early, you were wearing a cherry-red dress with a skirt that stopped just above your knees, with white socks and black shoes, and lipstick that matched your dress. Bucky wore brown pants, with a white button-down tucked in, and the sleeves rolled up just past his elbows. His hair was slicked back in that way you always made fun of him for, but secretly adored. The cherry on top, however, was the bouquet of your favorite flowers he held out to you. You were unable to move, utterly captivated  by the man in front of you. Everything about him was perfect. The comfortable silence lingered until he said, “Are you gonna keep me waiting, doll?”

“With that attitude, Barnes, I just might,” you replied with a smirk. You took the flowers from him with one hand, and the other grabbed his arm to pull him inside while you gently placed the flowers in a small vase you had on the table, throwing away the sunflowers that had previously resided there.

“What’d they ever do to you?” Bucky asked, smiling. Both of you had dopey, lovesick grins on your faces that felt like they’d never fade.

“They took the spot that was obviously for whenever you decided to bring me flowers,” you responded with a sly glance his way.

~~~

An hour later, you two were running around the fair like madmen, stopping every few minutes so you could buy more and more sugary treats. By now, you were trying to hold cotton candy, ice cream, a slice of apple pie, and a hot dog all at once. 

“Need help, doll?” Bucky asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“No!” you exclaimed between heaving breaths as you tried to run while keeping your food from falling.

He shrugged, feigning indifference, but you could clearly tell that he was getting a kick out of watching you struggle.

A few minutes later, you conceded. “Bucky! Stop being a waste of space and help me with this!”

He scoffed, but you knew he’d help you no matter what you said. Bucky was loyal to a fault.

The rest of the night felt like a montage of happy moments from a sappy movie you’d go see with Steve or Bonnie, but you weren’t complaining. You were dashing around on a sugar high, dragging Bucky with you everywhere you went. He almost told you to slow down at one point, but couldn’t bring himself to when he saw how happy you looked. 

He hadn’t seen you smile so much in years.

You felt like a schoolgirl on the playground, running around from stall to stall, then to the ferris wheel. The second you two were in the air, Bucky’s blood ran cold when he realized how bad of an idea taking you on it was.

You were practically vibrating in your seat because of how much sugar you had. Or maybe you were vibrating. He’d never seen you do it before, but he figured if you just moved back and forth fast enough, you could probably do it. 

Eventually, you stopped, then yawned, and he knew what was coming next. Before he could even offer his jacket to you, you’d gotten up from your seat, moved to his, snuggled up underneath his arm, and fallen asleep.

Do you ever slow down? He found himself wondering.

When the ride came to a close, he picked you up bridal style and carried you back to your apartment, gently shaking you to wake you up when you arrived. Groggily, you swatted his hand away.

“Y/N? Doll, can you get your key for me?” Mumbling under your breath, you pulled your apartment key out of your skirt pocket and handed it to him. You turned your head, ready to fall asleep against his chest, when he set you down to unlock the door. You wanted to be mad, but just didn’t have the energy.

He gently took your hand and led you inside, turning the lights on as he did. Then he stopped, seemingly unsure of what to do now. 

You hesitated, switching your weight from one foot to another.

Eventually, you worked up the guts to ask, “Do you want to stay the night?” 

Bucky paused, then nodded, taking his jacket off and setting it on the counter. He’d stayed the night at your apartment before, but it was always as friends, and Steve was usually there too.

“I’m tired,” you muttered. 

Bucky laughed, and responded, “I can tell, doll.”

You tried to ignore the feeling that blossomed in your chest when he called you doll, then realized that you didn’t have to anymore. You debated telling him what you thought of the nickname, then realized he probably knew. Bucky knew you better than you knew yourself.

You gasped, and your eyes grew as wide as saucers as you realized that you hadn’t told him about Colonel Phillips. 

“What?” Bucky asked. “Do I look that bad?”

You shook your head, and then said, “I have something to tell you.”

@kanemithehufflepuff

[cicivford]

🍂REVIEW FOR THE VANISHING HALF IS UP ON @the.storygraph & Goodreads. LINK IN BIO IF INTERESTED 🍂 I don’t know that I’d be adding anything different to the conversation about TVH that hasn’t already been stated. It is WELL worth the praise it has gotten. I gravitate towards generational stories {thinking of Min Jin Lee} and Brit Bennett did a PHENOMENAL job. I was hooked with every turn of the page. From the synopsis & reviews of others, I was prepared to just dive into a story about the twins, but fell even deeper into the story of their daughters. Glad I steered clear of spoilers. I became invested in them both. The story is excellently paced, the writing is stellar and although I found a few parts repetitive, I think it was necessary to drive home the theme of colorism. PLEASE if you haven’t read this one do so!! RECOMMENDATION FOR THEME RELATED BOOKS: A few books dealing with colorism that I’ve read are Passing by Nella Larsen and The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips. If you have any more recs to add here please do so. QOTD: Do you prioritize your reading each month or do you just go with the flow!? 🍂 Photo’d are a few books I’m looking forward to. Not necessarily for just the month of July but according to what I’d like to read next. This stack is ambitious but I’ll just go with the flow. I started reading Stamped by Ibram X. Kendi because of @melantedreader follow her read along of it. It’s not too late and EXTREMELY well organized. I am 30 pages or so into The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom because of @absorbedinpages and I am really blown away already. I am halfway through Free Food for Millionaires which I started during #APAH month and have been paused on for ages. Also photo’d is my dairy free, sugar free chocolate chip banana bread!! 🤎🥰 The recipe is still in my story, if you want to give it go and it will be in my ‘tranquility’ highlight if you miss it! Sending you all so much love 🤎 and happy Sunday. (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCjixkDn-g5/?igshid=6ywrwz4w04ha

[deloresisout]

@hammurabicomplex​   said   :    3 & 14! OC Creation Meme || Accepting!

3. How did you choose their name?

Choosing her name was a HUGE struggle for me, she had no name for months while Sal was progressively being developed. I knew I wanted it to start with a D, I labeled her as Deena for a while but it didn’t feel right. Eventually, I decided to get serious and work hard at giving her a name. I choose Delores because it’s a name I’ve seen many old black women with, locally. However, I spelled it as Delores because she’s additionally named after Delores Phillips, author of “The Darkest Child.” A book @overlourdes​ bought me! At that time in my life, I really enjoyed reading it. It interested me so much how the novel was even meant to have a sequel, but she passed away before it was finished. So, it was just an extra reason to name this OC Delores. 

14. If you had to narrow it down to 2 things that you MUST keep in mind while working with your OC, what would those things be?

1.) I like energetic characters like Sal and Minnie, who just talk for the sake of hearing their own voice. High energy characters. But with Delores I have to make sure she doesn’t say a lot, but nonetheless says enough and gets the point across. If you’ve followed me for a long time, you should know that my dialogue is pretty good. And that’s because, dialogue is very, very, VERY important to me and the way Delores speaks is no exception. And if she’s speaking a lot in a thread? That’s great! It shows you have her open and comfortable! But typically, yes, she has to distance herself a little bit from the conversation in some way and basically cut to the point.   2.) When I was jotting out some things to fix about Hello Stranger I wrote that Delores needs to be seen in love more, and deeply caring for others, consistently. These are crucial elements to her personality that should be evident in her tone, thoughts or body language, because who is she if she doesn’t have love in her? She’d be cold. Cold as the many boujee mothers Lynn has played in her lifetime and I don’t want to go down that route with her. Traits like this make her likable. 

At least, I hope they make her more endearing.