Airline chaos, explosive chemistry and Only One Bed

It’s #SampleSunday and since it’s Mother’s Day, I wanted to choose an excerpt that celebrates the wisdom of Mom, even when you’re an adult. Today’s sample is from Drinks at Minks, a Brunch at Ruby’s Companion Novella. Pick it up in eBook, print or audio HERE. --- After the final property viewing, I save my notes, wave goodbye to Virgil and finally brave my messages. Three missed calls and a text: JXG: Let's talk things through. We can both have what we want. love u. I need my mother's perspective before I face him. Inell always knows how to cut through my drama and get to the heart of things. Besides, I need to pick up Imani. Forty-five minutes later, I pull into the driveway of the house I bought for her when Donovan took off, the house that got us both out of our old neighborhood and our old life. I find her in the living room, Imani asleep in her playpen while Inell reclines on the couch in a glorious floral caftan watching Judge Joe Brown. She loves that man and cackles at him calling everyone a crackhead. Ironic, considering she had her own battle to fight back in the day. "You're early. She's not even up from her nap, yet," she says, muting the TV. "What's Joseph done now?" I scowl, dropping my purse to the couch, then sitting next to it, making myself comfortable. We never interrupt Imani's nap time. She's so cranky when she hasn't slept enough. "Why do you assume Joseph did something?" She fixes me with that stare of hers. "Because I know my daughter. And that's your my man is getting on my last nerve face." "He got promoted," I tell her. "Congrats to him. That's good news, isn't it?" "On the surface, yes. It means he's moving up, making more money, more stock options, more opportunity. It also means more office time. Some travel. Less flexibility with the baby." I glance at Imani, sleeping peacefully. "He's been suggesting that I pull back at Donovan since Imani was born. He says he wants Imani raised by her parents. Right when he is about to go back to full time office work." "Mmmmm." Inell shifts, sitting up. "And you're about to expand the business." "Which is a plan he is not really on board with. I can't give up my dreams because his work schedule changes," I tell her, letting the frustration seep out. "That's not fair." Inell pauses for a moment, considering her words carefully. "Max…" "You are not about to take up for him. I know you're not." "Excuse me, young lady," she says, rearing back at my outburst. No matter how good a relationship I had with Inell, I was never one to assert myself aggressively with her. She commanded respect. "Now, you know I'm always on your side," she continued, "And I'm proud of everything you've built with Donovan Realty. But marriage is about compromise and finding a balance that works for both partners." "He's not compromising anything. Why should I have to compromise?" "What was your reaction to his promotion?" The question catches me off guard. "I...asked what his new job meant for his schedule." "Mmmhmmm," she hums. "See, you're both trying to grow and figure things out as you go. The question is, are you growing together or growing apart? You've got to get this handled, Maxine, or you're going to lose a very good man." "Obviously, I don't know how to be the wife and mother he wants and the businesswoman I am," I admit. "Child, listen to me," says Inell. "I raised you alone, doing what I had to do to keep you fed and in clothes that fit. You saw me at my lowest, but you also saw me survive." She gestures around the room. "You bought me this house. Got us out of that neighborhood. Did it all legal and proper. Now you've got a man who loves you, a beautiful baby, and a thriving business. The problem isn't the promotion or the schedules or even the business. The problem is you're both so busy protecting your individual positions that you've forgotten you're on the same team. Come at it from that angle. And honey, you both might have to compromise some." Imani stirs in her playpen, making little sounds that signal she's about to wake up. I move to pick her up before she can cry. "The difference between you and Joseph," Inell continues, watching me settle my daughter against my shoulder, "is that you grew up having to fight for everything. He didn't. When he suggests changes, you hear threats. And when you push back, he hears rejection." I let my mother's words sink in as I rock Imani gently. She's right, of course. Joseph and I come from different worlds. It's part of what drew us together, the way his stability and support balanced my drive and ambition. "So now you know every fuckin' thing?" I joke. "Since you got your degree and everything?" "Do not curse in my grand-baby's ear, Maxine." I look down at Imani, her little face so peaceful as she drifts in and out of sleep and feel a pang of guilt. "And I've always been wise. You have to be ready to hear it. These days, your ears can hear my wisdom." --- Have you experienced a moment like Maxine's, where a mother figure helped you see things more clearly? Share in the comments! And if you'd like to read more about these characters and their relationships, pick up Drinks at Minks today. The eBook, print, and audiobook versions are waiting for you to dive in!

A farmers market Saturday with your best friend shifts the day entirely when you spot the last person you expected to see picking out vegetables... --- Imani and Casey made their way through the Dekalb Farmer’s market, baskets in hand, chatting as…

SAMPLE SUNDAY - ELYSIUM, A BLACK DIAMOND VACATION ROMANCE Welcome to another Sample Sunday! Hope you enjoy today’s snip— and if you did, pick up this title in ebook or print HERE and enjoy!

A financial analyst meets her match when pro bono work leads to unexpected chemistry at a youth center. Enjoy a sample of Calculated Risk, coming spring 2025! Bright Pathways Youth Center was a squat, single-story building that had seen…

Welcome to Sample Sunday! Today I'm sharing a sneak peek from my upcoming novel CALCULATED RISK, coming Spring 2025. A farmers market Saturday with your best friend shifts the day entirely when you spot the last person you expected to see picking out…

I’ve been working on this little romantic Valentine’s Day short for most of the month and it’s giving me fits but I am determined to finish it and get it out there. Enjoy your first glimpse at Simone & Sterling. I don’t have a Pinterest board for this…