Nanette M. Buchanan was born, raised and educated in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from Arts High School in Newark she attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was then that she first set her pen to pad, written expressions of her love for poetry. She is a proud mother, wife and grandmother, now residing in Somerset, New Jersey.
Her pad to pen accomplishments include three volumes of poetry: Thoughts, Thoughts & Reflections, and Quiet Times; five children stories and seven novels. Nanette’s first published work and debut novel was “Family Secrets….Lies & Alibis.”
Since then the publication of the sequel, “A Different Kind of Love” and the release of her first volume of poetry, “Thoughts” an e-book hit the market.
In October of 2009, Nanette’s murder mystery, “Bruised Love” was released. It is her goal to become a successful author without limits. The author is available for personal appearances, chats and signings.
Books by Author Nanette M. Buchanan
• Bruised Love
• A Different Kind of Love
• Family Secrets, Lies & Alibis
Digital Book Excerpt: Bruised Love by Nanette M. Buchanan
Bruised Love – “When love leaves a bruise, does it ever heal?”
The answer is shown in the lives of the characters introduced in this dramatic novel. Cassandra Smith, who left home for love, finds herself accepting abuse. She has returned home to find her internal strength. Mary Smith realizes her love for her daughter, Cassandra, has been smothered by her hatred for Trevor Black, the lover her daughter chose. She must rekindle their severed relationship before it’s too late.
Lamont Dearling has been warned, “A woman who has been abused, can never understand real
love,” but nothing including Trevor Black will keep him from pursuing his childhood sweetheart, Cassandra Smith. Trevor Back, the abusive love and part time father of Cassandra’s four children, has found he is no longer on top of his “game”. His abusive dealings on the street, other women and now Cassandra has caused problems that bring deadly consequences.
Cassandra Smith, Mary Smith, Trevor Black, Lamont Dearling and the others, take the reader through pages of a riveting story of love, betrayal and murder.
Bruised Love by Nanette M.
Buchanan -- Book Introduction
Intimate Conversation with author Nanette M. Buchanan
Nanette M. Buchanan -- An Author with New Drama, Page after Page
Nanette M. Buchanan was born, raised and educated in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from Arts High School in Newark she attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was then that she first set her pen to pad, written expressions of her love for poetry. She is a proud mother, wife and grandmother, now residing in Somerset, New Jersey. Nanette is employed with the State of New Jersey within the Department of Corrections.
Her pad to pen accomplishments include three volumes of poetry; Thoughts, Thoughts & Reflections, and Quiet Times; five children stories and seven novels. Nanette’s first published work and debut novel was “Family Secrets….Lies &
Alibis.” Since then the publication of the sequel, “A Different Kind of Love” and the release of her first volume of poetry, “Thoughts” an e-book hit the market.
In October of 2009, Nanette’s murder mystery, “Bruised Love” was released. It is her goal to become a successful author without limits. Writing and producing plays that feature her poems as well as adaptations of her novels on the “big screen”. This dynamic author is looking forward to making writing a full time career after retiring from her current position with the State of New Jersey.
Nanette is a member of Shared Thoughts Book Club and Authors Supporting Authors. She is the hostess of ASA’s Blog Talk Internet Radio Show which broadcasts each month interviewing authors, discussing literary events, publications and promotions, The author is available for personal appearances, chats and signings.
EDC: WHAT IMPACT WILL THIS BOOK HAVE ON THE COMMUNITY?
• A. Our society has become one that holds embedded hurt a life time. We have angered homes, schools, jobs, and communities. Our relationships and how we treat others has an effect on everyone we meet. We need to recognize, without healing we can’t just walk away from severed relationships. Our solution has become one of avoidance. We will avoid our families, friends and lovers only to be confronted with building the same type of relationships with another. “Bruised Love” defines these relationships, the novel shows how fragile they become, the hurt and pain; it gives the reader insight on what can happen. There will be those who see themselves in these relationships. It asks the question, “When love leaves a bruise, can it ever heal?”
EDC: TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR MAIN CHARACTERS.
• A. “Bruised Love” is Cassandra Smith’s story. As a young girl seeking love, after the death of her father, she falls for the high school bad boy Trevor Black. Despite her mother’s warnings she dates the ‘playa’ and is told by her mother to leave home. The tension builds between her and her mother, Brenda Smith, who is battling cancer. The strained relationship and the need for unconditional love, has a guilty effect on the widow. Brenda realizes she should have loved her child regardless to her choices. Seeking to gain what she lost, she wants to heal the relationship before it’s too late.
After talking with the family, she is convinced that Cassandra will come home if she believes her mother is close to death. Cassandra returns home, leaving the abusive cheating father of her children to care for her mother. Now faced with four children, a sick mother and no choice but to focus on her life, reality sets in. She finds the real definition for friendship, responsibility and commitment. All of which she’ll need to heal the bruised relationships she has been living with. As Cassandra’s life demands immediate decisions, her emotions are torn and her relationships are forever changed. Lamont Dearling, an old friend, is her constant support as she goes through a pivotal transformation. Lamont is that real friend who has always been in the shadows.
Cassandra is my favorite character. She literally transforms in the novel. She carries an emotional load, baggage that is not hers to bear. Through it all she grows, she learns, and she loves. Healing is ridding oneself of the discomfort we take on as we pick at the layers of others mistreatment toward us. Cassandra’s lost of her father leaves an emotional void. Filling it with the façade created by Trevor Black stripped her of the beauty of love. Cassandra returns home depressed and emotionally drained until Lamont gives her a reason to look beyond her troubles. I believe there are women who can connect with her and recognize her path to self love.
EDC: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS STORY?
• A. I believe I wrote this story to rid a part of my feelings that I experienced off and on throughout my life. Love is a confusing emotion. We love openly seeking love in return and sometimes those who should love us don’t and those who we cling to as we fall tend to knock us down further. I can relate to Cassandra, her pain and her emotional turmoil. The character is not me at all but I can relate.
EDC: WHAT ISSUES IN TODAY’S SOCIETY HAVE YOU ADDRESSED IN THE BOOK?
• A. There are a few issues in today’s society that have been addressed in “Bruised Love”. Cassandra is a young, single mother. She fell in love with the neighborhood ‘playa’. His game slowly turned unbearable but it was what she thought was a loving relationship. His other women, the baby mama drama, the drugs, and his abuse became a part of her world. She lost sight of herself loving a man who didn’t love her. Cassandra had to find the strength to end what she thought was an endless love. She had to regain faith in herself for her children, reunite with a mother that didn’t know how to love her and build new relationships. There are women who struggle with this daily. What they overcome or fall victims to declares their fate. Unfortunately there are many who have walked the path that Cassandra walked.
EDC: IS THERE A MESSAGE IN YOUR BOOK THAT YOU WANT READERS TO GRASP?
• A. Yes, love thyself. Love thyself more than any other being that God has created or blessed you to know. Without self love you have nothing. Know what makes love important to you. It’s not about settling no matter who the love comes from. There are parents and other family members who know nothing about loving their offspring or each other. We have to build and keep building ourselves to be successful and it begins with self love. I won’t let you hurt me because I love me should be the outcry. It would diminish domestic violence, neglect, and child abuse.
If the victims spoke out because they loved themselves more than they loved the abusers. They loved themselves more than accepting this painful love and returning to “Bruised Love.” A bruise becomes tender, although the outer skin looks well the skin, the tissue below takes a longer time to heal…..sometimes it remains tender, easy to bruise again. We must learn to care for ourselves enough to heal. Love is beautiful and shouldn’t be feared. We shouldn’t have relationships after relationships scar us, or our children, who watch this dysfunctional love. The message is we must learn to love ourselves.
EDC: THOUSANDS OF BOOKS ARE PUBLISHED EACH YEAR. WHAT SETS YOUR BOOK APART FROM OTHER BOOKS IN YOUR GENRE?
• A. I think we’ve got so many genres that touch the surface of what reality is.
What sells as entertainment sometimes limits or sets the standard for most of the published works. “Bruised Love” has it all. The drama, love, sex, drugs, deceit, betrayal and murder, there is no exploitation, just reality. The way it happens, what could happen, and why. The story brings reality to the forefront, the bling for the reader is at the end. They will not be disappointed.
Books by Author Nanette M. Buchanan
• Bruised Love
• A Different Kind of Love
• Family Secrets, Lies & Alibis
Nanette M. Buchanan was born, raised and educated in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from Arts High School in Newark she attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was then that she first set her pen to pad, written expressions of her love for poetry. She is a proud mother, wife and grandmother, now residing in Somerset, New Jersey. Nanette is employed with the State of New Jersey within the Department of Corrections. This dynamic author is looking forward to making writing a full time career after retiring from her current position with the State of New Jersey.
Nanette’s first published work and debut novel was “Family Secrets … Lies & Alibis.” Since then the publication of the sequel, “A Different Kind of Love” and the release of her first volume of poetry, “Thoughts” an e-book hit the market.
In October of 2009, Nanette’s murder mystery, “Bruised Love” was released. It is her goal to become a successful author without limits. Writing and producing plays that feature her poems as well as adaptations of her novels on the “big screen.” Nanette is a member of Shared Thoughts Book Club and Authors Supporting Authors. She is the hostess of ASA’s Blog Talk Internet Radio Show which broadcasts each month interviewing authors, discussing literary events, publications and book promotions. The author is available for personal appearances, chats and signings.
Q. Introduce us to your
message and the characters in Bruised Love.
A. Bruised Love holds a written message about bad relationships. Cassandra Smith, whom the story is evolved around, her mother Mary Smith, best friend Trina Slater, her lover Trevor Black, and lifelong friend Lamont Dearling are involved in relationships that are now connected and have an effect on major changes in their lives. The novel asks the question, “When love leaves a bruise, does it ever heal?”
Q. Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
A. No, but they could be. The story is not based on any one particular but the situations could be a part of anyone’s life.
Q. What inspired you to write this story?
A. A poem I wrote years ago entitled “Ms. Smith.” The poem talks about a young woman with four children walking in her neighborhood. When she’s spotted from a distance by a neighbor, the neighbor questions what the woman has been through and how she continues on in spite of it. So many of us carry on in spite of how we feel. Cassandra depicts that force that keeps us going regardless of what others think or our emotional turmoil.
Q. What issues in today’s society have you addressed in the book, Bruised Love?
A. There are a few issues in today’s society that have been addressed in “Bruised Love”. Cassandra is a young, single mother. She fell in love with the neighborhood ‘playa’.
His game slowly turned unbearable but it was what she thought was a loving relationship. His other women, the baby mama drama, the drugs, and his abuse became a part of her world. She lost sight of herself loving a man who didn’t love her. Cassandra had to find the strength to end what she thought was an endless love. She had to regain faith in herself for her children, reunite with a mother that didn’t know how to love her and build new relationships. There are women who struggle with this daily. What they overcome or fall victims to declares their fate. Unfortunately there are many who have walked the path that Cassandra walked.
Q. Is there a message in your book that you want readers to share?
A. Yes, love thyself. Love thyself more than any other being that God has created or blessed you to know. Without self love you have nothing. Know what makes love important to you. It’s not about settling no matter who the love comes from. There are parents and other family members who know nothing about loving their offspring or each other. We have to build and keep building ourselves to be successful and it begins with self love. I won’t let you hurt me because I love me should be the outcry. It would diminish domestic violence, neglect, and child abuse. If the victims spoke out because they loved themselves more than they loved the abusers. They loved themselves more than accepting this painful love and returning to “Bruised
Love.”
A bruise becomes tender, although the outer skin looks well the skin, the tissue below takes a longer time to heal…..sometimes it remains tender, easy to bruise again. We must learn to care for ourselves enough to heal. Love is beautiful and shouldn’t be feared. We shouldn’t have relationships after relationships scar us, or our children, who watch this dysfunctional love. The message is we must learn to love ourselves.
Q. What sets your book, Bruised Love, apart from other books in your genre?
A. I think we’ve have so many genres that touch the surface of what reality is.
What sells as entertainment sometimes limits or sets the standard for most of the published works. “Bruised Love” has it all. The drama, love, sex, drugs, deceit, betrayal and murder, there is no exploitation, just reality. The way it happens, what could happen, and why. The story brings reality to the forefront, the bling for the reader is at the end. They will not be disappointed.
Q. Why did you decide to pick the mystery/suspense genre for your book?
A. The book has a little of it all. I love a good suspenseful murder mystery. This novel deals with the emotions that when pushed will cause you to take it over the edge. The psyche of those who kill has also held my attention and in “Bruised Love” I wanted the reader to be stirred by both the psyche and the emotional connection of the characters. It’s a who-done-it murder mystery.
Q. Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
A. I’m really excited about the upcoming year. Last year held many rewarding experiences, plenty of researching, and learning. My plans are to incorporate it all into this year’s projects. I am looking to publish children stories as well as putting my poems in book format. My next novel is entitled “Skeletons…Beyond Closed Doors” to be released in June or July 2010.
A riveting story of love, betrayal and murder. Cassandra Smith has come home after five years due to her mother's illness. Her distant relationship with her mother is coupled with that of an abusive boyfriend, Trevor Black. In her attempt to heal and start over Cassandra finds herself caught between letting go and holding on. Mary Smith lost her daughter to a common street thug, Trevor Black. Mary wants desperately to make up for the love and support she neglected to give her only daughter. Trevor Black has the perfect game for women and the street.
Cassandra is the mother of his children but their bed is shared by many. The women and the streets are his to abuse and use as needed. His game is falling around him, causing him to lose it all. Lamont Dealing's first love was Cassandra Smith. Trevor Black's control kept her away from family and friends. Seeing her again, Lamont is interested in pursuing a relationship despite the warnings of her abusive past. Trevor has met his match.
About the Author
Nanette M. Buchanan is a wife, proud mother, and grandmother. She is currently employed full time for the State of New Jersey. Her writings began in college putting pen to pad in poems, novels and children stories. She have now chosen to add publishing, marketing and promotions to this ever learning process. Her published works include, "Family Secrets Lies & Alibi's, "A Different Kind of Love", "Thoughts" and "Bruised Love", an e-book of my poetry. She is seeking to reach the peaceful plateau of success through self-publishing. She is available for Author Chats, panel discussions, book signings and other appearances. Please e-mail your request to
ipendesigns@gmail.com
Bruised Love
Book
Details Genre: Mystery/Fiction
Price: $14.95; Paperback: 330 pages
Publisher: I Pen Publishing; First edition (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0979388325
ISBN-13: 978-0979388323
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
Five
Questions Bruised Love asks of the Reader
1. When love leaves a bruise, does it ever heal?
2. When a relationship ends due to cheating, or abuse, is closure necessary? Can one move on without it?
3. When there is the lack of love in a parent-child relationship is the child more
accepting of any type of love….positive or negative?
4. How can a parent be supportive of their adult child without over stepping personal boundaries?
5. Do our physical desires overpower our emotional and mental ability to leave a bad relationship?
Five
major talking points in Bruised Love by Nanette M. Buchanan
1. Do we hold people to loving us simply because they are kin to us? Do we hold people to loving us
because who they are or what they mean to us, says they should love us?
2. Closing chapters in our life…..even those we may have to reflect on later
3. Becoming selfish when it comes to loving ourselves.
4. Pulling away from depressing surrounds, behaviors, and connections.
5. Uplifting ourselves -- we need to stop looking for others to validate who we are.
WHEN LOVE LEAVES A BRUISE, DOES IT EVER HEAL?
Discussion Questions from Bruised Love by Nanette M. Buchanan
Love a good book, one with suspense, sex and a dramatic twist? Get a copy of my novel "Bruised
Love."
Let the page by page drama answer the questions we often want to know.
• Do you really get over bad relationships?
• Is love always unconditional?
• When one loses someone they love, why does any sign of love fill the void?
• Is love ever an excuse for lying?
• Can you overlook your lover cheating with your best friend?
• How easy is it to pull away from parent/child you've hurt trying to show them love?
• Could the effects of love, drive one to murder?
PICK UP A COPY OF "BRUISED LOVE" and follow Cassandra Smith as she searches for a healing. Learn to understand her past, a mother- Brenda Smith, who didn't understand how to love her only child. Feel Cassandra's pain as she decides to walk away from the only friend she has only to see her struggle with the bruises of love. Feel the emotional turmoil as Cassandra must face the reality that she has been abused by Trevor Black, the father of her children. Cassandra's story is one we've all had some experience, but prepare yourself for the "who done it
murder." Cause when love leaves a bruise...it's got to heal.
Books by Author Nanette M. Buchanan
• Bruised Love
• A Different Kind of Love
• Family Secrets, Lies & Alibis
Book Stores Rising Sonz Book Store
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Self Published? Are You Really An Author?
by Nanette M.Buchanan
I really found this conversation quite interesting. Being a self published author and consistently looking for opportunities which include, literary agents, publicist and other avenues, I've found that each path has it's ups and downs. It depends on what you're willing to pay for, have the patience for or have had an experience with. I decided to self publish, not to duck the traditional guidelines but after being scammed by a few of the "so-called" people of the industry, I decided if I should lose another dime it will be because I tossed it in the well not someone else.
As far as the business side of being an author: editing, marketing, advertising, distribution and sales I agree we all need the win win path. Most of us will complain about what others have or have not done but there are only a few willing to share the concepts without a cost. Again, the competitive edge.......so why complain if you have the perfect novel, the desired genre, the distribution and your sales? Why worry about the self published author that lacks the knowledge, courage or intelligence to know that with research they could have a best seller? If they are making phenomenal sales, it's because they have captured what we often forget, an audience.
I don't have time to worry about your method as a writer.....I wish you success. I wish you the best in what you do. I wish you all the blessings and hope to read your methods, your path and learn from your experience as I grow as a self published author. Some traditional authors use this term "self published author" as though it was a virus that was rapidly spreading. A disease that should have been quarantined and forbidden to resurface. There are so many readers, so many genre's, so many paths to promote and sale that we should be encouraging each other.
We all agree that this is not a get rich venture, only those who take it serious (proper editing, promotions, marketing) will succeed. The readers may read the "new" novel but will they follow that lazy author. I seriously doubt it. There are many best selling authors that started as "self published" authors. There are many markets that have those who create their own method and audience and still do well. So does the "self published" author.
Those in the industry who have those query letters that have not been answered, the dreaded pain of trying to meet the deadlines, the arguments to save their creativity while working with the editor, and yes finally being signed, do deserve kudos. But, honestly, just because they do doesn't mean that the "self published" author doesn't deserve to share the world of readers who really don't care.......as long as the story is well written and holds them captive.
Are You Really an Author? Yes, I am definitely a successfully, published Author!
Thank God the decision to publish is not left to those who decided they would NEVER self-publish........the success is not how it's published but rather or not it's purchased. Self published books do sell.....ask Stephen King or Tyler Perry.
--
About the Author
Nanette M. Buchanan was born, raised and educated in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from Arts High School in Newark she attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was then that she first set her pen to pad, written expressions of her love for poetry. She is a proud mother, wife and grandmother, now residing in Somerset, New Jersey.
Her pad to pen accomplishments include three volumes of poetry; Thoughts, Thoughts & Reflections, and Quiet Times; five children stories and seven novels. Nanette’s first published work and debut novel was “Family Secrets….Lies & Alibis.”
Since then the publication of the sequel, “A Different Kind of Love” and the release of her first volume of poetry, “Thoughts” an e-book hit the market. In October of 2009, Nanette’s murder mystery, “Bruised Love” was released. It is her goal to become a successful author without limits. The author is available for personal appearances, chats and signings.
Books by Author Nanette M. Buchanan
• Bruised Love
• A Different Kind of Love
Family Secrets, Lies & Alibis
How far back in your history can you travel?
How far before your presence begins to rattle?
You can remember when you were three or four
Further back...your ancestor's history is yours to explore.
Let your heart beat at a steady even pace.
As you journey to this revealing place.
Close your eyes, open your mind.
There's a lesson in this short journey back in time.
Do you see the ship, the torture chamber,
The transporting vessel to this land of the free.
Captured like animals, shackled and chained,
Forbidden to speak, freedom? How could this be?
Don't become upset,
Travel on.... remember pages of history you have been taught.
Pages that state your ancestors were slaves, traded and brought.
Pages that say they were the white mans structured molds,
Our ancestors picked cotton, as the white man tore at their pride and souls
The chapters are vague when mentioning
Any black man or woman that contributed to inventions.
But how they talk of riots and lynching,
Not many pages on black cowboys or heroes, just fearful uprisings
They only name our mentors and leaders after we march and demand
They don't fit that white man's mold....how surprising!
The books are to short to reveal what we touch, speak on and then forget
The ignorant white man's fear was "An educated nigger is a threat"
Boy was the name for males of all ages and size.
While wench and gal were names for girls soon to become Masta's prize.
In generations to follow history repeated again and again
We forgot the past as we scattered,
without education afraid of the white man.
The journey continues on today, what will be our history for tomorrow
Close your eyes now in prayer, save your tears for the foretold sorrows.
We have to learn from our history and our ancestor's experiences
There is a weapon to succeed.
If education is what they fear, education is what we need.
Copyright 2000--Thoughts & Reflections
As They Slept by Nanette Buchanan
While they slept.
Their life was torn from it's roots
The land robbed and invaded.
While they slept
They were shipped across the world,
Their freedom masqueraded.
While they slept
The women were raped,
The men were abused.
While they slept
They became a part of a manipulative scheme.
They were in a world frightened and confused.
While they slept
More and more mentally they began to stir.
They withstood it all to be free again.
As they awoke
They rose as a group
Mentally strong, physically able,
For their journey to begin.
As they awoke
Becoming free
they began to see,
What the new land would mean to you and me.
As they awoke
It was taught all eyes closed, do not sleep,
They left underground, they learned to creep.
As they awoke
They brought us stories of our history and past.
With our eyes open how long will our slumber last?
Copyright 1998-Thoughts
What If
by Nanette M. Buchanan
Celebrating those who heard the call to lead
What if...
There had been no ships approaching the coast, no overseers,
No masters, no plantations, no whips, no chains.
No slaves,
Those things that "kept" us from being free.
Would we...
Have self-respect, morals, pride,
Those things that have died
Imagine how it would be.
What if...
There had been no Crispus Attucks, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks,
Martin Luther King, Malcolm X
Those who heard the call to lead
Would we...
Work to achieve, become educated, assist one another,
And rid our crab mentality, our greed.
What if...
There were no civil rights, no equal opportunities,
No affirmative action, no NAACP,
No programs designed to assure a percentage will succeed.
Would we...
Be Kings and Queens in our homeland,
Rich and have responsibilities
Able to fulfill our goals,
Desires and needs.
What if We...
Stopped blaming our past for our present conditions,
Blaming the "white man" for what was done,
Blaming our successful brothers and sisters for selling out.
Would we...
Understand the wealth of a man is instilled with each of his experiences
and his accomplishments,
That overcoming obstacles is what success is about.
Would we...
Raise our youth as our prized possessions, make an investment in our future
generations, realizing this is key
Would We
Recognize we are a nation within this nation and our
"Black Power" is our Nobility.
Sylvia was surprised when Trevor bought her a diamond earring and necklace set. He had the jeweler ship it from New York. She stood in the mirror admiring how the set added to her beauty. Sylvia fingered through her hair flipping it into different styles. A pony tail, bun and or just letting it hang allowed the earrings to be shown.
She walked over to her closet and pulled out two of her favorite dresses. Sylvia modeled in the mirror pleased with her new accessories. She chose another dress unsure which she would wear to thank Trevor for her gift. He had put the icing on the cake. She was willing to stay in a relationship with him after being showered daily with gifts and money. Carson had never bought her anything without being told what to buy and where to buy it. His solution was handing her his credit card. Sylvia thought Trevor was beginning to care more about her.
The week was filled with his apologies. Trevor explained he had business to take care of during the week that would keep him out all night, street business. Sylvia understood and didn’t ask questions. During the day they satisfied each other. She would prepare their lunch in the morning and meet him at her place to eat and play during her lunch break from the office. Carson never said much about them spending less time together or her extended lunch hour. Sylvia would bring him a goody package and spend time with him on the weekends to keep his interest on edge.
The employee’s at Klien and Son’s watched as the affairs and habits of Carson Klien grew worse. Sylvia got stares and mumbles whenever she entered an area but her new jewelry would ruffle all feathers when Carson took her to the company dinner later in the year. Sylvia was ahead of the game. She had the executive position in Klien and Sons she had always wanted. Carson was at her finger tips. His want for coke would be supplied by Trevor in exchange for her being there for him. Trevor never mentioned gifts being a part of the deal. Sylvia felt his feelings for her had changed indeed.
They didn’t talk about any future plans but Sylvia wanted the relationship to continue. She was convinced that Trevor’s thoughts about Cassandra and Lamont would soon become a part of the past. There would definitely be problems with her brothers and family. Sylvia needed to let them know that he was not her supplier but her man. She didn’t know what to say or when to say it, but it needed to be said. Terrance didn’t question seeing Trevor and Sylvia together at the jewelry store. She didn’t know whether or not Terrance told Lamont or Ma’Dear. She needed to talk to Terrance before the picnic just in case Trevor wanted to come
along.
Sylvia had taken the day off, and it was close to twelve. Trevor hadn’t called but if he followed their schedule, he would be at her door in an hour. Sylvia hadn’t prepared lunch. Quickly, she took off her earrings and returned her dresses to their place in the closet.
The condo was small compared to most. The floors and wood work gave it an expensive flair. It had two bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen nook, living room and loft. Sylvia liked its location, the center of town. Most of the executives rented living quarters for their clientele to stay in when they visited. Sylvia had a lease with Klien and Sons. Carson would pay the monthly expense if she asked. Sylvia was enjoying the best of both worlds. The view from the second floor showed most of the Philadelphia highlights and was beautiful at night. Sylvia was content in her own
world.
Sylvia walked through her condo thinking again about the possible protests her family would present. She decided to ignore the “what ifs”, and any other questions she thought they would ask.
She opened the refrigerator realizing she would have to fix a salad to go with the grilled chicken from the night before. Sylvia started to prepare the salad and changed her mind. She would tell Trevor they should go out to lunch. They both would enjoy the change and maybe spend the afternoon together. Sylvia decided to relax until Trevor
arrived.
When the phone rang, she was startled. It was obvious she had dozed off on the couch where she waited for Trevor. The clock on the wall told her it was three thirty. Sylvia glanced at the called ID which read “private number”. It wasn’t
Trevor.
“Sylvia, this is Trina.”
“Trina? Trina who?”
“Trina Slater, Cassandra’s old roommate.”
“Oh, yeah what’s up?”
“You tell me. I saw you in Trevor’s car the other day. You and him got something going on other than his dealing?”
“What are you talking about? Better yet what do you care?”
“Where do you think he is when you’re not around?”
“What?”
“Cut the bull Sylvia, he spends his time here with me.”
“How did you get my number?”
“His cell, listen, I know you know by now that Cassandra is no longer in the picture. I am though. I stepped in when she checked out.”
Sylvia listened as Trina filled her with information about Trevor and Cassandra and her invasion of their lover’s paradise, which created a love triangle.
“Sylvia that ain’t going down no more, I’m Trevor’s woman and there’s no room for you.”
“Trina, there must be room for me if you’re calling. I mean you sound like you feel threatened by me being his friend.”
“Is that what it is Sylvia, you’re friends?”
“Friends before lovers, you can’t go wrong if you get to know the man first. I mean before you play make him pay that way he’ll stay.”
“Where’d you get that whacked shit. Sylvia, I’m fucking Trevor and you need to keep your uptight ass with that white boy, Carson.”
“I think that’s up to Trevor. Talk to him.”
“I did. He said you were his way back to Cassandra. I’m not willing to have that either.”
“Trina, what did you say?”
“You’re his ticket back. He wants to make her jealous so he picked you. He’s been here keeping me warm so I won’t get mad while he uses you.”
“I know, Trina. I know. I thought things would change but if he told you, damn….”
Sylvia’s voice faded as she got up looking for the aluminum foil package. After the dose of reality Trina gave her she needed a hit. She tapped the foil onto the glass table and pushed the speaker on the phone. She listened to Trina waiting for the coke to dull the shocking blow that had been
delivered.
“Stay away from him Sylvia. He don’t mean you no good.”
Trina had brought her to her senses. Wiping her tears she responded before hanging up the
phone.
“I can’t. He threatened to kill my brother."
###
Books by Author Nanette M. Buchanan
• Bruised Love
• Family Secrets, Lies & Alibis
• A Different Kind of Love
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Nanette M. Buchanan was born, raised and educated in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from Arts High School in Newark she attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was then that she first set her pen to pad, written expressions of her love for poetry. She is a proud mother, wife and grandmother, now residing in Somerset, New Jersey. 
Nanette M. Buchanan -- An Author with New Drama, Page after Page
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