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| Sample Chapters |
attend a continuing education class that began at eight o’ clock. He needed the fourteen credits to renew his electrical contractor’s license. I promised I’d rise with him and make breakfast. While I let water run into the pot, I placed a bagel in the toaster and found the cream cheese. It was usually closer to eleven o’clock by the time we ate. This was really too early for food – and definitely too early for multi-tasking. “Coffee, I need coffee!” Bill yawned as he came down the stairs. I handed him a hot cup of fresh brew and asked if he actually wanted that bagel in the toaster. “Nah. Coffee will be fine. I need to wake up.” He'd shaved and washed his face and was dressed. He looked so handsome and appeared alert and ready to go. I reminded him to take his pill and asked, "Do you need paper and pen?" “No – well, yes – I mean, I took my pill. I don’t need paper. Books and all are supplied or should be for two hundred bucks!” We still had a few minutes until Bill had to leave. Jake needed to go outside so we opened the sliding glass door to the porch and followed, pulling up chairs at the glass-topped patio table. Bill commented, “I wish I hadn't slept through the alarm.” Shrugging his shoulder he smiled and gave me a little wink. “Thank you for the second cup of coffee. I think it's starting to work.” |
hallway and quickly combed my fingers through my hair. Piling it at the top of my head, I secured a hair band in place. As I descended the oak wood treads, the only sound heard in the quiet of the morning was our dog Jake’s claws tapping on the hard surface as he followed me. Entering the kitchen, I flipped on the light and was glad I hadn’t left any dirty dishes in the sink from the night before. The white countertop tiles looked so clean, and our new stainless steel appliances were stunning. They'd replaced old ivory ones and the new look still amazed me. While I started to make the coffee, Jake seemed bewildered to see me moving around so early. He’s such a smart dog. We got him as a puppy. Turning nine this year, he is beginning to show his age. He hadn’t raced me down the stairs but instead followed me rather cautiously. This morning he didn’t take his usual place in the middle of the kitchen floor where I would have to step over him but instead sat next to me looking up with quizzical eyes. His face showed so much expression. I looked at him and said, “Daddy’s got school today. Okay?” For a moment, he paused then seeming to accept this explanation, left me for his favorite spot. Since last year we’ve made it a point not to get up before eight. It’s our way of giving ourselves benefits as members of the self-employed. We indulge ourselves until the sun shining through our bedroom window wakes us up. It’s been nice; just a small treat. Today, however, Bill had to get up earlier. He was required to |