Böcker av Brenda (Oregon State University Corvallis USA) McComb

I had heard enough and said, "OK Tom, we can change the subject." He replied, "I'm sorry J'nell. it's just not often I'm surprised, but twice now you've surprised me. Big time. I'll now keep waiting for the next big surprise." I gave him a slow smile, and said, "Well, don't look now, but you are going to get one right now. Tom, I want you to take me back to my hotel, and I want you to make slow, hot love to me." He sat frozen, with his mouth half open. He glanced around the café at the other diners to see if any of them had heard me. When he determined, none had, he motioned for Mable and asked for the tab. She handed it to him, he looked at it, pulled his wallet out, slipped her a fifty-dollar bill and told her to keep the change. He stood, took my hand and led me out of the restaurant and to his cruiser. He carefully drove back to the Holiday Inn, helped me out of the cruiser and into the hotel lobby. He hit the up arrow for the elevator, and as we got in, he asked which floor. I leaned over, hit the button for the fourth floor, and as soon as the doors closed, Tom was all over me. His kiss began soft and sweet and soon became urgent and demanding. When the elevator doors opened, I handed Tom the room key and he led me to four twenty-two. Once in the room, Tom was trying to take it slow. I could tell his excitement was building, and finally, we ended up making love half clothed. The next round was completely naked and much slower.Later, we took a shower together. I phoned Mother and asked if she needed anything. I could hear a smile in her voice as she told me she was good and for me to enjoy myself. When I hung up the receiver, Tom asked if I needed to go back to the hospital. I crawled up the bed beside him, and said, "No, Mother told me to enjoy myself." At eight that evening, we ordered hamburgers, fries and ice tea from room service and made love again while we waited. After we had finished the burgers, we slept. I woke at two o'clock, and Tom was propp

The book opens with J'nell informing the reader of the flaws of her hometown in Mississippi. From there she leads the read to New Orleans and her freshman year at Tulane University. The next two chapter's deal with her, and her lover, Gavin, discovering their parents are participants in the sexual revolution of the late 60's. At home for the 4th of July, her life is changed by the murder of a family friend. This murder helps her stand up to her father and choose the law as a career, rather than engineering. Another revelation is the discovery of George's gay relationship with the deceased. She learns her mother is pregnant, and there is a question as to which man is the baby's biological father. Her father, James, or Judge Gavin Davenport, II, who is her lover's father. Her parents and the Davenports have been involved in a swapping relationship since 1968, thus either man could be the father. Her own father assures her he is the only father the baby will have. J'nell realizes the whole sordid affair is turning into a nightmare. She is given the task of informing George of the death of his lover, Julius. It is on that fateful day, when she meets George Allen at the French Market Restaurant, she first sees Dolph Johnson, an older mysterious man, who will drift in and out of her life for the next seven years. When she and George Allen travel home for Julius' funeral, the two find themselves in a situation they could never, in a million years, imagine. It would take her mother's intervention to make her realize what an impossible situation it is. Fast forward to 1970 and the birth of her baby brother, James Joseph Montalvo, II, to be known as JoJo. The next stop is graduation from Tulane School of Law for her, Gavin and George Allen. At their graduation party she learns George will be leaving for an extended tour of Europe. The most devastating news is her lover, Gavin, will be moving to Washington, DC to become the clerk for the Chief Justice of the

Just as we finished the oysters, Amber appeared with two more frosted mugs of Dixie Draft. Dolph kept firing a steady stream of questions at me as we consumed the oysters. I answered most of them, although a couple I avoided by asking him a question in return. I wanted to avoid any questions regarding sex, religion or politics, for now. I felt we would get into all that soon enough. I noted, Dolph was careful to do the same. We ended up talking mostly about his businesses and the firm I was building. Amber arrived, along with another waiter, whom she addressed as Andre', who was carrying a large tray laden with two plates, a large covered serving dish and a covered loaf of warm, buttered French bread. Amber arranged the plates and uncovered the serving dish, and the most delightful aroma assaulted my nostrils. I observed a pile of angel hair pasta in a creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with plump jumbo shrimp, juicy oysters, and succulent crawfish tails. Amber dipped generous servings onto our plates and grated fresh Romano cheese on top. She asked if we would need anything else. I thanked her, and Dolph told her that would be all. She and Andre' removed the tray and left. Dolph uncovered the warm buttered bread and tore off two large chunks, placing one on each plate. I bowed my head and said a small silent prayer. As I opened my eyes and made the sign of the cross, Dolph was doing the same. We dug in. I felt as though I had died and gone to heaven. I said, "Dolph, this is fabulous, your chef is a genius." He smiled, thanked me, and we finished our lunch amid small talk. Amber and Andre' reappeared, and once they had cleared the table, Dolph and I continued to make small talk. Shortly, Amber returned with two steaming cups of cafe au lait and a large saucer of bread pudding with a rum sauce, and two spoons. I wasn't sure I could eat another bite until Dolph picked up a spoon, dipped it into the bread pudding and offered it to me. I gazed into his eyes, opened my m