Thank you so much for having me! Iâd like to take a moment to talk about our newest release Love at the Right Tempo. I said our because I have the fantabulous Michael Mandrake. We enjoyed writing this story--a change from what we usually write--both of us. But the one thing that has remained the same--it's a tale of two men, trying to find their place in the world and in each other.
BLURB:
EXCERPT
âWay to step out, man.â Deena giggled.
Frederick ignored her comment and put up his free hand. There was a man behind the bar, but he had his back turned and right now, no one else was there working with him. He looked to be busy drying glasses or perhaps washing. Though Frederick didnât want to disturb him, he really wanted something else to quench his thirst.
âIâm sorry, excuse me, sir.â
The man turned around and approached them. âWhat can I get you?â
Frederick eyed the mature gentleman in front of him, taking in his features. Dark brown eyes, hair cut low with a beard and well trimmed mustache. His lips were thick. Kissable. Frederick loved a man with distinct features.
âOh ⦠um⦠Iâd like a soda. Perhaps a 7-Up or Sprite if you have it.â Frederick continued staring, clutching his violin case tightly in his hands.
Deena seemed to pick up that he was tongue tied. âAnd Iâll have a beer. Heineken if you have it?â
âHeineken for the lady and aâumâsoda for the gentleman,â the bartender said. There was a slightly hitch in the way he said soda, almost as if in disbelief. He then focused his attention on Deena. âWould you like the bottle or a glass?â
âThe bottle is fine. Iâm a simple kind of gal.â She giggled.
Frederick smiled at the man, still holding onto his violin as if it were a life raft. He wondered why the bartender seemed put off by his request. âSomething funny about 7-Up or Sprite?â
The bartender eyed him with his head tilted slightly to the side. âOh nothing.â He spoke, his lips forming over the two words making them escape his being easily. âNothing at all.â Without another word, he walked over for a clean glass that sparkled. They had the word Princeâs with a crown on the side in golden letters. Using large hands, the bar man operated the tap to expertly fill the glass with Sprite before grabbing a green bottle of Heineken from a cooler and prying off the cap. When he returned he set the glass before Frederick without a word but offered Deena a smile with her drink. âMaâam?â
âThanks.â Deena batted her eyelashes at him.
Flirtatiously.
Frederick suppressed a growl and eyed his glass, watching the bartender walk away again. For some reason, it bothered him that the guy appeared to be bothered by his choice of beverage. âI donât drink alcohol, by the way. Iâm sort of boring. The fact I play violin is the most interesting thing about me.â Frederick set Gabriel beside him in a vacant chair. He lifted the glass to his lips and swallowed slowly, still gazing at the handsome gentleman working the bar.
Deena nearly spat out her beer, and she nudged him with her elbow.
âTo each their own,â the bartender said. âDid anyone let Stuart know youâre here?â
Frederick finished his Sprite, still gawking at the man. âYes, the hostess did. I suppose sheâll be back shortly. Do you mind if I ask your name?â Frederick thought heâd go for broke even though it was quite possible heâd be barking up the wrong tree. A part of him said he wasnât, or perhaps he hoped that to be true.
Deena gasped next to him, seemingly in surprise.
The bartender moved to stand directly across from Frederick, braced his elbows into the bar and leaned in. âIf you wish to tell my boss Iâve been an ass to you,â he said, his voice warm and rough. âYou donât need my name for that. All you have to do is tell him the black guy at the bar. Iâm the only one here.â
Frederick shivered at the sound of the manâs voice and how he leaned in so close to him. Instead of shying away as he usually did, he decided to play the game. âActually, I wasnât thinking that at all. More like, I wanted to know your name so I know the lovely man that is taking such good care of us tonight and, maybe might like to have a drink with me after my performance?â Frederick knew he was going for broke. Gazing at the bartender, Frederick had every intention on finding out something about him, even if it was the disappointing news heâd dread.
âI see.â The barman licked his lips. âIâm working. Drinking on the job is strictly prohibited, and besidesâyouâre not a fan of alcohol.â
Frederick sighed inwardly. He looked to Deena for help, but she only kept drinking her beverage.
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Find Michael online by clicking here - on Facebook by searching Author Michael Mandrake
Hugs!
Remmy and Michael