#Kindle Cash Secret

[deadpresidents]

Awash in conflicting reports from unstable battlefronts, [President Gerald] Ford wanted a firsthand appraisal [on the situation in Vietnam] from someone he could trust. General [Frederick] Weyand was his chosen emissary. "You are not going over to lose," he instructed Weyand, "but to be tough and see what we can do." Ford conceded that any military options were severely limited. "I regret I don't have the authority to do some of the things President Nixon could do," he remarked wistfully. As the Oval Office emptied, photographer David Kennerly stayed behind. "You know, I would really like to go with the General," he said. Ford needed no persuading. As a journalist, and a friend, with extensive knowledge of the region from his two-year stint as a combat photographer for UPI, Life and Time, Kennerly could be counted on for an honest assessment of events -- more honest, perhaps, than that of diplomats and military men -- and with it, the pictures to back him up. Kennerly returned to his first-floor office with a sign dangling from his neck. GONE TO VIETNAM. BACK IN TWO WEEKS.

That evening the irreverent photo hound dubbed Hot Shot by the Secret Service appeared in the upstairs family quarters to say goodbye. Ford threw a protective arm around the young man's shoulders.

"You be careful. You have everything you need?"

As a matter of fact, Kennerly's pockets were empty. Local banks were closed and he could use some cash. Ford opened his wallet and handed over its contents, $47, as Betty Ford gave Kennerly a hug. He was striding toward the door when the President called out his name. "Here," said Ford, tossing Kennerly a quarter. "You might as well clean me out."

-- Richard Norton Smith, on White House photographer David Hume Kennerly's interactions with President Gerald Ford after Kennerly asked to accompany a General on a fact-finding mission to Vietnam in March 1975, shortly before the Fall of Saigon, An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford (BOOK | KINDLE | AUDIO)

[kwshahrazad]

Living in North America, even when you aren’t celebrating Christmas, it feels like you're celebrating Christmas.

Promptly on November 1st, the red, white and green festivities begin and their brilliant hues are inescapable. There are elves on shelves and an inflatable Frosty on roofs. And Santa! He really is always watching you as he’s plastered on every surface. He sees you when you’re sleeping because he’s on the half-eaten chocolate wrapper on your dresser. He knows when you’re awake because he’s also on your cereal box, milk carton, and morning coffee sleeve.

Around this time of year, there is a spike in cases of FOMO within first and second-generation immigrants whose holiday rosters do not include Christmas. For over fifty days, they are stuck between a rock and a jolly place because Christmas can be… tempting. The twinkling lights are alluring, the merry melodies are mesmerizing, the promise of gifts is promising, and so the fear of missing out can be all-consuming. It all starts on an ordinary November morning when suddenly, "the holiday spirit" infuses everything the light touches. Every mode and medium has a Yuletide tinge, and every sector of life has a little trimming. For two months, these FOMO-ridden individuals trapeze through jagged tinsel and paper-cut sharp wrapping paper, trying to maneuver in the aftermath of Big Hallmark’s joyous rampage.

In schools, children sing carols in winter pageants, some only mouthing the words to Silent Night or hesitantly rockin’ around a Christmas tree.

There's no argument that these activities can spark joy, and that's precisely the problem. Celebrating, the very act of it, is fun. Whether it’s Halloween, a wedding, an achievement, however minimal, or even a dog’s birthday, people find reasons to come together and celebrate. But in this case, Christmas is not theirs to celebrate. Some people have a little voice in their heads that nettles them each time they put on reindeer ears or take part in Secret Santa. Depending on the individual, it could be their conscience screaming, “What would my parents say?”

In the winter whirlwind of hope, excitement, and merriment, it’s almost impossible to not want to be a part of it all, even subconsciously. It’s difficult to deny that Christmas is fun.

Especially since celebrating non-Christian holidays in the West can be challenging.

There are no signature drinks or holiday hours. There are no lights and most definitely no statutory days off. Christmas is fun because of the sheer scale. The stakes are high with countdowns, giveaways, and so many parties.

Christmas isn’t just a day you celebrate, it’s a season. It’s a pallette and a theme. It’s a genre of music and film. It’s a category of dessert, dinner, and beverage.

That said, it’s difficult to compete with all the fanfare that happens each year in December. Parents are often compelled to go above and beyond to get their kids excited about their own celebrations. Usually with the help of old reliable Mr. Chuck E. Cheese and even older — and therefore more reliable — Mr. Wad of Cash. Worse yet, when one has to justify their need for a day off to a manager who is apparently fascinated by their religion, people can’t help but pray for patience, or better yet, a miracle.

A miracle in which there is no rock by the jolly place. What if a certain non-Christian American demographic could celebrate their holiday at the same time as everyone else? What if they could ride on the Christmas coattails of vacation days, holiday parties, and sales? What if a certain non-Christian religious holiday coincided with Christmas and millions more could wholeheartedly celebrate together with the masses? What if, for example, Eid al-Adha fell on December 24th?

Wouldn’t that be a miracle?

***

You've just read the introduction to my new book, Christmas Eid, available now on Kindle (E-Book) (Print coming soon).

It's Booksmart meets the holidays wrapped up in a warm, festive coming-of-age story.

Christmas Eid introduces a unique format. It's a novelplay. A book that reads like a movie!

Christmas Eid: A Novelplay (Available Now)

If you'd be interested in receiving a copy in return for a review, please message me! Also, please share this with anyone you think might be interested in reading!

K.W. Shahrazad

[amonsteronmaplestreet]

Terry Graham is a loser. But that changes when he and his buddies find a trash bag full of cash stuffed beneath a dumpster. Now they're rich, and everything they ever wanted is within their grasps. But before they can enjoy more than a taste of that high life, the money's original owners track them down-- and they're mad. Terry and his buddies will need to pay back what they stole, but they might not survive the experience. After all, now they know things that they were never meant to... The world is full of secrets, and secrets have keepers. The mysterious Paktritter now have Terry in their sights, and they won't rest until they have him in their hands. At every turn, he is hunted; by a man with too many teeth, by a billionaire who saw the fall of Rome, by a woman who can turn into a wolf. He'll have to fight tooth and nail to survive in a world that's nothing like he thought it was. His life will never be the same. --- DEAD DROPS AND DRAGONS is book one of 'The Pact,' a new urban fantasy series about a secret organization of supernatural misfits who keep magic a secret from the world. Combining horror and thriller, noir and soap opera, 'The Pact' is an exciting, queer-inclusive series starring a diverse cast of memorable characters!

Read it on:

Kindle | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Scribd

[meetsinglesusa]

Online Dating Plenty Of Fish

How to Login to Plenty of Fish?

Plenty of fish is a web based dating stage that is broadly famous in Canada, Ireland, the Unified Realm, the US, Australia, and Brazil. Plenty of fish is altogether allowed to utilize. To be an individual from Plenty of Fish, you need to put away no cash all you want is a sign-up. When you are an individual from it, you can utilize its administrations with practically no deterrents.

Dating destinations and applications are extremely common nowadays. From Kindling to Plenty of Fish (POF), there’s no absence of choices, gave you give them your own data. Where do you reside? What’s your name? What do you jump at the chance to do? This data permits similar individuals to meet and conceivably pair off. If you quit utilizing the site or application in any case, your data will in any case be held by the organization.

For Plenty of Fish login, you will require just your username and secret phrase like some other site. Enter your username and secret phrase and you are on the plenty of fish site. This article will tell you more about the plenty of fish dating locales and the strategy without any preparation to end for plenty of fish login and the sign-up process.

Finding somebody exceptional you need to date, is only a couple of snaps methodology on the off chance that you are an enlisted individual from the POF site. What’s more, let me tell you enrolling on this site is thoroughly liberated from cost. So, the plenty of fish site is the most ideal decision for relationship-searchers.

So in the event that you will track down an individual of your decision, or need to date anybody, do join the site. The technique is depicted underneath.

What Is POF?

POF (short for Plenty of Fish) is a web based dating administration established in 2003. Settled in Vancouver, English Columbia, Canada, it is accessible to clients from chose nations all over the planet. The assistance is allowed to utilize, however it likewise offers premium participation. Starting around 2015, POF is an individual from The Match Gathering which likewise claims OKCupid, Match.com, and Kindling.

Plenty of Fish as of now has around 90 million clients and makes income through promotions and premium enrollments. It is for the most part famous in Canada, trailed by other English talking nations. The help is additionally well known in Brazil, Spain, France, Denmark, Sweden, Mexico, Italy, and Germany. POF offers its administrations in nine dialects. Versatile applications for Android, iPhone, and Windows Telephone stages are additionally accessible.

The assistance centers on significant connections and utilizations a few devices to profile its clients and find them legitimate matches.

The first one is the Psychological Assessment tool, which claims to tell users what they really want versus what they say they want.

The Relationship Chemistry Predictor (POFCP) measures self-confidence, family orientation, self-control, social dependency/openness, and easygoingness to determine the potential level of chemistry between two users.

POF uses the Relationship Needs Assessment tool to determine what the user really needs in a relationship. This tool also provides users with customized tips, action plans, and strategies.

The Keeper tool allows users to check their compatibility with other users.

ABOUT POF.COM LOGIN

The POF login is your one fast method for interfacing with your record subsequent to signing up for a record on Plenty Of Fish Site or by means of the application. Clients will actually want to get to their record through the application or site subsequent to giving their login subtleties. Enlistment is free on Pof.com and accompanies extraordinary highlights that make visiting and interfacing fun.

For gadgets, your cell phones are the best devices to use because of the improvement and more dynamic point of interaction. Android and IOS gadgets are upheld. Telephone and Ipad function as great as any Android Telephones you know.

Likewise, work areas, for example, a PC and Macintosh PC can be utilized to get to your POF.com login, however we would suggest a versatile rendition only for its conveyability and portability. For example, clients will actually want to access and answer to messages effectively in a hurry than they would on work area gadgets.

Clients can likewise effectively sign in to their Pof account through online entertainment stages like Facebook. Additionally when associated with Craigslist, you can get a single tick admittance to your Pof.com account.

POF Login — Login Plenty Of Fish

First confirm the right spelling of your secret phrase or username and attempt once more. Assuming you have forgotten the username related with profile you can type in the email address used to sign up. This ought to get you into your part profile where you will actually want to note right username and spelling. Make a note of this in a protected spot for future reference. Recuperating a secret phrase requires tapping on the connection inside the site and your pof login data will then be shipped off the email related with the record.

In the event that you don’t get this recuperation email be sure to browse your email spam organizer and if there, tag as “not spam” so any future messages find your pof inbox. Be that as it may, in the event that you are sure the right email account is being utilized despite everything have no recuperation data from Plenty Of Fish, there is an opportunity your profile might have been erased. If so you might need to make a new login. Plenty Of Fish accounts are erased for numorus reasons. If it’s not too much trouble, make certain to completely peruse the destinations TOS ( Terms Of Administration ) to be certain you disrupted no guidelines.

Register to Plenty of Fish pof.com for your free POF login

Registering to Plenty Of Fish is easy and free! Once you get to Plenty of Fish pof.com the first thing you will notice (and cannot miss) is the huge registration form on the home page. This section of plentyoffish.com is where you will be creating your POF login as well as using it to sign in.

You will notice the following fields:

Username: This is where you select a distinct username. This will be your POF login.

Password: Create a password for your account. You are going to use this to log into your account on Plenty of Fish pof.com.

Email: Use a real email address. This can also be used as your login if you forget your username. You also get match updates and can use it to recover your password if you ever forget.

Gender: Select either male or female.

Birth Date: Use your real birth date. You will not be able to change it after you enter your date of birth. This helps you find matches with in an appropriate age bracket. +/- 14 years of your own age.

Country: Select the country you live in.

Ethnicity: Enter your ethnicity. This also helps in finding relevant matches based on other user preferences.

After you have finished these fields up, pick regardless of whether you consent to the terms of administration PlentyOfFish has put. You will then, at that point, be taken to one more page with much more fields to finish up. This information you give on the second record creation page goes a piece further in to detail. You will finish up data like your postal code/postal district, level, hair tone and about me. Make a point to transfer pictures too to build your opportunities for finding a date decisively. Profiles without photographs barely get reactions and don’t appear in some POF query items.

That is all there is to it! During your most memorable meeting on the site you will naturally be signed in. After that you should enter your POF login and secret word each time you wish to track down individuals to date on PlentyOfFish.

How to Login POF?

The following are the stops the user to use their POF login account:-

The user uses the wrong POF login credentials (username and password).

Lost the username or Password.

The user fails to complete the authentication process inside the authorized time.

The user may miss using the username or password or make a mistake in entering the process.

The Plenty of Fish Account is under validation or does not satisfy the law of the company.

Unknowingly using an old password instead of the new password.

The account is terminated or deleted due to the violation of the company’s law.

Plenty of fish is a whole course of certified handling and with offering a super degree of consumer loyalty the organization has turned into an eminent organization. POF unnecessarily gives you an email or text exhortation when you are uninstalling or erasing your POF login account. Perhaps you missed the mail for a couple of additional significant errands, don’t accept pressure as the organization will tell you at standard spans. It is difficult to reestablish your record on the off chance that you erased the record so consistently think about two times prior to deactivating the record. On the off chance that you deactivated your record or erased the POF login account, make another record and utilize that as for this situation it is a lot more straightforward.

Login to your POF account on Mobile

For Android, Windows Phone, iPhone, or iPad users there is an app available to use Plenty of Fish over their phones.

Download the app and install it on your device. You can download it by visiting POF official website. Or, click here to directly navigate to the page.

Once the app is installed open it up and enter your Username and Password. Click on Login. That’s it!!

[dollycas]

One Big Happy Family: A Novel by Jamie Day #Review @StMartinsPress

This book will be available Tuesday, July 16. One Big Happy Family: A Novel Domestic Thriller Setting - Maine Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Press (July 16, 2024) Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250283205 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250283207 Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CGS1QT8G Audiobook ASIN B0CKLY1NSB Could this reunion be the death of them? The Precipice is a legendary, family-owned hotel on the rocky coast of Maine. With the recent passing of their father, the Bishop sisters--Iris, Vicki, and Faith--have come for the weekend to claim it. But with a hurricane looming and each of the Bishop sisters harboring dangerous secrets, there's murder in the air-- and not everyone who checks into the Precipice will be checking out. Each sister wants what is rightfully hers, and in the mix is the Precipice's nineteen-year-old chambermaid Charley Kelley: smart, resilient, older than her years, and in desperate straits. The arrival of the Bishop sisters could spell disaster for Charley. Will they close the hotel? Fire her? Discover her habit of pilfering from guests? Or even worse, learn that she's using a guest room to hide a woman on the run. Dollycas's Thought Geroge Bishop, the owner of the acclaimed Precipice Hotel on the coast of Maine has died and the Bishop sisters, Iris, Vicki, and Faith have arrived to take over their inheritance. They are not going to let the quickly approaching hurricane deter their plans. Sadly, not everyone checking in to the unique hotel will make it through the weekend. Charley Kelley, the young chambermaid has a vested interest in what happens with the hotel. Will the hotel remain open? Will she still have a job? Will she survive the weekend? _____ What a family! The father was a letch. The daughters are self-absorbed and totally unlikeable. Vicki is the eldest and she is miserable, harsh, and at times vicious. She is married to her perfect match, Todd. He is a greedy, cheating womanizer with no redeeming qualities.  Middle sister, Iris, has found God after spending time in prison for selling drugs so that she could feed her own habit. Faith, the youngest, was told she was beautiful so she became a model to get the attention she craved, but did she get her big break on her beauty or because of the actions of someone else? She is married to Hope, yes, Faith is married to Hope, a vegetarian cook and spiritualist. We also meet Vicki's son Quinn and Oliver, Hope and Faith's son. Oliver is on the spectrum and speaks in rhymes. Quinn is older but with Vicki and Todd as parents you know he has issues. It was Charley Kelley that drew me into the story. At just nineteen she needs to work to be able to pay for her grandmother's care which is getting more and more expensive. George Bishop paid her so poorly but he did let her live on the premises in a closet near the kitchen that was turned into her bedroom. He also made advances on her day in and day out. To have the funds necessary for her grandmother's care she sometimes pockets dollars here and there from the well-to-do guests. When a young woman asks to stay at the hotel to hide out from her abusive boyfriend, Charley can't say no, especially when the woman offers her cash that would really ease her burdens. Charley has a good heart but it could cost her plenty. This kept me turning the pages. I needed to know how her story would play out, especially with a murderer on the premises. Yes, the Precipice Hotel had the eerie feel of Hotel California, where you can check in but never leave. The hurricane is hovering outside the doors, one person is dead and another is missing. Someone is leaving creepy messages around the house, the cell phone signals are non-existent and the electricity is iffy. Everyone is harbouring secrets and some are getting to the ends of their ropes. One Big Happy Family was an entertaining read but it could have been even better had the author delved deeper into some things and pulled back on parts that felt overly wordy or repetitive. Ms. Day had shown in her first novel The Block Party that she can take on a dysfunctional family and all their drama and she has turned that up a notch or two in One Big Happy Family. She is an author I will continue to watch and I am looking forward to reading her next novel. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent   About the Author Jamie Day lives in one of those picture-perfect, coastal New England towns you see in the movies. And just like the movies, Jamie has two children and an adorable dog to fawn over. When not writing or reading, Jamie enjoys yoga, the ocean, cooking, and long walks on the beach with the dog, or the kids, or sometimes both. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” Read the full article

[musingsofabookworm1]

My First Six Reads of Summer

This is the officially my tenth day of summer break, and I finished my sixth book yesterday. Not bad!

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware - This was a three-star read most of the way through, but I would rate it a three and a half overall as I did like the ending. The title of the book is nearly the name of a reality show (The Perfect Couple) that the thirty-something virologist protagonist and her younger boyfriend (wannabe actor) go on as part of an attempt to boost his pathetic acting career. The show takes place on a a brand new resort on an island in the Indian Ocean. Once there, they will compete with four other couples for a hefty cash prize. Once contestants are elminated, their partner is allowed to spend the night with any other contestant. Protagonist Lyla hopes that she can just be eliminated and boyfriend Nico can stay and win the money. Obviously for the sake of the plot, that does not happen. Things get even worse when a violent storm leaves them without power or any access to the mainland (the show took their phones). Aliances are made for survival purposes. But who will survive? Ware's writing is always fast-moving. Her protagonists are likable. This one got a little too long, but I did enjoy the end. Rounded up to four stars on Goodreads.

The House that Horror Built by Christina Henry - I had been saving this for nearly a month to be my first book of summer until the previoius book came in at the library. No matter. This was not Henry's best effort. Good characters. Good pace. Mediocre plot. Single mom Harry gets a job cleaning the mansion of a recluse. But not just any recluse: a horror film director who is hiding from the public eye after his son and wife disappeared years ago. While cleaning, Harry hears noises. She tries to ignore them but can only do so for so long. Even though this was average at best, I will eagerly await Henry's next book.

The Housemaid is Watching by Frieda McFadden - Another one I was waiting for. That I bought. But oly $4.99 on Kindle. And it wasn't even worth that. Two stars. Nothing happened for most of the book. I figured out what was going to happen and then was disappointed when that was, actually, what happened. I think I enjoyed the narration in the previous two installments of this series, but the narration annoyed me in this one. Disappointment.

Daughter of Mine by Megan Miranda - This book takes place in North Carolina during an unprecendented period with no rain. Miranda really uses rain as its classic symbolism in literature when the end arises. Protagonist Hazel returns to her small town for the sudden death and funeral of her father. As expected with any return to a small town, secrets emerge regarding Hazel's family including her long-lost mother. This book was pretty average. Fast-moving. Good dialog to prose ration. I didn't predict the entire ending. So not bad.

Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah - So many people I know loved this book that I couldn't wait any longer. The hold came in quickly, but it just wasn't for me. It was more character driven which always makes a had read for me. The title characters are part of gladioator-style entertainment which allow prisoners to fight to the death to win their freedom. There are a lot of characters to keep straight all with sad stories which, as a reader, you know are the stories of real people. Some of these stories are told in the footnotes: real and fictional. The footnotes slowed me down, but I was pleased with some of the new information I learned. The writing style wasn't a style I enjoy due to minimal dialog. I should have made this a DNF. But I did enjoy the very end. Two stars.

The Boy Who Loved Anne Frank by Ellen Feldman - I bought this as a cheap e-read as a number of people mentioned its worth on FB book groups I'm part of the day it was on sale. Sadly, this one ended up as three stars as well. And that was up from two stars in the first half. This book tells the story of Peter Van Pels (van Daan in the Anne Frank's famous diary and consequent play) if he survived the Holocaust. We find him married with two children in America living a comfortable suburnan life and hiding his wartime history and his Judaism. Things are going quite well until the book version of Anne's diary makes it into his own home via his wife. The first half was insanely slow. The character building was, sadly, not engaging. But the plot did pick up some in the second half. However, not enough that I'd recommend it.

[selfmadebd]

AMZ Automator Review | AI-System That Exploits Amazon Kindle For FREE Traffic

AMZ Automator - Welcome to my review article. Prepare to uncover the unbelievable secret lurking within Jeff Bezos' Amazon empire a secret that not only delivers an endless stream of free traffic but also showers you with staggering Amazon commissions.

=> No more tedious setups.  => Bid farewell to costly traffic sources.  => Say goodbye to meager earnings.

This is your golden ticket to pocketing $293.47 commissions PER DAY, and all you need is people watching videos on your site or via your link. AMZ AUTOMATOR is THE ultimate weapon you've been yearning for.

Imagine an unstoppable torrent of free traffic from Amazon Prime, and a bank account overflowing with Amazon commissions.

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The World’s First AI-System That Exploits Amazon Kindle For FREE Traffic & $527.93 Daily Automated Commissions. Ignite the Affiliate Marketing Revolution with AMZ AUTOMATOR. Your Gateway to Amazon's Hidden Cash Flow. 

Jeff Bezos left a monumental gap in Amazon's servers, and we've hit the jackpot with the ultimate loophole. It's a tsunami of free traffic waiting to skyrocket your earnings. But AMZ AUTOMATOR Doesn't Just Unlock This Traffic; It Dominates It, Directs It, and Transforms It into a Money-Printing Machine.

Through Your Own A.I. Automated Amazon Cash System that Funnels Amazon Commissions Straight to Your Bank Account. No more sales pitches or product promotions. 

All you need are clicks to Amazon products via your magic link. Every click on Amazon translates into a commission day, earning you $379.27 per day in Amazon commissions. 

It's not about selling it's about the cash flow when people click on your link to Amazon. AMZ AUTOMATOR is Your Key to Effortless Income. No Selling Required. Get ready to ride the tsunami of profits straight to your financial freedom. 

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💁AMZ Automator Review - Overview

💹Creator: Glynn Kosky

💹Product: AMZ AUTOMATOR

💹Launch Date: Monday 13th May

💹Launch Time: 10 am EST

💹Front-End Price: $17

💹Contents: Software (Online)

💹Support: Effective Response

💹Recommended: Highly Recommended

💹Bonus: Yes, Huge Bonuses

💹Refund: Yes, 180 Days 100% Money-Back Guarantee

💹Skill Level Needed: All Levels

💹Official Website: Click Here

💁AMZ Automator Review - Features

🚀Your very own A.I.-powered video streaming platform, primed to channel Amazon commissions like a well-oiled machine. 

🚀An unstoppable deluge of free traffic from Amazon Prime, pouring into your coffers. 

🚀A groundbreaking method that leaves 99% of marketers in the dust!

🚀A relentless stream of Amazon Prime's free traffic, swelling your bank account with commissions. 

🚀A game-changing formula that leaves most marketers in the dust!

🚀An all-encompassing platform optimized for effortless Amazon commissions. 

🚀An avalanche of Amazon Prime's free traffic – yours for the taking. 

🚀An unparalleled edge that propels you miles ahead of the competition.

🚀Turn Amazon Kindle Into A Viral ATM

🚀Newbie Friendly Interface

🚀Profitable Templates To Choose From

🚀Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Interface

🚀Built-In A.I Powered Content Creator

🚀Built-In A.I Generated Cash Campaigns..

🚀Amazon Income Potential

🚀High Ticket Campaigns Included.

🚀App Works On All Popular Devices

🚀All Major 3rd Party Integrations Supported

🚀Automated A.I Traffic Feature Built-In

🚀DFY Business Commercial Licence Included

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💁Why You Must Grab AMZ AUTOMATOR Now

Tap Into Set ‘n’ Forget Automated Amazon Kindle "KDP" Commission Campaigns.

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With AMZ AUTOMATOR You Don’t Need Anything Else.

AMZ AUTOMATOR Makes Us $ Without Doing Any Selling.

No Monthly Fees, Register Once & Use Forever.

Act Fast For $$$$s In Premium Bonuses.

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The Price Is Rising, If You Wait You’ll Pay More.

💁What Niche It Is.

This works in any niche from.

Weight Loss

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💁Pros or Cons:

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💁AMZ Automator Review - FAQ

Q. What devices does this work on?

Ans. AMZ AUTOMATOR is web-based so it works on every device out there. All you need is an internet connection.

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💁AMZ Automator Review- Conclusion:

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[jon-mcbrine-author]

Originally posted on Substack on 12/4/23

Unsecret Identity: Eric Icarus - Book One is about Eric Boxworth’s journey from zero to zero-G hero, but the story is told through three POVs: Eric Icarus, of course, his father, David, and his best friend, Jaycee. Despite being classmates, at the start of the book, Eric knows very little about her - just who the heck is Jaycee Maddox anyway?

Daughter of gazillionaire tech mogul Baron Maddox, Jaycee is a student at the same upper-mid-level high school as our gravitationally-challenged main character, Eric. Instead of using her dad’s infinitesimal stacks of cash to attend any institution in the world, Jaycee sits next to Eric—when she actually shows up to class, that is. Jaycee’s imperfect attendance does her no favors with her science teacher, who also happens to be her mother, Valerie Cooper.

Baron and Valerie haven’t exactly nailed the whole co-parenting thing, but Jaycee sees both of them regularly. When Jaycee is with her mom, she lives under her strict rulings, but they still manage to resemble a normal household. When Jaycee spends time with her father, however, she’s typically wearing the mask of her superhero alter-ego, Powerhouse. As CEO of his bleeding edge technology company, Baron carves out time to also be the public benefactor of the city’s team of teen champions of justice. Powerhouse is proud to battle bad guys alongside her fellow student/crime fighters.

Armed with strength-enhancing armor, Powerhouse takes pleasure in her opponents underestimating her due to her skinny stature. With her arms encased in shiny chrome plating, Powerhouse stands out in a group of other heroes who possess advanced gear of their own. At the beginning of the novel, Jaycee isn’t sure if she can truly trust Eric—or what to make of him whatsoever. As the only witness to Eric’s preternatural flying ability, Jaycee is on a mission to prove whether or not Eric is the real deal, or just another tech-clad phony posing as more powerful than they really are.

Living a double life takes its toll on Jaycee, who constantly has to keep her secret identity hidden from her nosy mother. Jaycee also strives to impress her father at every opportunity, but when a miraculously flying boy named Eric enters their inner circle, things take a turn. As Baron grows more enthralled with Eric’s phenomenal anti-grav talent, getting Baron’s attention becomes a feat even Powerhouse may not be strong enough for.

Stay in the loop for more details by following Jonfcition Blog on Substack and be sure to check out jonmcbrine.com for more info about this and all my books.

Unsecret Identity: Eric Icarus - Book One is available now from the Amazon Kindle store.

https://a.co/2XAtxvH

[notebooknebula]

Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Banking: Infinite Banking Insights with Jim Oliver and Jay Conner

https://www.jayconner.com/podcast/episode-116-exploring-alternatives-to-traditional-banking-infinite-banking-insights-with-jim-oliver-and-jay-conner/

Have you heard that there are alternative ways to traditional banking?

Welcome to the latest edition of our Raising Private Money Podcast, today Jay Conner is joined by the brilliant Jim Oliver!

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of infinite banking and learn how you can create wealth without relying on Wall Street brokers or financial planners!

Jim Oliver is the founder of Create Tailwind, a nationally recognized firm that empowers individuals and businesses to achieve financial independence.

Together, Jay and Jim explore the concept of Raising Private Money and how education plays a pivotal role in inspiring potential investors to get involved.

Discover how specially designed insurance contracts can enable tax-free growth of your money. With control over your funds, you can borrow at low interest rates to invest in opportunities that generate high returns. Imagine becoming your own banker, taking control of your financial future, and flowing money into your own pool.

Join Jay Conner and Jim Oliver as they share their personal experiences and insights on Raising Private Money through education. Discover the power of aligning with individuals who share your passion for financial freedom, independence, and abundance.

Jim also reveals his strategies for building eternal cash flow, fighting inflation through real estate investments, and challenging the traditional notion of retirement. Plus, listen in as Jay and Jim discuss their admiration for the author of “The Go-Giver” and the importance of positive thinking and persistence in achieving success.

To dive deeper into the infinite banking concept, visit  https://community.createtailwind.com/

where you can join a community of individuals who are committed to their financial journey. And don’t forget to download Jim Oliver’s book “Make Bank Without the Bank” for free on Kindle.

Remember, with infinite banking, you can become your own banker and unlock the true potential of your money.

Wishing you abundance and financial freedom!

Timestamps:

0:01 – Raising Private Money Without Asking For It

2:38 – Jim Oliver, the Anti-Wall Street Financial Planner

6:33 – Private Money: It’s All About Wearing Your Teacher’s Hat

8:52 – When You Educate Somebody You Create Opportunity

10:35 – Always Be The Buyer, Don’t Be The Seller

12:37 – Educate, Serve, Help – That’s All You Need

15:24 – How To Become Your Own Bank

18:33 – Whoever Controls The Money Makes The Money

23:40 – Connect With Jim Oliver: https://community.createtailwind.com/

25:30 – Wealthy People’s Money Flows To Them, Poor People’s Money Flows Away From Them

26:21 – The Eternal Cash Flow

29:35 – Service: The Only Thing I Want To Be

30:02 – Persistence: Secret To My Success

31:26 – Your Scars Are Your Superpower

32:23 – Whatever You Think You Will Become

Private Money Academy Conference:

https://www.JaysLiveEvent.com

Free Report:

https://www.jayconner.com/MoneyReport

Join the Private Money Academy:

https://www.JayConner.com/trial/

Have you read Jay’s new book: Where to Get The Money Now?

It is available FREE (all you pay is the shipping and handling) at

https://www.JayConner.com/Book

What is Private Money? Real Estate Investing with Jay Conner

https://www.JayConner.com/MoneyPodcast

Jay Conner is a proven real estate investment leader. He maximizes creative methods to buy and sell properties with profits averaging $67,000 per deal without using his own money or credit.

What is Real Estate Investing? Live Private Money Academy Conference

https://youtu.be/QyeBbDOF4wo

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/RealEstateInvestingWithJayConner

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-money-academy-real-estate-investing-with-jay/id1377723034

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jay.conner.marketing

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JayConner01

Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/JConner_PrivateMoneyAuthority

[marketingprofitmedia]

Cash in on the Internet: Ten Surefire Methods to Bring in Extra Cash Today!

Welcome to the gateway of online prosperity! In a world fueled by digital innovation, the internet isn’t just a source of information; it’s a treasure trove of opportunities to bolster your income. If you’ve ever wondered about unlocking the secrets to earning extra cash from the comfort of your home, you’re in the right place. This blog, “Cash in on the Internet: Ten Surefire Methods to Bring in Extra Cash Today!” is your roadmap to navigating the vast landscape of online income. From freelancing freedom to stock photography profits, join us as we unveil ten proven methods to turn your online presence into a lucrative financial asset. Let’s begin on this exciting journey together!

My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS FREE Training to START >>

Brief Overview

The internet serves as an expansive marketplace where individuals can transform their skills and passions into tangible income. Our brief overview sets the stage for uncovering ten reliable methods to harness the power of online platforms. From freelancing to e-books, discover how to turn your online presence into a thriving source of extra cash.

Setting the Tone

Setting the tone is crucial as we embark on this online income exploration. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s a journey requiring dedication. The internet offers vast opportunities, but success demands effort and strategy. Let’s approach this adventure with a mindset of commitment, authenticity, and the understanding that lasting rewards come to those who navigate the digital landscape wisely.

Freelancing Freedom

Exploring the World of Freelancing

Freelancing has emerged as a cornerstone of online income generation. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect freelancers with clients seeking their skills. From writing and graphic design to programming and digital marketing, the opportunities are vast.

Platforms to Kickstart Your Freelancing Journey

To embark on your freelancing journey, sign up on reputable platforms. Create a compelling profile that highlights your skills, experience, and expertise. Don’t be afraid to showcase your personality; clients often appreciate a personal touch.

Highlighting In-Demand Skills

Certain skills are in high demand in the freelancing world. Writing, graphic design, and programming consistently top the list. However, emerging fields like voiceover talent, virtual assistance, and social media management are gaining traction.

Niche Blogging Brilliance

Understanding Niche Blogging

Niche blogging involves creating content focused on a specific topic or industry. Unlike general blogs, niche blogs cater to a targeted audience, making them more appealing to advertisers and sponsors.

Choosing a Profitable Niche

Selecting the right niche is crucial. Consider your interests, expertise, and market demand. Popular niches include personal finance, health and wellness, and technology. Use keyword research tools to identify trending topics within your chosen niche.

Tips for Creating Engaging and SEO-Friendly Blog Content

Crafting compelling content is key to the success of a niche blog. Develop a unique voice, conduct thorough research, and optimize your articles for search engines. Quality, relevance, and consistency will attract and retain your audience.

Crafting Compelling E-books

The Growing Market for E-books

E-books have become a lucrative source of passive income. With the rise of e-readers and online platforms, publishing and selling your e-book has never been easier.

Steps to Create and Publish Your E-book

Begin by identifying a topic that resonates with your target audience. Research your niche, outline your content, and start writing. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) make it simple to publish and distribute your e-book.

Marketing Strategies for E-book Success

Creating an effective marketing strategy is essential. Leverage social media, email marketing, and online communities to promote your e-book. Encourage reviews and engage with your readers to build a loyal fan base.

Dabble in Dropshipping

Introduction to Dropshipping

Dropshipping is an e-commerce model where you sell products without holding any inventory. When a customer makes a purchase, the product is shipped directly from the supplier to the customer.

Finding the Right Products and Suppliers

Research and select products with high demand and low competition. Partner with reliable suppliers who can fulfill orders promptly. Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce provide easy-to-use tools for setting up your dropshipping store.

Setting Up and Promoting Your Dropshipping Store

Create a user-friendly website that showcases your products effectively. Invest in professional-looking product images and descriptions. Implement digital marketing strategies, such as Facebook ads and influencer partnerships, to drive traffic to your store.

My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS FREE Training to START >>

Mastering Affiliate Marketing

Overview of Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral. It’s a performance-based marketing strategy that benefits both the affiliate marketer and the business.

Choosing Lucrative Affiliate Programs

Select affiliate programs aligned with your niche and audience. Research the products or services to ensure they meet high standards. Authenticity is key; promote only what you believe in to build trust with your audience.

Implementing Effective Affiliate Marketing Strategies

Create content that seamlessly integrates affiliate links. Be transparent with your audience about your affiliations. Use a mix of content types, such as reviews, tutorials, and comparisons, to diversify your approach.

Teach and Earn with Online Courses

The Booming E-learning Industry

Online learning has witnessed unprecedented growth, creating opportunities for individuals to teach and earn. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare empower creators to share their knowledge.

Steps to Create and Sell Online Courses

Identify your expertise and the skills you can teach. Plan your course content and structure. Use user-friendly platforms to create and upload your courses. Marketing your courses through social media and email campaigns enhances visibility.

Platforms for Hosting and Promoting Your Courses

Choose platforms that align with your goals and target audience. Each platform has its strengths; some prioritize marketing support, while others offer higher revenue shares. Experiment to find the best fit for your teaching style.

Social Media Money

Leveraging Social Media for Income

Social media platforms are not just for sharing personal updates; they’re powerful tools for earning money. Building a personal brand and engaging with your audience can open doors to various income streams.

Building a Personal Brand Online

Define your niche and unique selling proposition. Consistency is key; maintain a cohesive brand image across platforms. Share valuable content, interact with your audience, and be authentic to build trust.

Monetization Tactics on Popular Social Platforms

Explore diverse monetization options offered by platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. These may include ad revenue, brand partnerships, and sponsored content. Tailor your approach to each platform’s audience and guidelines.

Virtual Assistance Ventures

The Role of Virtual Assistants in the Online World

Businesses and entrepreneurs often seek virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks, customer service, and more. Virtual assistance offers flexibility and the opportunity to work with clients worldwide.

Skills Required for Virtual Assistance

Effective communication, organization, and time management skills are crucial for virtual assistants. Familiarity with tools like Slack, Trello, and Google Workspace enhances productivity. Showcase your skills and experience on virtual assistant platforms.

Platforms to Find Virtual Assistant Opportunities

Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Virtual Assistant Jobs connect virtual assistants with clients. Craft a detailed profile highlighting your skills and experience. Actively apply for relevant opportunities to build a steady stream of clients.

Stock Photography Profits

Introduction to Stock Photography

If you have a passion for photography, turning your hobby into a revenue stream is possible through stock photography. Businesses and content creators are constantly in need of high-quality, royalty-free images.

Tips for Capturing and Selling High-Quality Stock Photos

Invest in a good camera and learn the basics of photography. Focus on capturing versatile and in-demand subjects. Use photo editing tools to enhance your images. Submit your photos to stock photography websites.

Platforms for Selling Your Stock Photography

Popular stock photography platforms include Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images. Each platform has its submission guidelines and review process. Research and choose platforms that align with your photography style and goals.

My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS FREE Training to START >>

Engage in Online Surveys for Easy Money

The Reality of Online Survey Opportunities

While not a primary source of income, online surveys can be an easy way to earn some extra cash. Companies pay for consumer opinions and feedback, creating a simple yet accessible income stream.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings from Online Surveys

Register with reputable survey websites that offer regular opportunities. Complete surveys consistently to build a steady income. Be cautious of scams and never pay to join a survey site. Research and read reviews before signing up.

Recommended Survey Websites

Trustworthy survey websites include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Vindale Research. These platforms offer a variety of surveys and other earning opportunities. Explore multiple sites to maximize your earning potential.

Exploring the Pitfalls

Common Challenges Faced in Online Money-Making

While the internet provides abundant opportunities, challenges are inevitable. Common obstacles include competition, changing algorithms, and the need for continuous learning.

Tips for Overcoming Obstacles

Stay adaptable and be willing to evolve with the digital landscape. Keep honing your skills and stay informed about industry trends. Networking with fellow online entrepreneurs can provide valuable insights and support.

Success Stories

Showcasing Real-Life Success Stories

Real-life success stories serve as beacons of inspiration, illustrating the tangible rewards of online endeavors. In this segment, we shine a spotlight on individuals who turned their digital dreams into financial triumphs. These stories not only motivate but also provide valuable insights into the diverse paths one can take to achieve online prosperity..

Conclusion

In wrapping up our exploration of online income avenues, remember, success in the digital realm is a journey, not a sprint. Each method discussed offers unique opportunities; finding your niche is key. Embrace the learning curve, stay persistent, and don’t be disheartened by initial challenges. Whether you choose freelancing, blogging, or affiliate marketing, the internet is your canvas. So, take the plunge, experiment, and let your online ventures become a rewarding journey of growth and financial success.

FAQs

Q. Can I Really Make Money Online Quickly?

While some methods may generate quick returns, sustainable income typically requires time and effort. Be wary of get-rich-quick promises and focus on building a solid foundation for long-term success.

Q. How Much Time Should I Dedicate to These Methods?

The time commitment varies for each method. Freelancing may require more time initially, while passive income streams like stock photography can be more flexible. Assess your schedule and prioritize accordingly.

Q. Are There Any Upfront Costs Involved in These Methods?

Certain methods may have upfront costs, such as hosting fees for a blog or marketing expenses for an online store. However, many methods can be started with minimal investment. Research and plan accordingly.

Q. What If I Don’t Have a Specific Skill Set?

The beauty of online opportunities is the diversity of options. If you lack a specific skill, explore methods that align with your strengths or consider acquiring new skills through online courses or training.

Q. How Can I Avoid Scams While Trying to Make Money Online?

Be vigilant and research thoroughly before engaging in any online opportunity. Look for reviews, check for red flags, and trust your instincts. Legitimate opportunities don’t require upfront payments or personal information.

My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS FREE Training to START >>

Affiliate Disclaimer :

This article Contain may be affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you if you decide to purchase something. While we receive affiliate compensation for reviews / promotions on this article, we always offer honest opinions, users experiences and real views related to the product or service itself. Our goal is to help readers make the best purchasing decisions, however, the testimonies and opinions expressed are ours only. As always you should do your own thoughts to verify any claims, results and stats before making any kind of purchase. Clicking links or purchasing products recommended in this article may generate income for this product from affiliate commissions and you should assume we are compensated for any purchases you make. We review products and services you might find interesting. If you purchase them, we might get a share of the commission from the sale from our partners. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended.

Source : Cash in on the Internet: Ten Surefire Methods to Bring in Extra Cash Today!

Thanks for reading my article on “Cash in on the Internet: Ten Surefire Methods to Bring in Extra Cash Today!“, hope it will help!

[joyffree]

Ben, dad's best friend, high heat MMM romance from Cora Rose is officially live!

It’s often said that everything is impossible until it’s done.

And while I’ve always known my infatuation with Cash and Ford was meant to remain an unfulfilled dream, I never really lost hope.

Hope that the two men, twice my age, would ever see me as more than just a kid. As more than just their best friend’s son.

But I’m not a kid anymore, and at twenty-one, they’re about to see that little meek and quiet Ben is old enough for many things. Old enough to finally attract their attention. And frankly, old enough to know better. To know that these stolen touches and lustful trysts behind closed doors could never really amount to more.

Because everything will crumble as soon as Cash, Ford, and my father find out what I’ve been up to. That I’ve been keeping secrets from them all.

I can’t possibly keep them both.

I can’t keep them at all.

I know our love is impossible.

But, god help me, when has that ever stopped me?

[ofgods]

   SHE WATCHES HIM CAREFULLY, HEAD TILTED slightly. the kindled warmth in her chest is quickly growing into an inferno and it doesn't take long before she needs to look away to hide her shyness. one hand raises to slightly cover her face, a quiet giggle slipping through the cheesy grin. it's a move she's done plenty of times over their years together, never growing used to having an audience to her experience on cloud nine. she has to remind herself that it's not a place she deserves to visit so soon, but she refuses to ruin the moment. her shield drops before amber eyes are brought back to the subject of her affection, the same smile still on her lips,  ❝  you're gonna give me a big head if you don't quit. i'm still going to work hard, though.  ❞   translation: because i still want to spend them with you. i love you.

   a slow nod in agreement comes eventually, already of the belief that he―and the rest of the bake my day team, but she's ( extremely ) biased―could make anything and the city would still flock to try them. she chuckles,   ❝  i'm more inclined to believe you're just doing the marcus thing where you don't really consider anything except that you'll do what you must to make a thing come to fruition because you want to do said thing for someone,  ❞   it's one of the many things she admires about him,   ❝  but i also believe that if you were a witch, you'd definitely be a kitchen one, so you're probably right about it not being that complicated for you.  ❞   for her, everything he made was complicated. that's why she made it a point to watch him from her perch on the counter whenever he baked at home... well, that and she just liked cashing in on any excuse to be with him.

   ❝  wait. wait, time,  ❞   she makes a quick t-shape with her hands.   ❝  first, i need to preface this by saying that it makes me really, really happy to know you consider them sweet dreams,  ❞   she would completely understand if he felt they only emphasized the hurt she left behind,   ❝  but you can't just say that and not tell me what those different little details are? you know i'm a curious cat!  ❞   she leans in, eating away the majority of the distance between them. her words are spoken as if they were sharing secrets,   ❝  you tell me yours, i'll tell you mine?  ❞   she was always willing to play fair if it was with him... unless nerf guns or mario kart were involved, but isn't that true for everyone? she straightens herself and flicks a stray curl from her forehead, flashing a smile,  ❝  only if you want to, of course.  ❞   at his next comment, she makes a mental note to take her phone off silent mode, that way she'll be able to recognise if it's him who's calling. the last thing she wants to do is miss it.

   she laughs,   ❝  i suppose it'd depend on the errand, but i've got an even more compelling argument if you'd like to hear it.  ❞   she doesn't give him any time to give an actual response, quickly saying,   ❝  please stay.  ❞   she tries to ignore the irritation she feels at herself for not doing just that eight months ago, but there's no way of knowing what their future will look like once they've had time to talk, so she does the selfish thing.   ❝  we can put both of your bouquets in the cool room, that way you won't have to hold them and they'll stay perfectly fresh for when you leave, so stay as long as you want. i've only got an hour or so left anyway.  ❞   she knows she should admit she wants him to stay rather than hoping he'll be able to hear it hidden in her words. given the way things were left between them, it would make sense if he questioned his own judgement when it came to her and how well he knew her, yet it's a truth she swallows with the lump brought on by his own admission. her own feelings are tabled momentarily, focusing on the topic of his mother first as she begins to pull flowers best suited for a cute thinking of you arrangement, using her memories with the woman to pick ones audi thinks she'll like.   ❝  i'm glad to hear she's good.  ❞   she motions for him to follow her deeper into the shop, that way they can continue chatting over the noise of the wrapping paper. it's important that he hears the response she finally provides,   ❝  and i know it's probably wrong of me to admit, but i've missed it too, marcus. i've missed you.  ❞   it's not a lot, but it's all she can offer for now.

He couldn't help but wonder if she was still included among the people who loved him so well. Prior to seeing her again and talking like they once did, he would've assumed she wasn't, but now he wasn't so sure anymore. Marcus was aware they were talking about birthdays, but he had the urge to tell her she was still his number one in general. No one could ever replace her in the special space she took up in his heart. "If I was, it wasn't intentional." A soft laugh followed his words. "I think it's safe to say that number one spot is taken by a birthday spent with you. If it wasn't, for some bizarre reason, you wouldn't have to work that hard for it." Just being around her was enough for him.

"I mean, they're not the most popular, but I'm sure there's a decent number of people who would also be interested in trying them." He was sure with the right amount of enthusiasm and optimism, he could make a semi-convincing argument when he brought the idea up to his boss. "I'm sure we'll have plenty of everything I'd need to make them, so it's really not too much trouble. Plus I don't think they'll be that complicated to make." Even if it did end up being a little more work than he was envisioning, he still would've gone out of his way to make them just for her. He never minded doing things like that for any of the people in his life, thinking they were more than deserving of small gestures like that. He was going to playfully inform her that she would just have a lot of shortbread cookies on her hands if no one else bought them, but she beat him to it. "You really don't have to do that," laughter escaped in between his words, "but I'll be sure to let her know, just in case." He was sure he could rope a few co-workers into really pushing the cookie with him to avoid the problem entirely. Any plan he was starting to form in regards to the matter was quickly cut off when he felt her hand on his arm, the action earning her a look from him that would surely be accompanied by tiny hearts floating above his head if he was a cartoon character.

The look remained on his face as she flirted with him. "Too, huh?" There was probably an argument to be made against him getting so caught up in the moment considering he was left in silence for eight months. However, it was so much more natural to fall back on old habits and behave as if not much had change than it was to put up some sort of wall. "Some of the details might be a little different, but I'd be lying if I said I haven't had some similar sweet dreams." Predictably so, he would describe any dream he had of her as sweet, even when they all ended with reality sinking back in a few short moments after waking up. "I'll keep that in mind." At this rate, there was a solid chance he'd end up calling her later tonight.

He was sure Audi was right seeing as though he made it a point to make it known how much he cherished the people in his life on a regular basis. That, and he was sure that said people were used to him occasionally putting his foot in his mouth whenever it moved faster than his brain. "Even if you did put me to work, I doubt it would be more boring than any errand I run." Largely thanks to her company. He wasn't one to sit still or in silence too often, but around her he could do so comfortably without the desire to find something to occupy him. "So really, I'm just hearing a compelling argument to abandon my errands for the day." He lost count of how many times he laughed and lit up once they got pass the awkwardness that was present when they first started speaking. It wasn't all too surprising though, it was still hard not to feel like he was walking on clouds in her presence. "It's nice being with you too, I've missed it." As someone who wore his heart on his sleeve, he could only keep the statement to himself for so long before it slipped out. "But yeah, she's doing well. I don't think she has anything new going on lately, at least not that I know of." He quickly added on, almost as if he was a little worried the previous sentiment wouldn't be reciprocated.

[ellisjoeandrews]

All Things Are Possible, If You Believe….

Are you wanting to make extra income, be your own boss, work at home or just tired of living pay check to pay check…? If so, then you must visit our website:  http://www.cashflowe.org

[scotianostra]

On Monday the 24th of December, 1716,  Serjeant William Ainslie was executed.

Most executions in Edinburgh took place either at The Old Tollbooth, or the Grassmarket, some convicted of witchcraft were burnt on Castle Hill, or the Esplanade, as it is now. What is unusual about William Ainslie’s hanging was he was  executed over the Castle-Wall.

Serjeant Ainslie was part of a plot in the Jacobite rising of 1715 to take control of Edinburgh Castle.  Ainslie and two other soldiers of the garrison had been bribed to admit the plotters via a sally port.

Once there, the Highlanders meant to seize the castle’s ample stock of weapons and cash, and also “fire three cannon; that when this signal should be heard by some men stationed on the opposite coast of Fife, a fire should be kindled on the heights; and that these beacons, continued northward from hill to hill, should, with the speed of a telegraph, apprise Mar of his advantage.”

One minor problem: the whole enterprise depended on the ability of at least 83 people to keep a secret, but “they were so far from carrying on their affairs privately, that a gentleman who was not concerned told me that he was in a house that evening, where eighteen of them were drinking, and heard the hostess say that they were powdering their hair to go to the attack of the Castle!” Even so, the word only barely got out in time, the conspirators self-defeating by showing up late (too much time powdering?) and with ladders that were too short.

William Ainslie, the sergeant who was planning to open the gate for the Highlanders, had to shout the alarm and play it off that way once he realized that the dawdling had wasted the opportunity, but he was soon found out and spectacularly hanged over the castle wall for his trouble. 

The inevitable hanging-ballad broadside (“The Lamentation, and Last Farewell, Of Serjeant William Ainslie, who was executed over the Castle-Wall of Edinburgh for High Treason and Treachery, on Monday the 24th of December, 1716”*) emphasizes the pecuniary motive at the expense of the patriotic, but maybe it should have been dedicated to the principle that loose lips sink ships.

Here’s a transcribe of the said Broadside;

Let all Bold Soldiers far and near, That sees my dismal Fall, Lament my sad and wretched End, That’s brought my self in Thrall; Here to the World I do declare, The Castle to Betray. Full Fifty Pounds I was to have, for which I’m doom’d to Die.

My Name is William Ainslie, A Serjeant Stout and Bold, In Flanders I the French have Fought, And would not be Control’d: And Loyal was to King and Crown, my Trust did ne’re Betray, Till I was tempted with that Gold, For which I’m Doom’d to Die.

While I did in the Castle ly, In Irons close Confin’d For my Dear Wife and Children all, My Heart no Ease could find, To GOD I did for Mercy cry, As I in Fetters lay. Both Night and Day to him I’le Pray, Since I am Doom’d to Die.

Ah! wo be to that cursed Gold, That did my Heart intice, To act such a gross Treachery, The Castle to Surprise; But wo’s me, for my Treachery, My Hour is drawing nigh. For I most hang out o’re the Wall, Most Just Deservedly.

Good People, pray do not revile, My Wife and Children dear; Whom I so dearly lov’d on Earth, Lord to my Soul draw naer: [sic] I hope in Mercy he’l appear, For still to him I’ll cry; Since I most Justly, am condemn’d, Over the Wall to dy.

They told me a must hang some Days, Over the Castle-Wall; Until the Rope takes Fire and breaks, Then to the Ground I fall: But since that I must suffer here, Unto the Lord, I’ll pray; Take Warning by my shameful End, I just deserve to dy.

Since many People here is come, This Day to see me dy; I hope their Prayers to God they’l send, For me, before I dy: My vital Breath will soon be gone, With a strong Rope and Tree; But yet I hope my Peace is made, With God who lives on high.

Those that did cause my dismal End, I do forgive them here; For now my Life lyes at the Stake, Oh! Lord, to me draw near: My precious Soul I pray receive, For unto Thee I’ll fly; For I have acted Treason great, And for it I must die.

I wish all People Warning take, That’s come to see me die; The World unto you I’ll leave, For all Eternity: I must away, farewel, adieu My Wife and Children all; For I must hang into the Air, Over the Castle Wall.

All you that sees me here this Day, I desire you all to pray; That all my Sins God would forgive, Since I am brough to die: Let every one both far and near, Take Warning now by me; Your Trust, I pray, never betray, For which you see me die.

[libertyreads]

August TBR--

The goals for my reading this month are to slow down and to read some of the bigger books I’ve got my eye on. That shouldn’t be hard as I’m starting a new job this first week of August. As well, I have three rereads for the month which should be fun. Let’s get into the books:

1. The Passage by Justin Cronin (Kindle)-- This book explores what happens when a top secret government experiment goes horribly wrong. We follow FBI agent Brad Wolgast as he and six-year-old orphan Amy Harper Bellafonte try to survive an unprecedented catastrophe.

2. Lumberjanes Vol. 20: End of Summer by Shannon Watters-- This is the final volume of the Lumberjanes comic series which makes me absolutely devastated. In this series, we follow the girls of the Roanoke cabin at Miss Qiunzilla Thiskwin Penniqiqiul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hard-Core Lady-Types as they face down fantastical beasts and earn merit badges. This series has been up and down for me, but through it all I’ve loved these girls so much.

3. All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman-- This one will be a reread for me before the next book in the series comes out at the end of the month. Every Blood Moon the seven families of Ilvernath name a champion to compete in a tournament to the death. Winning provides the family with exclusive control over a secret wellspring of high magick.

4. Tiamat’s Wrath by James S. A. Corey-- Book number 8 in the Expanse series which means two things: one) we’re getting close to the end and two) I’m going to have a real difficult time explaining this series to you. The Expanse explores the universe hundreds of years from now when travel from Earth to Saturn is a simple matter of exchanging credits. But as humans have explored further and further into the cosmos, politics have gotten trickier and trickier. Add into that murder mysteries and alien discoveries and you’ve got the Expanse. God I hope that was vague enough.

5. The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes-- Another reread in anticipation of a new release. In the first book we watch Avery Grambs as she learned that a billionaire in Texas she’s never met has left her his billions in cash, property, and businesses. She must survive a year at Hawthorne House in order to inherit. As long as one of the Hawthorne’s there don’t kill her first. Book two continues to have as many fun riddles and games as the first. Plus a decent amount of character development.

6. Auberon by James S. A. Corey (Kindle)-- The 15th work in The Expanse series (oh my god, really?) and a novella. “Auberon explores a new and alien world with the age-old dangers humanity has carried with it into the stars.” At least according to GoodReads since I have no idea how to discuss anything in The Expanse anymore now that we’re getting closer to the end.

7. Prisoner of Azkaban.

8. Hard Reboot by Django Wexler (Kindle)-- I will admit to being drawn to this novella based on two things: one) that cover though, and two) giant mech arena battles. What more do you need? Oh, you need a synopsis? Okay. Kas is a junior researcher on a fact-finding mission to old Earth when a con-artist tricks her into wagering a large sum of money on the outcome of a manned robot arena battle. She quickly becomes drawn into the seedy underworld of old Earth politics and state-sponsored battle-droid prizefights.

[ceruleanmusings]

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Fandom: Big Time Rush Pairing: James Diamond x Mickey Mason (OC) Rating: T (for some cursing) Word Count: 11.3k Summary: When James gets a secret admirer gift on Valentine’s Day, he drags Mickey around the Palm Woods to find the sender – not knowing the sender is closer than he thinks. Contents: mentioned social anxiety, angst, idiots who like each other being idiots, semi-reluctant pining, show-standard humor and highjinks, implied disordered eating, valentine’s day, envy, self-loathing A/N: I was going to wait until the 14th to post this but I need to get it off my hands so I can stop picking and editing it to death. Have at it! Hope you like it! ALSO! Someone please let me know if it gets truncated at James’s text. On mobile it says the post is too long and cuts it off at the end but on desktop it’s fine. If I have to delete this and make it a two-parter I will! You need to see the proper ending! Also please leave comments on the fic if you liked it and feel so inclined (no pressure obvs), I’d love to read them on the body rather than tags so I can save them somewhere. :) Happy Valentine’s Day! Tag: @mystic-scripture​ @foxesandmagic​ @witchofinterest​ @juliesdahlias​ @raging-violets​ @ocfairygodmother​ @lareiism​

Propping the large wicker basket against her popped hip, Mickey knocked on the door right beneath the square 2J placard. Her knuckles briefly touched the wood on the fourth knock when the door swung inwards. She quickly stopped her extending arm in its tracks, her fist resting inches from Kendall’s face. Eyes crossed, staring at her knuckles, he took a step back.

“Oh! Sorry Kindle. I didn’t think you’d get to the door so fast,” she apologized, wrapping her arms around the basket, bringing it to her front.

“You know, the door’s always open. You don’t have to knock.” As Kendall spoke, he moved to the side and brought his arm back in a sweeping gesture.

“Excuse me?” Mickey’s eyebrow popped upwards and she walked past him. “Kindle Knight, my momma’d have my hide if I just barged into someone’s home!” She carefully set the basket down onto the nearby table. Leaning her weight against one palm on the tabletop, she placed another on her hip. “I know there’s such a thing as being ‘Minnesota Nice’, but y’all’re asking for it.”

Kendall scoffed. “What do you mean? The only person who’d come right in is Bitters—and I see your point,” Kendall said. Mickey winked and made a clicking noise out the side of her mouth. “Is that it?” He gestured to the basket as he approached.

“Yep!” Lifting the lid, she removed a gallon Ziploc bag and set it aside as she leaned forward to review the contents. Not that she needed to, she made double-triple-quadruple sure everything she’d prepared the night before and that morning was in its rightful place before she snuck out. Jazz hadn’t noticed beneath her flurry of helping Mel pick out something for her date with Dak to Malibu. “If you don’t mind, I took a few liberties with what you wanted.” When he’d originally pulled her aside during a recording session asking her to make a picnic for him and Jazz, he’d merely shrugged and suggested that she put in anything “Valentine-y” when she asked if he wanted anything specific. So, she zhooshed it up a little; her sister deserved the best and that’s what she was going to ensure Kendall gave her. “You have a bottle of sparkling cider, strawberries, smoked salmon, caper, and goat cheese topped crostini, spinach and feta cheese pastry spirals, barbeque bacon and chicken bites, and, for dessert, slices of strawberry rhubarb pie and two flutes of beignet tiramisu with chocolate ganache.”

Kendall’s nose wrinkled. “Chocolate guh-whaaa?”

“Goodbye!” Mickey shoved the basket into his arms. Tilting her head to the side, she studied his red plaid shirt and reached out to fix the collar. “Keep the cold stuff in the insulated bag until you’re ready to eat it or else the beignets will start to get soggy.” Her tongue stuck out the side of her mouth when she went for the fringe of hair poking out from beneath his beanie. Ordinarily she’d balk at the sight of him wearing it, on a date no less, but Jazz liked him in his beanies so she could let it slide. Taking a step back, she surveyed the rest of his appearance and nodded her approval. “You’re all set! If you’re worried about your breath, I threw in some Ice Breakers and mini floss. Jazz is waiting for you at the park.”

“Thanks so much for this, Mickey,” he said, flashing a dimpled smile. His green eyes crinkled in the corners. “I really appreciate it.”

She beamed and a rush of satisfaction sent a pleased flush to her cheeks. She rocked back and forth on her navy Docs. “What are friends for if they can’t help you woo their sister?”

“…To give me free food?”

She pinched his cheek. “You’re lucky I like you.” Making a ‘shoo’ gesture with her hands, Mickey pushed Kendall towards the door. He flashed a finger guns sign at her and hurried away. Shaking her head, she turned on her heel, her locs cascading over one shoulder with the turn. “Okay Katie, he’s gone,” she called up to the loft above.

With a thumping commotion, Katie spilled out the open mouth of the swirly slide. Rounding the table, she crossed her arms. “You got the stuff?”

Mickey mimicked her gesture, raising a brow. “You got a cooler? I’m not letting all my hard work go to waste.”

Katie lifted her chin. “Yeah, I got a cooler.”

“Then I got your stuff.” Mickey picked up the Ziploc bag and handed it out to her. “Homemade chocolate turtles, at your service. I think seven per bag is a good amount. If anyone tries to push for more, remember that they’re the ones who are trying to get candy at the last minute on Valentine’s Day.”

“Got it!” With an eager—and almost manic—grin, Katie snatched the bag out of Mickey’s hands and shoved them into the small red cooler sitting atop of the breakfast bar. She dragged the cooler off the counter and hurried past her, making a beeline for the door. Calling over her shoulder she added, “And we’re splitting the profits 55-45.”

“Freeze, Kid!” Mickey squinted at Katie’s back, her hand gripping the doorknob. “We agreed on 50-50.” She wiggled a finger in the space between herself and Katie’s back.

Katie whirled around. “Yeah, but I have to think about my college fund. Between your band and playing bass for Big Time Rush, you have all the money you could need.” Mickey snorted. With widening eyes and a pout to her lower lip, Katie said. “Do you want to be the one to tell my mom you’re denying me the funds for a college education?”

Mickey pressed her lips together, doing her best to keep a smile off her face; partly in awe at her gall, and also partly with pride. The kid was good. Too good. Or else Mickey was a sucker for a well-placed pout. She poked her tongue into her cheek, dragging it against the soft, smooth surface and exhaled a sigh. “Fine! But if anyone asks where you got the candy from, make sure to mention my name. I want to try and get Mickey’s Morsels off the ground while I can. Guilty pleasures can be a good cash grab.”

“Then I want 10% of any future profits for the promotion.”

“Deal.”

“Deal!” Like Kendall, Katie pointed a finger gun gesture at her and hustled out the door.

When it slammed shut, Mickey dug her fingers into the side of her head. Geeze, this holiday. She didn’t mind making treats for her friends to use at their discretion, but she wanted no part in the holiday itself. It made people crazy, trying to find ways to profess their love for people. And for just that one day? The idea had never sat right with her. Why contain their appreciation to one day when the other three hundred and sixty-four were available? Not to mention the price gouging on flowers and candy—the turtle prices were reasonable!—and society’s penchant for making the single people feel like losers for not having that special someone for the one day.

Not that she was a loser. Okay, so maybe she had been slightly irked when she learned Mel and Jazz had plans with their boyfriends for the day. Her other sister, Sammi, had already flown to Nashville to be with her long-standing boyfriend for the occasion. Hell, even her aunt Kelly had a blind date for the night, a double with Miss Jennifer. (It wasn’t a blind date for Miss Jennifer, she was going out with Fabio. It was who Fabio was bringing for Kelly that attached the ‘blind’ classification. When Jazz offered up the suggestion Gustavo was her date, Kelly nearly broke her neck with how fast she denied that claim.)

She wasn’t envious, not at all, it’s just…well, it was a bit odd to be the only one without plans. They were supposed to do everything together, right? Wasn’t that the point of being born with them? How’d she miss the memo on getting a boyfriend? Not that it mattered. And she got over it anyway. Helping her sisters and her friends have special days was all she needed to feel fulfilled. With Kelly’s apartment empty, she had a pint of Häagen Dazs, a few pop-punk playlists, her pet ferret, and Legally Blonde to keep her company.

“Ahem.”

Or not.

Eyebrows crinkling, Mickey turned only to yelp at the sight of James stretched out on a black and white checkered blanket, one arm resting on a propped-up knee, the long stem of a deep red rose clamped between his smiling teeth. The orange couch had been pushed aside, allowing for the blanket to take its place on the floor. Plates of heart-shaped candy, brownies, soft pretzels, cookies, and cinnamon rolls covered the surface, nestled near two cans of Diet Coke, all beneath a crackling fire.

Mickey’s eyes widened and her thoughts raced so fast they nearly collided with one another. When did he get there? How did she not hear him? How did he set that up so fast? Where did he hide it? Where did he manage to find heart-shaped cinnamon rolls? He had to go for the pretzel too, didn’t he? Darn her appreciation for bread. And—was that a fireplace? Where the hell did he get a fireplace?

She sucked a breath in through her nose, fighting to ease the twitching to her lip and the racing of her heart and the quivering in her legs. Upon closer inspection the fire was only a setting on a tv screen propped up on the floor. Okay, that was good. Why he didn’t just use the one hanging off the wall she didn’t dare ask. Like with Carlos, sometimes it was better to not ask questions.

James removed the rose from his mouth, his smile not budging an inch. “I was just thinking, since we’re both here, and we’re both single, and it’s Valentine’s Day, how about you and me”—he gestured to the space between them with the rose; Mickey watched as a petal fell off and fluttered to the ground—“spend the day together. We could even make-out—ow, thorn.”

Oh, dear god. She had a feeling God wouldn’t help her if he came up with this form of torture for her to walk into. But it was enough for her to grab her wits—not that his deepening voice shook them loose or anything—and look him in the eye. Away from his smile. He had a nice smile; she could admit that. Okay, it was a great smile. But that wasn’t the point!

“No thank you,” she said shortly, managing to find her voice after swallowing the lump of panic rising in her throat. “This…” she gestured to the scene in front of her, “this was nice but…no. No thank you.” Turning to the door, she jumped when she spotted James blocking her path. What the…? A glance over her shoulder showed an empty blanket. Facing him, she jerked her thumb over her shoulder and asked, “How did you do that?”

James ignored her question. “Maybe we can go see a movie instead. They’re replaying Kiss and Tell.”

She didn’t know which was worse: his suggestion or her traitorous mind considering it for a second. A fleeting second, it shot out of her brain faster than it came in, but it existed. And that was enough for her to shut it down, banish it away and keep a tighter hold on herself. In fact, she wrapped her arms around herself, as if she needed to hold herself back from doing something she couldn’t take back, something ridiculously stupid. Because she knew what he implied with that suggestion; the switch from his frank sharing of his intentions to a covert suggestion nearly knocked her off kilter. She really needed to get a grip.

“No thank you,” she repeated, firming up the three words. She moved to walk around him when he took a large step to the left, blocking her path. She took a step to her left and he mirrored her, still standing in her way. She allowed a smile through, remembering he did the same when they first met nearly a year ago. Some things changed, including the cut of his long shaggy hair (thankfully!), and some things stayed the same.

“What else do you have to do today?” The roll of his shoulders, the shove of his hands into his pockets, and the relaxed ease as he offered up the question, as if he knew the answer, rankled her.

Shifting her grip, she crossed her arms and lifted her chin. “Stuff.”

He squinted. “What kind of stuff?”

“Important stuff. It’s…” she stretched out the last letter, sounding much like a hissing snake as she quickly thought. “It’s my hair day.”

“Your hair day is usually the third Sunday of the month. It’s only the second.”

Shit. She should have known he’d know that. He was the only other person outside her family who had dedicated hair days and she may have asked his opinion on scalp detox treatments once or twice. “I need the extra work. My locs are dry.”

“I can help.”

Help by touching her hair? Help by erasing any sort of space between them? Help by being close enough for her to spell the warm ‘Cuda man spray clinging to his neck? (They’d changed something in the formula, so he didn’t swell up into a hive monster anymore.) No. Nope. Bad idea. Her eyes darted to the oven nearby, displaying the time, and her pulse thudded at the time. 12:30? Crap, crap crap!

“Again, no thank you. I just want to be alone. Oh, is that the time? I have to go!” Finally, she managed to get around him and made a quick beeline for the door.

James followed her. “Who wants to be alone on Valentine’s Day?”

“I do.” She had to get out. She had to leave now. Good thing they never locked their door, she could make a quick exit. Just had to open the door and make her escape and get to the bus and—shove her face into the fronds of an aloe plant. She lifted her brown eyes, zeroing in on the name stitched into the navy shirt: Busy Bee Florist.

Oh nooooooo.

“What’s up? I gotta delivery for’a James Diamond.” The deliveryman’s strong Brooklyn accent threw Mickey for a loop. Yes, that was the reason she still stood in the doorway, gaping at him, rather than making her escape. She may as well have closed the door in her own face. Escape was futile.

“I’m James Diamond.” Out the corner of her eye, Mickey saw James point to himself. She needed to move, she needed to leave, but weights in her legs kept her rooted to the spot despite the alarm bells going off in her mind.

“Sign ‘ere.” The deliveryman shoved the plant into Mickey’s hands and removed the clipboard from beneath his arm. James quickly scrawled his signature at the bottom of the paper and handed the clipboard back. The deliveryman lifted his cap in a halfhearted gesture grumbled, “Have a bee-utiful day”, and walked away.

Humming, James closed the door, pinching the sleeve of Mickey’s white and navy stripped shirt to tug her out the way. With puckered eyebrows he took the plant out of her hands, turning the cream-colored base side to side, studying the long blades of the plant. “Oooh! What’s this?” Eyes settling on the white card wedged between a few blades, he set the plant down on the dinner table and plucked it. With a twist of his wrist, he turned the card around, eyes scanning the line of text on it.

Mickey took the chance to tiptoe towards the door. She knew exactly how long it would take him to read the short note written on the cardstock. She knew exactly how long it would take him to read it again. And if she moved fast enough, she could be out the door and safe and be back at her apartment cuddled up with her ferret and he’d be none the wiser and she’d be safe.

James’s hoot of excitement dashed her hopes when he raced over to her, grasped her shoulders, and shook her, sending her blue and black locks shooting forward and back. “Do you know what this is?” She didn’t get a chance to get a word out when he continued speaking, “It’s a secret admirer note! I have a secret admirer!” She stumbled away when he let her go, grasping onto the dinner table to keep from falling over as her world tilted and swirled. Blinking a few times, she waited for her eyes to stop rolling and her legs to keep her firmly planted on the ground. Only when she righted herself did she notice the smirk curling on James’s lips and the sparkle shinning in his hazel eyes. “Well, I wonder who the lucky lady is getting a first-class seat on Air Diamond. Destination: love!”

…Huh. Mickey pressed her lips together, straining to keep away the curl of…something she didn’t want to name which fought to appear on her face. Not only ten minutes ago he tried to put the moves on her and now he was up and ready to find some other girl? Then what was the whole point? Something stirred in her stomach, a sour bubbling led to a crackling beneath her skin. A livewire, making her fingers twitch against the table.

“—Okay, let’s go!”

Crap. She hadn’t been listening to him. She looked up at him from behind her curtain of hair. “Go where?”

“My secret admirer is out in the Palm Woods somewhere and you’re gonna help me find her.”

Her breath knocked out of her all at once when his words landed on her. No, no, no! He wasn’t supposed to do that! He wasn’t supposed to try and trail it back to the sender. The note was anonymous for a reason! Wasn’t that the whole point of a secret admirer? The idea stoked her panic and had her uttering in a pitchy squeak, “What!? Me!? Why me?”

“Because you’re a girl and you can send out your girl signals to help me figure out who it is.” He wiggled his fingers in her direction as he spoke.

She stared at him, an eye slowly closing to a squint as his words registered. “…Girls aren’t bats! We don’t have some sort of…girl…echolocation radar!” Make him change his mind, get him off the trail, do something!

“Maybe not. But you can’t say no to this smile.” James pointed at his face, as if she somehow forgot what his smile looked like when his lips pulled back to let the dazzle shine through.

She swore she heard a record scratch sound off in her head. And she stared. She didn’t plan to, she didn’t want to, but it just…happened. The staring. When he smiled at her like that, it was if her brain went to mush and needed time to power down and process that a smile like that was directed at her. And the worst part? He knew how to work it and get her flimsy resolve to crack. It scattered at her feet, useless. “…Godammit.”

If possible, James’s smile shined brighter. The boy could light up all of Vegas with the wattage powering him. Mickey looked away, or else she’d do something she’d regret to wipe away that self-satisfied look in his eye.

The smug jerk.

------------

Okay, okay, don’t panic Mickey, don’t panic! It’s just…a matter of putting everything into perspective. You sent James a plant. Just a plant. People send people plants all the time. No big deal. Okay, so there was a note too, but it was just a note. A nice note. Just something you’ve been thinking. People share thoughts all the time! It’s not a big deal! …But now he’s dragged you around the Palm Woods because he wants to find whoever sent him the plant. Because of course he wasn’t going to let it go, you big time dumbass! You could probably tell him that you sent it and end this…but then he’d probably blow that out of proportion and—

“Okay! Do you remember the plan?” James popped out from behind the line of bushes around the Palm Woods pool, a tree hat sitting comfortably on his head.

Lifting herself up next to him, Mickey spat out a few leaves coating her tongue and brushed away the few sticking to her hair. “Is the hat really necessary?”

“Yes! All of our good plans involve tree hats!” Mickey’s mouth turned to the side. Since when have their plans turned out well? Or could be called good? The boys somehow manage to turn doing nothing into complete chaos and James thinks their plans work? The boy really did float along on a cloud of his own ego. “By the way, I got you one too.” James pulled a hat from seemingly out of nowhere.

Mickey frowned at it. “You know I can’t wear it. Hats don’t fit over my hair.”

“Oh, I thought about that. I got it a size bigger. And!” He flipped it over, pointing at the interior. “I custom ordered it. The inside is lined with satin so it won’t pull on or damage your hair.”

Stunned, it took a second for her to reach out and take the hat, carefully placing it over her hair and, whaddya know, it fit perfectly. “Thanks James,” she said with a soft smile.

His shoulders bounced in a jaunty shrug. “No problem.” Then he reached out, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and drew her into his side. A strangled sound rumbled in her chest and a flush darkened her cheeks, the one squished against his pec. Electricity shot down her arm, right beneath his soft grip, but that was nothing to worry about. Just a static shock. “Now remember: you go over to the Jennifers, strike up a conversation, and then I’ll slip in and close the deal.”

“Yeah, but James, this is the seventh girl you’ve tried.” Mickey lifted her hand and started counting on her fingers. “You’ve already called that Annie girl who you thought was a mermaid, you called Heather Fox, you texted Mercedes—”

“How could she not want this”—he gestured wildly to his face—“as one of her potential boyfriends? How could she not pick me? Huh? How?”

“—then there was that Muffy girl who you say tried to kill you—”

“Yes, but that was only when I was a vampire,” James supplied.

Mickey studied his face, trying to find any hint of jest only to come up empty. Anyway! “After that you tried some Penny Lane girl who you say was a spy.” She jerked her thumb over her shoulder. “You just tried with Sunblock Girl—”

“Yeah, that still stings,” James mumbled, rubbing at a slightly reddened eye. “She has good aim with that sunscreen.”

“—and then there was that contest winner. Tiffany? Or Jeanette? …Which one did you end up calling anyway?”

James made a face. “I don’t know. Tiffnette?”

Mickey slapped her palm against her face and pulled her features down. This boy. “I’m just saying, you’re zero for seven. Why don’t you quit while you’re behind? Isn’t the secret admirer part supposed to be kept a secret?”

James swung his head around to face her, his bottom lip pulled up into an angry pout. “If I wanted someone to make things make sense, I would’ve brought Logan with me.”

“Logan’s on a double with Carlos.”

“I know!” he all but shouted, eyes blazing, “Don’t remind me! Everyone else gets to be so happy! When’s it gonna be my turn, hmm? Don’t I deserve to be happy too? It’s not like pretty people don’t have problems!” Mickey bit the inside of her cheek. She wasn’t going to touch that. “And right now, my problem is that I’m not dating a Jennifer. Now get over there and help me.”

“Which one do you want me to ask?”

“Yes!” He pushed at her shoulder and she stumbled sideways, catching her balance before eating it on the cement around the pool. Grumbling, she yanked off her tree hat and tossed it over to James.

Curling and uncurling her fingers, Mickey counted every step she took as she got closer to the Jennifers. They sat around their table by the cabanas as always, drinking identical pink smoothies, scripts held up to their faces. Mickey blew out a breath through her pursed lips. It wasn’t that she and the Jennifers didn’t get along, they were nice…enough. She liked Jennifer 3, sometimes they talked about hair treatments or what skincare products to use for dark marks. But it was hard to get her away from the other Jennifers so their conversations were few.

In unison they arched their brows, lowered their scripts, and removed their large, round sunglasses from their faces. Mickey’s attempt at a smile stalled halfway beneath their perfect, poreless, pristine auras. They sat cast in a golden outline, as if a permanent spotlight illuminated them. And there she stood by comparison, rusted silver, barely. It’s no wonder James insisted it had to be one of them.

“Hey guys,” Mickey greeted them, shoved her curled hands into her pockets. She rocked back and forth on her heels and used her chin to point towards the bound pages on the table. “New scripts?”

“We have an audition coming up for Savannah Louisiana: normal girl by day, singing spy by night,” Jennifer 1 explained, her lips curling in a pleased smile.

“Yeah, but why are you studying them today? I figured you’d have some sort of date or something. It is Valentine’s Day.”

“We need to give the boys of the Palm Woods time to think they have a chance with us,” Jennifer 2 said. With a sweep of her arm, she motioned to the piles, buckets, and of flowers, teddy bears, and wrapped gifts surrounding them. An easel nearby held looked like a large poster of the three Jennifers but was really, upon closer inspection, made out of M&Ms in varying colors.

Mickey let out a low whistle at the sight of it. Talk about dedication. “…Don’t know how I missed that,” she mumbled. Out the corner of her eye she spotted James removing his tree hat and whipping out a handheld mirror to check his hair. He winked at his reflection and cocked a finger gun. A flash of irritation coursed through her. “So…you have a lot of admirers.”

“Of course we do,” Jennifer 3 said, shoving her sunglasses into her hair. She spoke as if the notion was obvious. Which it probably was for them. They probably got mountains of cards and gifts back in school, being the envy of the hallways. Mickey knew that type well; her sister Sammi was one of them.

“Did you give any out?”

The three girls shared a look and burst out laughing. Mickey tugged at her hair again, fighting off the familiar unsettling pooling in the pit of her stomach at their laughter for asking such a question. “We don’t give out admirer notes. We just get them,” Jennifer 2 corrected, a slight sneer curling her lip and wrinkling her nose. “We have a reputation to uphold. We’re not desperate.”

She ignored the sting of their unintentional dig, spotting James walking towards the Jennifers with an odd pattern to his steps. As if he listened to bouncy disco music only he could hear. Oh no, oh no, oh no! Clearing her throat, Mickey lifted her voice, eyes darting back and forth between the Jennifers and James, “So…you’ve never sent out admirer gifts to anyone? Ever? Not even today?” James continued his approach. Geeze, how could he not hear her? Even the Jennifers caught onto the stilted wave of her questioning.

“No,” Jennifer 3 replied, eyes squinting. “And even if we did we wouldn’t wait until the last minute.”

“Besides, we have dates with the Owens Brothers tonight. They’re taking us to Nobu,” Jennifer 2 added, rolling back her shoulders.

Mickey’s head tilted to the side. “Weren’t they just cast in Savannah Louisiana?”

Jennifer 1 smirked. “Yep.”

“Ladies,” James trilled, sliding into view. Their faces remained unimpressed. “Don’t you look beautiful today. You know I really admire how you get your hair so shiny. I can even see myself in it. And I look good.” Mickey elbowed him in the side when he reached up to fix his hair and hit him with a hard stare. Just get this over with, please! “Right! Yeah, so, anyway, speaking of Valentine’s, I’m going to offer one of you ladies the chance to ride on Air Diamond, non-stop express to Love Island.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out the note. Mickey lifted her thumb to her mouth, raking her teeth against the edge, taking great interest in Buddha Bob powering up his hedge clippers. “By the way, thanks for the plant and the note. Maybe we can break out the aloe and pamper each other.” Mickey put her hand up to her face, hiding the way her mouth twisted.

“We didn’t send you a secret admirer note, James,” Jennifer 2 told him in bored tones.

“What?” James’s face immediately fell. “You didn’t?”

“Of course not!” Jennifer 1 said with a scoff.

“You heard her, it’s not them, let’s go!” Mickey heard how shrill her voice had become around her thumb, but she didn’t care. She grasped his arm to move him; he didn’t budge, save for the muscle bulging beneath her hand. She snatched her hand away as if it were on fire, much like her face.

Frowning, James looked over the card again. “Well, if you didn’t, who did?”

Don’t look at me, don’t look at me, don’t look at me! Mickey bit her thumbnail so hard it popped and cracked between her teeth. Jennifer 3’s eyes slid over to her, her eyebrows lifting. Mickey’s eyes widened and she turned her head a couple inches to the left and then to the right. An amused expression passed through Jennifer 3’s face only to be replaced with a mask of indifference in the blink of an eye.

“Do we look like we care?” Jennifer 2 asked. “Now move, you’re blocking the views of the envious girls who wish they were us.” She waved her hand in a shooing gesture, putting her sunglasses back on. Jennifer 1 and Jennifer 3 mimicked her gesture.

“See? They didn’t send it. You’ve tried every girl at the Palm Woods. Now can we go?” Mickey turned to leave, stopping only when James grabbed her by the crook of her elbow.

“Yeah, every girl at the Palm Woods,” James repeated. Lifting his finger, he continued, “We haven’t tried the Palm Woods Park yet.”

The alarm bells returning, clanging louder than before. “I don’t want to go to the park. I want the ice cream that’s waiting for me.”

“I’ll buy you some. Cookie dough’s your favorite, right?”

“Right, but—”

“Do you dare try to stop me on my love quest?” he demanded, pointing a finger in her face. Her eyes crossed trying to keep his finger in focus. Geeze, how was she supposed to answer that and not sound like a jerk? …Then again, that was probably the point. “Let’s go!” She watched James’s retreating back as he marched around the pool, heading for the exit.

Mickey slowly turned to the Jennifer’s. Her eyes flickered across their faces, shoulders sagging. “…Who told you?” she slowly asked.

“Carlos,” they replied in unison, smirking all the while.

Mickey’s head lolled back as she groaned. “Should’ve known.” He couldn’t keep a secret to save his life. And it wasn’t that she wanted to tell him in the first place, he wore her down with his questioning when she called to ask, hypothetically, what kind of flowers the guys would want if they were to get them. It was a gamble asking him, she knew, but they were buds and she’d get a straight answer from him regarding James. She took too big a risk and had to tell him something to keep him from talking. Bribing him with four vouchers to whale watch clearly only worked for so long (Aunt Kelly got showered with gifts from potential clients trying to sway her into making an offer all the time).

“Don’t be embarrassed,” Jennifer 2 said, “it’s cute that you’re trying to shoot so far out of your league.”

Mickey didn’t have time to address those wounding words; realization landed with a heavy thud, dragging her attention with it: if the Jennifers knew…who else knew?

-------

“—And now, and now, he’s dragged me up and down and all around accosting some poor innocent girls trying to find his secret admirer and I don’t think he’s gonna quit!” Mickey paused her ranting to shove another spoonful of tiramisu into her mouth. She chewed the beignet piece, swallowed, and continued, “See, see, it’s this…this stupid holiday. It makes everyone go crazy. Hallmark just haaad to go and make people read into everything and think that this one day was super important and everyone had to go and choke one each other’s love fumes. What ever happened to people wanting to be nice to other people? I don’t need one day to do that. Okay, maybe I could’ve picked a better day to send the dang plant, but I wasn’t supposed to be there when he got it! And who said Valentine’s Day is all about relationships anyway? It’s for friends too! James is my friend. I, as a friend, was trying to cheer a friend up! You’ve seen how Uncle Gustavo has been on him lately!” Jazz and Kendall stared at Mickey, taking long drags of the sparkling cider bubbling in their glasses. Mickey glared at them. “Are either of you going to say something?”

The two glanced at each other and simultaneously removed the straws from their mouths and leaned forward to set their glasses down on the red and black picnic blanket. Kendall leaned back on his palms, crossing one ankle over the other, and gave her a hard look. Jazz, instead, chuckled and shook her head. “I only have five words for you.” She held up a fist and extended a finger with each word. “I. Told. You. So.”

Mickey’s nose wrinkled. “That’s four words.”

Jazz leaned forward and smacked her open palm against Mickey’s forehead. “Dumbass!” Smiling sweetly beneath Mickey’s glare she added, “That’s five,” and popped a salmon-topped crostini into her mouth.

“Why don’t you just tell James you sent him the plant?” Kendall asked.

“Why do people keep asking me that?” Mickey said through gritted teeth. Because it’s the obvious solution, dummy, her thoughts screamed back at her; she shoved it aside. “You know James better than I do,” she said, jabbing a spoon in his direction. “You know what he’s like. If he’s this rabid just trying to find his secret admirer, he’ll be worse if he found I sent it to him. Because then he’ll want to know why I sent it to him and then I’ll have to say—”

“That you like him?” Jazz offered. She held up her hands when Mickey brandished the spoon in her direction. “I’m just sayin’.”

Mickey dug the spoon back into the glass of tiramisu, the utensil clanged against the side of the glass. It sounded so simple coming out of her mouth but it just…wasn’t. She wasn’t even sure what name to put on her feelings for James. They were positive, mostly. She could admit that. He was funny and fun and sweet and loyal and supportive. But then his ego swelled and all that got eclipsed by his narcissistic, shallow, and self-centered tendencies. Though that wasn’t what made her pay attention to him in the first place, his advances aside.

No, it was that look in his eye when he hit a particularly difficult note with ease. That satisfied smile on his face when he completed a dance sequence with moves so sure it was like he floated on the music. It was the drive powering him through recording sessions, take after take after take, even though he nailed it back on the third because it wasn’t up to his standards and his level of perfection. It was the pride burning through his chest and the passion shining in his smile when he wrote and composed a song, pouring his heart into the process. It was the ease of which he laid out his vulnerabilities and didn’t apologize for it or for his existence.

But he made it complicated. Baseline, she did like James. She liked all the guys of Big Time Rush, even if they came with a hurricane of chaos. But liking James and liking James were two different things and it was much easier to face one than the other. That’s what the aloe plant was for, to say what she couldn’t and didn’t want to face. She could give away any sort of feelings she had for him with the plant and didn’t have to look at it ever again.

Besides, it wasn’t like James was serious with his come-ons. The advances were just to bide his time; she knew that; it was how he worked. He bounced around from girl to girl like a bee searching for pollen. And she was just one flower in a field, a baby’s breath next to a rose. No, this was much easier.

Well, as easy as things could be when she spent all afternoon hovering around girls sitting in the lobby waiting for a thumbs up or a thumbs down, pretending to get candy from the vending machine to scope out potential suspects, and sitting by the elevator with a hockey stick waiting to trip up any guy who could get in the way of James and his “destiny” with guilt rolling a bigger rock in her stomach as time went on.

See, this is why she hated Valentine’s Day.

“And why an aloe plant?” Kendall asked.

Mickey dragged the spoon around the remnants of the empty dessert flute, licked the chocolate ganache off the scoop, and set the glass aside, wiping her mouth off with the back of her hand. “Because you can cut open an aloe plant and use the extract to heal scrapes, treat burns, and for basic skin care. Plus, if you want, you can add it to your smoothies for an extra boost of Vitamin C or for an aid in digestive health,” Mickey replied.

“So, it’s perfect for James.” Kendall nodded. “You must really like him.” Kendall laughed when Mickey swatted at him.

“Thanks for keeping it a secret, sis,” Mickey said, turning to Jazz.

“Hey, I don’t keep secrets from Kendall. Especially not about this,” Jazz said.

“Why is this the exception?”

Jazz smirked. “Because this is fun for me.” She took another long sip of cider, turning her eyes skywards. Mickey made a mental note to look into getting a rubber snake for their next birthday. See how Jazz liked that bit of fun. When Jazz reached for the plate holding the pie piece, Mickey snatched it away from her. “Dude,” Jazz uttered.

“No pie for you!” Mickey made a show of stabbing the pie piece with a fork and shoving the broken section off in her mouth. Dang, she was good. She mentally patted herself on the back for having the foresight to leave an entire other pie in the fridge back at Aunt Kelly’s apartment.

“You can share mine,” Kendall said, offering Jazz his plate.

“Don’t be mad at me because you’re too much of a chicken shit to tell James,” Jazz said, sticking out her tongue.

Mickey scoffed. “Easy for you to say! You and Kendall have been dating basically since you met each other!” The thing was, at the time, Jazz and Kendall didn’t realize they were dating. But what else could it be called when they spent nearly every day for the past year texting, facetiming, and emailing each other when they were apart and then going to the movies, going skateboarding, scheming, playing guitar at the recording studio, and going for walks when they were together? If you wanted one, you’d find the other. By the time they jointly announced they were dating, it was more of the sake of convenience than a need. None of them—Mickey, her sisters, and the rest of the boys of Big Time Rush—batted an eyelash about it. As far as they could see, it was inevitable.

“Look, James is my bud,” Kendall said, “And I want him to be happy. And I think you two overdramatic weirdos could be happy together.”

Mickey scoffed, not bothering to hide the offense on her face. “I’m not overdramatic.”

Kendall’s eyebrows rose. “Oh really?” He reached out and smacked the pie plate out of her hands.

“My pie!” Mickey screeched, watching in dismay as it landed upside-down on the grass. “You monster!” Kendall pressed his lips together, giving her a pointed stare with his green eyes. “There is no such thing as being overdramatic about food,” she grumbled, crossing her arms.

“Mickey, why is it so bad for James to know how you feel?” Jazz asked.

Mickey pulled at a few blades of grass, twisting her mouth to the side. Sheesh, where could she start with that?

“Well, it’s not Katie,” James announced, dropping onto the blanket next to Mickey. Three pairs of eyes swiveled in his direction as he rocked from side to side, grasping two small cups of ice cream. “She even laughed in my face, which was kind of rude.” Speaking out the side of his mouth, in a stage whisper, he added, “I think she’s in denial.” With a little laugh, he shrugged his shoulders and held out a cup for Mickey.

“No luck then?” Kendall asked. Mickey squinted at him. He stared back innocently. She didn’t buy it. He was a planner for a reason. What was he up to? The nudge of James’s elbow to her side broke her stare. She accepted the cup with a fleeting smile and dug into the ice cream for a large chunk of cookie dough near the surface.

“No. She’s really hiding. And I don’t get why. I mean why spend the day alone when you could spend the day with this?” Using his spoon, James gestured to his body, from crossed legs, up his torso, and in circles around his face. His head jerked back in a recoil as a bit of ice cream flew off the spoon and landed brushing ice cream against his nose. Mickey chuckled at the sight, reaching out to brush it off his nose. James in turn flashed an appreciative smile. She caught Jazz’s eye and dropped her hand to her lap.

“Well, it can’t be hard to trace the delivery back to the sender,” Kendall said nonchalantly.

A spike of fear shot down her spine. What? Mickey shoved her spoon too far in her mouth, scraping the back of her throat. A series of coughs made her double over, reddening her face, bringing tears to her eyes. Jazz and Kendall, the traitorous traitors, merely stared at her. If Mickey looked hard enough, she’d be able to see identical devil horns on their heads. James at least had the decency to rub circles between her shoulder blades. Not that his attention could be delayed from his love quest for too long.

“Keep talking,” James said.

“No, James, we should…we should get going,” Mickey said, pushing his arm. Her voice now took on a slight rasp. “We’re interrupting their date.”

“I mean call the place,” Kendall hurried, a sparkle in his eye. “Ask for the person who delivered the flowers and get a name from them.”

“Or at least get the name of the person who paid for it,” Jazz added.

“Isn’t there some sort of privacy in place?” Mickey asked, silently sending them mental waves to shut up! “You know, for nosy busybodies?”

“Not if they have a kid who just so happens to like Big Time Rush and wouldn’t mind getting free tickets to our next concert,” Kendall said with a simple shrug of his shoulders.

“Jazz, your boyfriend’s trying to sell his soul,” Mickey tattled, jabbing her finger in Kendall’s direction.

Jazz made a meh sound. “As long as the outside of him stays the same I don’t think I’d notice a difference.”

“Nice,” Kendall muttered. His brief frown turned into a smile when Jazz leaned over and kissed his cheek.

James dug into his pocket, removing his phone with bright eyes. Mickey’s eyes darted around, searching for any sort of escape from the gnawing hole in her stomach. Do something, do something, do something! Lunging forward, Mickey grabbed James’s phone, drew back her arm, and threw it. Silence settled over the group like a thick, heavy, wool blanket. Calmly, Mickey scooped another spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. Only when she swallowed did she look at their bewildered expressions and said, “Spasm. Sorry.” Then she sat up straight. “Oh look! There’s Jo!” Internally she cringed at foisting James off onto one of her friends but, well, desperate times, desperate measures. He scurried away in the blink of an eye and Mickey repeatedly hit her forehead with her fist.

“You know what I think?” Jazz asked.

“That I’m in Hell?” Mickey replied, her dull words directed down towards her lap.

Jazz snorted. “No, but you deserve however this ends.”

Mickey peeked up at them from beneath her lashes. “How’s the air up on your high horse?”

Kendall and Jazz grinned. “Sweet.”

--------

“I’m not your secret admirer,” Lucy said the minute she opened her apartment door. Looking up at James, she crossed her arms and quirked an eyebrow, effectively killing the expectant smile on his face in one shot.

“How’d you know that’s what I was gonna ask you?” he asked.

Rolling her eyes, Lucy said, “Because it’s all over the Palm Woods that you’re asking every girl if they’re your secret admirer. Honestly, I don’t blame them for keeping it a secret. You’re getting a little intense.” Lucy was going to get a fruit basket, Mickey decided. The swell of pride growing within her for having such a sensible friend ebbed away as fast as it came when Lucy’s eyes shifted over to her. “And why’re you helping him?” Lucy continued, pointing a finger in James’s direction.

“…I have girl radar or something,” Mickey replied, cringing at the rasp still affixed to her words. It was a lot easier to verbalize that than her spine being as soft as Jell-O.

Lucy blinked and shook her head. “Okay, even if that were a thing, that doesn’t make sense.”

“You know I don’t make sense,” James said. “Besides, love doesn’t have to make sense. I just want a Valentine. Why is that so bad?”

“You can’t coerce people into being what you want just because you want it,” Lucy said.

“…If I knew what that word meant I’d say ‘yes I can’!”

“You realize you’re encouraging this right?” Lucy asked Mickey.

She nearly laughed aloud. Maybe Lucy was right on paper but the lengths she’d gone through the whole day would say otherwise. Aside from throwing his phone any time he got it out, she nearly had to tackle James to keep him away from Logan, Camille, Carlos, and Stephanie when they crossed paths in the lobby (of which she then had to dodge another make-out offer as she got off him), she got a nasty shock to her foot kicking out the plug to the computers, and nearly blew herself into the pool with Bhudda Bob’s industrial leaf blower in her attempts to blow James away from Sandy and Mandy Simms (honestly that was for his own good. He wasn’t going to address them by the right names, and she knows firsthand how annoying that was).

Instead, Mickey mumbled. “Trust me, his one-track mind doesn’t need any of my help,”

“Yeah!” James nodded.

“So, you don’t find it odd you haven’t had any luck finding this girl?” Lucy asked. “Assuming it’s a girl.”

“It’s a girl!” James insisted, his voice tightening.

“Fine.” Lucy leaned against the doorway, eyes shifting between the two. “Still. It has to be someone around here, right?”

“Lucy,” Mickey all but growled through clenched teeth.

Lucy ignored her. “I don’t know why they’d want to be shy about it. I mean, you are James Diamond of Big Time Rush, after all.” Out the corner of her eye Mickey spotted James standing up straighter, propped up by her words. “Then again, girls know not to step on another girl’s territory…”

Mickey wanted her fruit basket back.

“What do you mean?” James asked.

“I mean you’ve been hanging out with Mickey all day, right? Girls might think she’s called dibs on you. Give them more of a reason to stay anonymous.” Mickey strained hard to keep her head facing forward, the expression on her face neutral beneath James’s penetrating gaze. She tucked her shakings hands into the crooks of her arms and evened out her breathing. And Lucy, all the while, held the tight-lipped smile of someone guarding a laugh. Waving her hand, Lucy stood straight, “But I could be wrong. What do I know? I don’t have a Valentine”—James moved to open his mouth—“not that I’m looking for one! You’re already taken.”

“There’s plenty of me to go around,” James insisted.

“I’m not into sharing.” Snickering, Lucy grasped her door and moved to close it. “Well, have fun on your little date.”

Mickey’s relieved sigh of “Thanks” quickly shifted over to her indignant shout of, “Wait, no! This isn’t a date!” Her words bounced harmlessly off Lucy’s closed door.

“Whatever!” Lucy called from the other side.

Pulling her lips inwards, Mickey slowly turned, steeling herself for…something. A suggestive comment, a flirty smile, swagger pouring out of his, well, pores. Not…this. The rounding of his shoulders, balancing an invisible weight, the shadow blanketing the sparkle in his eyes, the sharp rise and fall of his chest rather than the steady sureness and puffed preening. Releasing her lips, they fell into a soft frown. “James?” She reached out, her fingers grazing his arm. His head snapped up, eyes settling on her face, and with a blink of his (unfairly!) long lashes, the light returned to his eyes.

“Hey, no, I’m good. Let’s take a break. I'm getting hungry.”

She didn’t bother to point out he’d already eaten ice cream, because eating sounded like a good idea. She needed food. She needed to stop the gnawing in her stomach in ways only food could satiate. The hole opened, allowing more room for guilt and shame around the pie and tiramisu and ice cream she’d already consumed. Better to eat something else before the black hole ate her. At least that way, if she was full, there was no room for anything else.

-------

It wasn’t that she didn’t want the sandwich James prepared. He even remembered not to put mayonnaise on hers; not even the guys at Subway could manage that. (Okay, so she kind of mumbled when she had to place orders so it was easy to confuse ‘tomato’ for ‘mayo’ and she could have corrected them but that was more trouble than it was worth.) Despite the clawing deep in the pit of her stomach she couldn’t make herself eat, not with the waves of despair rolling off James, threatening to drown her. He kept his smile, but it was tight lipped, half-blown, wrong.

He leaned against the refrigerator, one leg crossed over the other at the ankle, shoulders pressing against the glass, holding his weight up, taking steady sips from a juice box. One arm wrapped tight around his torso, as if trying to hug himself.

Mickey picked at the sandwich, tearing little bits of bread and turkey breast and lettuce only to smoosh it into little spheres, littering her plate. James left his untouched.

“Is there something wrong with me?” James had lifted his mouth from the straw; the red from the juice darkened them. He wiped his mouth with the back of his palm, he set the juice box down. “I mean, there can’t be much wrong with me, right?”

“Uhhhh….” Mickey flicked a few of the sandwich spheres around her plate.

“I just don’t get it,” James continued as if she didn’t say anything, as if she weren’t in the room. “Why is it so easy for everyone else? I mean, Kendall. Right? We move here and right away Kendall gets Jo. And then Logan gets Camille…” He held his hand in the air and waved it side to side. “Kind of. And then Carlos has his thing with Stephanie. And then Kendall and Jo break up. But then we meet you guys and, well, you know Kendall and Jazz.” James drummed his fingers against the cardboard on the juice box. “…Kendall has it all. You know? The family, the friends, the girl.” Mickey zeroed in on that one word. Girl. Not girls. “And he didn’t even try for it. Not really. It falls into his lap.” The gnawing in her stomach grew though she couldn’t bring herself to eat anything, no matter how hard it screamed for food. A lump rose in her throat; she curled her trembling fingers into her palms. “Yeah, maybe I’ve been with girls. But lately I see Logan and Carlos and Kendall and they’re with girls. And I want that, I guess. And then this plant came…” Setting aside the juice box, he shifted and leaned forward, resting his elbows against the breakfast bar Mickey sat at, peering at the aloe plant. The minute he reentered 2J he picked it up and turned it around and around in his hands, as if searching for some sort of hidden compartment on it and discarded it as if it had personally offended him. Now he stared at it so hard she swore it’d eventually catch fire. “I thought maybe this was my chance for…something. I mean, my parents didn’t care much about spending time with me until I got out here. And even then, I don’t see my mom much. She doesn’t ask about all this.” He spun his finger in the air, encircling the room. His cheeks squished when he propped them up on his fists. Mickey’s leg bounced against the footrest of the bar stool. And even as her body tensed, begging her to run, she sat, enthralled, in a sick game of chicken. “Maybe it was a joke. Or I’m the joke, for thinking…” Silence ticked by, each pulse pounding Mickey over the head: say something do it, do it now, talk!

Her lips trembled, whether from the onslaught of his words, the ease and content of laying himself bare without a second thought, or the pressure rising within her chest. Lowering her head, she dug her fingers into her hair, curling them around the shafts, tugging hard. The pain was a brief relief, sharp and pointed; something to focus on than her whirling thoughts. Except for one, niggling at the back of her mind, roaring louder until she pinpointed Jazz’s voice:

Why is it so bad for James to know how you feel?

It wasn’t that. It was the after. What happens afterwards, what he would do, could do, with the feelings she gave for him on a platter. And she hated it, the not knowing, not having control after the words left her mouth, having to just stand there and open up her chest and hope and pray he’d be delicate.

You don’t know anything about me, she’d always say, a perfect deflection to his inquiries on her constant rebuffs. Shorthand for what she really wanted to say: you don’t care. But he did, he proved it all day: he knew her hair schedule, he knew her hair was important enough to her to get her a cap she could wear, he knew her favorite ice cream choice, he knew her sandwich preferences, he put aside his goal to check on her well-being, he prepared her favorite snacks when he knew she’d be alone. Even if it came with a string attached, he thought about it, thought about her. She rejected it but it didn’t stop him from laying it all out there, from going after what he wanted, from trying again and again and again, diving in with both feet without apologizing for it, without apologizing for feeling and being.

That’s truly why she hated the occasion, Valentine’s Day, because it gave everyone else the courage to be raw, be real, and she couldn’t manage it.

But as she sat there, simmering in James’s admission, wondering how someone like him could think he was a joke for allowing himself to be hopeful, she still admired him. How could she not? He was James Diamond, unapologetically.

“James.” She heard the shake in her voice and made herself remain steady, even as the bounce in her leg increased. He looked at her, face so open. Her heart sighed. “…I sent the plant.”

He didn’t react right away, just stared at her, hazel eyes meeting russet. She clasped her hands, bringing them up to her mouth, biting down on both thumb nails. He blinked, sucked in a breath, and slowly leaned back until he stood tall.

“…You’re my secret admirer.”

Mickey leaned back, dropping her hands into her lap, skin lightening beneath her hard grip. “Yeah.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

She let out a little laugh, sheepish and incredulous combined. Because she was a jerk? Because she was an idiot. Because she was scared. All of the above? “Because I was the only person you didn’t ask, dummy!”

James blinked. “Oh.” He looked at the plant, at her, back at the plant, and got the note out of his pocket. His thumbs smoothed out the creased and bent cardstock and then held it out to her. She took it and put it aside; she didn’t need to read it. She had the words memorized; she’d agonized over what to add for days until she came up with the finished product. She didn’t care about that, she cared about now, what he would do now. As his lips parted, ready to speak again, she forced herself to stay put. All instincts told her to run, to hide, she still had time to save herself. She stayed still. “I guess…I didn’t think to ask. I mean, I never thought you’d…admire me.” He said the last part slowly, as if testing the weight of the words on his tongue.

Her shoulders sagged with her accompanying sigh. Okay, that wasn’t too bad. She tugged on the ends of her hair, pulling from mid-length down to the ends, over and over, avoiding his eyes. “James…I-I admire a lot about you. I don’t know how people can’t. I mean you…you have this drive that I’ve never seen in anyone before. And you have so much passion behind it. Even with Gustavo being hard on you lately, you still come back the next day ready to work with this…this fire. I’ve seen you go through so much and the whole time you’re…you’re you. You’re so comfortable being yourself, wholly, fully, and you don’t feel the need to apologize for it. I wish I was like that sometimes.”

“Oh.” He sure liked that word.

Head tilted downwards, she still stroked her hair, but peeked up at him. His eyes had widened and something in his face stilled. Did she say something wrong? God, this was why she didn’t do things like this, didn’t put herself out there. Crap, she messed everything up! The paralyzing hold on her eased, allowing a painful stab to hit her right in chest. She swiveled her hips to the side, turning the stool top, ready to jump down.

“Hold on.” James reached out, hand resting on her shoulder. She stopped, held her breath, and watched with crinkled brows when he walked stiffly to the bathroom and closed the door. What the…? Her eyebrows bunched even further at the flurry of movement on the other side of the door. If she closed her eyes, she could almost see him flailing. The door swung open and James walked back out calmly, cheeks reddened.

Her eyes ping-ponged between him and the bathroom. She was almost afraid to ask. “Did…did you just do a happy dance?”

“What? Me? No! Of course not!” James scoffed, waving his hand in the air, failing at keeping the smile off his flushed face. “Can I give you your gift now?” His words collided in a rushed slur.

She blinked, jarred from the conversation whiplash. Oh. Oh. She thought…And to be sure she glanced over her shoulder where the indoor picnic had been left. “Was that not…?”

“No. I got you something else.” His long fingers gripped the countertop; he practically vibrated.

“Ok…ay.” This…was not what was supposed to happen. Was it?

James scurried off to the bedrooms and Mickey prepared herself for the usual gifts she received on such occasion, a card or oven mitts or an apron with Mickey Mouse decorated all over it because, well, it was obvious. Her name and her hobby in the same, how original! But she’d mastered the pleased smile years ago. It wasn’t that she didn’t like the gifts, clearly the thought was behind it and that’s what counted, but sometimes she wished people didn’t go for something so easy.

When James came back carrying…some white structure, which at first glanced looked like a miniature shelf, she didn’t know what to do with her face. She bet she looked half constipated and half bewildered. How attractive!

“Um…”

“It’s an indoor herb garden,” he supplied, filling in the large blank in her head. She gaped, heart thudding a steady rhythm against her ribcage. “You always said you were upset Kelly’s apartment didn’t have a place for you to grow stuff. Now you can. Look!” He turned the box around and pointed to a list in small print. “It comes with spices too. It has basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and mint.”

A low buzzing sounded in her ears. It took her time to place it, that thrumming content. But when she did it amplified, an electric current running through her, so palpable that when their fingers brushed as she accepted the box, sparks popped at her fingertips. “Thank you.” It was soft and tender; all she could manage while trying to contain herself.

“You’re welcome. I’m glad you like it.”

Like wasn’t the right word but she wasn’t ready for that, nowhere near it. Hugging the box to her chest, she chanced a glance at him. “What happens now?” She hadn’t meant to blurt it out so suddenly, but she had to know. Needed to know. “I’ve never…I mean, this thing…” Words failed her. Instead, she dragged a finger in the space between them.

Luckily, James caught on. “Neither have I,” he admitted. “But I want to try. I like you.”

A buzz thrummed within her at his directness. “I don’t get why considering I’ve been lying to you all day.” In fact, he was strangely…calm about it. Why wasn’t he angry with her?

“Well, yeah, that part kind of stinks,” he admitted, head bobbing from side to side, “but, the way I choose to look at it, you also went along with me all day when you could have left. Figured you have to like me a lot to go through all that trouble.” He paused and then his eyes widened.

Her pulse spiked. “What?”

“I just realized: this whole time, you were trying to keep people away because you want me all to yourself!” The swagger came back when he reached out tapped the tip of her nose; she almost missed it. “Not that I blame you.” Pointing at himself he added, “I wouldn’t want to give this away either.”

James’s beaming smile returned, eyes sparkling as if diamonds nestled within.

A wild sensation hit her at the sight of it: a sort of breathless elation, like climbing to the top of a mountain, being caressed by gentle winds only to sink into the crackling livewire of being so alive.

Mickey’s mouth opened and closed a few times, attempting to make words. Defeated, she pressed her lips together and rolled her eyes, her lips curling up into an unrestrained smile.

--------

“So?”

Mickey lifted her head from the sink; droplets of water rolled down her cheeks and curled beneath her chin. She dapped at her face with the hand towel nearby, set it aside, and turned to see Jazz leaning in the bathroom doorway, grinning from ear to ear. “So what?” she asked.

“You know what.” Her grin grew. “How did things with you and James end up? You didn’t say anything when Kendall and I came back to the apartment and you didn’t say anything on the bus ride back here. I want details. Spill.”

Mickey’s eyes rolled to the ceiling as she mulled it over. Jazz crossed her arms over her Richmond Braves pajama shirt. Mickey’s shoulders shook with suppressed laughter, stopping only when her phone vibrated in the pocket of her lounge pants. Holding up a finger, she removed it only to experience a flutter in her stomach at the sight of James’s name on her screen next to the blinking text icon. With a swipe of her thumb, she opened the text.

James: See you at the studio tomorrow! Mickey: I’ll be the chick with the bass behind ya

“I’ll tell you after Kelly gets back,” Mickey said. At Jazz’s annoyed sigh she added, “Look, I don’t want to tell the story three times.” Reaching over, she flipped off the light to the bathroom and brushed past her, running to jump on her bed. Jazz landed next to her a second later, cuddling a large stuffed teddy bear to her chest. On the other side of the room Sammi and Mel crowded onto Sammi’s bed. Sammi’s fingers deftly twisted through the braids in Mel’s hair, adding new length with the fresh purple extensions. Mel carefully lifted a forkful of strawberry rhubarb pie to her mouth, balancing the plate on her knee. “Besides, I want to know who her super-secret date was.”

“It’s Gustavo. We all know it was Gustavo,” Jazz insisted.

“Yeah right,” Sammi said with a shake of her head; her new clover earrings shook with each turn of her head. “That’ll never happen.”

“It could!”

Mel grabbed a pillow off Sammi’s bed and threw it at Jazz, nailing her in the face. Beneath their laughter, Mickey snuck a look at her phone again. James had texted twice, one with a smiley face and another with a video attachment. She tapped her thumb against the screen. The video pulled up, filling the screen, and in seconds she watched a mirror shot of him dancing and celebrating in the bathroom.

She grinned.

The smug jerk.