Reluctant Diva 23
Inspired by Lipstick Discipline
Chapter 23 – The watershed

It was a bit of a rushed day, but we got the nature reserves in, complete with a sighting of a kingfisher. An Island tour was completed by car, with just a few tick-box moments, such as a ride on the Alum Bay chairlift and a stop at the top of St Catherine’s Down. Rita was bouncing about happily, and her English was just about good enough to ask how big the Island was. That, oddly, was something I knew, thanks to a friend who had cycled the thing for his 50th birthday.

“There is a cycle route all the way round the edge, and it is a little over one hundred kilometres long”

Lessons are taken and given, and much is revealed and discussed

 
Julina of Blackstone
Her Chronicles, Book 3

by Julia Phillips

093 – Take and Give

Rita looked towards the stack of DVDs as the film ended, and it was clear that she wanted to watch the next one, but the clock was most definitely against her. Pablo spoke softly to her, and she simply nodded, before rising and coming round to face us both. A hug and a kiss for her father, the same for me, and she was off to bed, while I was still settled against him, afraid of breaking the spell. As the hall door closed, he almost whispered my name.

Reluctant Diva 22
Inspired by Lipstick Discipline
Chapter 22 – Girl Talk
“What are you doing down there?”

Rachel’s voice, filled with concern, roused me from my trance. I opened my eyes and discovered I was standing in the section of the drugstore which stocked exclusively male items. “Are you okay?”

He sat down on the sofa, waving an arm for me to join him, but keeping a judicious distance between us.

“Please, Caroline. A little talk, I think”

As I sat, I watched him turn his gaze away, towards my stack of DVDs.

“So much. Such short time. My head, it is spinning, I think is the English wording. What is your thought about Rita?”

“She is wonderful, Pablo. You should be proud of her”

He sighed.

Reluctant Diva 21
Inspired by Lipstick Discipline
Chapter 21 – A New Perspective
After a few moments the woman’s sobs ceased and we lay still, wrapped around each other. This was exciting, but totally scary! I knew I had somehow to take charge if I was ever going to. “I do want you, Maria, though not in the way you mean” I tried to reassure her. “You can stay here with me tonight. First, let’s get comfortable.”

“Caroline?”

“Yes, Nicole?”

“The children have gone for more drinks. How do you feel?”

“Shattered! Er, very tired”

“He is a handsome man, no?”

“Um, I suppose so, yes”

“Please be careful. This meal tonight, it was a generous thing, but do not dream too much. He has the puces, the cards for the pictures. Take time before another meeting, yes?”

Didi Starts School

Lillyn is racing back to the Pyramids Of Kentoshan.
Thoroughly annoyed by the enforced detour.
But when her goal is already in sight, an unexpected call rattles her world yet again.

Reluctant Diva 19
Inspired by Lipstick Discipline
Chapter 19 – My assets
Still dazed by the speed of events, I waved my mom goodbye somewhat anxiously and followed Maria into the house. Madeleine told the maid to take my things up. “You know which room is Miss Jennifer’s. Now, dear, some refreshments before bed?”
It was already late so I was about to decline but my hostess was insistent. “Just have a milky drink before you sleep. I’ll send it up with Maria when she comes to help you get ready for bed.”

The Joiners pt 10.

by
Angharad

Carrie thanked Diana for her makeover and Diana gave a short hug telling her to knock 'em dead that evening, Carrie replied she'd do her best.

“You not on a working day, then?”

I shook my head.

“Nope. Actually flying with your lot, this time”

“Where are you off to, then?”

“Cuba”

“Ooh! Packed your dancing shoes?”

“I don’t dance. Packed my snorkel and flippers, though”

Lillyn has been kidnapped!
By her own Little Mule no less.
But who ever is messing with her is about to learn one simple fact:
Lillyn is fresh out of patience.

December 2021 Christmas Holidays Story Contest Entry

Big thanks to MonicaS for their continuous and valuable help in the writing of this story.

Reluctant Diva 17
Inspired by Lipstick Discipline
Chapter 17 – Consequences

"We need to give her a part in the picture, just to get that name into the credits."

Reluctant Diva 16
Inspired by Lipstick Discipline
Chapter 16 – My first date
Even after we had drunk our coffee, I was still trying to sort out my muddled feelings, but I was brought back to reality with a rude jerk. Without ceremony my mother broke in upon my thoughts. “Now young lady, there’s a lot to do before this evening.”

“I’ll get my apron.” I sighed.