Wedding bells chime. Lila steps into her white, satin shoes encrusted with sea pearls. Both feet cram into the pointed toe. Two ankle twists later, she crosses the room with difficulty toward a full length mirror. She checks the veil. Perfect.
“Take off that dress and those shoes. And run,” a ghostly voice exclaims.
“Oh, Gram. You worry too much.”
“The shoes don’t fit ... it’s an omen. Run girl.”
“What would Mom and Dad think? And the guests?
“Never mind them. Run now!”
“And what about Peter?”
Someone knocks. “Are you ready honey?”
“It’s Dad. Don’t worry Gram. It’ll all work out ...”
* * * * *
During the reception, Peter has a few too many drinks. He throws out his chest , puffing up like an inflated parrot. “We’ll live in an apartment for five or so years, then maybe ...”
Lila raises a penciled brow. “I never agreed to that. I want to live in a house. Our wedding money should more than cover the down payment.”
“We’re living in an apartment,” he growls. “I am the man you will do as I say.”
Who is this Neanderthal I just married?
The more Peter drinks, the more unreasonable he becomes. It's time to go. Lila hugs and kisses her parents, and pours Peter into the car.
She stuffs herself into the driver’s side, still wearing her wedding dress. The shoes pinch and her feet throb as she accelerates.
For three hours they head south on I-95 toward Miami. Lila watches the Welcome to Florida sign gradually disappear in the rearview mirror. By nine o’clock, Peter revives.
“Let’s stop. I’m hungry.”
“I saw a sign for a Cracker Barrel at the next exit.”
“That crap. I hate that place.”
“Well, it’s either that or Burger King,” she snaps. “There’s not much choice on the road.”
He glares at her. “I guess, I’ll have to settle for Cracker Barrel. Since that’s my only choice.”
What a baby. Did I really marry him? “I guess you will.”
She exits and drives straight to the Cracker Barrel in silence. After parking, Lila heads for the ladies room. She eyes the tap suspiciously. She reaches for a paper towel and turns on the faucet with it. She splashes her face.
“Run, Lila.”
“Gram. Why are you here?”
“To make sure you’ll get away before it’s too late. Climb out that window and escape into the woods.”
“Are you mental? There could be snakes in those woods”
“Better that kind, than the snake you married. Run girl!”
Water drips down her neck. She dries herself and steps into the windowed stall. She reaches for the latch using the wet paper towel. Careful not to touch anything, she hoists herself onto the toilet and makes her escape through the window ...
What’s next for Lila in her journey of self discovery? Will she survive the woods of northern Florida and remain germ free?
Lila keeps one step ahead of her psychotic husband and deranged friends, but at any moment the hunt may end and so will her freedom ...
SECONDHAND SHOES by shelly arkon
Amazon> Link
This poor girl really has some obstacles. A germ-a-phobe and terrified of snakes? And running around the Florida woods in a wedding dress and shoes that don’t fit. Not to mention the husband....
What a fun premise. Shelly certainly has me wanting to see what happens next. What about you?
Thanks again everyone for dropping in for the latest intro. Please pop in on Shelly and send her hugs and chocolate. She is such a sweetheart!
Have a great day everyone ... see you T-ommorrow.
39 comments:
I'm going to have to read this book now from your intro!
Shelly rocks! Yes, run - that dude is a jerk.
Score another great introduction, Michael.
Wow! Love your take on my book. You're so kind to some of my characters.
Alex, from one rocker to another, thank you.
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
Sounds interesting, and honestly, I know how many bugs there are in the Florida woods. I'd be thinking twice too.
S.P.
Florida bugs can be the worst. Especially horse flies.
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
Great intro. Yes, she should have run.
Aw, it's Shelly's book! Run, girl. That guy is a loser.
I have this book, I just haven't read it yet, but I must change that soon.
Another great introduction,
Yvonne,
Ha! I knew what book this was from your intro! Sounds like an edge of your seat read!
Sounds like a great book!
I saw this somewhere else, looks like a good book. Will have to add it to my TBR list.
Great excerpt! It's definitely on my TBR list. Ewww...snakes?
Yes, be it Florida or Louisiana, walks in the wild woods have their dangers, bites, and flying stingers! Shelly wrote a great book, Roland
Michael, I just posted and thanked you at the end of 'Boston Strong' for your most generous post. You rock!
This sounds really great! Thanks for sharing.
www.modernworld4.blogspot.com
Roland,
Thank you. You're a doll. So is Michael.
Chocolate Hugs.
Oh, wow! That was intense! :)
I guess we have to read the book to find the answers to your questions. Very clever, you! Thanks for the introduction to Secondhand Shoes.
Shelly is awesome. :)
It sounds really good! Definitely one I would read. Thanks, Michael. Good luck, Shelly!
Ooh this does sound interesting!
So, Michael...do I send you the bill for all these new books I'm buying after reading your intros?
I'm loving this!
Shelly is a real honey!
And guess what? I already have my autographed copy!
And Michael, what can I say? You rock!
Writer In Transit
Greetings humans, Michael and Shelly,
Very good of you to bring further awareness of Shelly's book, Michael.
Shelly is one of my favourite humans and I'm wishing her much success with her intriguing book.
Lovely to meet you, human Michael.
Pawsitive wishes,
Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! :)
I love stories about getting away from psycho exes. I especially like when they get their violent end. ;) I don't know much about Florida, so i think I would really dig this story.
Michael! You are overloading my TBR pile with such great picks! This is another fascinating story I want to read.
I will check it out right away!
I'm not afraid of germs but I would hate the sticky humid mess of Florida wilderness. Sounds like lots of fun and adventure.
It's a terrific book! Thanks for recommending it, Michael!
The morale of the story...always get your potential hubby drunk at least once BEFORE you marry him! :)
Thank you again, Michael. And I appreciate all the positive words everyone.
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
Marriage can be a very scary proposition even if your husband isn't a psycho. :)
Great intro, Michael! Shelly's book sounds awesome.
VR Barkowski
Hi Michael
As always, wonderfully introduced Michael. You have me wanting to read SO MANY new books. I can't wait until you're introducing my new book, lol!
You must be exhausted with the amount of effort you're putting into these excellent posts. You are a great gift to so many authors.
Are you getting any time for your own writing (I ask seriously!)
Denise
Hi Michael .. this one I too want to read .. as Denise says - you have done a wonderful job and I haven't paid sufficient due attention ..
I hope these stories will turn into something for you .. even if they relate to others books ...
Cheers Hilary
Listen to your gram! Love Shelly, she's another who helps out her fellow authors -- just like you Michael!
Great job you're doing!
Wow, that's a very interesting take on the escape from a psycho story. Sounds like a great pick!
#atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com
Great introduction Michael! I can't wait to read Secondhand Shoes. Sorry that I didn't see this sooner. Yay for Shelly!
Julie
I am late to the party! Great job Michael and I'm reading it now~
I love how you delivered this one :D
Post a Comment