Humorlost (Humorlost Book I of III) Read online

  Humorlost Trilogy

  Humorlost Book I

  Carol J. Donahue & Janice Chanowski

  Copyright © 2011 Carol J. Donahue

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN10: 1466397071

  ISBN-13: 978-1466397071

  Kindle Review by medusas angel

  Romantic mystery, September 6, 2012 I love romance novels. So this romance was different than most that I read and I love the plot twist. Try it out it’s a short read but a good read.

  DEDICATION

  I dedicate this book to my Mom, who gave me the gifts of love, life, and creativity. I miss her very much. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I would like to thank Janice Chanowski for her contribution to this book. Without her I would never have been able to follow my dream. She was both encouraging and inspirational to me and I will be eternally grateful to her. Also I would like to thank my Mother for giving me the gift of the love of art and literature. She too was very talented in art and writing. You will see one of her poems in book II “I do believe”. I wish she were here today to see this work published. But I know she is looking down on me and is very proud. And to my husband John for putting up with the long hours I’ve spent in my office writing. He often had late dinners and I know felt very lonely at times. Thank you, I love you.

  Decisions & Regrets

  As Kareena waited her turn, she fought the inner turmoil of the decision she had made to abort her baby. This decision was not arrived at easily, and she was still having very serious doubts. The life she held inside was hers to give or take. But the fear that this child would inherit the weakness that she had been fighting all of her life frightened her even more, not to mention the alcoholism that had been passed down through generations. She had watched her Mother fight depression and illness ever since she could remember. That coupled with her father’s alcoholism was more than she was willing to pass down to a child.

  She had become very independent over her twenty one years. Watching her mother struggle after her Dad died at age eleven taught her to fen for herself, and not rely on anyone. So now she was alone in this hospital, waiting. Her friend Genna had dropped her off and would see her after her shift at a local Nursing Home.

  Before she had a chance to change her mind the nurse called her name and began wheeling her down to the operating room. She recalled how she got into this mess in the first place. It had been a warm summer day. She and Genna were spending the afternoon at the local swimming pool when she first laid eyes on him.

  Lightning

  He stood tall and tanned. I gazed at his silhouette against the sun, he had a straight carriage, and every muscle was defined. He had strong features; his jaw was square, with just the slightest indentation in his chin, and high cheek bones. His hair was wind blown, the color of chestnuts with deep amber highlights of one who has spent a lot of time in the sun. His deep blue eyes reflected the shimmering light of the turquoise pool.

  It was like a bolt of lightning struck me. My heart began palpitating. My flesh became hot and little beads of sweat broke out across my brow. My mind went blank.

  I watched as he dove off the diving board and swam the length of the pool underwater. As he surfaced he did not look in my direction, but I couldn’t keep my eyes off of him.

  Kareena beamed. “Genna, … look.” As she tipped her head in the direction of the swimmer. “Do you know who that is?”

  “No, … I’ve never seen him before.” Genna smiled, she could see the interest Kareena’s eyes revealed. “Now there’s some delicious eye candy!

  “Mmm Mmm Mmm. I could really learn to like that.” Kareena couldn’t’ stop the smile that spread across her face.

  “He’s with another guy over there. …. That one’s not too bad either.” Genna said as she motioned in the direction the swimmer was now heading.

  “Yeah, sweet! It’s too early for the new college arrivals, maybe they’re on vacation.”

  “Maybe.…To bad we didn’t have more time, it’s getting late.” The sun was throwing long shadows across the perfectly manicured lawn at the public pool where they had spent their afternoon.

  “Dang….I know,…. But we better get going or we’ll be late for our yoga class.”

  The girls gathered up their towels and headed out through the pool lobby into the locker room, Kareena never taking her eyes of the handsome stranger until the doorway blocked her view. They showered, and changed into their sweats then proceeded to Kareena’s VW that was parked in the pool lot.

  The yoga class was at the Y.W.C.A. off Main Street. Kareena had talked Genna into going with her. It helped Kareena relax, which was something she found difficult much of the time. Genna went along for moral support, but found she was really enjoying the class despite her initial reluctance to join.

  Kareena, Genna and Genna’s younger sister Diana had been friends since they were young girls, their parents had been best friends, and since finishing high school, Genna and Kareena had decided to room together, it was practical, and they would save money. Kareena was all about practicality. So they found a small place in town near the college campus. It was an old New England style house, gray with black trim. The girls occupied the bottom floor of the two apartments dwelling and shared all expenses. Genna’s sister, Diana had recently married and lived a block away. They all hung out together and were inseparable.

  The instructor at the “Y” was a young woman named Bridget; she had a small frame, with short blond hair and was very perky. She had a way of getting her class to give their all without being intimidating. She made it all seem like a lot of fun.

  After their workout, Karenna and Genna showered and changed again. They decided to get something to eat at the local pizzeria on Spring Street. It was across the street from Diana’ and her new husband Garrett’s apartment. They called to invite her Diana down, but she wasn’t home so they proceeded to order their pizza.

  As they ate, they discussed the following week’s entertainment. “So, do you want to go to Brodie Tuesday?” Genna inquired.

  “Yes of course, I wouldn’t miss it. Are you riding with Kevin?”

  “No I’ll ride with you. Kev will give me a ride home later.” Her eyes glanced to the ceiling. “Jeez only two more weeks before Brodie closes, where has the summer gone?”

  “I know, before you know it, Christmas will be here!”

  “Shut up…..Don’t mention Christmas, burrrrrr!” As Genna gave a little shiver they smiled and giggled together.

  “You know we should do something about getting out of this dead end town. If you could go anywhere in the country, where would that be? I know where I’d like to go.” Kareena stated. “No question about it, Florida! That’s a no brainer.”

  “Yeah, Florida sounds great. Can you just imagine having warm weather all year round?”

  “Mmmmm! That sounds wonderful! It doesn’t hurt to dream.” Kareena remarked with a sigh.

  “Yupper! But you never know we should start saving some money, it will never happen if we don’t have a plan.” Genna cautioned.

  “Already have.” Kareena admitted proudly.

  “Really?” Genna smiled.

  “Yup, you should start a savings account.”

  “Good idea, I think I will. We may have to give up eating out.”

  “I can do that!” Kareena stated. “What’s wrong with tuna and Mac Salad?”

  “Not a thing!” Tuna and macaroni salad was one of their main dishes. It was inexpensive and filling. Genna’s eyes lit up as she began to think of how wonderful it would be to living in Florida.

  “Deal?” Kareena questioned.

  “Deal!”
Genna agreed. They closed the deal with a high five, paid their bill and bounced out of the pizza shop excited and looking forward to their new adventure.

  Fire

  Brodie Mt. lies on the east side of the Taconic Mountains in the far northwest part of Massachusetts. The base lodge itself is a beautiful brown wood building with two stories of glass over looking the ski trails. It was nicknamed “Kelly’s Irish Alps” the slopes had names like “Shamrock“, and “Killarney.” The lodge itself had an Irish themed saloon that did a rousing business in drinks and live music. Genna and Kareena were on their way. The band played every Tuesday night. Even though they had to work the next day, they decided to go, because there were only a few weeks left before the end of the summer season. Genna worked at the local nursing home and Kareena waitresses at a local restaurant. Diana’s husband, Garrett, played in the band at the ski lodge.

  Genna and Kareena were having a great time dancing; they didn’t care if anyone asked them to dance, they had fun dancing with one another. Genna’s boyfriend, Kevin, didn’t dance. Between sets Genna was busy talking to him and the band. Kevin helped with set up. Kareena sat with her wine, and gazed around the room to see if anyone else was there that she knew. The lights were low, she saw no one that she recognized. Then her eyes fell on a table at the far wall near the fireplace. If she didn’t know any better she’d swear that was the same guy she saw the other day at the pool. He was looking in her direction.

  Rian had been watching as she danced. She wore white low rise boot cut pants and a long red tunic with flair sleeves. She was petite, about 5’2” with long brown hair, and deep brown eyes. She had a way of moving that was very enticing.

  “I never understood how two girls could have so much fun dancing with one another.” James stated.

  “Does it matter, now?” Rian questioned as he stared at her moving around the dance floor. “Just look at this bonnie lass; she really knows how to move.”

  “Yah, I notice she can dance.” The band stopped playing and took a break.

  “I fancy the lass. Do me a favor old chum, go see if she will join me for a mug.” “Rian, buddy, you know she’s not in your league, do you really want me to ask her over?” Aye, I do mate. I know my Da would have a bleeden cow if he knew I was anywhere near a Townie, but there is something about her. I can see it in the way she lowers her eyes when I look in her direction. She has a modest quality. It’s just for fun anyway; a few dances maybe. Do me the favor a mate?”

  Kareena looked away, not wanting him to think she was staring. She looked up again, and he was still looking at her. He never lowered his eyes. She sipped her wine and looked away again. After a time she heard a voice behind her.

  James sauntered over to the table where Kareena sat. “Hi, I’m James; my friend wants to know if he could buy you a drink.”

  “Who’s that?” Kareena asked looking in the direction he was pointing.

  “His name is Rian, and he really would like you to join him for a drink, if you don’t mind.”

  Even though the thought of joining him made her heart pound wildly in her chest, she decided to take him up on the offer. “Why not?” She thought.

  Kareena walked to his table and James introduced them. “This is Rian,”

  “Hello! And what would your name be?” He spoke with an Irish brogue.

  “Hi, I’m Kareena.” She took his hand in greeting.

  “Please have a seat. What da ya have to drink my sweet?” He asked.

  “I’ll have a glass of wine, thanks.” Rian bought a round for the table. Genna was still busy with the band.

  Rian was very talkative, and Kareena was grateful because she was more of a listener than a talker. Her mother was the chatter box in the family, always the nervous talker. Any quiet made her Mom very uneasy. So Kareena had become very adept at listening and so she listened while Rian spoke. All the while wondering why he asked her over. There are certainly more attractive girls than me here tonight. She thought. Why Me?

  Rian told her he and James had arrived in town early for their junior year at Williams. They wanted to get set up in their dorms, and have some time to settle in before the first semester started.

  “What’s your major?” Kareena enquired truly interested.

  “I’m majoring in law, with a minor in Political Science and Economics, plus some extra curricular in bio chemistry.”

  “Really?… I hate politics. I hate the hypocrisy of it all.”

  He smiled broadly as he thought. ‘Well there’s one strike against me.’

  “Bio Chemistry … is certainly far removed from your major. What made you decide to take that subject?”

  “Aye it is, but I believe in being well rounded, you never know when or where you might be needing knowledge, and I’ve always had a curious interest in biochemical engineering. You know cloning. I find it all very fascinating.”

  “I admire anyone who has the ability to go to college. My family never had the means to send us, not that I ever had the smarts to make it anyway.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad. Education is very important.”

  Kareena usually didn’t talk this much, but Rian seemed truly interested so she continued “I know education is important. My Dad passed away when I was eleven, and my Mom had to struggle to raise my two brothers and me. So there was never enough money to send us. And the though of paying off a loan for the rest of my life just didn’t settle right with me.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “She did send me to vocational school for cosmetology; it helped her keep my father’s Social Security supplement an extra year. She has never been a well person, but always did the best she could to give us the most important things in life. She couldn’t give us much in the material world, but she had lots of love, and she gave it in abundance.”

  “That is a gift that not all mothers have. You know, you should never speak of yourself in a derogatory fashion, you should never hold yourself in low esteem.”

  “I’m just speaking the truth. If you knew me, you wouldn’t think that’s what I’m doing. ”

  “Aye I’d like that now.”

  “Would you?”

  “Aye I would.”

  “Well good luck with that.” She said challenging him.

  He liked her spirit. “You are very funny. Are you practicing your vocation now?”

  “No, I only graduated last May; this town is not really a good place to practice. Our teachers encouraged us to get out. I don’t know if I’ll go into that profession. I really don’t like all the chemicals involved. So right now I am waiting tables to make the rent, and putting away a little hear and there.” Kareena felt uncomfortable talking about her self and changed the subject. “What part of Ireland are you from?”

  “I was born in Florida,” Kareena’s eyes lit up, thinking about that warm climate and Genna and her plans. “But I was reared in Killarney, Ireland. This lodge feels very much like home, with all the Irish named ski trails. Killarney is in southern Ireland. My Mum is from Scotland and my Da is American, his family is from Ireland. My Da is a diplomatic liaison for the USA and Great Britain.”

  “That sounds very important. Where do your parents live now?”

  “Presently they live in Gillingham, Great Britain, but they have residence in Palm Beach, Florida, and another in Killarney Ireland. T’was my Granada’s Estate on my Mum’s side, passed down through the McKay family. It holds a great deal of family sentiment, and many Old Irish Traditions.”

  “Sounds charming!”

  “Aye, it is.”

  The band started to play again, a slow song with a soft melody. “Shall we?” Rian asked as he held out his hand to her. They walked slowly to the dance floor. He took her right hand in his left, and placed his right hand on her waist. Kareena’s skin tingled at his touch, and they danced slowly. Her heart began palpitating again with his closeness. He smelled heavenly. He was looking directly into her eyes and, she couldn’t look away. His gaze was
hypnotic. He smiled and pulled her closer. She thought her knees would give out. But he held her up ever so gently. She could feel the strength of his firm muscles as they danced, and her every nerve ending was on fire.

  As the song ended he led her back to the table never letting go of her hand. The lights flickered for last call and he asked if she’d have another drink.

  She declined his invitation, “I have to work in the morning. I really can’t, I really have to get going.”

  “Would you be née den a ride then?’

  “No thanks, I have my VW.”

  “Do you come often to this place?”

  “No, just a few times a year.” She didn’t know why she lied.

  “Might you be here next week?”

  “I don’t know, maybe.” She knew he was trying to connect with her again, but she was fighting it. She didn’t know why, maybe because, she knew he was really out of her league. Something was telling her to stay away. There was something mysteriously dangerous about him. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Maybe it was his staggering selfconfidence.

  “Okay” he said, “Maybe I shall see you then.”

  “Okay” She said. As she turned to go, he pulled her to him, and kissed her on the cheek so lightly, she barely felt it. ‘There it is again, my heart is racing. What is this?” He smiled again; it was a smile that could melt butter.

  Kareena hurried away to find Genna, and tell her she was leaving. “Wait Karrena, what was that all about?” Kareena told her she would see her later and tell her all about it then.

  “Ok, see you later.” Genna always rode home with Kevin. “Well.” James said “You struck out old chum.” “Aye, I did, but we shall meet again, I feel it.”

  “Well, you seem very confident. I still say, stay away, your treading on dangerous ground.”

  “And it’s my ground to tread on, now is it not?”

  “Ok it’s your funeral.”