Horrible Bosses

I actually haven’t worked that many jobs to accumulate a collection of horrible bosses. My first job was at a law office answering phones for two lawyers who were pretty much total sweethearts. They didn’t get mad at me for mangling the names of clients who called. Instead, they’d try to guess who I meant. It sort of became a game. The job itself was cake. I was in high school at the time and at the end of the school day, I literally crossed the street and arrived at that law office. I worked from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. every other day and made enough money to gas my white Nissan 200SX.

My second job was at a women’s clothing store, Hit or Miss, which is no longer in business. It sold mostly pieces for the career-oriented woman and not much that I would ever consider wearing despite the 30% discount. Most of my bosses here were also nice even though I sucked at putting outfits together. If it wasn’t already matched on a hanger, I had no idea what to pair with what or what would look good on certain body types. Not a clue. But I could smile, ring people up at the register, and fold sweaters on the display tables like only an obsessive-compulsive sufferer can.

 

I did have one boss at Hit or Miss, however, who scored me low on a review in the category of “professional appearance.” She stated she wanted me to wear more of the store’s clothing and improve my style of dress. Hey, lady, have you seen my paycheck? I only worked three times a week, maximum, and for a few hours each time. Again, I made enough to gas my car and eat Taco Bell with my friends. I didn’t have cash to spend on clothing, let alone stuffy business-type outfits made of uncomfortable fabrics like linen. God, I’m getting hives just thinking of those scratchy spring blazers we used to have in colors like “chartreuse” and “plum.” Hi, I prefer black and…black.

I had a few stints working for summer camps and those were just miserable, but not because of the bosses. It was the general disorganization of the programs and the vast range in ages of the campers that made those jobs unbearable. One boss did make me take kids to a lake for a field trip though. I thought she was coming along and at the last minute, she decided to stay behind and “do paperwork.” I had to be in charge of twenty-something kids ages 4 to 12 by the water.

 
Did I mention I can’t swim? Yeah.

Once I started teaching, my bosses were at a different level. I’ve had the good fortune of working under the direction of two professional, educated, competent principals, both of which have been extremely supportive. **Insert I still work under one of them at present and think it in my best interest not to say anything horrible.**

 

Every editor, publisher, and cover artist I’ve worked with in my writing career has been wonderful too. I can honestly say I haven’t had any problems with any of them.

I don’t know where my working life will take me next, but hopefully my string of good luck in the bosses department will continue.

If not, perhaps I’ll give them a horrible employee story they can share. I can be evil if necessary.

What would your dream boss be like?

If you want to read about some horrible bosses, one of my books has a questionable one for you. KISSES TO REMEMBER includes a boss that not only makes passes at the hero, but she also…well, pick it up and you’ll see.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble     

 

Toodles,

Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

Mom

I'm just going to go ahead and say it. I have the best mom on the planet.

"You exaggerate, Christine," you say.

"On the planet? Really?" You don't believe me.

"Surely there are greater moms out there," you suggest.

No. I'm sorry. You. Are. Wrong.

Here's a list of ten reasons why my mom ROCKS:

1. She hung all my schoolwork and art projects on the refrigerator when I was a kid. I vividly recall her taking each item and holding it as if it were a precious artifact. She'd study the contents of the work, her face beaming with pride even if the sky was colored purple or not every word was spelled correctly. She'd offer a congratulatory hug, kiss, and smile then lovingly secure the work to the refrigerator with a magnet. Stepping back, she'd admire my creations for a few more moments and boy, did I feel like the smartest, most talented kid that ever existed. It made me work hard to earn a place on that Refrigerator of Excellence.

2. She always has dessert ready. If you have a hankering for something sweet, my mom's kitchen is apocalypse-ready in that department. In case of a zombie invasion, hunker down at her house and you'll drown your worries over the fallen human race in sugar and chocolate.

3. She can pump out gift baskets like a factory. You like movies? She's got a basket for that. You like sailing? She's got a basket for that. You like Hungarian love poems? Well, I've never seen that basket, but I'll bet she'd be able to pull that one off too.

4. She's got great hair. Full and bouncy. I thank her profusely for sharing that particular DNA with me.

5. She leaves me dinner when I go away for the weekend. My husband and I have a place in Vermont and when we come back to our every day home, dinner is always waiting in the refrigerator. Not coming home to an empty refrigerator is such a blessing.

6. She;s great at crafts. She can look at something old and find a way to recycle it into something adorable. Her style is country rustic and I can't tell you how many times something has gotten a second chance at life in her decorating.

7. She's nice to everyone even if they are a pain in the butt. Look up "friendly" in the dictionary and her picture will be there, smiling at you, trying to get to know you, ready to listen to whatever you wish to tell her. I wish I had half of her niceness. I'm quick to dismiss people, but she accepts all kinds. She doesn't judge.

8. She gave me life. I'll be forever in her debt.

9. She's a great theater buddy. Whether it's a movie that my husband or my dad would never see or a droolfest planned for a Harry Connick Jr. concert, my mom is always willing to embark on an adventure into the arts with me.

10. I can tell her anything. And I do mean anything. I know she will never tell me I'm ridiculous. She listens to all my writing ideas with interest and most times we end up laughing until we cry whenever we chat. I know if I'm in a bad mood and I really want to rip someone's head off and shove it up his or her...well, you get the idea...I know she'll talk me off the ledge and help me see things logically. Or she'll put on her kickin' ass boots and be my backup.

I heart my mom. Happy Mother's Day!

What is or was great about your mom?

For a great mom fix, read Kisses to Remember. Johanna Ware will do anything to protect her son and is willing to care for a perfect stranger. Buy at Amazon. Also available at Barnes & Noble. Available in ebook and print.

Toodles,
Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

Sharing the Love - Christine DePetrillo

Love is at the heart of all romances. This month is about sharing that love, so here is an excerpt from my contemporary romance, Kisses to Remember. In this tale, graphic designer Johanna Ware welcomes pilot Holden Lancaster into her home after he is injured in a plane crash. He's lost part of his memory, but creates new memories while staying with Johanna, her son, and her father-in-law.

Enjoy the love! :)

****

Johanna fussed with her hair in the bathroom mirror. After returning from the hospital, she’d agreed to the boys’ requests that she stay away from the kitchen, dining, and living room areas. She’d worked a little in her office, showered, and now had on a black tank dress that cut to a V at her breasts. A bit of makeup graced her face and a necklace with a silver heart on the end Kam had given her one Christmas was around her neck. She hoped she had the right look going for whatever Kam, Holden, and apparently even Ted were scheming to do tonight.

She’d beaten herself up mentally about cutting into the vision Holden had at the hospital, but he’d looked pale and hazy. Her first thought had been that Dr. Sakala had delivered some horrifying news. She should have known he was remembering something by the faraway expression on his face. 

She inspected herself in the mirror again and said to Miles sitting by her feet, “I’ll make it up to him later tonight.” She adjusted her breasts in the dress to make more of her cleavage show. “Hope you can handle Fancy Johanna, Holden Lancaster.”

After smearing on more lipstick, she snuck into her bedroom with Miles scratching along behind her. She peered at the alarm clock by her bed. 6:58 p.m. Two minutes until Holden said she was allowed to make her appearance in the kitchen. Fifty-seven seconds to think about how wonderful it was to have Holden around. Forty-nine seconds to wonder if she’d gone overboard with the lavender body spray. Thirty-eight seconds to think about how happy Kam was about spending time with Holden. Thirty-two seconds to be impressed by the progress of Ted’s cabin. Twenty-six seconds to worry about Alex getting beat up in prison. Twenty-one seconds to consider putting on shoes, then deciding against it. Fourteen seconds to open her bedroom door a crack and inhale the garlic-scented air coming from the forbidden rooms. Nine seconds to brush dog hair off her dress, six seconds to give herself one more look in the bathroom mirror, three seconds to edge down the hallway and…

“Johanna,” Holden said, nearly bumping into her. “You’re right on schedule, my lady, and you look…holy shit, you look amazing.” He stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. Ah, the power of the little black dress.

He bowed before her and held out his elbow. He wore black jeans and a white T-shirt with a black, construction paper bow tie around his neck.

“Nice outfit on you too.” Johanna hooked her arm through his, and he escorted her into the dining room.  

He adjusted the paper tie. “Thank you. We went top-of-the-line on everything this evening.” His grin sent ripples of arousal through Johanna.

He pulled out a chair and motioned for her to sit. Miles made a big circle around the table, but scooted into the kitchen when Kam came into the dining room also wearing black pants, a white T-shirt, and a paper bow tie. Johanna laughed and held out her hand to her son.

“Come over here.” She wiggled her fingers. “You look so handsome.” She raised her gaze to Holden. “Both of you do.”

Ted came hobbling in on his crutches wearing the same uniform, though his tie was a little crinkled and crooked.

“Wow,” Johanna said. “Ted too. This is quite an accomplishment.” Ted rarely deviated from his stained, heavy-duty work pants and threadbare T-shirts.

“It’s for a good cause,” Ted said as he settled in the chair at the head of the table.

Kam pulled out the closest chair so Ted could elevate his leg. “How’s that feel, Pep?”

“It feels like a pretty nurse gave me exactly the right pills.” He ruffled Kam’s hair and turned toward Johanna. “I may have convinced said pretty nurse to make a home visit to this invalid tomorrow. That okay?”

“Yeah,” Johanna said. “If I can take in pilots that fall from the sky, you can certainly have nurses stopping by.”

“No nurses,” Ted said. “Just one nurse.”

“A very special nurse,” Kam teased.

“Quit it, kid. I’ve got pictures of you learning how to use the crapper I can show Crystal, or Catherine, or…what’s her name?”

“I’m not telling you.” Kam stuck out his tongue at Ted, then looked at Holden. “Can we start now?”

“Yeah, Holden, can we start now?” Johanna mimicked Kam’s pleading tone and clapped her hands together. “What smells so good?”

“Me,” all three of the males answered together.

“You’re all so modest.” Johanna laughed.

“Kam, come help me.” Holden directed the boy back into the kitchen leaving Johanna and Ted in the dining room.

“What’s going on here?” Johanna asked.

“A little appreciation, that’s all.” Ted waved the bottle of wine he’d uncorked and Johanna handed him her glass. As he filled it, he said, “You take care of everybody, Johanna. Tonight is to show you how much we love you.” He tapped his glass to hers and they both took a sip.

Love. Johanna let this word cycle around her head. She knew Kam loved her. He said it all the time and well, they had ten years together under their collective belts. Ted loved her like a daughter as she loved him like a father. Her own father had died before she’d gotten married and truthfully, she’d never been that close to him. Not as close as she was to Ted.

But Holden? Does he love me too? Do I love him? She could see how easy it would be to fall completely in love with Holden, but was that wise? She kept telling herself that his past wouldn’t change things, but her more logical side knew that wasn’t necessarily true. He could remember something that would make it impossible for them to be together. That thought made her stomach protest.

“Hey.” Ted’s voice made her look at him. “Don’t think too hard, sweetheart. Enjoy the night. Holden and Kam worked hard.”

“Under your expert guidance, no doubt.”

Ted held out his hands. “Of course.”

With Miles on his heels, Kam came back into the dining room toting a bowl of salad, Holden right behind him with dressings and a basket of bread. When everyone had a full plate and a chunk of bread, Holden stood at his seat and cleared his throat.

“This evening is in tribute to the wonderful…”

“the amazing…” Kam added.

“the superfantasticspectacular…” Ted chimed in.

“woof…” Miles inserted.

“Johanna Ware,” Holden finished. “I know I haven’t been here as long as these other two guys, but you make me feel as if I have.”

Yeah, definitely easy to fall in love with him.

He motioned to Kam who reached under the table and presented Johanna with a neatly folded T-shirt. When she shook it out, the words, “World’s Best Everything” graced the front of it.

“We were going to make you a trophy,” Kam started, “but then no one else will know how awesome you are. This you can wear in public.” His little face beamed at her, and Johanna squeezed him around the waist.

“Thanks. All of you.” Her throat was tight as she fought not to cry like a blubbering idiot.   

Holden held up his wine glass. Ted held up his, and Kam held up his glass of milk.

“To Mom!” Kam roared.

They clinked glasses and dove into a meal Johanna would never forget. Stuffed mushrooms. Eggplant parmigiana with pasta. Fruit plate. Chocolate velvet pie for dessert. Each course brought her new levels of bliss. No one had ever cooked for her like this. Not her mother when she was a child. Not Alex. Not even restaurants she’d gone too, even the fancier ones when on a business meeting.

And it was more than the food being tasty. The guys had somehow managed to bake their gratitude into every bite.

“You’re all magnificent,” she announced when only crumbs remained on their dessert plates. She got up and kissed Ted on the cheek and Kam on the forehead. When she got to Holden’s seat, Ted nudged Kam.

“Come on, kid. Let’s get started on cleaning that kitchen. She ain’t going to think we’re that magnificent if she sees the mess in there.”

When they were gone, Holden pushed his chair back from the table and patted his lap. Johanna lowered and slid her arms around his shoulders.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He reached up and kissed her lips. A few slow tastes, but that was enough to get her hungry for more.

“This was a lovely night, Holden. Lovely.” She cupped his face in her hands and got lost in the blue of his eyes.

“Was?” He arched an eyebrow. “Who said it was over?”

 

****

 

Want some more love? Download Kisses to Remember today! From Amazon here and Nook here. Only $2.99.

 

 

Toodles,

 

Chris

www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

www.nighteternal.weebly.com



Who is Holden Lancaster?

Today, it is my great pleasure to be sitting with corporate pilot Holden Lancaster (from Kisses to Remember, by Christine DePetrillo). Welcome, Holden.

Holden: Thanks, Christine. It’s a pleasure to be here at The Roses of Prose. And might I add that you look good enough to eat today.

Christine: Likewise. Ahem. So how about a few questions to get to know you better?

Holden: Ask anything you’d like.

Christine: Will you take your shirt off? I mean…what’s it like taking off in a plane and being at the controls?

Holden: It’s an incredible turn on actually. The power to fly right in my own hands is such a rush. And the little planes like the King Air 350i are a blast. Lots of maneuverability. It truly is like being a bird in the sky. And the view is fantastic from up there.

Christine: The view ain’t so bad right here either. Moving on. You refurbish race cars. How did you get into that?

Holden: When I was about six or seven, my dad took me to a NASCAR race. He had a mechanic buddy who was on duty during the race so we got up close and personal with some of the drivers and cars. Those guys were so cool and the cars were so fast. It was a little boy’s dream, you know?

Christine: But you didn’t get into NASCAR racing. How come?

Holden: Well, I liked the cars, but I wanted to be a little more artistic in my designs. Not covered in sponsor logos and such, so I went for lesser known races where both art and speed were involved.

Christine: What’s your favorite design you’ve created?

Holden: The Marrow Camaro has to be my favorite. I love the glossy black body, and the splattered red paint on the hood and dripping along the sides always looks like fresh, wet blood. I got a lot of compliments on that car. Kameron absolutely loved it.

Christine: Ah, yes. Kameron. How did you feel when you first met Johanna Ware’s son?

Holden: Hey, she saved my life. Any kid of hers has to be fantastic, right?

Christine: What’s so fantastic about him?

Holden: Everything. He’s smart, kind, funny, and the kid can build absolutely anything out of Legos. He never gives anyone any trouble.

Christine: Sounds like the perfect kid.

Holden: He is. I was confused when I first came to Johanna’s farm. I’d crashed my plane. I’d been injured. I’d lost a good deal of my memory, but Kameron eased my mind on so many levels as did his wonderful mother. He never seemed to mind that a stranger was staying in his guestroom. In fact, he never treated me like stranger even though I was a stranger to myself at that time.

Christine: You’re lucky they found you.

Holden: I’m lucky they wanted to keep me.

Christine: Well, for the record, if they decide they want to return you for a full refund, I like planes and cars. I don’t have a guestroom, but I’m sure we could figure something out.

Holden: I’m sure we could.

Christine: Okay. Final question before we get ourselves into trouble here. What’s next for you?

Holden: Well, if all goes well, I’ll continue flying, rebuilding cars, and racing. Kam and I have plans to build a second barn because Johanna wants to get some horses. I’ll be happy if everything  just stays normal for a while. We’ve had enough drama. Now it’s time for some peace and happiness.

Christine: A great plan, Holden. I wish you much luck with everything and thanks for being here with us today.

Holden: My pleasure and thank you.

Christine: Okay, folks. That’s it for to—

Holden: It really is kind of hot in here, don’t you think?

Christine: Hot?

Holden: Yeah. Maybe taking my shirt off isn’t a bad idea.

Christine: Whatever will make you more comfortable, Holden. Let me just get rid of these readers…Scatter, people! Like now! Go surf the web, play on Facebook, read another blog, download Kisses to Remember.  Scoot. Scadaddle. Off you go.  

For more information about Kisses to Remember, visit www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com and see the book trailer.

Toodles,

Christine

www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

www.nighteternal.weebly.com