Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z!

S is for Sex

Frank: March 28th, 2026

I can feel her heart beating hard in her chest, our skin pressed together. My cock is throbbing for her. This is so wrong. I know it’s so wrong. I know that having sex with Amelia is a terrible idea. There is some movie line rattling around in my brain about having sex too early in a relationship dooms it, and that this is not only early but she is on the rebound. Not consciously, mind you. I don’t think she is trying to use me, but I know that that’s what will happen if we have sex right now. But there is a lot of blood going to my other head right now, and I don’t think I care. If I only ever get one night with Amelia, at least I’ll have had that one night. I can barely breathe at the thought of it only being one time with her, but I can’t walk away now. What if I do and it never happens? This is the defining moment.

The thoughts of what I want her to do to me swirl in my mind, and I can’t think straight, much less figure out what I would even ask her to do to me. Words are useless. I drop to my knees in front of her, sliding my hands down her sides until I get to her waist. My fingers play with the waistband of her pants as I finish lowering myself to the floor. Kneeling, my face is right at the clasp of her pants. I slide my fingers around and undo the button, then slide the zipper down. I look up into her eyes to see if she has any hesitation, but I don’t see any. Not even a little.

I pull her pants down, and I can smell how aroused she is. It’s fucking hot. I want to taste her. My cock throbs harder at the thought of burying my face between her legs.

She kicks her shoes and pants off, leaving her just in her panties. They are just cotton bikini style, but they look so sexy. I slip my fingers into the waistband, and pause, looking up at her again. There is an urgency in her eyes that spurs me on. My hands are shaking a little as I pull her panties down. When she steps out of them and is naked in front of me, I nearly pass out. Maybe it’s the blood thundering into my cock, maybe it’s that I’ve never wanted anyone this badly, maybe it’s all in my head, but I feel like I will pass out if I don’t get my mouth on her body.

I kiss her hip, and then start to trail kisses across her thigh to her mound. Her pubic hair is neatly trimmed, but she’s not bare. It’s so hot. I want to feel it, but my lips have just barely touched her pubic hair when she grabs me by my hair and yanks my head back so I am looking up at her. I can feel precum drip from the tip of my cock, and I am equal parts terrified she’s going to put a stop to things and exhilarated that she’s taking charge.

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z!

R is for Reckless

Amelia: March 28th, 2026

“Come on,” I say, and I grab his hand. I’m feeling reckless and alive. I am sure this is a terrible idea, but right at the moment, I don’t care. I am sure that part of my decision-making right now is damaged due to my fiance dying not even a week ago, but still. I want to feel someone’s arms around me. I want to feel wanted. I want to feel alive. I need it. And Frank is certainly willing. And now he knows. It felt good to pretend for a little bit with him. To pretend that my whole world wasn’t falling apart. But I had to tell him. He has to know that this can’t go anywhere. My heart is broken. But my body isn’t, and it sounds terrible, but I need to do something reckless.

He follows behind me without a hesitation. Maybe he has doubts in his head, but he certainly doesn’t as he climbs the stairs behind me.

When we get up to my apartment, I unlock the door, and we go inside. There are a few moments of silence, and my arms are around his neck, and I am kissing him, and he is kissing me. My hands slide under his shirt, and his body is warm. I want to feel more of it. We break our kiss just long enough to get his shirt off. And then he pulls mine over my head in the same way. He grunts in frustration that my bra is still keeping our bodies apart, and he rips at it, fumbling with the clasp. I’m about ready to help him when it snaps open. I help him pull the straps down my arms and off, and then our chests are skin to skin, and it feels amazing. 

I am panting as I pull back from our kiss. There is a part of me that wants to lead him to my bedroom, but there are too many memories of Calum there. Hell, there are too many memories of him everywhere in this apartment, but at least we never had sex on this couch or in this room. Calum was always a lights off, missionary kind of guy. Don’t get me wrong, he always made sure I was pleasured, but it was very vanilla. And I don’t know, I always thought I might have a little chocolate morsels mixed in. Or maybe some fresh fruit? I don’t know. I don’t want to say that sex with Calum was boring, but this thing that’s happening with Frank right now is very, very exciting.

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z!

Q is for Quiet

Frank: March 28th, 2026

As we descend into the subway station, the quiet is overwhelming.

And then a train approaches the track, and the quiet is ruined. 

Amelia grabs my hand and pulls me toward the train. We hop on, and get seats next to each other. Her thigh is pressed against mine, and I love the way it feels. I try really hard not to put my hand on her thigh. It feels natural to do it, but I know I shouldn’t. I stick my hand in my pocket to keep from touching her.

When we get to her stop, she grabs my hand and pulls me off of the train.

Once we get out onto the street, the quiet descends again. You would think that a city would be loud, but this area of the city isn’t loud. It’s actually pretty quiet at this time of night. I can hear the occasional far off car, but that’s about it.

“This is me,” she says, as we walk up to a door in a row home. “I’m on the top floor,” she says. “You don’t have to walk all the way up.”

I nod. I certainly don’t have to walk all the way up, but I could. “I don’t mind, if you want the company.”

She nods slowly back at me. “Do you want to?”

“I thought you said it was a bad idea.”

“It is a bad idea.”

“But…” I prompt.

“But I want you to come up.”

“I want to come up.”

She stares up at me with her wide eyes, and I see the want in them, but this is a bad, bad idea.

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

P is for Penis

Amelia: March 28th, 2026

I can feel his hard penis pressed up against my body. I’m like 99% sure that’s what it is. Is that your phone or are you just happy to see me? or whatever that saying is.

I’m a little shaky when I pull away. But I need to pull away. “Frank,” I whisper.

I can see that he’s unsure. He starts to pull back, far back, and I grab his arm. He stops. “I’m sorry,” he whispers.

“No, Frank, don’t…” I let my voice trail. I don’t even know what I want to say. I just know that I don’t want him to leave. “I know that things are messy in my life right now, but I really like you.”

He nods. “I don’t want to push you, Amelia. I really like you, too. Can I walk you home? I promise, I won’t come in if you don’t want me to.”

“Yes, that would be great.”

I watch him subtly adjust himself, and then we head for the subway station.

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

O is for Once Upon a Time

Amelia: March 22nd, 2026

Once upon a time, I was happy. I had been engaged for almost six months, planning a wedding, living a lovely life. And then came the phone call.

I don’t know the number, but something tells me to answer it.

“Hello?” I say, tentatively.

“Is this Amelia Kramer?”

“Speaking.”

“Do you know Calum Cribley?”

“Yes.”

“I’m afraid I have some bad news.” She pauses, and my heart pounds. “Mr. Cribley has passed away. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Excuse me?”

“He came into the hospital this morning from a car accident, and we did everything we could, but we weren’t able to save him.”

I feel my knees give out as I hit the floor.

“You are listed as his emergency contact. If you would like to come down, we can give you his belongings.”

“His belongings?” I repeat the word, even though it doesn’t make sense to me right now.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Okay, I’ll come down.”

“Thank you, and again, I am sorry for your loss.”

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

N is for No

Frank: March 28th, 2026

No. I definitely should not kiss her. I know that. It’s not a mystery. I absolutely positively should not kiss this woman in front of me. It would be like taking advantage, wouldn’t it? Of course it would. It would not be the best thing to do. But hell, there is no way I can help it.

I lean in, taking her face in my hands, and I kiss her. It’s soft at first, and it almost seems like she isn’t expecting it, but then she melts against me, and I pull her into my arms. Our kiss goes from light to heavy, her fingers digging into my back, tugging at my clothes. If we were inside, we would definitely be taking each others’ clothes off right now.

Amelia: March 28th, 2026

Holy shit. He’s kissing me. I wanted him to kiss me. It’s all I’ve been able to think about. I know I shouldn’t want to kiss him. It hasn’t even been a week since my fiance died. It’s terrible of me to want to kiss Frank. But I can’t help it. I haven’t felt this alive in a long time.

I am kissing him back. It’s not even a question. I can’t help but grip his clothes. I would definitely tear them off of him, but we’re literally standing outside.

Our kiss breaks, and I take a deep breath. Okay, I kissed him. Or he kissed me. We kissed. Whatever. Even though our mouths aren’t touching anymore, our bodies are still pressed together, and I don’t want to let go. I should. I should definitely let go. But…is that…?

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

M is for Maybe

Frank: March 28th, 2026

Woah. Amelia is looking up at me like she’s going to kiss me. I want her to kiss me. But maybe I shouldn’t. Maybe I should walk away now. Maybe I should give her more time to get over her dead fiance. Dead fiance!? What the hell am I doing? This poor woman must be raw and broken and here I am about to kiss her.

But maybe she wants me to kiss her. Maybe that’s all she can think about, too–our bodies close together, the rain trickling down the side of her face. I reach up and wipe the drop of rain away with my thumb. The rain has dwindled down to a drizzle, now. But this one drop on her face, I’m drawn to it, watching it snake down her cheek.

I cup her chin with my hand. Maybe I shouldn’t. Maybe I should. Maybe…

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

L is for Laughter

Amelia: March 28th, 2026

As we exit the bar a few minutes later, after Frank pays the tab, I can’t believe how beautiful the night is. We walk two blocks without saying anything. “Let’s keep walking,” I say when we get to the subway station entrance.

“Sure,” he says. He has his hands tucked in his pockets, and he’s looking at the ground as we walk.

It smells like rain, and I can’t help but think that Calum would absolutely hate it. It’s a little bit humid, we might get rained on… Calum definitely would have just gotten on the subway. But I just can’t stand the thought of going down underground right now. It’s too dark. I’m not scared of the dark, but right now, it just feels wrong.

“So,” he says after the silence stretches for too long, “where are we walking to?”

It’s really not possible to walk to my apartment from here. “Um,” I say, “I don’t know. Maybe just the next subway stop,” I giggle. I don’t even know why I find it funny. But I do.

And then once I start to giggle, I can’t stop. And when the first drop of rain hits me square in the forehead, the giggles become full blown laughter. The harder it rains, the harder I laugh. Frank is staring at me, bewildered. But then he starts to smile. Then his smile becomes a giggle. Then his giggle becomes a laugh. And then we’re spinning around in the pouring rain, our arms outstretched, the chilly rain pinging off of our hair and clothes and skin. I’m soaked through quickly, and I grab Frank by the arm and pull him into a run, hopping into puddles and soaking through our shoes, too. He doesn’t even hesitate. He just comes with me. And I don’t let go of him. My hand slides down his arm, over his wrist, and then my hand is in his hand. I didn’t plan it. It just happened that way. But now that it’s there, his warm fingers wrap around mine, and though I’m sure he would let go if I pulled back, I just squeeze tighter.

I’m breathless from running in too short of a time, but he’s not winded at all. I pull him to slow down, and he does, and as I stand there gasping for air, still laughing, though lighter now, I’m suddenly in his arms, and I’m looking up at him, and he’s not breathing heavily, but I can feel his heart pounding in his chest against mine, and it’s racing. Our eyes lock, and I can’t look away. Is he going to kiss me? My heart just pounds even harder at the thought, but I don’t move. I don’t pull back. I just wait, looking up into his brown eyes.

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

K is for Karaoke

Frank: March 28th, 2026

Amelia takes the stage as the first bars of Sweet Caroline fill the air. I can’t even think straight. She’s standing up on the stage singing karaoke, and her voice is beautiful, but she just dropped a bomb on me.

Maybe I misheard. Maybe she said something else. Someone else’s funeral. Not her fiance. That would be insane. It couldn’t be. She couldn’t have had her fiance die on Sunday and be here with me on Saturday. That’s only six days later. 

“Hands,” she sings, “touching hands, reaching out,” and she reaches out to the audience, and I swear she’s looking nowhere near at me. As the last notes die out, the crowd cheers. Sweet Caroline is always a crowd pleaser at karaoke, and Amelia did a great job.

She’s smiling as she exits the stage. I’m still too shellshocked to process what’s happening as she comes back to the booth and sits down across from me.

Taking a drink from her glass, she looks at me over the rim. Then she sets the glass in front of her and says, “Do you hate me now?”

I shake my head. “How could I ever hate you?”

She chuckles, “I’m sure you’ll find a reason if you hang around with me enough.”

“Do you want to get out of here?” I ask. I don’t even know why. I certainly can’t take her home with me now!

She nods, throws back the rest of her drink, and says, “Let’s go.”

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

J is for Judged

Amelia: March 28th, 2026

What the hell was I thinking? I texted Frank this morning and asked him to go out with me tonight. What. The. Fuck. 

I shouldn’t have done that. I should not have done that. But it’s too late now. I’m not going to stand him up. One–because I don’t want to be alone. And two–because I really liked hanging out with Frank. He’s a nice guy. He was so respectful when we went to that bar the other night. And he doesn’t know me. He only knows what I tell him. Which is great. Ideal, really. I could reinvent myself. I could be a totally different person.

I walk into the bar right at 9PM. I couldn’t have timed it better if I tried. I see Frank sitting in a booth alone, and I give him a wave and a smile. He stands as I approach, and there’s a moment when we can’t decide if we’re going to hug or shake hands or… but then he opens his arms, and I step into them. He wraps his arms around me, and I nearly break down in them. He’s so warm and welcoming. I don’t want him to let go. But, of course, we can’t stand here all night, and so he finally pulls back and smiles down at me.

I smile back, and then I slide into the booth on the opposite side to where he is sitting.

The server comes over, and we order. It all feels so comfortable and smooth. I ask Frank how his day was, and he tells me about going for a run and the work he did around his place. Our food comes, and we eat while the karaoke gets started. I put a song in, but there’s a long line, so I know it’ll be a little while until they call me. I’m starting to wonder if they’re ever going to call me when I see the person who had been in front of me in line head up to the microphone. There are butterflies in my stomach as I hear him sing. He’s not bad, and not a bad act to follow, but I still get a little nervous when I sign up for these things. 

“I think I’m next,” I tell Frank.

He smiles. “I can’t believe you’re going to do it.”

“I am,” I say, even though a part of me can’t believe it either. As she gets near the end of her song, I say, “Frank, I need to tell you something.”

He cocks his head to the side as he says, “What’s that?”

“Don’t judge me,” I say, “but today, I spent the day at my fiance’s funeral. That’s why I was at the concert alone. He died on Sunday.”

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

I is for Intrigued

Frank: March 28th, 2026

I am almost done with my run when my smart watch buzzes with a message. I glance at it, and I am about to ignore it when I notice that it’s from a number I don’t recognize, and… it might not be spam. 

I slow my run to look at my watch, and see that it says, “Hey.”

That’s it. “Hey.”

I pull my phone out of my pocket and type back, “Hey.”

And then I stumble because I’m not paying attention to where I’m jogging. I manage to get my feet back under me, and then look around to see if anyone saw me almost wipe out.

Thankfully, the street is deserted. I slow to a walk and pull my phone out of my pocket, so I’m not awkwardly texting on my watch. I see the little bubble pop up that says the other person is typing. It feels like forever until the message finally comes through.

“What are you doing tonight?”

I raise one eyebrow. Should I assume it’s Amelia? Should I ask?

“I don’t know yet. What are you doing?” I write instead.

Maybe Amelia: I was hoping to get out of the house tonight.

Me: Where do you want to go?

Maybe Amelia: I don’t know. Maybe karaoke?

Me: Karaoke could be fun. There’s a fun place down on 6th street I like.

Maybe Amelia: Fine by me. Meet you there at 9PM?

Me: Okay.

Okay, shit. Now it’s too late to ask if it really is Amelia. But I’m too intrigued by the idea not to show up.

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

H is for Homewrecker

Frank: March 28th, 2026

Last night, I met the most amazing woman. When Dana got me the ticket for the show, I didn’t give much thought to why there was a single ticket for sale. I was just happy I got to go. And then when I got there, running late, of course, and saw the woman who was sitting next to me, I just knew that she was the second ticket and had sold the one I had taken. I could be wrong, of course, but the way she was sitting there on her own, crying… it just spoke volumes to me.

I don’t think I’ve ever had such a strong urge to comfort someone, especially a stranger. But I desperately wanted to hold her hand and wipe away her tears. I tried not to look at her too much during the show, but I honestly don’t know if she would have noticed. She was so caught up in her grief that she wasn’t paying attention to anything else. She kept tucking her long, curly hair behind her ear like it was a habit. In the dark, it looked black, but it was just dark brown. And then she let me take her to dinner. She didn’t even argue with me when I paid the check. It was a quiet moment. She protested once and thanked me, but didn’t make a big deal out of it. And the conversation… It flowed the whole time. I know it was just one dinner, but it was so comfortable. I couldn’t believe it. I never wanted the night to end.

But in the light of morning, doubts creep in. She wouldn’t give me her number, but at least she took mine. What if she never calls me? She might not. I have no idea. There’s something that was bothering me as we said goodbye. I can’t think what it is, but something…

I am not doing myself any favors staying in bed late, so I get up and go for a run. It’s as I’m turning the corner back to my house that I see a glint of gold on the ground, and it hits me. She was wearing a ring. Was it on her ring finger? Was it an engagement ring? I try to remember, but I’m just not sure. Am I going to be the reason she and her partner break up? Am I going to be a homewrecker? Well, I guess if she doesn’t call me, it won’t matter. But damn do I want her to call me.

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

G is for Guilty

Amelia: March 28th, 2026

When I wake up the next morning, I can’t stop thinking about Frank. Was that whole thing real? Did I really have dinner with a total stranger? Why did I do that? Six months ago, I was accepting Calum’s proposal and now I am getting phone numbers from attractive men.

It could have been worse, I suppose. I could have slept with him. That would definitely have been worse. But then that thought won’t leave my mind. Arg. I should delete his number and pretend like that day never happened.

But what if I change my mind? What if I text him and then the next thing I know, I’m sleeping with him? That’s a leap, I know, but it’s the things I worry about. It’s the things I feel guilty about even thinking.

Okay, compromise. If his number is in my phone, I can impulse text him. That’s bad. I take out my phone and grab a scrap of paper from the kitchen. I write his number down on the piece of paper. I fold it in half, then in half again, and look for a place to put it. Under the mattress? No, that’s no good. I’m already thinking about him too much. In my underwear drawer? God that’s even worse! What is wrong with me?

I got it. The junk drawer in the kitchen. It’s a mess anyway, so it’s not like it’s easy to find amidst the random papers already in there–coupons for the grocery store that are probably expired, manuals for appliances I no longer own, you know: the junk drawer.

Now I can delete his number from my phone, but if I regret it later, I can still get it.

Even so, my finger hovers over the delete button and I have trouble going through with it. What’s the harm in a little text?

No, I need to delete it. Because right now, I have an hour to be dressed and presentable. My almost-mother-in-law is going to be here in 60 minutes.

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

F is for Fiancé

Amelia: September 1st, 2025 6 months earlier

The sun is shining, it’s Labor Day, and I am floating along a river with my boyfriend and a bunch of our friends in individual tubes. It’s lovely. A last hurrah before the Fall truly sets in. I have my eyes closed, but I feel my boyfriend’s warm hand on the back of my neck as he drifts over to me. “Hey, Amelia,” he says. 

I smile before I open my eyes, but when I do, I can see him drifting along beside me. “Hey, Calum.”

His hand slides down my shoulder, then my arm before he takes my hand in his. Our hands fit together so comfortably, and I almost close my eyes again, but then he says, “I need to ask you something.”

“Of course, what’s up?”

“Amelia,” he says, and his voice is so serious and our eyes lock together. My breath catches in my throat. This is either really good or really bad. “I love you.” Is there a but coming? “I want to spend every day with you.” My brain is running a million miles a minute. My thoughts range from of course you do, we live together to but I’m sick of you and want to break up. “Will you marry me?”

I blink a few times, trying to clear my head. Did he really just ask me to marry him? Yes. Yes. Of course. Yes. But it takes a second for my body to catch up, my breath to return, and for the words to tumble out of my mouth. “Yes, of course, yes.”

He grins, and then pulls my tube as close to his as he can get. He yells, “She said yes!” and then we kiss. A cheer goes up from the rest of the group.

When we get back on shore, we hand in the tubes we had rented and go to our car. He goes into his bag and pulls out a ring. It’s magnificent and perfect, and I love it. “I didn’t want to give this to you on the river,” he explains. “I thought that was asking for trouble.”

“You might be right,” I say. He goes to slip it on my finger, but it’s too big. I try it on my middle finger and it slides on and stays put. “I’ll just wear it here for now, and then we can get it sized.”

He just keeps grinning at me and kissing me. It’s a magical proposal. My fiancé. Goodness, I’m so happy.

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

E is for Excuses

Amelia: March 27th

“Two?” the host says when we walk into the bar.

He looks at me. “Do you want to sit at the bar?” 

“Sure,” I say, and the host gestures to the bar behind her.

“Go right ahead,” the host says. The bar is dimly lit, with everything in dark, hard wood. There are neon lights with various alcohol types listed behind the bar. I climb up onto the stool, and drape my purse over the back of my chair.

We busy ourselves with looking at a menu for a few minutes. I keep coming back to the chicken platter. It’s a whole platter of chicken (duh) cooked different ways. How can you go wrong with that? It’s made for two people, so we’d have to share… “How about this chicken platter?” I ask.

He grins at me. “I think we’re going to get along just fine.”

I can’t help but grin back.

“I’m Frank, by the way.”

“I’m Amelia,” I say. It feels weird that we decided to order a shared meal before we even knew each other’s names. But nothing about my life is normal right now, so…

We order drinks and the chicken platter, and then chat while he sips his lager and I sip my margarita. The chicken is delicious, and I am glad we ordered it, but there’s no way we’re going to finish. I definitely didn’t eat half!

When we head out of the bar, there’s a moment of awkwardness. “So,” he says, “can I, uh, get your number?”

I smile at him. I don’t have a reason not to give it to him, do I? I don’t know. I’m all messed up. But I also don’t want this to be like the movie Serendipity. It’s already becoming dangerously close to Rom-Com. “Give me yours,” I say, taking a deep breath.

I hand him my phone with the new contact screen open. He types in his name and number and hands the phone back to me. Frank Blackwood. He smiles at me. “Did you take the train, or are you parked somewhere?” he asks.

I took the train. One of the many benefits of city living is being able to take the train wherever I want to go. He drove into the city because he lives just outside of it. He walks me to the train station. I find that I don’t want the night to end, but I can’t invite him back to my place. The thought is ludicrous.

“Can I…” he lets his voice trail off. I don’t know what he wants to ask. I’m kind of afraid.

“I need to…” but my voice trails off, too. I don’t know what I need. I need to go home. I need to get some sleep. I need to get through the next two days unscathed, which is almost impossible. 

“Can I take you to breakfast tomorrow?”

Tomorrow is Saturday. Normally, a Saturday morning… but that train of thought goes nowhere. There’s no normal for me now. I shake my head. “No, I’m sorry. I just can’t right now.”

“Oh, okay. Um.”

“I’ll text you,” I say. 

He nods. “Okay. Well, it was really nice to meet you, Amelia.”

“It was nice to meet you, too, Frank.”

And it was really nice, but it was a fantasy. I blip in my crazy life. Part of me wants to go back to his place and forget that my life is what it is. But I can’t do that. There’s just no way. Maybe it’s an excuse, but it’s my reality.

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

D is for Dinner

Frank: March 27th

When the lights come up when the show is over, the whole audience stands and cheers for the orchestra. They really were amazing, especially the singer and choir that joined the orchestra. I glance at the woman to my right, the one I got the ticket from, I assume, and tears are still flowing down her cheeks freely. She’s stopped trying to wipe them away.

I want to ask her what’s wrong. The music is moving, of course, but this seems like there’s more going on than that. I don’t know why I feel this connection to her. I don’t even know her name. But the tears show real pain.

When the audience’s cheers die down, people start to file out of the theater. “Do you…want to get dinner?” I ask the mystery woman.

She blinks at me a few times, the tears slowing down. She wipes them away, and then, by the look on her face, she surprises both of us when she says, “Yes.”

We walk out of the theater side by side, and she says, “There’s a great little bar around the corner.”

“Sure,” I say. “Whatever you want.”

We don’t talk the rest of the walk to the bar, but true to her word, the bar is just around the corner from the theater. Its sign boasts about its amazing chicken platter. Well, I’m sold. Chicken and beer with a beautiful stranger. It’s going to be a great night.

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

C is for Concert

Amelia: March 27th

The house lights are going down when someone slides past the other people at the theater. The seat next to me has been empty, and I won’t lie–there’s a part of me that has wondered who the stranger that picked up the ticket was. The person’s name was Dana, which didn’t tell me a whole lot.

But then the music starts, and I barely spare a glance to the stranger who is sitting next to me. I’m crying at the first notes, and I decide trying to stop them would be a vain attempt. The beautiful music moves me, the story moves me, and given that I’m sitting here alone instead of with my fiance, well…there is just no way I can help from crying. I came prepared with tissues, but it feels good to let the tears just fall silently down my face.

The silent tears keep falling throughout the first act, and as the lights come up for the intermission, a hand reaches over and hands me a handkerchief. My eyes find the tall man sitting next to me. He is handsome, with short, dark hair falling in waves, brown eyes, and a beard that’s just starting to go gray.

“Thanks,” I say, taking the handkerchief. The cloth is soft and feels clean, though the thought crosses my mind that I don’t know where this cloth has been that I’m about to press against my face. And there’s no way I can blow my nose into it, is there?

“You’re welcome,” he says, and his voice is deep. “You can keep it.”

“Thanks,” I say again.

He doesn’t pry, and for that, I’m grateful. He smiles, and then says, “I’m going to go grab a drink. Can I get you something? A bottle of water? Something stronger?”

I am surprised at his gallantry. A handkerchief is one thing, but I know how expensive the drinks are at the theater. Still… “A bottle of water would be great.”

He smiles, and moves off. By the time he comes back, the lights are dimming for the second act, and I realize that I don’t even know his name.

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I’ve been doing this for a decade, and I have many past A to Zs you can read if you’re interested in a longer story. This is going to be a continuous story, so you want to make sure you start with the Theme Reveal! (But I’m going to keep the posts short, so it’s easier to keep up.) I’m notoriously bad at reading other blogs, even though I love it when I do, so make sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop over to see what you’re up to, even if you aren’t participating in A to Z! But you should definitely sign up and participate!

B is for Book Signing

Frank: March 24th

I walk into the bookstore and follow the arrows to the back of the room where the author is sitting. A short line has formed alongside her table. She has a stack of books in front of her, and as the next person approaches her table, she takes a book down. She smiles, and I feel a little thrill of excitement. She is a kink author, and in addition to writing excellent stories, she’s just my type. There is definitely a part of me that fantasizes about how when I approach her table, she will direct that smile at me, give me her number, and that would lead to us trying the very kinky things that happen in her novels.

But of course, she’s a professional, and she does smile at me when I come to the table, but she doesn’t do more than write my name in the book with a short message. I look down at the message when I sit down to listen to her reading.

Frank, 

Always try new things. 

Jayden R. Vincente

I run my finger along the ink, a little enamored that I was so close to her and that she wrote this right in front of me. I might be fanboying a bit.

Before I know it, she’s read a (very tame) part of the novel I’m holding, everyone is clapping, and she is exiting the bookstore. I am a bit more turned on than I would like to admit out loud, so I wander over to the fantasy and sci fi section of the store, trying to distract my mind.

Next to the Lord of the Rings books, I see a little flyer standing there. The Philadelphia Orchestra is playing the score to Fellowship. It’s… in a couple of days. How did I miss that? I am free, and I love that movie, but I don’t know if tickets will still be available. My phone search tells me that there aren’t any available except through re-sellers, and I’m not sure that I want to pay the exorbitant fees.

I fire off a text in lament to a friend of mine who loves Lord of the Rings.

Me: Fuck, man! I just saw that the Philly Orchestra is playing the score to Fellowship on Friday. I’d kill to go to that.

Ricky: Oh that sounds sick.

Me: Right?

Ricky: This is Alicia. I can get you a ticket. My coworker just posted one she’s trying to sell. I’ll set it up. $75.

Me: Rock on. Thanks, Alicia.

Well damn. My friend’s wife has a hookup for me somehow. I hope she isn’t trying to set this up as a blind date.