Just 3 Scenes & You're In Love. Tripping Prince Charming #romance

"Once upon a time there were three girls without a love of their own..."









*Ivy & Bernard- A Thorn in Her Pocket


 “Did you really mean to wet me like this?”
 “Oh no,” Bernard chuckled self-consciously along with her. "Well, not as much as this, for obvious reasons.” With a nod of his head, he indicated the appearance of her hardened nipples, literally naked through the sheer material of her thin white shirt. “Honestly, I’d thought a few drops would fall on you and then I could have played the hero and offered you drying materials, and afterward we would have a full conversation instead of the cursory ones we have inside the building. Unfortunately, when I turned the corner at breakneck speed, trying to catch you before you drove off, I stopped short at the sight of you on the bottom steps and the water sloshed out of the glass. Stupid me trying to keep it from tilting, dropped a book, reached for it, and the glass tilted anyway and here we are.”
 Ivy, standing with mouth gaped, listened intently. She was infatuated. The fact he knew her name and had gone through such ridiculous tricks to get to know her better, made her care less how he met her, but extremely happy, he had finally taken the initiative.
 “Are you okay? Are you in shock, Ivy?” Bernard snapped his fingers in front of her face. “You haven’t said a word or changed expression in the past two minutes."
"Yes, I’m fine. Kinda glad actually, I was sitting here trying to figure out how to ‘casually’ bump into you and now it’s done. We can’t go out for a cup of coffee with me looking like an advert of a bar contest. Can we set a date for a rain check?”
 “Yes, of course. Give me your phone and I’ll put in my number. That way you can call me whenever you’re ready to set the date.” With an ease that kept her calm, Bernard took the cell from Ivy’s slack fingers, tapped his number in, returned her phone and was stepping back before she could react. “Now, remember, Ms. Ivy Gardiner, I’ll be waiting.” And with that he turned and walked away. Whistling as he went.

**Lillie-Rose & Nathaniel- In All the Right Places:

If it weren’t for the fact, just the thought of Nathaniel caused her to do something that made her look like a fool, she would probably try to get to know him better. She had no idea where she stood with him behind the occasional comment on her clumsiness. It seemed as if every time they happened to meet, she did something totally asinine. With a blush of shame she remembered their most recent encounter.
 Just that very morning, she’d gone into the electronics supply store near her home to price a new flat screen television. While browsing and not paying attention to the people around her, she rammed the wheels of her basket into the heels of a fellow customer.
 Totally ashamed and apologetic, she pushed the basket aside and grabbed the sleeve of the poor man’s shirt with the intention of showing immediate sincerity and comfort. And just as her luck would have it, she almost died of embarrassment when the man turned around and she found the scraped leather turned out to hold the bruised heel of Nathaniel Henry.
Remembering the pained look on his face made her want to cringe all over again. Feeling as if she were touching a flame, she’d quickly released the grasp on his arm and pushed her hands into her pockets. Nathaniel smiled, more like grimaced slightly, as he turned his foot to examine the wound on his heel before dismissing it as trivial.
 “Do you have a vendetta to cause me as much pain as possible, Lillie-Rose?” There was just enough humor in his tone to make her relax.
 “No, of course I don’t. I’m so sorry.” To gain a few seconds to compose her heart rate, she stepped back a few paces so she could see his face without having to lean her head too far back. “I didn’t know it was you.”
 “I’m sure you didn’t. Is this the way you treat all of your male acquaintances? This is what... the fifth time we’ve run into each other? I’ve always gotten the worst end of the deal, let tell you, it’s unnecessary. You’re beautiful enough to get any man you want without stooping to maim the guy in order to get him to go out with you.”
She’d just made up her mind she would apologize to him for their previous accident ridden encounters and here he was causing a scene. Gritting her teeth, Lillie-Rose took a deep breath and swallowed hard to stem the retort that wanted to rush out of her mouth.
 “Listen, Nathaniel, l-I’m not usually so clumsy,” She paused at the obvious sardonic lift of his left brow. “Well, okay, I must admit I have been having way too many incidents when it comes to you, but I can guarantee you if I wanted to date someone I would just walk right up to him and ask…. would you like to go out for coffee or something.” “And I would say yes, let’s go, though I would prefer the ‘something’. Are you finished here? I’m ready.”
“Wha….?” “Are you chickening out?”
“No, yes, I wasn’t asking you out, Nathaniel.” “Why not? You owe me.”
 He turned his leg and slid his pant leg up so she could see the redness of his heel. Lillie-Rose closed her eyes briefly. Even the site of his sore, painful heel couldn’t douse the flame that was about to burn her alive. The man had gorgeous muscular calves and the flexing movements of his smooth flesh did nothing to stop her mind from wondering what the rest of his leg, his thigh, and his body would look like exposed.
She moved a step back and almost jumped out of her skin when he took one step forward and his hand snaked out and grabbed her arm.
 “Careful or you’ll knock over those laptops.” Shaking his hand off, she stuffed her hands in her jean pocket, unaware the movement tightened her blouse and showed the telltale evidence of his effect on her. “Are you afraid to go out with me Lillie-Rose?”
“No, I have no fear, at all.” Nathaniel smiled and looked pointedly at her breast. “Then it definitely has to be something else.” Following the trail of his eyes to look down at herself, Lillie-Rose hurriedly removed her hands from her pockets and tugged at her blouse. “Geez, Nathaniel. So you have an effect on me.”
Deciding that bluntness was the only way to go, she sighed and threw caution to the wind. Nothing could happen in daylight and especially not in the middle of the electronics department of Gadgets and Geeks, she moved as close to him as possible without stepping into his clothes. Once their bodies touched she moved ever so slightly until her hardened nipples were rubbing against him.
Since she was shorter than he, this meant her face was aligned exactly with his breast. Using the same slow, gentle movements of her body, she turned her head and face from one cheek to the other and let out a deep breath. The movement of her lips and the heat from her breath against him caused his breast to mirror hers.
 “I see I have the same effect on you.”
 “No, this is the effect you have on me.” For a brief moment he pressed her backwards into the counter and mimicked the movements she had made by slowly twisting his hips. The hardness of his groin, making more of an impression on her in the millisecond they were close and caused more damage to her system than any molten lava of a volcano could do through a path of trees. She sucked in her breath sharply and thought she would pass out from the quick lack of oxygen. “Don’t play with fire little girl unless you’re willing and able to put it out.” Then he released her and strode away in the opposite direction as quick as he could.
 Feeling chastened, she made her escape and had been sulking in her office ever since. One minute thanking God they had been in a public place and she hadn’t made a complete fool of herself and the next moment ticked off because she hadn’t made a complete fool of herself.
***Carmella & Franklin- The Cooking Class:
Entering the elevator, Carmella stood against the wall, crossed her arms and rested her back on its cool surface. She really wanted to spend more time with him, but hadn't gotten brazen enough to initiate the asking. Franklin stood facing the door, fiddling with his coat button and watching her in the door's reflective surface. He cleared his throat when he saw that she was watching him.
"So Franklin, why are you taking a cooking class?" He coughed. "Huh?"
"Why are you taking a class? You don't have a wife or girlfriends you're trying to impress, do you?"
 "Uhm, no." "Then why take the class? It's not like you ever pay attention." She pushed away from the wall as the doors opened to the basement floor parking garage. "If you were acting like one of the other hundred guys who've taken the class, yet spent most of the evening trying to hit me up, I would think you liked me, but you say nothing." She walked through the door, pulling his sleeve as she exited. "Come on. My car is over here."
He followed her without telling her he knew her car, had known it for weeks before he’d decided to take the cooking class. For one thing it wasn't hard to remember her car; no one else he knew drove a little red Aston Martin, and for the past year they had attended the same church even though he tried to stay out of her way. "How can you afford this car teaching people how to cut onions and celery?"
"I cut a lot of onions and celery."
"Right."
"You know, Franklin." She pushed the required tab on her key fob and opened the car's door. Sliding into the driver's seat she placed her finger near the button that would start the car and paused. "If you want to wait until you have gone through a few more classes before you ask me out it's okay. I won't tell you ‘no', but please ask before you cut your fingers off. You are lethal with a knife." She started the car. "Besides, I don't think it would be fun to date someone without fingers. You won't be able to use chopsticks." Carmella laughed, pulled the door from his hands, before slamming it shut and driving off. At the first stoplight she pulled out her cell, pushed her earpiece in her ear and made a conference call to her two best friends.

Read More

Uhmmmhmmm. Yuuup, We Said That~ Discussing Tripping Prince Charming

Hello, so while back, a terrific discussion of Tripping Prince Charming was held on my Facebook page.
Three strong, independent women with no time for romance or girlish notions of knights in shining armor meet their match in three lovestruck men determined to make them believe in Prince Charming and happily ever after. 

 I wanted to share it with those who missed it. The discussion began with a few questions from a White (I mention her color because it pertains to her questions) reader who couldn't join, but sent her questions in a note.

This is her note:

"First let me explain something about my own life that may be relevant. I grew up moving constantly

so got to the point where I really did not have any close friends like the trio in your book. So part of my confusion may come from that. 

But, I also wonder if my question stems from a cultural/racial difference. My problem is that I don''t know how to decipher which is which. The relationship between the three women is so close and so candid . Their dialogue is very direct. This is not in any way a criticism. I thought it was very well written - but it didn't feel "real" to me. So my question is, 

"Do young African American women actually form bonds that close and are they really able to be so frank with each other? Is that really how such friendships work?" Or am I the anomaly and, "Do all young women who form close friendships as teens and interact that way with each other?" 

Is there a cultural difference, subtle though it may be, between how Black women relate to each other in the U. S. and how white women do in the same society? 

Third, what about cross racial friendships. Are there differences?

This really struck me as I was reading because I felt like I was looking into a foreign culture. It was richly and beautifully portrayed but I had difficulty relating to it. I'd love to touch on this when I write my review but it would help if I got a better insight into my questions. In other words, is it just me, because I've been isolated and never formed such friendships, or is this really a cultural difference that you have illustrated so well?

That's what made the discussion on the thread so interesting. It is these subtle differences that can't be grasped unless you have grown up in a particular culture. For me, unless, as I said, I am the odd one out, (definitely possible) if your trio had been white I would have found your story far less believable.

I would truly love to pursue this question in the discussion, both because I think it would get into some really interesting ideas but also because I will learn from it."

Though the discussion was to be lighthearted it did become a topic on race and it's relationship to making and being a true friend. It began with a series of questions from a reader who later emailed, saying I and a few commenters got her intent wrong. I personally believe it is all in a person's perception and interpretation. Her email(the reader also stated she is a socialist. I like that, hope the conversation brought growth.: "I have learned to recognize my prejudices and to get over them. The fact that those people saw racism in my question proves that they, too are racist. Otherwise they would have taken my question at face value, in the same vein as it was asked... Perhaps if I had been present in the discussion I could have made all that clearer." 

 MY RESPONSE: I think it would've been a different conversation if you had been there. More than being a racist thing, I believe it was more like a knee-jerk reaction. With those of the Black race it felt as if the human factor was being questioned.  Whether or not those answering were racist or merely stating an opinion, is on them. I personally saw no racism, not even from you. I saw confusion from you both in the friendship arena, and then in the cultural. Does that mean you are racist? I honestly felt as if you saw the Black race as different when it comes to having the same emotions as any other people. Which is why I posed your questions, I too wanted to know if others felt friendships were different within their area of life. I know nothing about a certain "culture" because I have always been around varied people. As far as I am concerned, and it seems as if many saw it, race didn't play a role in how we react to people we call friends. We agree, we disagree, we move on. I am no different when it comes to feeling as if I'm being examined by race than anyone, I always wonder where it's coming from. It's human nature, not racism. Closed minded, in my opinion is a focus on one thing, not necessarily the be all and end all of thought. I would think if anyone was questioned in a stereotypical vein they would feel defensive. No different than if someone said, you can't be friends with redheads because they fly off the handle. Or wondering if all redheads fight? Or asking if blondes can learn anything because they seem brainless. People defend their ideals. Talk on culture causes conversation and not necessarily anger or dissent. I think if you ask a question you have to be able to accept all of the answers. It's the only way to develop a hypothesis. If you see me in a different light than I have always shown myself, then I can't help that. I'll see you as no different. I am and will always be the same person. Ey

 

 READER'S QUESTION: Do young African American women actually form bonds that close and are they really able to be so frank with each other? Is that really how such friendships work?" Or am I the anomaly and, "Do all young women who form close friendships as teens and interact that way with each other?"

 Donna Dillon-Truckenbrod I don't think race has anything to do with it.I know I have a group of friends that know EVERYTHING about me, and we have these such interactions frequently. Without them, I would be lost.

 Ey Wade I have always taken friendships as they come, no matter the race. It is a matter of kinship and not necessarily of culture. Everyone brings something different to the table.

 Ey Wade That's how I feel too Donna.

 Ey Wade READER'S QUESTION: there a cultural difference, subtle though it may be, between how Black women relate to each other in the U'S. and how white women do in the same society?

 Inknbeans Press Friendships that last from childhood are almost like extensions of one's self. These people can finish your sentences and laugh at a one word comment because they associate it with 'do you remember that time...' They are also convinced they know what's best for you. That seems to describe Lillie-Rose, Carmella and Ivy.

 Ey Wade I agree. I loved those girls because they knew each other by a simple facial expression or the use of a certain word.

Inknbeans Press Regarding the second question: Is it race or location? These women reminded me, to an extent, of the characters in Steel Magnolias.

Laurie E. Boris I've seen close female friends being utterly frank with each other.

 Ey Wade I can see you seeing that, Inknbeans. They are like an extension of each other. The match making was too funny.  The reader explained how she is from Canada and the bluntness, more like the butting in, isn't part of their normal culture.

 Laurie E. Boris Ah. A little different from Americans. Usually.

 Donna Dillon-Truckenbrod Yes, exactly. I grew up, from the third grade on, in village...literally. I knew everyone in that town, everyones parents, sisters, brothers grandparents, but I did not connect with everyone. The girls I connected with at an early age, I stayed connected with and am still connected with them to this day. It's precious.

 Ey Wade In the story, if the ladies weren't true friends, I don't think the story would have worked out.

 Ed Drury Being somewhat familiar with your other works, I thought Tripping was a very deliberate change in direction for you. Something of a concept piece which seemed to lend itself to stage or screen. Had you had any thoughts of these characters performing these lines on a stage while you wrote it?

 Donna Dillon-Truckenbrod That is true. There are members of my group of friends who can walk into my house and say "Something stinks in here." Anyone else would be horrified, but I know they are saying this because they know I have no sense of smell, and it is up to them to help me out with this.

 Donna Dillon-Truckenbrod I, too, thought this would be a good stage play.

 Ey Wade ANOTHER QUESTION FROM THE READER: Third, what about cross racial friendships. Are there differences? This really struck me as I was reading because I felt like I was looking into a foreign culture. It was richly and beautifully portrayed but I had difficulty relating to it.

 Ey Wade I would LOVE to see it as a play. These ladies were so alive to me, not to mention pushy I would like to see the words coming from flesh.

 Ey Wade I like it when people can be totally blunt with me. That way I know they are being themselves. That's how I wanted these girls to come off. Not to mention the guys. Lol. I wanted the same for them, especially real emotions.

 Ey Wade Laurie, do you think Americans have different reactions to friendships?

 Ed Drury From my experience my black friends and my white friends seem to view the issue of race quite differently from each other. I think whites in American image a "post racial America" and tend to dismiss any cultural differences. Clearly there is a lot to be learned about each other if we drop pretense and guilt. People have difficulty doing that with each other, racial stuff aside. 

Donna Dillon-Truckenbrod I have one friend, who is the "is that what you're wearing?" friend. You know what I mean.

 Inknbeans Press I was just thinking of that example, Donna. And that person isn't saying it to insult you, but to make sure you look your best.

 Donna Dillon-Truckenbrod Well, that's what she says, anyway...I just know it's my cue to go change.

 Ed Drury So long as they have M&Ms they can say whatever, eh?

 Ey Wade I know exactly what you mean, Donna.

 Donna Dillon-Truckenbrod Damn straight. Donna Dillon-Truckenbrod My son has one african american friend and race always comes up somehow. We have just learned to roll with it. We have a lot of fun together. I always tell him that he is whiter than I am.

 Ey Wade Sometimes, Ed I think people of different races try to shield each other's feelings too much when they become friends. I think you should be open and cultural difference wouldn't matter.

 Ed Drury I was wondering if you've had much feed back from male readers about TPC?

 Ey Wade Not much. Which is why I valued your beta and the review. You're deep and critical.

 Ey Wade So, what opinion do you all have about the format of Tripping Prince Charming?

 Ed Drury I thought it a bit risky but you pulled it off in the end. Really brave format, I thought it was leading in a full on multimedia kind of thing. I'd love to see a version formatted for a tablet like the fire and with full permissions to play the songs and all.

 Ey Wade That would be awesome because each song makes the couple. I do have them on the blog, though.

 RH Ramsey Isola Author I agree with the comments so far. I don't really think race has anything to do with how close or blunt or candid people are. To me, it just depends on what types of boundaries have been set. Like someone else said, friends whove known each other since childhood might put it all out there and say it like they mean it. If they're new friends or private about their private lives, completely changes the discussions. Loved the friendship the girls had, and loved the role "pops" played as well.

 Ey Wade The story started off as three separate books, then was supposed to be one after the other but some how ended in that format.

 Ed Drury Pops wins the day in the end. The smartest one in every room it would seem. I could read a book all about his life as a young person, you know how he came to be the person he is.

 RH Ramsey Isola Author I appreciated "stay" ... I'd had it on repeat and then saw it as a crucial part of the book.

 Ey Wade Girl, uhm RH Ramsey, if it weren't for you he would've been a minor character. All you had to say was, I wish I knew more about him. Ed, I've thought about it. He did make the story in the end.

 Ey Wade "Stay" is what changed the format. I was riding in the car writing a piece about Lillie-Rose and when I heard Rihanna ' s song I felt so sad for Lillie-Rose. The entire piece went through my mind as an interlude and I could figure out how to put a break in the middle of a book and then continue with the rest. Entire format change.

 Ey Wade The idea of Acts and Scenes really challenged me. That was the reason for icons to show change.
RH Ramsey Isola Author That was really unique, Ey.

Ed Drury Do you feel that the acts and scenes structure helped you like an outline?

 Ey Wade What did you feel about the trick Franklin played on Carmella in their first scene? Would you trust a guy who went to that extreme.

 Ed Drury I remember thinking he was a complete dick.

 Ey Wade Lol, me too. I think I wouldn't have given him a second look.

 Ey Wade It did in a way, Ed. It helped me go through all of the books to put them together. Thanks RH Ramsey

 RH Ramsey Isola Author Did pops have a special song? I don't remember him having one? What would it be??

 Ey Wade I loved Ruby Mountain. What feelings did you get from the area? Sometimes I didn't feel as if I describe it enough.

 RH Ramsey Isola Author Depending on my connection with people, i give chances. People have bad days and "you play too much" moments. Sometimes disappear and have a bad feeling and never look back

 RH Ramsey Isola Author It was something that inspired me to really work on my own details. It was so beautiful. Went with the fairy tale theme.

  Ey Wade Good then it worked. It's the kind of place I would like to hang out. Feeds The romantic side while relaxing the old spirit.

 Ey Wade I know I mentioned a song for Pops, oh in the scene when he's scaring heck out of Nathaniel.

 RH Ramsey Isola Author What's the song

  Ey Wade John Mayer's song- Daughters Inknbeans Press Was it Daughters?

 Ey Wade I tend to get a lot of feedback about Lillie-Rose, she seems to be a favorite. I wonder why.

 Inknbeans Press She's an overcomer.

 Ey Wade Yes, sorry. Moving from house to car. I think the song said it just right. Pops doesn't play when it comes to those girls.

 RH Ramsey Isola Author Did any particular character "speak to you" more than others? Was anyone's storyline more challenging than others?

 Ey Wade Hmmm, I think Carmella ' s was the hardest. I had to get her around being pissed at Franklin to loving him. Lillie-Rose, hard as she was, I knew she would be a marshmallow. Lol someone told me the other day, they thought Ivy was too messy.

 Ey Wade Inknbeans Press, I guess that's the thing. I love Nathaniel. He takes a lot but stands right there for her.

 Ey Wade One last question. What was your opinion about the little old lady, Esther Rose and the riot being in the book? Inknbeans Press I liked her. And discussing the riot gave the story gravitas. People learn something while being entertained.

 Ey Wade I posed the questions from the reader in a few other social networks and the responses were very similar to the answers here. No sees a difference in friendships by race. As long as people are treated as humans and not a species of animal who just doesn't understand human emotions.

 Inknbeans Press It's a love story. That's a pretty universal theme.

 RH Ramsey Isola Author exactly!

   Christina W.: I am unable to speak on what friendships are like among other races but I would like to share from my position as a black woman and one whom has friendships within and outside my race.  What I do love and find to be true is that my friendships with women of color ( African Americans and Hispanics) are definitely lively, direct in delivery and what an observer may call "rich in dialogue".  Our conversations often flow with an "ease" of understanding based on certain life commonalities and experiences.  We talk about things that regardless of geographical upbringing just seem to be universally part of the "black" or minority experience.  "Be home before the streetlights come on", influence of music, family ties, community involvement and so many other things.  Culture is a major part of who I am and when I connect on that level it definitely makes for a good foundation.  I am not saying that I can't have meaningful relationships with white friends because I do, but it is still different.   When I was younger I didn't engage my white friends in certain conversations for their comfort and I believe to protect the friendship because I knew that if the "wrong" thing was said it would forever change us.  However, as I've grown I realize that is a disservice to the friendship and doesn't beget vulnerability.  So now those that are in my crew get ALL of me and my truth :)

So to answer in a summary, I do find that with my black friends the friendships are very frank, we love on an innate "sisterhood" level and because of how the greater society can dismiss us we stick together with a bond of " I love you girl regardless if nobody else does".

Ey Wade: I understand.  I've had close relationships with different people of several races and have always been myself. For those who felt any racial issues they had to handle that on their own. I feel friendships are personal and can only be based on the true commitment of the people involved.


 Lou LaFollette A note to the commentator (READER). Your failure to develop close friendships is a direct result of your continuous mobility during your youth. Making friends in the peer group is extremely important developmentally. It is the first step in achieving independence. Judith Rich Harris has written a book, "The Nurture Assumption" which details the psychological importance of these peer relationships. (I disagree with Ms. Harris when she debunks the importance of the infantile years, but she is right on the adolescent years.) Children in military families, or children in foster care are especially susceptible to this failure to develop peer relationships because of excessive mobility. (Many of those early peer relationships prove to be life long.) To the degree that race is involved as a factor, I would say it is because of the differences in relative mobility. Also female dominated black families have learned to maintain relationships under very trying circumstances. (Black children in foster care tend to be cared for within the extended family, rather than by strangers, which is what is typical for white children in foster care.)

Michael J. Wow! The woman making the inquiry is definitely the odd person out. It is very common for women of all races and cultures to have close bonds with one another. Anything to the contrary is an aberration. Unfortunately, the woman making the inquiry is the person deprived of the rich and full relationships women of all races and cultures share with one another. This woman's void of close friendships with other women is a major deficit for her. How sad...

Elaine D. Our rich capacity as human beings to love and enjoy deep, meaningful friendships with others is not down to culture or skin colour: It is a gift from God, our Creator, who describes himself as the very essence of Love. Time spent with others, sharing our vulnerabilities, giving without expecting anything in return, and being there to encourage, support and inspire through the tough times are the seeds from which spring beautiful friendships, We need to care a little more and reach out more often...

Ey Wade: I agree Elaine. I had never thought of the capacity of friendship being measured by race.

Trace Loveless Hill No, since I am a Urban Christian Writer that would be closed minded.

Ey Wade It does sound a bit closed minded. As an author, I feel frustrated with the idea of non POC seeing use as a species without the same emotions and reactions as them.

Ey Wade:  That's exactly how I felt. You miss a lot when you don't have friends.

Michael J.: The deprivation caused when she was a child has nothing to do with her ability to foster close relationships as an adult. You are not responsible for her inability to relate to the character's voices in your book (which I'm sure are drawn from some of your real-life observations/experiences). A lot of people like to blame their parents and childhood experiences for their anti-social behavior, inability to adjust, you name it; when in reality they don't want to put in the work required to change whatever it is that needs to be changed (in them). I'll bet you haven't received any other letters/inquiries citing such bizarre behavior. I'm not being flippant, but the woman sounds like she needs a few years of good therapy with a professional in that field. I believe your title is "author" Ms. Wade, not shrink. Write on my sister. Write on!

Ey Wade: You're right, I haven't had any. I've had friendships of all races and have been candid and myself which helped me to learn a lot about other people. I'll keep writing, believe me. Thanks for responding.

Devon Said--I agree with Michael because I've learned how to show myself friendly earlier on in life in that my first best girlfriend just happened to be Caucasian; and that worked out just fine with the both us. Later on as I grew older I had another good friend who was a co-worker for many years and who was also white. We both got along just fine...and in fact we called each other "Salt & Pepper" as an inside joke to anyone around us who seemed to have a problem with it because of their racial insecurities. And even up until today we’re still good friends and have kept in touch with each other down through the years. I believe that in order to maintain good friendships with people of other races and ethnic persuasions—we must first start at being secure enough to love ourselves unconditionally and then be willing to share that unconditional love with someone else. Thanks so much for sharing with us and may God richly bless you! Peace.

Ey Wade: Thank you, Devon for commenting. I love the idea of open conversations. Before these questions I had no idea others wondered about the inner workings of friendships.

Yvonne Hertzberger: Michael: Ouch! I think that was completely uncalled for. My behavior is far from bizarre. In fact there is no "behavior" here at all. You are jumping to conclusions based on false assumptions and defensiveness. I asked a deep question. I see the response from the previous LinkedIn commenter and she makes some good points. Her observations are based on experience and learning. Yours are simply nasty and judgmental. I asked a sociological question. No shrink necessary, thank you very much. In fact I have close relationships, a 42 year successful marriage and raised two well adjusted children. Take that chip off your shoulder. I actual fact I liked the book very much.

Ey Wade:  I'm really glad you liked the book, Yvonne. Hopefully your questions were answered. Most believe friendships develop and deepen according to the dynamics of the individuals involved, not necessarily culture. It all depends on what the people want to receive from the relationship.

 Yvonne Hertzberger: Thanks. I'm going to reread it with fresh eyes before I post a review. 

Ey Wade Thanks everyone for stopping by.

Read More

Tripping Prince Charming- and you thought you were over fairytales.

"The author Ey Wade brings to the readers' attention,  three very unique and sweet, interconected love stories. The quest of finding Prince Charming leads to an ending with a fairy tale taste. But it is the path that the three couples need to walk together that is sweet, full of recpect and patience. If you love unique novels with an unusual approach you must dive into that love tale!"  Selina Bodur
Author of "Fighting the Impossible"

Carmella Candi, Ivy Gardiner, and Lillie-Rose McIntyre are best friends.  Strong minded women, who defied the fairytales, tore up the pink fluffy dresses and enjoyed pulling Prince Charming through the ringer and giving him a run for his money. They decided when 'happily' became 'ever after'.

Join the discussion of Tripping Prince Charming on Ey Wade's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/EyWade.author.publisher *Will the ladies stay or run away? *Will it be the fairytale romance of the century?  *Where is the fairy godmother when you need her? *Can women really have friendships that are that close or is it a cultural thing? 

Read More

Let's Discuss : What Happens When You Throw a Wrench at Prince Charming.

weddinginspirasi.com

This will be a treat. For me and the readers of Tripping Prince Charming. A full out conversation on the story, what worked or didn't, how romance plays a big part in relationships and whether or not the element of happily ever after really exists.
Join us Sunday June 20th on the novel's Amazon page















 Below is link and code so you can join in. - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/369306 code TG32E
 

Read More

Those Palpitations of the Heart #romance #ValentineDay

"There is a palette of flavors both sweet and at times bitter."-Ed Drury

Meet the cast, grab pins, purchase for .99, and fall deeply, madly, in love.

http://bit.ly/tripping
"Something very different There is adifference between being fated and being star crossed, being blessed and cursed. Yet sometimes its very difficult to tell and extremely difficult to convince a skeptic that fairy tales can come true even if you have to walk through the fires of hell to convince them. This is amost unusual book and I don't know how to classify it. It is a romance, yes. In fact is it three of them. On one level. On another, its a bit like a musical (think fiddle on the roof. Oh yes, quite literally think that...) It reads like ascreen play complete witha musical sound track and wonderful sets and locations. The back story to the entire thing could be a novel in itself, and toward the end it comes to center stage and rescues the entire effort. Another book by Ey Wade that is different from any other I have read, including her own. Its daring, often humorous, at times just a bit heart breaking, and highly original.

There is a palette of flavors both sweet and at times bitter."-Ed Drury

Read More

I Wanna Know What Love Is. #romance #romanceinblack

Have you ever heard that song?

I'm just like that singer, I want you to tell me....In your opinion, in an adult relationship, what is love?

Does it mean someone loves you because they give you something?
Is it the touch, the feel (dang that cotton commercial just went through myhead) of the person you adore, being close to you?
Are the words they say the catalyst to making your heart run all pitter patter and out of control?
 How long does it take for you to know you're in love?


Do you search for love because of the emotions evoked from a song or movie?

I asked the guys from Tripping Prince Charming, received sweet answers about the love of their lady fair's voice, eyes, the typical  responses , but I want to know what you think. What is love?

Kindle, Smashwords , Sony or Kobo, Scribed
Nook and iTunes Before you leave, please take some time to do this…

Write down a couple of quick notes for:

Ways this post or blog held or lost your attention.

Is there a way I can enchance it visually?

Did you find any interest in the featured book?

What social network would be best for you to share this information?

I'd love it if you told me your answers in the comments below so I can know how to serve my readers.

Would you like to read a sample of my writings in other genres? Download a free copy of, " WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES" At Smashwords HERE Put in code: MP63V

Read More

Good News Never Gets Old #romance #amreading

 Quick post, checkout The review and recommendation of Tripping Prince Charming in USAToday. It fit so perfectly in the Happy Ever After section.

Tripping Prince Charming by Ey Wade

In Tripping Prince Charming, Ey Wade uses a creative way to tell the story of friends Ivy Gardiner, Carmella Candy and Lillie-Rose McIntyre. Written in acts, the interconnected stories introduce the three princes who hope to win the hand of their one and only true love. With music specifically selected for each phase of the courtship, Wade takes us on this creative romantic journey of thrills, disappointments, and ultimate happiness. Read and cheer for your favorite couple. This is truly a modern-day fairy tale for the romantics at heart.

Before you leave, please take some time to do this…

Write down a couple of quick notes for:

Ways this post or blog held or lost your attention.

Is there a way I can enchance it visually?

Did you find any interest in the featured book?

What social network would be best for you to share this information?

I'd love it if you told me your answers in the comments below so I can know how to serve my readers.

Would you like to read a sample of my writings in other genres? Download a free copy of, " WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES" At Smashwords HERE Put in code: MP63V

Read More

You Need a Little Love in Your Life #romance #trippingprincecharming

How do you handle it when your best friend thinks she knows exactly what you need in life?
Often, and without our knowledge, friends see our love life and relationships as a playing field that they control. Ivy gets a kick out of pretending she's the world's best matchmaker.

</ a>

Every time she looked in Lillie-Rose's direction, Ivy smiled. She couldn't wait for her cynical friend to meet Nathaniel.
Within the few weeks she'd come to know him, she knew he was the guy for Lillie-Rose. They had the same critical sense of humor, but that was where the similarity disappeared, Where Lillie-Rose pretended to be tough, Nathaniel was the epitome of the protective dependable male. Just what Lillie-Rose needed, a prince who would stand by her side and be the husband she'd always secretly wanted? Lillie-Rose walked around the flower shop tinkering with the small items on the shelves. The frequent sideways glance she was receiving from her friend was making her a little nervous. "What are you smiling about Ivy? Each time I've looked up, you're looking at me and smiling. Is it Bernard? Are you so in love you can't see anything but rainbows and butterflies? The love bug has surely eaten a hunk out of you."

Ivy laughed. "I guess you could say that. It's funny, but I see the potential for love all around."

"I'm sure you do. From the gushy phone calls I was getting from you and Carmella, you both seem to have cornered the market while I was away these past three weeks."
 "If you only knew the half of it, you would want to be a part of the love fest." Lillie-Rose chuckled nervously. The gleam in her friend's eyes that she had mistakenly labeled love, now shone for what it really was the freakin', painfully conniving glare of the match maker. "I'll learn it from watching the two of you. Not everyone in life needs to experience love, Ivy."

 "Ah, but Lee you'll miss so much." Trying to ignore her friend's look of enthusiasm, Lillie-Rose focused her vision on what was in her hand and almost choked. She hurriedly replaced the small statue of a couple kissing, onto the shelf before moving away to sit on the edge of the desk. "Looks like you're up to something, Ivy and I don't like it." Pointing her finger in her friend's direction, she squint her left eye. "If you're about to pull one of your famous match-making fails, stop right now."

"Come-on Lee, just think..."

Lillie-Rose immediately shut her mind to what her friend was saying. The last thing she wanted to be was ‘fixed up' with another one of Ivy's date rejects. Especially when her every free, thinking space of her mind was filled with the image of a beautiful knight standing under a tree.

 For three weeks she'd prepared files, succeeded in balancing accounts for clients, all of the time chewing her nails in anticipation for her return home so she could finally question Ivy about the beautiful man on the mountain. If anyone would know anything it would be Ivy. Just the thought made her smile, her fantasy interrupted by the sudden squealing peal of Ivy's voice.

 "What? What happened?"
 "Oh Lee, you don't know how happy this makes me. You won't regret it."
 I'm regretting it already and I don't even know what I've done."

 "You agreed to meet a friend of mine. He should be…."

"No, I didn't." Lillie-Rose's quick denial was brushed aside by Ivy's infectious giggle.

Yes, you did. I was telling you about him and you were smiling and nodding…"

"No, stop. We're not going through that kind of thing again."

"Wait, before we get into the conversation, I have to run to the back. It won't take me a minute. You think you can watch the shop until I get back?"

"Not a problem."

"There might be, Branson and the stupid brothers will be here to drop off a delivery. Try to get them to bring the load to the greenhouse. I've been having a lot of issues with my thick headed brothers, but I know you can make Branson see the way."
 "Will do." Lillie-Rose agreed happily, she'd do anything to get her friend out of the room and off the subject of a possible blind date. "I'll just sit behind the desk and rest, but don't take too long. I came here straight from the airport because I have something I wanted to ask you."

 "Okay, I just have to grab a couple of things."she hurriedly left the room. From the vantage point she'd had on the opposite side of the flower shop, she was privy to the view directly outside the building's windows. The sight of Nathaniel parking his truck was the catalyst she needed to get her little plan on the roll. :-a

Read More

Release Day-Tripping Prince Charming

Thank you so much for visiting the site on the premier of Tripping Prince Charming.

Tripping Prince Charming is all about romance and the excitement of falling in love ... when the women aren't trying to run the hunt. 1~No baby mama drama, no drugs, and no bang bang shoot'em up. Just boy meets girl, good old sexual tension, and sweet romance like the great American love story should be told. 2~ No, this is no ordinary tale. Written in acts and scenes, each scene is written with a particular girl in mind and they may crossover and join one another. The main characters have their special avatars and each couple has a theme/favorite song. Watch for the signs and the road will be easy to travel. TRIPPING PRINCE CHARMING. <- get your copy. Three strong, independent women with no time for romance or girlish notions of knights in shining armor, meet their match in three lovestruck men determined to make them believe in Prince Charming and happily ever after.

So, kick off those glass slippers, grab your copy and enjoy yourself. Stay tuned for prizes and giveaways.

Read More

Drinking Coffee Makes You Black

Nathaniel smiled softly as he watched Lillie-Rose cuddling up to Ms. Rose Esther, Ms. Rose E as she preferred to be called. The two sat on a rose patterned loveseat flicking through photo albums and sharing history. Lillie-Rose with one arm draped around the older woman's shoulders was obviously whispering words of comfort, every once in a while using the tissue in her hand to wipe the tears sliding down the old woman's chunky cheeks. It saddened him a little to realize the old lady barely recognized him from the few trips he had made to do errands around her little house. They'd spent many hours talking about Lillie-Rose and she was one of the main people to influence his feelings for the girl. Blowing air hard to untangle some of the stale mixture of the mothball/rose potpourri odor from the hairs of his nostrils, he lifted the steaming cup of coffee to his lips, the action causing him to chuckle with the remembrance of Rose Esther's remark when she put the cup in front of him. "Drink this slow, boy. Coffee makes you black and I don't want you to die from the culture shock." Her loud burst of laughter was the tickle to his funny bone and he laughed along with her. "Too late Ms. Rose E, I was born Black." "Sure you were boy. You just have way more cream in your coffee than either of us." She grabbed Lillie Rose by the hand. ‘This girl here didn't take any of the color from her lovely Momma. Just the hair and the beauty, thank God she took her giving sweet nature from her momma. You'll be doing yourself the best favor in life if you marry this girl, Son." Ms. Rose pointed her tubby finger in his direction. "Let her go and you'll be a fool regrettin' your existence for the rest of your life. If she had turned into anything like that evil, ‘scuse my French, bastard like her dad, I would've drowned her in the bathtub. You ‘member I used to keep you as a baby Lillie-Rose?" She caressed her hands down both sides of Lillie-Rose's cheeks. "She named you after me, you know. I used to talk to you in her belly. Calling you my lil rose. I used kept your mom too when she was little and when that charcoal fool came around sniffing at her like she was the last piece os sweet bread, I wanted to cut his tiny over cooked little weiner off." Her abrupt burst of laughter invited them to join in. "Y'all can laugh, but he was just color struck. Wanted him a high yella gal with pretty hair so he good parade her around like a trophy or somethin'. And when he got her, what did he do? Smack her around damned near to death. I used to be so glad when you would sleep over with that sweet Ivy and her cousin. Real nice family. They helped your mom out a lot, but that's another story. I wanna get this talk about that mess with all those White people over with. To me, that riot was one of the worst things to happen in Beaumont. I was about eight or nine. Horrible, horrible days. My ma was never the same. She was scared all of the time. Wouldn't let us girls outta the house for nuthin'. She wouldn't even go out to hang laundry. Heard tell a couple little girls came up missing, I don't know if thats true though. But I do know them people burned down some mighty fine houses and stores. Black people worked hard for that stuff. Weren't easy for us to get ahead and some people had done real good and they lost a lot. Daddy hid for a few days in the attack and Ma had to tell the men who came to the door that he was gone. They spit in her face and shot our dogs. My oldest brother was twelve years old and he was never right in the head after they attacked him when he went to save a puppy. Forever after, all he wanted to do was kill him some people. My parents finally sent him to Louisiana to live with my Momo. I missed him a lot. Eventually, he went in her woods and killed himself." Sighing deeply, Rose-Esther stopped talking for a moment. "Let's talk about something different. I'm really glad you're doing this book for me, Sweetie." Patting Lillie-Rose on the back of her hand, she smiled. "In my old age I can barely remember my present let alone the past. My past I would like to forget. That's the same thing I want for you in life Lillie-Rose Esther." She called the younger woman by her full name, a sure sign she was getting tired and slipping into her memories. Pulling Lillie-Rose close to her chest she whispered in her ears. "I want you to give this man a chance, girl. I've talked to him many times and I can tell he loves you to the bone. You've made one mistake in life, don't act a fool and let him get away. It would be your biggest mistake."

Before you leave, please take some time to do this…

Write down a couple of quick notes for:

Ways this post or blog held or lost your attention.

Is there a way I can enchance it visually?

Did you find any interest in the featured book?

What social network would be best for you to share this information?

I'd love it if you told me your answers in the comments below so I can know how to serve my readers.

Would you like to read a sample of my writings in other genres? Download a free copy of, " WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES" At Smashwords HERE Put in code: MP63V

Read More

Something is in the Air~ Tripping Prince Charming

Ivy held back a little.

“What’s so important I don’t have time to speak to my own parent’s but you could? I thought something serious had happened. You never call out for lunch. You scared me.”

“You should have gotten here sooner.” Lillie-Rose pulled her friend a little further, releasing her arm when they were nearer the bridge to their favorite spot, Dreamtree.

“Sooner?” Ivy screeched in indignation. “I dropped everything when you called and rushed out here. Scared something had happened to you or my parents.”

“Sorry about that.” Lillie-Rose stopped in the middle of the bridge, pulled a petal from one of the many buckets of Daisies, dropped it into the pond and moved to the other side of the bridge. As she followed the petals journey through the flow of water she apologized to Ivy. “I didn’t mean to frighten you, but you are a little dramatic.” She looked over her shoulder as her friend joined her in their ritual.

“You know you only tossed in one petal, Lillie-Rose.” Ever observant, Ivy stood with her hands on her hips and a small smile on her lips.

“You’re delusional, Ivy.” Lillie-Rose laughed. “The other one is coming. See, it’s just slow. You must….”

“No,” Ivy cut off the rest of her sentence. “That one is mine. You know we always through in two. Love me, love me not. Got something to tell us?”

“You’ll just have to wait and see.”

Lillie-Rose skipped off the bridge with Ivy quickly following behind. Immediately age was forgotten as they laughed and giggled down the path and through the professionally designed and landscaped fairy filled fantasy forest. The purposely left tall ferns and plots of wildflowers brushed their legs, leaving pollen stains in their wake. They played hide and seek and tag among the life sized, colorful statues of animals and varied positioned winged people. Their cold marble flesh providing them the perfect hiding places from each other and the bees trying to stay out of their way.

Running through a flutter of butterflies and batting away the tickle the soft wings caused across their cheeks, they stopped short at the sight of Carmella lying on the huge wrought iron bench. That smile on her face, a sure sign of having lovely thoughts. The outright giggle, a definite affirmative the woman was in a good mood.

~

"What's so funny Carmella?"

Lillie-Rose poked Carmella's shoulder with her pointer finger.

"Not a thing." Carmella sat up in surprise and looked into the eyes of her friends. She hadn't heard them approaching.

"She’s probably thinking about Franklin, who else?"

 Ivy flopped down in the middle of the flowers at the base of the tree house and began weeding. Lillie-Rose studied the bemused smile on Carmella's face and the twinkle in her eyes before sitting on the heavy iron bench next to her.

"Yup Ivy, by the look in her eyes, I think you're right. Got something you want to share, Carmella?"

Carmella stood, straightened her clothes before removing her sandals and stepping on to the low retaining wall surrounding the statue of the fallen prince. Slowly, walking with her arms spread wide she tried to keep her balance as she moved from the toes of the prince to his chest. Swinging her right leg over to straddle it, she sat on his stomach before answering.

"Don't worry about me Lillie-Rose we're here because of you. What's on your mind?"

"That's what I'm wondering." Ivy moved closer to her friends, dropped to the ground and immediately dug her fingers into the soil. "It's not like she ever wants to hang with us anymore. Rarely calls, never comes out to play." She laughed.

Shifting her position to lay on the bench, the coolness of the metal seeping through the thin material of her blouse and making her shiver slightly. Lillie Rose watched her friends giggling and slapping at each other like little kids unable to hold the secret they have on one another. She wiggled her fingers in Ivy’s direction before closing her eyes.

"Maybe it's because you always want to play in the dirt, little Miss Ivy Gardiner."

"Ha, maybe it’s because you have a new playmate and you don't have any time for us."

"Ha, or maybe it’s because you have a new playmate that plays different kinds of games.”

Ivy and Carmella scoffed and laughed loudly before stating their own opinions between giggles.

 “And they aren’t the kind of games you can play with us."

Reaching down to grab a handful of four leaf clovers, Lillie-Rose threw them in her friends’ direction the gentle breeze swirling and floating the petals over and releasing them on their heads, Ivy and Carmella laughed delightedly.

"You aren't funny. Besides," Lillie-Rose closed her eyes again. "I was just with you in Beaumont.'

"You noticed she didn't deny having a new playmate."

"Oh, I noticed alright."

Lillie-Rose opened one eye at Ivy's tone. The other woman smiled smugly, the hint of the knowledge of a secret, evident in her tones.

Read More