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TRY THIS "DIALOGUE-ONLY", 3D READING EXPERIENCE, THAT WILL TAKE YOU ON A 467-PAGE LITERARY JOURNEY INTO LIA'S WORLD OF THE UNKNOWN; SOMETHING SHE IS SO CURIOUS TO DIP INTO, YET SO TERRIFIED TO EMBRACE...IT ALL STARTED FROM A CHANCE ENCOUNTER IN THE PARK WITH A WOMAN NAMED "AMIRA"... (GET YOUR COPY AND SECURE YOUR SEAT IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL THE ACTION, AS THE PLOT UNFOLDS PAGE AFTER PAGE) - "Danger" slowly introduces itself to Lia and her family as they all begin to fall deeper into its relentless grip. Their innocence and family values work against them, until the criminal aspect of that fateful encounter in the park turns their reality into their revenge. (Love, Friendship, Family, Trust, Betrayal, The Tarot, The Crimes, The Chaos)!
📙🕮😘😦😍💔💖
https://www.amazon.com/Hand-She-Dealt-Me/dp/B09TDW83R5 (PAPERBACK)
(Available in ebook and audio book formats, as well)
https://www.amazon.com/Hand-She-Dealt-Me/dp/B09TDW83R5 (PAPERBACK)
(Available in ebook and audio book formats, as well)
TRY BELOW EXCERPT AS AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK - AND FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE:
CHAPTER 2 – MEETING AMIRA
...Oh it’s such a wonderful day for a walk in the park. The skies are blue, the wind is calm, the trees are budding, the birds are singing, and this cup of cappuccino is just the best. Ummm, the cinnamon smells so good. Yes. All is well in Brooklyn. This is so relaxing. I’m a little disappointed that Carla couldn’t meet me this morning for breakfast, but I’m actually enjoying this alone time. I love Carla, but sometimes she just talks too much. I have some nerve thinking that when I do the same thing myself – and dear Carla has no problem telling me that too; but it really is so great not having any voices vibrating in my ears today. Ah, there’s a park bench in the shade. I think I’ll sit here and meditate a while. I hope a bird doesn’t shit on me. There’s dried bird poop all over the back of this bench…Oh great! I knew I had some paper towels rolled up in my bag. I’ll use one to sit on. That’s better now. I guess I’ll have to take my chances with these birds…Anyway, they say it’s good luck when a bird poops on you…Oh how cute are they? Look at that elderly couple sitting on the park bench across the way, sharing coffee and a bagel; and still holding hands. I hope that’s me and Steven in thirty years.
.…Excuse me. Excuse me please. So sorry I interrupt you lady. Can you tell me where you buy that coffee? I see it is from Café. Your cup say “Café Bianca”.
Oh sure. Café Bianca is at the other end of the park, where all the restaurants are. This is great cappuccino. You should try it some time. Are you new in the area?
Oh yes. I come here one month ago – maybe a little longer. I have place two block from here. I do not know many people yet. You first person I really talk to outside of my shop.
Wonderful! Welcome to the neighborhood. My name is Lia. What is your name?
My name Amira.
Oh what a pretty name. It sounds foreign.
You like name? Amira is Arabic name. It means “Princess”. What does Lia – is that right- Lia? What does Lia mean?
Lia is what my friends and family call me. My full name is Pauline. We like to shorten our names here in America.
Oh I see. – Lia is pretty name too. Do you mind if I sit on bench with you for short while Lia? Maybe we talk a little bit. It is such beautiful day. I love come and feed birds here sometimes in the morning before I open shop. I bring small bag of old bread for them. They love so much.
Oh how nice. Look how the birds are gathering around you. I think they’ve gotten to know you. Please, sit. Where is your shop Amira?
My shop? Oh it is not far from here. It is close to park.
Where are you from?
I come from Pennsylvania. My parents come from Lebanon - Middle East, where I born. They settle in Pennsylvania when I was little girl. I marry here and spend a good part of my life here in America. After parents die I want so much come to New York. People say it is happy place, I can open shop and make good living. My husband go back to Middle East. He is from Lebanon also but he grew up in Pennsylvania like me. He never like city very much. We divorce a few years ago, American-style. It seems many Americans divorce. Women they are more free here. I like the life here.
Divorce, American-style? That is so funny to hear. I guess divorce is pretty common here. But I’m very sorry for you, that’s too bad. Do you have any children?
No. I have two miscarriage. I cannot have baby. I am very sad.
Oh, Amira, my heart goes out to you. But sometimes in life things happen for a reason. Sometimes it helps to believe that. Maybe it’s time for you to do something for yourself now. I hope New York works out for you. - Well look, it was very nice to meet you Amira. I am going to be on my way now. Have a very nice day and good luck with your shop. What’s the name of your shop? I’ll stop by to wish you luck one day. Maybe we’ll run into each other again sometime in the park.
Thank you. You kind lady. – Oh wait, please…do not leave so soon. Tell me a little about you now. Do you have family Lia?
I have a husband. He owns Roma Pharmacy in the neighborhood here. I have a daughter. My daughter Julia and her boyfriend Mike are aspiring actors. I actually grew up in this neighborhood. I love it here. I hope you like it here too Amira.
I feel I am in good neighborhood. I like so far. Yes, maybe we see each other again in the park? Here, please take my card. You come visit shop.
Oh of course, I’d love to. - Oh…What is this? “Amira’s Mystic Fortunes”. Is this your shop? Are you a Fortune Teller Amira? Oh, my goodness. I thought you owned a Middle Eastern food or clothing shop. My mistake. I had no idea you were a fortune…
Yes I am Fortune Teller. You look surprised. Please know that I am very good at what I do. Let me read fortune for you – for free. You come see me. For you I do tarot reading. Tarot is very powerful reading. You will enjoy the experience.
Well I don’t really believe in that kind of thing. I’m Catholic Amira, and this type of thing goes against my religion. It’s really forbidden.
But I have gift from God. I do good thing, not bad. How can good thing be forbidden my friend?
Who is your God, Amira? Is it Allah? I know, because you’re Muslim. We do not practice the same religion. We don’t believe in the same God. Allah is not my God Amira. Still, I don’t believe Allah would approve of Fortune Telling either.
Oh no my friend. You make a little mistake here. Allah is God in Muslim religion, yes; but Allah is not my God too. I am Catholic, like you Lia. Even though my family is from Lebanon, we have many Catholics there. I am good Christian, like you Lia. So as I say, I have gift from God in heaven. Our God Lia. Believe me, I only work for the good, not the bad, not the evil.
Well now I’m even more surprised Amira. I don’t know many Catholics that would choose your line of work as a career. I’m sure you do very good things for some people, but I wouldn’t like to know my future. That’s in God’s hands. God has a plan for all of us Amira, even you. What will be, will be. Now please, I really should go. I’m running late.
Wait my friend. Please. I can help you with family matter, personal matter, finance. Let me read tarot for you. I sense you need some help with family matter. I see aura around you that tells me you are a little sad maybe? In need of a little help maybe? You have some things on your mind that cause you a little confusion? You worry much. Come…come walk back to my shop. I read for free.
…Oh please excuse me Amira. I see my husband’s partner. - Gary! Gary! Hey Gary! Over here. – It was nice to meet you Amira. I really need to go.
Keep card. You come by for free reading.
Fine. Have a good day. - Gary! What are you doing strolling through the park at this time?
Hi Lia. I’m enjoying this beautiful day with this great cappuccino, as I see you are.
Oh I don’t mean to pry Gary. It’s just so good to see you; but Steven told me you guys had to open up the pharmacy early so you can meet with a salesperson this morning.
Yeah, we actually did have that meeting this morning. It went quick, really fast for a change. Same old thing. New medications, all sorts of new drugs, new samples to check out, new company to deal with. By the way, I enjoyed the biscotti Steven brought in. It was delicious Lia. He told me you get those at that small bakery shop near the florist. I’ll have to stop in there one day.
Oh yes, I stop there once a week. They have great cakes and pastries too. Their tiramisu is to die for. You love tiramisu. You should stop in there and try it. You won’t be disappointed. Carla and I are like two kids in a candy shop every time we browse around that bakery. We don’t know what to choose, everything looks and smells so good. We walk out of there with boxes of goodies, and ten pounds heavier.
How is Carla? She did a great job on my hair the last time she cut it. I really need to get another haircut. I’ll give her a call when I’m ready. I hate going into the city just for a haircut. I don’t have the time with the hours I’m working. Does she make house calls?
For you Gary, I’ll see what I can do. I’m sure Carla wouldn’t mind coming to your apartment to cut your hair. Your hair is getting so long. I’m not used to seeing you with long hair. Don’t let it get too long Gary because you won’t look like you anymore.
I’ll take that as a compliment Lia.
Of course it’s a compliment. I like the old Gary. The conservative and reserved Gary.
I’m still the old Gary. The hair is just a mid-life crisis I think. At least that’s what other people have said to me. But hey - I like it. I hesitate to cut it actually.
If it makes you happy Gary, then keep your hair just the way it is. It worked well for Samson.
That it did. So there’s hope for me after all, unless I meet up with a Delilah.
A Delilah? Bite your tongue…Hey Gary, I’m so surprised to run into you here. I wouldn’t expect to see you so far down on this end of the park at this time of day.
Well, I thought I’d take the long way through the park Lia. It’s such a great day for a walk. No humidity. No clouds. Great day. I even left my suit jacket back at the pharmacy. It’s Gary going casual. What do you think Lia? - No tie, open dress shirt, rolled up sleeves. I still look pretty sharp, right? That whole suit thing is too confining…What? What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me funny? What’s that little smirk on your face for? - Lia, what’s the matter? I look disheveled? I think I look good. You’re not used to seeing me out of my suit, that’s the problem.
Hey, I’m all for comfort Gary. It’s just that you’re always so prim and proper on the job, not so dress-down casual, especially on a work day. You know what’s missing? Your white pharmacist’s coat.
You don’t expect me to wear my pharmacist’s coat strolling through the park now Lia, do you? I hope not…No, l just leave the suit jacket behind when I’m strolling. See, nice and comfy. Even at the pharmacy, once that suit jacket comes off in the morning and I put my pharmacist’s coat on, it lives on a coat rack until I go home for the day. Believe me, this is a treat for me. I feel like I can breathe. To me, suits are for business meetings, weddings and funerals. I feel too stiff, full-suited. I have to admit though, when I get to the pharmacy in the mornings, wearing my designer suits, I look like a real sharp dude. The ladies stare when I walk down the block. Lia, I’m not kidding. I’m not trying to show off either. It’s the truth. Ask Steven. He’s seen it. He teases me about that. I could be on the front page of a men’s fashion magazine. After I walk through the pharmacy doors though, the show is over. Off with the jacket, on with the white coat. But I look damn good Lia. You’ve seen me in my fancy suits?
And what about my Steven? He’s a pretty sharp dude too.
He is Lia. I never said he wasn’t. But Steven has “married” written all over him. I have that “bachelor strut” that attracts the ladies. Come on Lia, I’m sure you noticed that about me.
I have. I surely have. I’ve seen the ladies check you out Gary, but forgive me for laughing because you are just too funny. Your modesty is admirable Gary, what can I say.
Stop chuckling at me Lia. I say if you got it, flaunt it. Modesty is not in my vocabulary.
Well you’ve got it Gary, and you sure love to flaunt it.
I’m that bad huh? - Well, anyway, it’s good to take a break from the pharmacy whenever we can. Things can get pretty hectic there, especially in the morning. I need to get away for a short while as soon as the calm rolls in…clear my head, you know? Steven sneaks off for a cup of coffee now and then to clear his head and I like to take a bit of a walk. So we have our own way of coping I guess. It gets us through the day. We take turns, we cover for each other.
Gary, sometimes Steven comes home totally exhausted, mentally and physically. I know how grueling the job can be. It’s a stressful job. You guys really have to concentrate on what you’re doing. There’s no room for error. You’re dealing with people’s lives on a daily basis. So again, I understand perfectly. And you picked a great day for a stroll Gary. The weather is picture-perfect today. Oh Gary…Look at all the kids out on the swings. They’re so cute. But they sure can scream… So how are you really doing Gary? You haven’t been by the house for a while. Everything okay?
Everything is great Lia. I’ve just been busy.
Busy? Then there must be someone special in your life who is keeping you busy. Even the President isn’t that busy.
Actually, I did meet someone new. She’s drop-dead gorgeous too…
Oh really? I wouldn’t have guessed…
Come on Lia, you know me. I can’t resist a pretty lady. We really seem to be connecting. She’s a bit shy though, so I don’t think she’s ready to meet new people yet. But I promise that as soon as things get more comfortable between us, I’ll bring her around. It’s been great. I’m happy Lia. That’s why I haven’t been around to the house. I’ve been working on this for a while. I don’t want to push things.
Well then, that’s wonderful Gary. I’m very happy for you. I can’t believe you’ve been keeping her a secret though. That’s not like you. Anyway, when you’re both ready, we’d love to meet her. Where does she come from? What does she do for a living? Where did you meet her? Tell me. Inquiring minds want to know.
Lia, are you writing a book on me? I’m flattered. No, but honestly ah…ah…she ah, she comes from Queens somewhere. We actually met at the pharmacy. She was in the area and stopped in to buy shampoo or hand lotion, I don’t remember. You know me, I can’t let an opportunity to meet a pretty woman slip through my hands. So I jumped on it. I turned on my usual charm, and the rest is history.
Of course, Gary. Sounds just like you. I’m surprised Steven never mentioned that you met someone at the pharmacy.
Well I could explain that. I didn’t want to make a big deal of it. I never mentioned it to Steven because he’s always teasing me about not settling down, and always being too flirtatious with women, so I kept this one quiet, especially since I met her at the pharmacy. You know Steven, he doesn’t take me too seriously when it comes to women. The sad part is, I can understand why. But this girl is different. She’s got magnetism. I’m attracted to her, plain and simple. I really want to see where this goes.
You know what Gary - Good for you, As long as you’re happy… Sooooahhhh then…what does she do for a living? Forgive me, I’m just curious about her. After all, Steven and I love you Gary. We want what’s best for you.
Well if I tell you too much about her now, there won’t be much to talk about when you first meet her.
Fair enough. I’m sorry I’m turning this into twenty questions. This is really none of my business and I shouldn’t be putting you on the spot like this. My apologies. You know me, always putting my foot in my mouth. Steven can attest to that. I wish you all the best with this new person in your life. Like I said, we’ll be happy to meet her when the time is right for both of you. No more questions. I promise.
Thank you for your good wishes Lia. But don’t misunderstand. I really do like this girl. You know how they say guys are ruled by their…
Don’t say it Gary. I get the picture.
Well what I was going to say was, not this time. Yes, she is attractive, but she’s really smart and has a good head for business. I like that in a woman. Be proud of me Lia. I was able to look past the physical attraction and notice her great mind.
Wow. I am proud of you Gary. But you’re a good catch yourself. You’re a smart, handsome guy with a great career as a pharmacist, and you have a really fun personality. You’re kind-hearted and caring, approachable, always smiling and, most importantly, very easy to get along with. Both Steven and I love all those things about you; and – you’re very patient. You know what they say - “patience is a virtue”. So you have a lot to offer too.
I’m all of those things Lia? I don’t even recognize myself. I’m that good huh?
Well don’t let it go to your head Gary. Yes, you’re “that good” but not perfect now. You have one flaw that surprisingly seems to work well for you…
And what can that be Lia?
You’re totally conceited. Even a little narcissistic. – But still loveable.
Ahhh. That hurts Lia.
Despite all of that, you still deserve a good woman to spend the rest of your life with, and I hope she’s it for you. Once she gets the opportunity to chip away at you, she’ll find the sweet and loveable Gary that Steven and I know and love. You put up a great front dear Gary. I hope this woman is everything you want.
Me too Lia. I think I’m falling in love. I mean really falling in love.
I think you just got shot in the heart with cupid’s arrow.
I thought I felt a sharp pain in my chest. Wait, let me check my shirt here. No blood Lia. No arrow mark. Are you sure I just got shot? I don’t feel anything.
Oh stop being funny. Seriously Gary, this is a really good thing that’s happening for you. Enjoy it and take it slow, cultivate it. Let it grow into something meaningful. This is a good sign. Steven and I always wanted this for you. We want to see you settled down into a more calmer, subdued lifestyle. A good woman can do that for you. I mean it from the heart. You deserve this kind of love.
I appreciate that Lia. You’re too kind. Look Lia, I don’t mean to be rude, but I really better get back to the pharmacy before Steven puts an APB out on me.
That sounds like my Steven. Take care Gary. Don’t be a stranger now.
…Hey Carla? It’s me – Lia. Are you busy? I thought I’d give you a quick call. So sorry you weren’t able to meet me for breakfast this morning. I have so much to tell you. I was walking through the park today and I ran into a very strange woman. It was so weird. – And then out of nowhere, Gary appeared. He was on a break from the pharmacy and was walking through the park. I actually felt like he saved me from this woman. The timing was perfect. I was surprised to see him down on this end of the park so early in the day, but I was really so happy to run into him, at the same time. It was an excuse for me to get away from this lady. Her name is Amira – and she’s a Fortune Teller…Could you imagine! - Yes. I’ll come up for air Carla. Oh, I’m sorry. Here I am going a mile a minute. Yes, like you. I know. See, we have a lot in common Carla…Oh okay. Sure. You’re really busy? No problem, I understand. I’ll fill you in another time. Can we meet for breakfast tomorrow? Wonderful. We’ll talk then. I’ll see you at the “Old Brooklyn Diner” around nine-ish? Same table over by the window? If you prefer to meet at my house, then come by early. We can walk over to the diner together. Okay then, I’ll meet you at the restaurant. See you in the morning. Have a good day, and don’t work too hard. I’m sorry Carla, one last thing. When you have time, I need a dye job soon. Julia said my roots are showing and it makes me look old. She thinks I should go darker. I love her to death, but sometimes these kids…Well I’m glad you find that funny. So try to find time to squeeze me in. Oh and before I forget, Gary wants to know if you make house calls. He’s so cute. He needs a haircut. I told him you would. - Oh thanks Carla. You’re a sweetheart. He’ll give you a call when he’s ready for a cut. Okay, sure – I’m sorry, go back to work. See you in the morning.
…Hmmmm. “Amira’s Mystic Fortunes”. Just my luck to meet up with a Fortune Teller. I should throw this card away in the trash, but I really want to show it to Carla tomorrow at breakfast. It’s kind of intriguing. I won’t dare mention this to Steven or Julia. They’ll really think I’ve gone off the deep end if I pay any mind to it. I’m so glad I have Carla to confide in. But that Amira was striking. She was absolutely gorgeous...yet so very strange. She had a unique charisma. I can’t get her eyes out of my head. Her stare was paralyzing. It was like she was looking right through me. Like she could actually read my mind. Was I that transparent? Could she really see my fears, my thoughts? Or did she pick up on how vulnerable I can be. Maybe she just sensed my curiosity? We all have concerns about our families, our finances. She’s just guessing. That’s what Fortune Tellers do. I’m just being silly. Yet the nerve of her to suggest that I carry this worried aura around me. She doesn’t even know me. - Okay, stop it Lia. This was just a chance meeting with a stranger while strolling through the park. It means nothing. It might have been anyone else that I could have run into today. It could have been old Mrs. Conte complaining about Mike honking his horn so early in the morning. Gee, how I wish it was Mrs. Conte I ran into. There would have been no mystery or intrigue there. Now just forget about Amira. I need to stop at the post office and pick up a roll of stamps like I planned. Then I’ll pick up some semolina bread from Gallo’s bread store and head straight home to a wonderful dinner with my family. I can smell that bread now. Right up through my sinuses…And then I can end a beautiful day with a beautiful night making love to my husband. Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I’ll save Amira for my breakfast conversation with Carla tomorrow. That should be fun.
Maybe I should take the long way home, around the West Side of the park. If I go the way I came, past the fountains and around the loop, I may end up exactly on the street where Amira’s shop is. I can’t run into her now. She’ll think I was looking for her shop and that I was interested in getting a free reading. I think this will be the best way to walk home. Oh the sun feels so great on my face, but all these trees scare me. I’m always afraid of getting hit with a falling limb while walking. Now that would be worse than bird poop. I read about these accidents in the paper all the time. Steven thinks I’m just paranoid. Maybe I am, but I’d rather be a bit paranoid than dead, or worse - layed up in a hospital bed like a vegetable because a tree limb fell on my head; especially since the trees in this park are so tall and so very old. No, I don’t feel like being the top news story in the local paper tomorrow morning. I can just see it now. Pharmacist’s wife hit with tree limb while strolling through the park. Yeah, I don’t like that too much...Oh God, please don’t punish me for my encounter with Amira this morning by allowing a tree limb to fall on me. There I go being paranoid again. I better shut up before the power of suggestion kills me. Ummm…I love the smell of freshly cut grass…It’s really wonderful…I could actually enjoy whiffing this all day long. It relaxes the soul…That’s what I need…Okay, let me see. Maybe I’ll walk along the track field. No trees, lots of sun, happy runners going by, people laughing, children playing. Nice and serene. No threatening limbs hanging over my head. Now this is more my speed. Okay, I feel much better now…Oh yes, much safer.
…This is nice…Well I’m at the end of the park now. Okay, right, left, which way should I go? This looks like a dead end. I’ll head towards the left, I can see the main street. Walking is good, doctor’s orders. Great for lowering blood pressure. This was such a great day, despite running into Amira. - Oh no …that looks like it might be her shop. Damn, she’s sitting outside. Please…please…don’t recognize me. – I’ll just walk with my head down, maybe she won’t see me. I can’t believe I ended up here after working so hard to avoid Amira’s shop.
…Lady! Lady! Excuse me. Lady!
Oh no. I can’t outwardly ignore her. What do I do now? What do I say? Oh boy… - Oh hi Amira. So this is where your shop is? Okay. This is a nice area. I hope you do well here.
Come…come…I give you free reading like I promised. Free tarot. Come in.
No, no. Please. I’m in a rush. I have to get home. Maybe some other time.
You have card. Call me or come by any time. I have gift for you. I have special crystal for good luck. Or maybe scented candles. You like scented candles? They bring good luck too.
Please. No thank you. I must go.
Maybe another time. Good-bye
Amira. –
…Oh my God. I walked right into
her. I can’t believe this. This woman is persistent. This is scary. She’s drawing me to her like a magnet. Almost like she singled me out
personally. How weird is that? I’m getting bad vibes from this. I can’t wait to tell Carla tomorrow. I need Carla’s take on things. - Okay, now get back on track Lia. Smile…forget about this brief encounter. Don’t mention it to Steven or Julia. Go home to your family and just act like
nothing unusual happened today. Nothing
did happen. You’re letting your
imagination run wild. Pick up the
stamps, pick up the semolina bread and go home.
That’s it. Back to the security
of my own home, my family…a nice dinner…and then, later in the evening, I’ll be
in the arms of my wonderful husband Steven.
Now that’s a nice picture. That I
like. Priceless.
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