Beyond the Vines (eBook)

A Tale of Legacy and Passion

Rochelle Jenkins (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2024 | 1. Auflage
284 Seiten
Bookbaby (Verlag)
979-8-9899300-3-6 (ISBN)

Infos

Reine Moreau has always danced to the rhythm of Parisian streets, her roots tightly intertwined with her family's vineyard facing multiple obstacles in navigating life. Will she succumb to the pressure, or will she dare to follow her heart, even if it means defying the expectations of those she loves?

Rochelle's journey through life has changed from passive writing to thought provoking manuscripts that include her many tales of hardship, success, and the thrills in between. When Rochelle's not weaving stories, she enjoys other creative pursuits that offer a refreshing break and wells of inspiration for her writing. Each project, a stepping stone, in refining her craft let's her combine fantasy and reality that keeps her readers engaged and longing for more as they become deeply engulfed with the lives of her characters.

Textauszug

1

THE SHADOWS OF SOHO

JUGGLING CITY LIFE, FAMILY, BUSINESS, AND SELF

Reine's body stirred beneath the warmth of the comforter, her awakening gradual. Her fingers, chilled by the morning air, sought refuge from the blaring alarm. The sleek cell phone found its way into her grasp, halting the abrupt noise with a precise tap. Retreating beneath the covers, she squinted at the room's dim light, the silenced phone cradled in her palm.

She slid the comforter aside, a deep breath of the crisp morning air filling her lungs, a silent plea for peace. The remnants of last night's argument lingered, a dark cloud over the dawn. With a heavy sigh, she tried to shake off the unresolved tension. "Calm down," she whispered, steadying herself with a firm grip on the bed's edge. 'Inhale, exhale' — this became her quiet mantra, a rhythm to navigate the emotional aftermath. Memories of the harsh exchange replayed, unwelcome yet vivid, pressing against the morning's attempt at serenity.

Reine steeled herself for what lay ahead: another encounter with her mother, Lèontine, over breakfast, likely another volley of emotional exchanges. The thought of canceling flitted through her mind, a tempting escape, yet she dismissed it with a resolute motion. Her feet met the floor decisively, anchoring her to the day's commitments.

As she drew the blinds, morning light flooded the room, washing it in soft, tranquil blues – a sharp contrast to the turmoil inside her. Outside, SoHo greeted the day with its quintessential spring vibrancy, an irony not lost on her. Here she was, preparing for a storm of words, while the world outside promised sunlight and clear skies, a reminder of the discord between her internal struggles and the external serenity.

When she stepped out of the bathroom, a trail of steam whispering behind her, a remnant of the shower's comforting heat that still lingered on her skin, soft and inviting. The kitchen welcomed her with the deep, enticing scent of fresh espresso, a sensory promise of clarity and strength. Wrapping her fingers around the warm cup, she entertained a brief thought, as fleeting and intricate as the steam spirals above her drink – perhaps today warranted a stronger brew. This silent consideration mirrored the underlying current of anticipation and unrest, much like the bold aroma filling the room, both inviting and foreboding.

Tension clung to Reine, evident in the subconscious massaging of her temples, a futile attempt to soothe the encroaching stress. Last night's dispute cast a long shadow, its echoes marring the new day's potential for peace. She harbored a quiet wish: for breakfast to mark a new beginning rather than a sequel to the previous evening's discord. This fragile aspiration mingled with the morning's aroma, each sip of coffee a hesitant step toward a hoped-for truce.

As she dressed, her thoughts meandered, returning persistently to a painful realization: her mother's lack of understanding and apparent disregard for her autonomy, an unyielding belief in her own perspectives. This persistent conflict, ever-present, had subtly integrated into her existence, painting their every interaction with shades of silent rebellion and enforced compromise. It was a relentless undercurrent, shaping their dynamic with each unarticulated conflict and each muted concession, a silent testament to the respect she felt she was denied.

In the continuous dialogue of their relationship, they seemed to converse in distinct languages, their words weaving a tapestry of misalignment. Where Lèontine saw blue skies, Reine perceived the subtle shades of impending storms, illustrating the chasm between their views. This disparity, a constant thread of discord, was woven into the essence of their relationship, manifesting as a quiet battleground of differing beliefs.

Lèontine possessed an uncanny, artful skill, refined over time. A mastery for identifying that singular nerve, delicately plucking it out, and toying with it, like a cat might play with a ball of yarn; pinpointing and exploiting the last shred of patience within Reine. The metaphorical game of emotional tug-of-war persisted as a defining feature of their relationship, an intricate dance of conflicting perceptions and expectations, each step leaving an imprint on the fragile balance of their familial ties.

In a fleeting moment, distraction seized the spotlight, and Reine narrowly avoided the jaws of the closing elevator doors, her hand deftly slipping from the brink of entrapment. Undaunted, she strode through the lobby with a confidence that drew double takes from onlookers.

Standing tall at 5'10", she exuded a commanding presence, her height eclipsing the average stature of most women. Whispers of admiration trailed in her wake, the familiar refrain "She's beautiful" echoing through the air. This sentiment, often accompanied by the inevitable question, "Are you a model? If not, you should be," underscored the allure that emanated from her.

It wasn't solely her height but also her classy and chic fashion sense that heightened the intrigue—an aesthetic that effortlessly complemented her curvaceous figure without tethering itself to fleeting trends. Years ago, she boldly embraced her natural hair, a glorious crown of curls and coils that occasionally left onlookers both captivated and perplexed.

The doorman, spotting Reine from afar, hastened to greet her, opening the door with a welcoming gesture. "Good morning, Ms. Moreau," his smile brightening the chilly morning.

Acknowledging his courtesy, she responded warmly, "Good morning, Trevor. Thank you. Have a good day." Their interaction, marked by respectful cordiality, highlighted the shift from the building's serene interior to the city's clamor.

"You too, Ms. Moreau," he replied as she stepped out into the bustling street, his farewell echoing softly in the refined quiet of the lobby.

As she moves forward, her mind softly hums with admiration for Trevor. Umm, umm, umm, He really is striking, she reflects, her gaze briefly tracing the contour of his well-fitted navy suit. His deep brown eyes, both captivating and soulful, seem to hold a magnetic allure, inviting intrigue. In that brief interaction, she silently appreciates the natural charm and elegance that Trevor exudes with such ease.

Quinton stands beside the pristine, sunlit Mercedes, his pride as evident as the meticulous care invested in the car's appearance. Set against the morning's glow, he reveals the depth of character within Reine's sphere.

"Good morning, Ms. Moreau," his voice steady.

"Good morning, Quinton. How was your weekend? How was the party? I'm so sorry I couldn't attend," she inquired, her interest genuine.

"The weekend was good, but tiring. Your absence was noticeable, but we understood. Even Ashley knows the hectic schedule of her godmother. And again, thank you for Ashley's birthday gift; she was thrilled."

"My pleasure, Quinton. After all, her fifth birthday is special."

Despite the routine niceties, subtle changes in Quinton don't escape a keen observer like Reine. Recent personal trials have manifested subtly in his once vigorous posture; his resilience tested; his frame slightly less defined. A certain fatigue is evident in his once animated gestures, a silent witness to the weight he's shouldering. The worries for his family, particularly his wife, carve deeper lines across his brow, a story of strength confronting life's relentless unpredictability.

Her regard for him and his family is apparent in her heartfelt dinner invitation. This gesture extends far beyond routine courtesy; it's a vivid reflection of her deep-seated respect and affection, illustrating a bond that surpasses mere professional ties. In her view, he is more than just an employee; he's a brother figure. She acknowledges his sacrifices, particularly his significant relocation made for her sake, and she's resolved to show her gratitude in a meaningful way, not willing to take a polite refusal as an answer.

"Slight change in plans this morning, Quinton. I need to see my mother before I meet with the supplier."

"Yes, ma'am," he responds, his voice carrying a quiet assurance that highlights his adaptability and professionalism amid schedule changes, showcasing the flexibility that characterizes his role.

Reflecting on her journey, Reine remembers the three years that have passed since she left Atlanta's warmth and familiarity for New York's vibrant pulse, urged by her parents' gentle yet insistent nudging. Though hesitance shadowed her initially, a firm resolve lifted her spirits, navigating her through the newness and uncertainty. She harbored a dream of establishing her restaurant in the city's core, which would not just be a professional milestone but also a bridge mending familial ties and fulfilling personal dreams. With each stride along New York's avenues, she carried the hope of intertwining her ambitions with the city's dynamic beat, using it as a beacon through the maze of trials and triumphs inherent to its streets.

Snapping back to the present, she instructs, "Quinton, pick me up in an hour, please. My mother will get irritated if I attempt to depart sooner."

"Understood, ma'am."

"How...

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 21.8.2024
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Romane / Erzählungen
• ISBN-13: 979-8-9899300-3-6 / 9798989930036