cj CDMX

[Carlos Hazday]

I miss interacting with readers. And since CDMX won't be published for a while, how about a look at part of chapter one?

Spoiler

“Osh, hungry.” Unable to climb her fathers’ tall bed, Liebe tugged at the sheet covering them.

Owen grunted and burrowed his head further under the pillow.

“Come over here, Liebe.” CJ hitched himself into a sitting position. When the girl reached his side of the bed, he leaned over, and picked her up. He carefully sniffed the air. “Good, no poop. But you diaper’s heavy. Oz, get up. I did it yesterday morning so it’s your turn.” Toddlers had a tendency to defecate soon after going to sleep, so the fathers always checked on the girl before retiring for the evening. Overnight, Liebe seldom pooped, but always peed.

“I’m up! The coffeemaker grinding beans woke me. I was waiting for it to finish brewing.” Owen turned, kissed CJ’s cheek, and pecked Liebe’s. “Where’s Trixie, baby?”

“Don’t know.” Trixie Newman, the thirteen-year-old daughter of CJ’s coworker, had baby sat the previous evening. She was asleep in the guest room when CJ and Owen returned from the cocktail party.

CJ sat up, swung his legs over the edge, and stood while scratching the middle of his chest. Dried white flakes fell to the ground.

“Come on, Liebe. Let’s get you changed since Ozzie’s being lazy. Grab me a cup of coffee when you get up?”

“Put on shorts. We don’t need Trixie walking in with you naked.” Owen fought a recurring battle with both his husband and daughter. If left alone, neither would ever wear clothes. “What time’s Simmone coming over?”

“Around ten. She’ll call first.”

Simmone Newman and CJ had hit it off the moment they met. When the divorced, single mother found out about Liebe, she immediately offered her own daughter as a babysitter. “It’s a win-win, CJ. You guys get to do whatever you want, and I get a night off. Who knows, I might even swing a date at some point.”

Holding his daughter’s hand, CJ walked to her room. While swapping the wet diaper for a dry one, Trixie joined them. “I changed her last night before I put her to bed.”

“We put a clean diaper on her when we got home too. I can’t wait ’til she’s potty trained.” CJ winked at the teenager. “Morning, Trixie. I like what you’re wearing.”

With long, curly locks held back by a hairband, she wore a Tupac t-shirt several sizes too big. “It was my dad’s. I kept it after I visited him over the summer.”

“He lives in Virginia, right?” CJ had heard from Simmone her husband wanted her to quit and become a stay-at-home mom after her previous overseas posting. She refused, and he filed for divorce. Trixie spent part of every vacation with him.

“Yeah… Annandale. What time’s my mom coming over?”

“Not for a bit. Liebe’s hungry, so I’m going to give her some cereal. You want to eat something now? Or you wanna wait ’til your mom gets here and I cook?”

“Hmmm… I can wait. Can I have some juice though?”

“Sure thing! Help yourself to whatever you want. I think we have orange, passion fruit, and guava.”

“Guava’s mine.” Liebe was addicted to the stuff.

“Really, Liebe? Did you buy it with your own money?” The serious stare made Liebe drop her head.

She shook it while looking at the ground. “No money. You and Oshie.”

“Well, then the guava juice’s not yours, since you didn’t pay for it. And even if it was, what have we said about sharing with friends?” The lesson would probably have to be repeated countless times over the coming years, but CJ and Ozzie believed in starting early.

 

[tabaqui]

The reason I logged on GA after dinner to see if you maybe posted a suprise since it's a new month  and look what we get.

Great teaser

[Carlos Hazday]

21 minutes ago, tabaqui said:

The reason I logged on GA after dinner to see if you maybe posted a suprise since it's a new month  and look what we get.

Great teaser

Funny how as in real life, I now have to deal with an infant. I can't just have CJ and Owen fly off to Cancun or something without taking her into account. Ooops, wait, they do fly off to Cancun in an upcoming chapter. LOL

Anyway, next snippet I'll try to post something introducing a few more of CJ's coworkers at the embassy.

[Carlos Hazday]

In case anyone's interested, today CDMX's word count surpassed 100k. And no @Daddydavek, I'm not writing thousand word chapters this time around.

 

[Daddydavek]

What's the plan for the date to publish?   The 22nd is the first day of Autumn....

[tabaqui]

8 minutes ago, Daddydavek said:

What's the plan for the date to publish?   The 22nd is the first day of Autumn....

knowing Carlos he probably is going to tease us until 22 feb 2022 (but that's not on a Friday) so I'm hoping for and autumn or otherwise 1 October  

[Carlos Hazday]

9 minutes ago, Daddydavek said:

What's the plan for the date to publish?   The 22nd is the first day of Autumn....

Unfortunately, I don't think that will be feasible. I cranked out almost 3k words today on chapter 30 (I cheated since the chapter covers the 2022 Oscars and I borrowed from Ranger,) and I could have as many as ten more chapters to write. That would normally not be a big deal, but the fact my editor is distracted with other projects at this time means he hasn't even started working on my story. As you can probably tell in the excerpt I shared, it's not as clean as it would be if Mann had provided guidance.

As a last resort, if he doesn't have time for me in the near future, I'll start posting on 01/01/22 (tradition) even if unedited. I can always update the chapters once he's helped me out.

[Carlos Hazday]

4 minutes ago, tabaqui said:

knowing Carlos he probably is going to tease us until 22 feb 2022 (but that's not on a Friday) so I'm hoping for and autumn or otherwise 1 October  

I'm sticking to Fridays as my preferred posting day. Of course, I realize some of you would like me to post 5 days a week, but I ain't that good. Takes me forever to write.

I won't make you wait until 22022022

[Daddydavek]

On 9/1/2021 at 12:38 PM, Carlos Hazday said:

Funny how as in real life, I now have to deal with an infant. I can't just have CJ and Owen fly off to Cancun or something without taking her into account. Ooops, wait, they do fly off to Cancun in an upcoming chapter. LOL

 CDMX is the abbreviation for Mexico City as in:  "Ciudad de México, locally [sjuˈða(ð) ðe ˈmexiko] (); abbreviated as CDMX"

I guess that means we have to wait until next year to finally find out the details about what went down in Mexico....

[Reader1810]

5 hours ago, Carlos Hazday said:

As you can probably tell in the excerpt I shared, it's not as clean as it would be if Mann had provided guidance.

Oh, I  don’t know about that Carlos. You’re getting quite good with wordy bits, imo. 

 

26 minutes ago, Daddydavek said:

 CDMX is the abbreviation for Mexico City as in:  "Ciudad de México, locally [sjuˈða(ð) ðe ˈmexiko] (); abbreviated as CDMX"

I guess that means we have to wait until next year to finally find out the details about what went down in Mexico....

You know, I was just wondering what CDMX meant. Thanks Daddy D! 

Sorry Carlos, I just wasn’t that curious before for some reason. Other things on my mind I guess…  

Edited September 3, 2021 by Reader1810

[Carlos Hazday]

11 hours ago, Daddydavek said:

CDMX is the abbreviation for Mexico City as in:  "Ciudad de México, locally [sjuˈða(ð) ðe ˈmexiko] (); abbreviated as CDMX"

When I plotted out CJ's life a few years ago, my intent was for the book covering his time at the Mexico City embassy to be named just that: Mexico City. Even while working on previous stories I was already plotting this one. I discovered Mexico City, which most locals referred to as DF for Distrito Federal, was just like Washington DC, not a real state but a separate entity. That changed a couple of years ago. It went from Ciudad Mexico D.F. to Ciudad de Mexico. That's abbreviated to CDMX as you found out, and it sounded cool to name the story that way.

11 hours ago, Daddydavek said:

I guess that means we have to wait until next year to finally find out the details about what went down in Mexico....

Yep. Even if I started weekly postings today, the "incident" wouldn't show up until the last couple of chapters. I'm working on chapter 30 right now, and that gives CDMX the largest chapter count of any story I've ever posted.

[Carlos Hazday]

11 hours ago, Reader1810 said:

Oh, I  don’t know about that Carlos. You’re getting quite good with wordy bits, imo. 

 

You know, I was just wondering what CDMX meant. Thanks Daddy D! 

Sorry Carlos, I just wasn’t that curious before for some reason. Other things on my mind I guess…  

Keep a sharp eye for ANY boo boos. Mann usually scales things back when I get too wordy, I think that comes through.

Yeah, yeah, yeah... You're just taking CJ for granted. he won't like that when I tell him.

[Carlos Hazday]

I don't know about anyone else, but 2021 has been as challenging as 2020. Can we get the next three months over with now? I have to believe next year will be smoother.

So, those challenges have contributed to me spending less time on GA, and I miss you all. I'm still writing. As of this week, CDMX's word count surpassed Cadet, becoming my second longest story ever, and it's still not finished. Three or more chapters to go.

Trying to ensure you don't forget me, here's a peek at a scene from Chapter 2

Spoiler

Showered and dressed, CJ headed to the embassy. The American mission, located on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, was a convenient fifteen-minute ride away. He was early as intended, since he wanted to review contact reporting procedures. Not expecting the need to file one, he had not given the process his full attention when it was described. He had just started typing when his supervisor interrupted him.

“Mr. Abelló, I’d like to see you in my office.” Stephen A. H. Northman, a thin redhead with a receding hairline and a short, perfectly styled beard—that failed to hide all his acne scars—did not wait for a reply. He turned and walked away.

“Yes, sir.” CJ locked his computer and rose to follow his boss. CJ thought the man was a walking advertisement for either Brooks Brothers or Jos. A. Banks; he took preppy attire a little too far for his taste.

“Close the door and have a seat.” Northman’s desk was devoid of documents and decorations. He did have what CJ recognized as the previous day’s newspaper’s social segment on it. “I’m not sure what they taught you at that fancy Ivy League school you attended—”

“Actually, sir, Georgetown’s not part of the Ivy League.”

“Don’t interrupt. I believe you have the wrong idea of how a diplomat representing the United States of America is supposed to behave when posted overseas. Maybe you assumed times had not changed and our lives were a constant cocktail party. The fact the article highlights your involvement in Clinton’s campaign is disturbing. I supported a candidate in that election too, but you do not hear me talking about it to the press. We are supposed to be apolitical in the State Department.”

CJ wanted to mention Pompeo’s disgusting behavior as Secretary of State but swallowed the objection. “I did not discuss it with the reporter, Mr. Northman. She must have gotten that information from our hosts. After all, Mr. Barrosa does own the company that owns the newspaper.”

“Be that as it may, I expect you to concentrate on your job, and not make a spectacle of yourself by having your picture splashed—” A knock on the door interrupted him. “Come in.”

“Stephen, do you know where—” The ambassador stopped mid-sentence when she realized there was someone else in the office.

Both men rose from their seats as soon as the woman opened the door, and CJ extended his hand. “Good morning, Madame Ambassador.” Standing and greeting the ambassador was protocol.

“Oh, CJ, the man I was looking for.” Not asking for permission, Margaret Cox took the chair next to him, across from Northman. She spoke over his greeting.

 

[northie]

Look after yourself, Carlos.  I look forward to sharing Fridays with you...  🤨😄

[chris191070]

Can't wait for the new story and to share Fridays with you.

[Daddydavek]

I can envision the ambassador congratulating CJ to the chagrin of the stuffed shirt.

[Carlos Hazday]

6 hours ago, Daddydavek said:

I can envision the ambassador congratulating CJ to the chagrin of the stuffed shirt.

It won't be the only time it happens.

 

[Carlos Hazday]

Although reaction to previous teasers has been limited, I'm hoping a large number of readers have seen them and simply failed to react. I'm really trying to ensure y'all don't forget about CJ and Owen. Here's a little bit from chapter 3 of CDMX.

Spoiler

“I’m back. And I have company.”

CJ guessed Owen and the nanny had crossed paths as one departed and the other one arrived. Trailed by Liebe, he had gone to the master bedroom to get out of his suit. He had just dropped his pants when Owen called out. “I’m in the bedroom. Be out as soon as I change.”

Liebe didn’t wait. She ran out, shouting “Ozzie!”

“Hey.” Minutes later, CJ found his daughter in the arms of an unknown man. Sun darkened skin, dark hair, and matching dark eyes greeted him.

“G’day, mate.”

“Hope you don’t mind, babe. I invited Calum to join us for dinner.” Owen pecked his husband’s cheek. “He’s the one who helped us with the wine. Spencer’s gonna set up regular shipments to the embassy, and Calum promised to call whenever they arrive.”

“Thank you!” CJ smiled at the man and offered a hand. “CJ Abelló.”

“I know who you are. Owen’s bragged on you both times I’ve met him. I’m Calum Moger.”

“Welcome to our place, dude. Anybody want a cocktail? I’m ready for a martini.”

“I’ll take one.” Owen pried open the box he had placed on the ground and retrieved a wine bottle. “I’m glad he sent Shiraz. It’ll be good with the steaks.”

Liebe wiggled in the visitor’s arms, until Calum relented, and lowered her to the ground. “I’m looking forward to trying it. Being from Perth, I’m more familiar with western stuff. Kinda partial to Margaret River wines.”

“I’ve tried some western vintages. Good, but you’re in for a treat. We’ll save the wine for dinner.” CJ opened a cabinet and retrieved a Bombay Sapphire bottle in one hand and a Grey Goose one out of the other.  “What about right now? Want a martini too? Or would you like something else? We prefer gin, but I can mix you a vodka one”

“Gin? That’s brilliant. Most people want vodka.”

“Not in this house. Gin, a spritz of vermouth, blue cheese or garlic stuffed olives, straight up.”

“Do me!”

CJ and Owen both cracked up.

“Not that way, you wankers.”

 

[northie]

13 minutes ago, Carlos Hazday said:

I'm hoping a large number of readers have seen them and simply failed to react.

I think that's pretty likely. I'm constantly amazed at how many views Never Too Late's discussion thread gets without anyone reacting or joining in. 🤷‍♂️ 

[tabaqui]

forget you, CJ and his clan? no way

Thanks for this nice teaser.

[Carlos Hazday]

16 minutes ago, tabaqui said:

forget you, CJ and his clan? no way

Thanks for this nice teaser.

I think the new character introduced here, Calum, may be a tad more likeable than the one in the previous excerpt, Stephen Northman. I felt the need for another Aussie.

 

[Carlos Hazday]

19 minutes ago, northie said:

I think that's pretty likely. I'm constantly amazed at how many views Never Too Late's discussion thread gets without anyone reacting or joining in. 🤷‍♂️ 

For a variety of reasons, I've unfortunately done it myself. I find myself browsing through the site without signing in on a regular basis.

 

Edited October 16, 2021 by Carlos Hazday

[chris191070]

These teasers are great. It's impossible to forget about CJ.

I'm ready for the story.

[Carlos Hazday]

1 hour ago, chris191070 said:

These teasers are great. It's impossible to forget about CJ.

I'm ready for the story.

I sure as hell can't keep him out of my head. No matter what I may be reading, watching, or doing, I'm always on the lookout for interesting situations in which to place CJ. Or one of his acolytes. Most Squad members have cameos in the story, and those who've had their own stories posted, get a bit more attention.

[Daddydavek]

I was raised that it is impolite to tease; these "snippets" sure have stirred my curiosity and January is such a long time to wait.

And yeah, that's a complaint!