Stories

CJ Abelló returns to Georgetown in the fall of 2022 for an advanced degree. During the two years back on the Hilltop, his education is not limited to the classroom; his analytical mind and his ability to articulate complex matters in a way his audience could assimilate the matter helped. He was asked to write articles for professional journals, attend seminars by both liberal and conservative think tanks, and speak at schools and conferences.

A friend from Mexico visits, a Squad member moves south, a California teen prepares to start his freshman year at Georgetown University, and a local artist delivers a commission. From Cuban food at Abuela’s, to cocktails at The Alex, an excursion to the National Gallery of Art, and brunch at Everhope, the weekend is full of laughs, food, and fine art.

A week’s trip to New York City has Owen and CJ mixing business and pleasure. Meetings with high-powered attorneys and financial high-rollers combine with Broadway, Sag Harbor, and Fire Island for a memorable vacation. The couple’s efforts to increase CJ’s name recognition moves forward with TV appearances on multiple networks.

Another weekend, another out-of-town wedding for CJ and Owen. This time, Liebe comes along. She’ll serve as the flower girl for CJ’s high school classmate, Autumn Dingell. Surrounded by the magnificence of Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel and by Michigan political royalty, CJ reconnects with old friends and meets new people who may play a role in his future

Brett Davenport and César Abelló convince their Georgetown neighbors to combine their 4^th of July celebrations into a block party. With their segment of Prospect Street closed off, children play on the street and adults cross from one house to another undisturbed by traffic. CJ and Owen ensure Carson Sawyer, part of the group being assembled to propel CJ to public office, meets one of the block’s wealthy and connected residents. Liebe has a flashback to the park shooting and a friend from Mexico City visits.

With thieves and crooks finding new ways to dampen the glorious shopping experience, a hero emerges. He lives by the moral code of exchanging goods and services, and he will uphold it. Fast and nimble, he is a blur to customers. Villains tremble at the sight of him.

He is Retail Ninja.

For some reason, Prompt 134 reminded me of a true encounter. With some license to make the story much more interesting.

What you'll find here are words of warmth, memories that make me smile, and observations worthy of noting. May they amuse, touch, or inspire you.

Caden loves nothing more than partying, booze and spending his trust fund on what ever he wants to. But when his own recklessness suddenly gets him stranded on an island, his entire world gets turned upside down. (R18, love, stranded, vampire, island, comedy, friendship)

Logan's summer as Recreation Assistant with the Forest Service turns into more than just campground maintenance and public relations.