Shades Of Bright Pale
Jennifer Anderson enjoys a supple life she shares with her fiancé David who has just
finished his final college exams.  She is busy with work, helping her mom and preparing
to complete her own exams while forgetting to stop at the store for their small
celebration.  As they prepare their dinner, she realizes she is in need of a box of icing
for his cake.  Offering to go to the store, he has already put on his coat and is on his
way to the corner store.  They kiss and are still playful with one another as he rushes
out the door, promising to return shortly.

The streets are wet from a light rain.  David walks into the vacant store and saunters
down the left aisle.  While he inspects the meager selection, he hears the sound of the
bell over the door continuously.  When he peers around the corner of the aisle, he spots
a man pointing a long rifle at the store clerk.

Jennifer becomes a prisoner.

Robert Malanari is visiting from New York on business.  His reputation of a very
harsh, stern demented and unethical businesslike behavior escapes him as he shows
much concern for a near collision.  Although he is in a hurry, he shows much attention
to the state of mind of his new victim.

Weeks pass and he has rescheduled his business meeting and returns to the City.  His
next encounter will later compel him to explain his actions to his loving yet carefree,
bohemian style daughter.  Later he will be advised of his own unpredictable behavior
and failed attempts to deal with his troubled childhood as well as his son blaming him
for the death of his wife.

With unsolicited help from both families and friends - the mixing of erratic behaviors -
the disparity between them brings meager comedic conflict as they argue and equally
add their own twist. Though everyone has good intentions,  their bickering produces
much confusion.



This romantic drama—set primarily in Colorado—takes us to New York and more.  
Jam-packed with roller-coaster excitement, it explodes from start to finish as Jennifer
struggles with her past and present while seeking answers and solutions.  Will she
escape her self-created demons, or will she embrace the help offered to her and dance
for life?  What happened to her fiancé?  Can she live with herself?

What happens during Shades of Bright Pale is a close family bond that most could only
dream of and the steamy, sexual aura and bittersweet love story at its center—make it
a real page-turner!


About the Author
As the daughter of an Army Vet, she grew up in Colorado where she resides with her
spouse and her pet Dachshund.  Always a voracious writer and reader, she has penned
numerous novels, novelettes, screenplays, skits and poems since high school and has
been a lover of romance stories as diverse as Romeo & Juliet, Gone With the Wind
and Titanic. Though Shades of Bright Pale is not her first novel, she seeks much favor
and positive reviews.  Currently she writes a weekly column for BDS.


Preview

"Hey."
She could not help but to look in his direction as well as the few people which remained
in the shop.  His voice was stern, but not loud.  
"Are you okay?"
"Yes.  Thanks for all of your help."
"Sure.  Can I help you find your car or did you ask security?"
"No, I'm sure I'll find it this time.  Thanks."  Jennifer turned to leave through the wide
opening leading back to the lobby.
"Wait!"  He called after her.  He returned the receiver and quickly walks over to her.
"Everyone has one of those days.  Never think you're so lucky to have it all to
yourself."  
She looked down in embarrassment.  She had just realized the strap on her new sandals
was busted.  She closed her eyes briefly and rubbed at her temple.  
"Would you like to sit down?"
"No, thanks, but I need to get going."
"Are you in a hurry?"
'Yes, I am."
"Is there something wrong?"
"I have a slight headache."
"Come sit down."  Again, he gently pulled her arm leading her to an empty booth.  "Sir,
can we get some aspirin over here?"
"Sir, we can not sell drugs to the customer."

He gave the waiter a disruptive look and then glanced at the beautiful woman before
him.  
"Have some water." he said as he picked up the pitcher and filled her glass.
Jennifer drank the water slowly, looking at his well-tailored suit.  
He stared for a moment but would turn away when he noticed her eyes on him.
"Feel better now?"
"Yes, thanks."
"Were you dropping off a friend?"
"Yes.  My best friend."  She says while trying to keep her composure.
"Good friends are hard to come by."  
She nodded in agreement and gulped down more water.
"Is she leaving Denver for good?"
"Yea.  Well actually, she moved away awhile ago, but came to visit."
"Oh, what city did she choose?"
"New York."
"Really?  That's where I choose to live.  It is a great City.  Large though...so if you're
ever there visiting, look me up.  My Company is in the City with a small office in
Manhattan."
"Great.  I will."  'Sure.'
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Shades Of Bright Pale
I have written several novels and
screenplays, but
Shades of Bright Pale
is my first.



© Keeba Smith
Filed under Poems, Commentary, and Keeba.  
Edited by Rubin Rouse
Keeba Smith is a published writer and desired screenplay artist.  She is the author of “Shades of Bright Pale,” and many other
unacquainted writings. Please visit www.Keeba.org to find out more about Keeba Smith, read additional critiques and her unpublished
autobiography, “Spirit in the Dark.”
© 1995
The Novel