The Askinar Towers: Sibling Rivalry
an excerpt

Mercedes turned on the radio. She was about to change the channel to her favorite station but decided to leave it the one currently on. She wanted to know as much about her double as she possibly could, that is the things that were different.

And for the last time, snapping your toes at a woman is not flirting. This is Dr. Deb and you’re listening to A Debt to Love on WMSH radio. We have time for one more call before I introduce my guest for this evening.
“Good evening, this is Dr. Deb, and you’re on,” she said.
“Hi Dr. Deb. This is Amber. Long time listener, first time caller,” the voice said.
“Hi Amber, and where are you calling from?” asked Dr. Deb.
“Right here in the Nation’s Capitol,” said Amber.
“Well it’s nice to have you on the show. How can I help your relationship?” asked Dr. Deb.
“Well, that’s my main problem. I don’t have anyone in my life right now,” said Amber.
“What kind of man are you looking for?” asked Dr. Deb.
“I want to find the perfect man,” replied Amber.
“Honey, we all want the perfect man, but in this society there is no such thing. You need to lower your standards a little, maybe play the field a little and see what comes your way.”

“How can my double listen to such garbage?” asked Mercedes.
“Quiet,” said Sara. “I want to hear her advice.”
“Me too,” said Erika.
“Need I remind you two that you’re both under twelve?” said Mercedes.
“Quiet,” said Sara.

“What kind of job do you do/” asked Dr. Deb. “Maybe that could give me a better insight.”
“Well, I’m a speech writer in politics,” replied Amber. “I don’t want to say too much more.”
“Oh, politics eh?” commented Dr. Deb. “Then you’re looking for someone who’s honest and caring, right?”
“Yes, exactly,” said Amber.
“Well, you won’t find him on Capitol Hill,” replied Dr. Deb.
“I want someone who’s down to earth, a back to nature kind of guy,” said Amber.
“Now that is something I can work with,” said Dr. Deb. “What you need to do is go on a trip up in the mountains, rent a cabin and the like. You’ll find your true love there. Thanks for calling. This is Dr. Deb. We’ll take a short commercial break and I’ll be back with my special guest. She’s a romance writer from Ohio so don’t go away!”

“I’ve heard enough,” said Mercedes. She went to shut off the radio but the firsls stopped her.
“We want to hear the guest,” said Sara.
“Yeah, especially if she’s from Ohio,” added Erika.
“I thought that girl sounded nice,” commented Bill.
“This coming from a guy who dated Tiffany ! !” she mused.
“I didn’t say it was a great date,” said Bill defensively.
“Well I’m going for a walk,” said Mercedes.
“Bring back ice cream,” said Erika.
“Yeah, something chocolate,” added Sara.
“Ice cream in January?” Mercedes said.
“Sure, we eat ice cream all year round,” said Erika.
Mercedes shrugged her shoulders, grabbed her coat and took off. She thought about stopping back down to CRAZY STEVE’S and check on the aftermath.

The commercials came to an end, mostly about a used car lot and Tony’s Pizza.
This is WMSH radio and your listening to A Debt to Love. I’m your host Dr. Deb and we’ll be taking more of your calls in a few minutes. Right now I want to introduce my guest, Marguerite Arotin. She’s an romance author from Ohio and she has a new book called The Locktender’s Daughter. Welcome to the show!
“Thanks Dr. Deb, it’s great to be here in the Nation’s Capitol especially during Inauguration week,” said Marguerite.
“So tell me a little about yourself,” said Dr. Deb.
“Well I’m married and have a little boy. I’ve been a writer for many years and only a short while ago did I get into the genre of romance. I’ve always wanted to write romance but not just any romance, Historic Romance is something I’ve found fascinating for a long time,” said Marguerite.
“Tell me a little about your book, The Locktender’s Daughter,” said Dr. Deb.
“My main characters are Bethany Wilder and Tyler Brown. They are brought together via a small accident that happens on the locks of the Ohio River. Let me read the blurb on the back of the book…
Bethany Wilder never expected to find love in the arms of the nephew of the man who shot down her first love. But when she rescues Tyler Brown out of the canal, she can’t deny her attraction to him.
Tyler Brown never expected to be rescued by an angel in a calico dress. He is determined to prove to Bethany that he’s nothing like his uncle. Even if he has to drag her on a wild goose chase after Uncle Josiah to do it.
“That is very interesting,” said Dr. Deb. “Perhaps you’d like to read a little from your book?”
“Oh yes, I was hoping you would ask. I want to share with your listeners the scene of Bethany and Tyler’s first kiss,” said Marguerite.
“Well read away,” said Dr. Deb. “You’re listening to Marguerite Arotin on WMSH radio as she reads form her new book entitled, The Locktender’s Daughter.

“I am not chicken!” She kicked the cattails at her feet. “And Hagan and I kissed plenty of times!”
“Well, show me how your fiancé kissed you, Miss Wilder. It’s not as if I’m asking for much. I just want one kiss.”
Bethany rolled her eyes, dropped the rock, walked up to him, and planted a small peck squarely upon his lips. As she backed away. Tyler let out a rowdy chuckle and shook his head, “No. Sweetheart, that is not a kiss.” He grabbed her arms and pulled her close. “This is.”
She tried to resist him but couldn’t turn away as his lips met with hers. He dropped the stone and his long fingers began to play with the loose golden curls surrounding her face. A swift summer breeze slightly blew her calico dress and it wrapped around his ankles. Her bosom pressed against his muscular chest and the rough stubble on his chin rubbed against her skin. She couldn’t resist him as his tongue explored her mouth. Lord above, she tried but she couldn’t resist.
He suddenly broke away leaving her more stunned and confused then she’d ever been. He smiled at her. “Well, it looks like despite your best efforts, I am slowly getting to you, my dear. Goodnight, Bethany.”
He took her hand and placed a small kiss upon its center. She was still too stunned to move. After he walked away, she put her hand to her mouth. For the first time since her beloved Hagan passed away, she was no longer numb. Tyler’s kiss, while it scared her to death, had awoken all kinds of emotions deep inside of her. She rushed back to her home hoping she could get Tyler Brown out of her mind and heart.

“That was great! Well we’re almost out of time for this segment. News is next and then I’ll return for the final hour of my show. Before we go, Marguerite, thanks for being on the show by the way, do you have any advice to our listeners out there?” said Dr. Deb.

“Yes I do, Dr. Deb,” said Marguerite. “Always put the ones you love first. I try to do that every single day.”

“Great advice, and thanks again for being on the show. You’re listening to A Debt of Love with Dr. Deb. We’ll be back after the news.”

Sara turned off the radio and Erika looked back at Bill.
“So what did you think?” she asked.
“I want to find that Amber,” he replied. “I want to go on a date with her.”
“I meant that author Mauggie something,” said Erika.
“Oh, she was okay. I don’t read romance books. Too mushy.” Said Bill.
“Well I thought she was good,” said Sara. “Mercedes probably would have like her if she heard her.”
The black car pulled up in front of Delano’s. Bill got out first and ran over to open Amber’s door. She got out and smiled at him.
“Thank you,” Amber said.
“A pleasure,” said Bill. They walked up to the café together and bill opened the door for her.
Once they reached their table, Bill pulled out her chair for her.
“You are quite the gentleman,” said Amber. “Are you sure you’re not just doing this because of the things I said on Dr. Deb’s show?”
“Absolutely not!” retorted Bill. “My mamma raised me right. She told me how women like to be treated and cared for.”
“Well I think you are the most perfect man that I’ve ever met,” said Amber. “I can seeing myself falling in love with you.”
Bill suddenly came to his senses. Although he liked Amber and want very much to date her, he knew this relationship wouldn’t last.
“Amber, there’s something I need to tell you,” said Bill.
“Oh no! Already? We haven’t even had the appetizers and you’re dumping me?” said Amber.
“No, it’s not that. Look I want to have this date with you but that’s all it can be. Just this one date.”
“But why?” aked Amber.
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” said Bill.
“And that’s one of the reasons I like you. You’re a mystery, Bill Zamboni, I think its neat!” said Amber.
“Well let’s enjoy this time together for now,” said Bill.
“sure. I bet I can change your mind about me,” said Amber.

Several tables over sat Mercedes and the girls. They were hiding behind menus.
“Has he kissed her yet?” aked Erika.
“Erika, they just got seated,” said Mercedes.
“Well what’s taking him so long?” asked Sara.
“You know I think I should have left you two at home,” aid Mercedes.
“But we wanted to come on Bill’s date,” said Erika.
“Well, we are not technically on Bill’s date,” said Mercedes. “We’re just here to make sure he doesn’t go all weird on her.”
“You mean like at the library?” asked Sara.
“Yeah, exactly,” said Mercedes. “He’s dead and he’s now undead and is having this zombie tendencies.”
“What’s that mean?” asked Erika.
“It means he’s turning into a zombie,” said Sara. “He’s a Hep Cat who’s in Cahoots with Father time, ya dig?” Sara laughed and Erika laughed as well.
“I’m going to burn that book of yours, Sara” said Mercedes.

A young lady came over to Amber and Bill’s table. She had tow drinks on her table.
“Hi, I’m Kathi and I’ll be your server this evening. These drinks are compliments of the owner Monty Karl, Miss Copeland.” She served the drinks and then pointed to the bar. A tall striking man stood behind the bar. He waved to Amber as they looked over.
“Tell Monty ‘thank you’,” said Amber. “I’ll have the usual.”
“And for you, sir?” asked Kathi.
“Braaaaiiiinnnss!” rasped Bill.
“Excuse me?” asked Kathi.
“Oh, sorry,” said Bill. “I’ll have the T-bone.”
“Excellent choice!” said Kathi. “And how would you liked it cooked?”
“RAAAAWWW!!” said Bill.
“I think he meant rare,” offered Amber.
“Uh, yeah, rare. But still bloody!” said Bill.
“Very good sir,” said Kathi. “Can I interest you in the cheese fingers? They are the House Special.”
“Did you say, ‘fingers’?” asked Bill.
“Uh, yes I did,” said Kathi.
“Bring us both a serving of fingers,” said Bill in a slightly evil voice.

Mercedes came back from the bathroom. “What did I miss?”
“Brains and fingers,” said Sara.
“Okay, that’s enough,” said Mercedes. She started to walk over.
“Oh, don’t break up the date,” said Erika. “He’s got to learn to control his urges.”
“Well if he goes to kiss her, we need to stop it,” said Mercedes.
“Why?” asked Sara.
“Because he may end up eating her!” she replied.

As they finished up their main course, Amber looked into Bill’s eyes. He was still gnawing away on his T bone’s bone.
“You’re really a down to earth kind of guy,” said amber.
“Oh yes, very earthy,” said Bill from behind the bone. “Where I lived it was like in the side of a hill.”
“Oh, so you’re a conservationist!” said Amber.
“uh, you could say that, yes,” replied Bill.
The waitress came over once again.
“Could I offer you some dessert tonight?” aked Kathi.
“I’ll have the chocolate mousse with the lady fingers,” said Amber.
“Did you say ‘Lady Fingers’?” asked Bill. “I’ll take those.” He then dropped the bone and licked his lips.

Mercedes and the girls decided to leave first and follow when they came out. Bill mentioned something about taking a walk along the Potomac River.
“Do you think Bill knows we’re following him?” asked Sara.
“Only if he’s stone deaf and completely blind,” said Mercedes. “You guys don’t know how to be quiet!”
“Sorry,” said Sara.
“Sorry,” said Erika.
“Well, I’m sure he will appreciate it in the long run,” said Mercedes. “Do you think it was a good idea to bring him along?”
“I thought he would be fun to be around,” said Sara.
“Yeah, he’s been living the life of a recluse for too long,” said Erika.
“Well a coffin does have that disadvantage,” said Mercedes.
“Not just that,” said Sara. “He hasn’t seen the world.”
“Well he won’t see that much of it if he continues to deteriorate. And he will too,” said Mercedes.
“We’ll jus have to find him a more permanent home, a place where he can go on living but not in his current state,” said Sara.
“Good luck with that,” said Mercedes. Sara and Erika were about to ask what she meant by that when Bill and Amber came out of Delano’s. He led her toward the Potomac River and they slowly walked together.
“So do we follow?” asked Sara.
“I think you are right,” said Mercedes. “He needs to control his urges. Let’s go back to the house.” They left in the other direction back to Mercedes car.