TASTES LIKE CHICKEN Lenny Meeks had survived another day at the prison disguised as a business office. To an adventurous person, it might have resembled a daring escape; leaving the cubicle, passing unnoticed through the exit, and emerging into the afternoon sunlight. But Lenny’s life was the antithesis of adventure, and he didn’t do daring.…

  SEEING RED   “MAYER!” Jack Carson’s voice sounds nearly as loud and angry over the phone as it does in person. If I close my eyes, which unfortunately I did, I can see his face reddening, and furious eyebrows plunging toward his nose. The purpose of this call, if I translated the bellowing correctly, was…

Was it a bistro? Or a café? I really couldn’t say. But she was the reason that I stopped there each day. It was the perfect half hour. Joy was always waiting for me. Same booth, same time. And, I couldn’t help but notice, and be stunned by, the same bedazzling smile. As usual, she…

What a planet! California is massive, and abundantly unique. It was 50% exactly what I anticipated, 50% unexpected, and the other 80% like nothing I’d ever seen before. It’s a land of plenty. Plenty to see. Beautiful ocean views, beautiful homes, and beautiful people. Every Californian was just one big break away from Hollywood heartbreak.…

  It was Independence Day, and I was spending it imprisoned. My cell was one hundred twenty-three cubic feet, the inside of the Lincoln Continental I’d been driving for hours. Granted, the rich leather seats and wood inlays of my prison are pretty damn nice, but enough is enough. I was done with work for…

It was a rigorous day at the job. I strip it all off, though, and draw a warm bath. The tub is small; i have to bend my knees and put my feet on the tile above the faucet in order to partially submerge my aching head. It’s worth the effort. I feel buoyant. The…

Giving life to another must be the most wonderful feeling. Mothers and fathers that extol the worth of parenthood must surely know this. I’ve never had the privilege. Never passed on life. Never saved a life. But I almost did. My actions extended the life of Mr. Thomas.   One week. I was raised as…

HEART IN THE CLOUDS   This is crazy, I tell myself for the hundredth time today. Who does this in real life? It only happens in the movies, and we’d discussed the movies at length. Love Story. An Affair to Remember. The stories are nearly identical. Two strangers meet, drawn together by… Fate? Serendipity? Cupid?…

IT’S A WONDERFUL NIGHT   I love Christmas. What’s not to love? Peace on Earth. Goodwill to all people. Evan Williams’ egg nog. No other night is like Christmas Eve. There’s magic in the air. Love. Appreciation. Strangers smile and greet each other, some shake hands, some even hug. It really is the most wonderful…