Stay Out of the Kitchen
In a small Texas town, a widow discovers that her past can be overcome and that corporations should think twice before messing with a band of determined retirees.
Welcome, friends!
Thanks to everyone who read and commented. I truly appreciate it. I need to remove the chapters as I prepare to dive into the wonderful world of KDP. If you did not get a chance to finish but would like to, please IM me on Facebook or send me a note via the Contact page.
Chapter 1
In the quiet Texas Hill Country, Mary Louise has finally adjusted to widowhood after two turbulent years. Every Wednesday, she joins her friends Dottie, Beverly, Joanne, and others for food, gossip, and the kind of laughter that makes aging bearable. But when Larry announces that a California corporation has purchased nearby land to build a massive music venue, Mary Louise's peaceful retirement suddenly teeters on the brink of chaos.
Chapter 2
Mary Louise is enjoying a cup of coffee, admiring the view of the beautiful live oak trees that cover the rear of her property when her late husband's past resurfaces in an unexpected way. She likes things peaceful and in order. Not happening today.
Chapter 3
Beverly gets in trouble at the Y and we get a brief glimpse into her past, and just what makes her tick.
Chapter 4
Worried about his mother, Mary Louise's son insists that she "see someone." The result is her first session with a relentlessly upbeat life coach who starts uncovering memories Mary Louise would rather keep buried.
Chapter 5
Mary Louise reflects on her session with the life coach and travels back to a Halloween party before Austin, before Albert, and before she had much experience with life outside her family home.
Chapter 6
Ugh. Jerry.
Chapter 7
Mary Louise goes on a date.
Chapter 8
Pickleball!
Chapter 9
The real Joanne.
Chapter 10
Mary Louise digs a little deeper with Cheyenne.
Chapter 11
Mary Louise hosts the Wednesday dinner crew.
Chapter 12
Mary Louise tries to figure out what RogLee is really up to.
Chapter 13
Mary Louise and Cheyenne visit the Grand Canyon.
Chapter 14
Mary Louise gets a surprise visitor.
Chapter 15
Mary Louise goes to another party.
Chapter 16
Mary Louise does a favor. A big favor.
Chapter 17
Dottie needs some coffee.
Chapter 18
Loneliness ain't no joke.
Chapter 19
The Demons of Dublin.
Chapter 20
Carla wants to come home.
Chapter 21
Heavy session with Cheyenne. I'm still working on this one, and I didn't post the complete chapter. I feel there are some necessary things that need to be revealed, but want to handle it in a way that feels right.
Chapter 22
Let's redecorate! Plus Dan sighting and encounter with Jerry.
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We're halfway there!
Chapter 23
Mary Louise gets a surprise visitor.
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Chapter 24
Carla's home.
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Chapter 25
Carla and Mary Louise have something to talk about.
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Chapter 26
Dinner at Dottie's. I like cute butts and I cannot lie.
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Chapter 27
Landscaping and music.
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Chapter 28
Mary Louise goes on a date.
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Chapter 29
Why the heck did she marry Albert.
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Chapter 30
A match made in heaven?
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Chapter 31
A meeting with the Judge.
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Chapter 32
The killer in me.
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Chapter 33
A whole new landscape.
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Chapter 34
Lloyd's back, and a big confession.
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Chapter 35
Joanne's story.
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Chapter 36
Standoff at the property, and figuring out a plan.
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Chapter 37
Pickeball Battle Royale.
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Chapter 38
Bev learns the truth.
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Chapter 39
Last session with Cheyenne.
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Chapter 40
Carla and Mary Louise have a talk.
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Chapter 41
Mary Louise meets a new friend.
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Chapter 42
Dinner at Joanne's.
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Chapter 43
It all works out.
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Epilogue
Beverly gets her wish. And feels better now.
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