Made From Greater Stone (Book one in the Stone Series) - SAMPLE ONLY

Chapter One

"It's beautiful." I stand back admiring the large painting of Maple Avenue hanging on the wall of my new bedroom.  An acrylic masterpiece depicting the main street of our hometown; Birchen Hill.  The forest covered hills nestled some of the largest houses in the area. Whilst the forefront focuses on a colorful collection of small independent stores; taking prize position in the left hand corner I can see ‘Burt's’ the small bakery my mom owns.

Looking at my handsome friend, I whisper "I love it, thank you" overwhelmed by his nostalgic heartfelt gift.

"You're welcome.  I enjoyed painting it, and I just wanted to make you feel at home Liv" Joseph grins, his vivid blue eyes shining bright with pride.  He runs his fingers through his messy, cropped blonde hair seemingly relieved by my approval.

"It certainly does." I’m touched by the kind sentiments of my dearest friend.  Placing his arm around my shoulder, we both stand and stare at the painting that represents so much history to both of us.  Joseph is the one person in the world that knows me better than myself.  He would have realized how nervous I was about moving to a new city and knew just the right thing to do to put me at ease and make me feel welcome in his home.  "Thanks so much again Joe, for all of this" I gaze around my new bedroom nodding at the mountain of unpacked boxes and bags.

"Anytime Liv, you know that, it’s going to be fun having you here." I look up at Joseph, and lean forward to embrace him. 

"Not shaving these days?” I joke as his face roughly brushes against my cheek.

"It's called designer stubble Olivia” he laughs running his fingers down his neatly groomed jaw line.

"God I have missed you," I say with a sigh.  There is no one in the whole world I am this comfortable with.  Joseph is like a brother to me.

"Missed you too" he hugs me back, placing a light kiss on the top of my forehead.  "I can't believe how different you look" he smiles standing back still holding my arms.

“It’s just the hair.” My blonde locks are much longer than usual, sitting just below my shoulder blades.  My new golden highlights, a reminder of the hope I have for my fresh start in Chicago.

He smiles "You look dead beat." I turn looking into the mirror on my dresser, my tired green eyes stare back at me.

"Thanks" I reply with a hint of sarcasm, the four hour journey from Arizona had taken its toll, but it's too early, and I am way too excited to even think about sleep.

"I will cook dinner and let you get settled in." Joseph turns heading out towards the kitchen.

"That would be great!" I murmur, as the realization of the mammoth task of unpacking sets in.  I start hanging my clothes along one of rails in the built in closet, I decide the first will house my 'everyday' clothes.  The second rail will be for my work clothes, most of which is sportswear.  Since graduating in Physiotherapy, finding work in a worldwide recession has been tough.  Joseph suggested that I move in with him as there are more opportunities to work in Chicago.  In the meantime, I will be rekindling my Burlesque alter ego Miss Honey Glaze, at a local cabaret club Oscars, three to four evenings a week.  She served me well during college and rail number three will be just for her.  Filled with dramatic and skimpy attire; a mix of feathers, silks, satins and crystals.  Miss Honey Glaze was by far the most daring part of me.