Jason Of The Valley
Book 5
Beautiful Days
By
Darren Sloan
Also From Darren Sloan
Jason Of The Valley
Jason Of The Valley
Something’s Always Wrong
No Good Without You
This Is Your Past
Demon Hunters
Demon Hunters
Demon Hunters: Second Coming
Demon Hunters: Love & Fire
The Dark Books
The Book Of Morgan: Blood Is The New Black
The Book Of Jackal
The Book Of Jericho: Eye Of The Storm (Coming Soon!)
Miscellaneous
Machine
House Of Stolen Light
Copyright© 2015 Darren Sloan
All Rights Reserved
Part 1
Chapter 1
Clear Skies
It was a perfect day in the valley, or as perfect as a day could get. It was a beautiful Sunday morning just a half hour before noon. There had been heavy rains during the previous week and it was the first truly clear day since the storms rolled in. Everything felt new and clean. The sky was a brilliant and deep Sapphire blue. The air was neither too cool nor too warm. It was just right.
Jason Preston was sitting at a small table on the balcony of the Borders bookstore on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks. He looked out and took a deep breath as he absorbed the atmosphere. He felt the cool breeze brush past his face and watched as the palm trees above his head swayed lazily in the weak current. There wasn't a trace of any clouds and he could see many of the luxurious homes that dotted the side of the mountain that surrounded the area.
"Jason?" A voice came from outside his head. Jason snapped back to reality and saw David Stone standing before him with two cups of coffee in his hands. "You okay?" David asked.
"I'm fine," Jason said. David set down the drinks and took his seat next to Jason. "Just taking it all in."
"It is a beautiful day."
"We don't get many like this." Jason said as he took a sip of his coffee.
"What did you think of my sermon this morning?" David asked. As a preacher, David always had the utmost faith in his teachings, but since he met Jason he had found a particular interest in what he thought.
"It was great. I think they're all great. I don't know why you keep asking me."
"Just want to be sure."
"You know more about all that God stuff than I do."
"We are all children of God. We all know him."
"Yes, but I think you're a little closer a relation than I am."
"Jason." David said.
"I know. Sorry. We all know him, although, I might actually get to meet him in person pretty soon." Jason said as he checked his cell phone.
"Why?"
"Because this is the third time we've missed brunch with the gang. I've gotten messages from everyone."
"I'm sorry. I don't want to take you away from your friends."
"It's fine. I just think maybe the time has come for you to really meet them all."
"I know Cynthia and Douglas."
"That's just the tip of the iceberg. Ken and Mike have really been on my case about you. They think I'm 'George Glassing'."
"What?"
"You know. On the Brady Bunch. When Jan claimed to have a boyfriend but she just made him up and said his name was George Glass."
"I never really got into The Brady Bunch." David said sheepishly.
"Well, the bottom line is they want to meet you."
"Maybe they could come with us one Sunday."
"To hear you speak?"
"Bad idea?"
"No, it's just they aren't really down with the God thing. They might like communion with the wine, but other than that. It might be easier to meet them on their turf."
"You mean at a bar?"
"Not exactly, but that could work. Do you even go to bars?" Jason asked; feeling a bit embarrassed not knowing if his boyfriend ever went out.
"I haven't been in a long time, but if it's important to you, I could. I would." Jason smiled and took David's hand and squeezed gently.
"Thank you," An old woman at a nearby table caught this exchange and let out a grunt of disgust before getting up and hurrying inside. Jason's gaze followed her as she marched by with her wrinkled nose in the air. "That's right! We're gay! You can suck it, old lady!"
"Easy, Jason."
"I'm sorry. I just get so mad when people are like that."
"So," David began in an attempt to divert the conversation, as he knew how easily Jason's blood could be brought to boiling over the social injustices gay men and women have, and still have, to address. "I've been meaning to ask, how's that book of yours coming along?" Jason set his drink down on the table and seemed to take extra care in looking straight into David's eyes and the crease of a smug smile stretched across his lips.
"Done."
"Done?"
"Done. I put the finishing touches on it last weekend."
"That's great."
"It was just pouring out of me."
"Can I read it?"
"Hmm?" Jason asked with a quizzical look on his face.
"I asked if I could read it."
"I know, it's just no one has ever asked to read my stuff. Normally I have to pin people down and threaten bodily harm."
"I'd love to read it."
"Okay. I'll get you a copy."
"Great."
"You know, I think I might write something else. I really plugged into the whole book writing thing."
"That's great."
"To think, all those years I was writing scripts I could have been doing books. It's more to write, but I can do whatever I want without worrying about budgets or locations." Jason said and then looked to David. Not knowing what to say, David simply shrugged his shoulders. Suddenly Jason's phone began to ring.
"It's Mike." Jason reported.
"Take it. I need to get some cream for this." David said as he stood up and headed back inside.
"Hey, Mike."
"Where the hell have you been?" Mike asked. "We've been calling all morning."
"I was with David. I still am."
"Him again." Mike snorted.
"He's real! Just ask Cynthia!"
"Doesn't explain why you've been neglecting your friends lately. Do you know how hard it is to reserve a table for Brunch at Haley's? And I own half of it!"
"I'm sorry. If it makes you feel any better, you'll be meeting David soon."
"We will, will we?"
"Yes. I'll try and get him out to Coconutz next weekend."
"I guess that would be okay. You know, Jay, I'm really glad you've been able to move on after Matt."
"It wasn't easy."
"I know."
"How about you?" Jason asked.
"How about me what?"
"Seeing anyone? We haven't really talked about that."
"Hell, no! After all that bullshit with Nathan, I am off relationships. I'll leave all that to you and Ken."
"How are he and Adam doing?"
"Good. They're as sickeningly in love as ever. You should have seen them slobber all over Ronnie."
"Cynthia brought him? Damn. I miss that kid."
"No one's fault but your own." Mike said.
"I know! How is he?"
"Fine, but the real story is how Cynthia's doing. The girl is a total wreck!"
"You're kidding."
"No. Douglas was looking fine as ever, but Cynthia has just fallen apart. Her hair was a mess and I think she's been packing on some extra weight."
"I guess having a kid can do that to you."
"You should see her."
"I'll give her a call."
"No. I said you should see her. It's great you're going to let us meet your current man, but you have some major catching up to do among your peers." Jason then realized that he had been very neglectful of his friends.
Since Jason and David had begun dating, he hadn't seen anyone besides David for months. A few phone calls here and there, but nothing of any significant meaning. Writing the book had also been a strain on his relationships too, but since that was done, he couldn't see anything keeping him from returning to the land of the living.
"I get it, Mike. I promise. Things are going to change."
"They better. I'll let you get back to your man. I'll talk to you later."
"Okay. Bye." Jason said as he clicked off.
"Everything all right?" David asked as he returned with his freshly creamed coffee and sat back down.
"I guess. I know we had plans tonight, but I was wondering if we could raincheck that. I think I should go see Cynthia. See how she's doing."
"That's fine. I have some projects I need to get around to starting anyway. I was thinking of incorporating some magic tricks into my sermons."
"Interesting."
"I'm a little nervous though. You don't think it could be seen as just a touch blasphemous?"
"God created David Copperfield. I think if you wanted to pluck a coin out of someone's ear, he'd look the other way." Jason said with a smile.
Chapter 2
The Mom Chic
Cynthia was sitting on a small cushioned bench in the children's play area at The Oaks mall. She was watching little Ronnie playing with a small cluster of other toddlers. He was brandishing that bright smile of his and seemed to be winning the others over with his gentle manner.
She had a small plastic baggy of carrot sticks in her lap and she reached in and took one. She bit down on it and drove her teeth into it with a degree of bitterness. As she chewed on the small bit that broke off the stalk, she looked down at the rest of it in her hand. She then looked across the way to the clique of young mothers and their children.
They all had bright smiles and perfect hair. They were small too. So thin and well put together, one would question they had actually given birth if not for the proof of their offspring. Most of their children were too young to be released from their strollers yet so the young moms just hung together and gabbed about the trials of being young, beautiful and having it all as they gently rolled their children back and forth.
Cynthia took another bite of carrot. She looked over at Ronnie again. He was fine as he was chasing another child around a large sculpture of a turtle. They were both laughing so she was satisfied it was all in good fun. Her eyes scanned back to the coven of young freak moms, but her eyes caught herself in the reflection of a mirror that was built in the wall of the playhouse that was the central attraction of the play area. She had seen her reflection several times that day. She knew she had gained weight. She knew her hair had lost the luster that it once had, but for some reason seeing herself in that mirror at that moment seemed to hit a nerve in her. She didn't feel like she was looking at herself. She was looking at her mother. Her hips were wider. Her waist was thicker.
"Hey, beautiful." Douglas said as he sat down next to her.
"Were you talking to me?"
"Of course. Sorry I took so long, but they had this cool sword at that knife shop. Not too expensive either. I was thinking I could hang it up high so that Ronnie wouldn't be able to get to it. What do you think?"
"Whatever."
"Are you okay?"
"Do I look okay?"
"Is that a trick question?" Douglas asked cautiously.
"Am I pretty?"
"Okay. I know that's a trick question."
"No. I'm serious. Do you think I'm still pretty?"
"Cynthia. Of course! I think you're gorgeous!"
"How can you say that? Look at me! I'm all puffy; my ass is huge and look at my hair!" She said as she grabbed a tuft of her strung out hair.
"There's more to your beauty than what's on the surface. I see your wonderful spirit. Your loving nature. And frankly, I'm not minding the junk in the trunk." Douglas said with a smirk.
"Don't be a pig."
"Look, you had a baby. We both knew your body was going to change after that. I don't care! I love you and nothing is going to change that." He wrapped his arm around Cynthia's shoulders.
He kissed her on her cheek and her eyes shot over to the young moms. She saw one of them, a dark haired girl with big red lips, looking over in their direction, but Cynthia knew what had caught her attention. Douglas. It wasn't the first time she had caught some whore giving Douglas the old up and down. Every time they went out since they were married, there was at least one woman, or guy, she'd catch looking Douglas over like he was the butcher's special cut.
It was harmless at the beginning because she was beautiful then and easily far and away better looking than any woman who would have tried to take him, but currently she felt she was at a disadvantage. She was turning into a soccer mom while the other moms were getting hotter. Cynthia had always hoped her looks would decline at the same rate as Douglas' thereby keeping them at equal levels at all times, but she never dreamed she would start going first and Douglas would just stay at his normal level of hot for all eternity.
"I think Ronnie's had enough." Cynthia said.
"Okay. I'll get him." Douglas got up to fetch his son. Cynthia watched as he strode over to Ronnie and as he bent down to pick him up, more than a few of the younger mothers' mouths had dropped as his ass flexed in that certain way. Cynthia dropped the carrots into her bag and hurried over to Douglas. She placed her hand on his shoulder, marking her territory once and for all, and they stepped out of the play area and started on their way out.
Cynthia had put Ronnie down for a nap after they had gotten home and spent the rest of the afternoon watching TV with Douglas. There was a knock at the door all of sudden and she perked up.
"Who could that be?" Douglas asked as he got up and hurried to the door. He pulled it open and saw Jason standing before him. "Jason! What are you doing here?" Cynthia came out from the living room to get a look.
"Jason?" Jason poked his head in and shot her a fast smile. She smiled back and ran over to him and hooked her arms around him tightly.
"Nice to see you too." He said as he pulled free of her embrace.
"What are you doing here?"
"I've been scarce lately, so I thought I'd fix that."
"Well, come in!" Douglas said. Jason stepped in and took in their home. It wasn't like he remembered it. When he first visited, it was neat and clean and very well appointed. Now, it was clear a child lived there. There were toys strewn all over the room and a small plastic easel set up for a pre-school Picasso. His eyes fell upon Cynthia who looked as though she had changed as dramatically as her home. He barely recognized her, and it wasn't so much her physical change. There was something in her eyes that seemed different. There had always been a light behind her eyes but it seemed to be dimmer for some reason.
"How've you guys been?"
"We're great. Work’s been good. We missed you at Brunch today." Douglas said.
"Sorry about that," Jason turned to Cynthia who was still beaming. "How about you?"
"I'm great too. Ronnie's great. Oh! Do you want to see him?"
"He's napping, Cynthia."
"We'll just sneak in. He won't even know we're there." She grabbed Jason's hand and pulled him down the hall to Ronnie's room.
She carefully turned the knob and pushed the door open with the stealth of a ninja. Jason could immediately detect the sound of a snoring child. Cynthia turned to him and motioned him forward with her finger as she tip toed toward Ronnie's crib. They both placed their hands gently on the crib and peeked over. Ronnie was lying on his back with his arms spread out wide. His eyes were shut tight and his li
ttle chest rose and fell slowly as he let out little shots of air through his nostrils.
"He's so big." Jason whispered.
"I know. I can't believe it myself. You should see him with the other kids in his playgroup. I'm telling you. He's gonna be a heart breaker." She gently pulled his blanket over him. His arm instinctively wrapped around it and he clutched it to his body.
"He's so cute."
"I know. I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts. Before you know it, he's going to be running around, talking back. I only hope he just stays this well behaved until he's at least eighteen."
"We can only hope." Suddenly Ronnie fussed and then sneezed and a green glob of snot popped out of his nose. Jason jumped back.
"Mom duty." He said and dashed out.
After Cynthia was done cleaning Ronnie up, she got Douglas to feed him and while he was doing that, Cynthia and Jason went out to the patio to chat and catch up in private. They sat on a large swing that was set up on the small lawn. They were both looking up at the early evening sky. A few stars were starting to show prominence and a half moon was barely visible.
"A book? You wrote an honest to God book? I can't believe it! I didn't know you had it in you. What's it about?"
"I guess it's about my life. My friends. Not totally autobiographical. I had to make it interesting."
"Your life is interesting."
"No. No, it's not. There've been a few peaks, but nothing to write home about."
"That's what you think. I can't wait to read it."
"Really? You want to read it?"
"Of course!"
"You've never wanted to read anything I wrote before."
"Because those were scripts. I was just waiting for them to get made."
"Like that ever happened."
"It did once! I think Bill did a real good job."
"You watched my movie?"
"Yes. I loved it."
"Oh. Wow. Thanks. I didn't get a lot of feedback, and of course, now it's as if it had never been made at all."
"You got it done. That's all that matters, right?"
"Yeah. I just hope I can get this book published."
"I'm sure you will."
"You' haven't read it."
"I know, but you're a great writer. It'll get published. I know it."
Beautiful Days (Jason Of The Valley Book 5) Page 1
