Please Love Me Back Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Joe Morelli has lost his memory? Wow. It's just like the world's funniest and cruelest joke. Men raise their brows and drop their jaws. Women twist their lips, narrow their eyes or frowns. How convenient. He has no trouble reading. He has no trouble writing. He knows how to use knife and fork. He knows what toilet paper and shower curtain are for. He knows how to speak English. He knows when to say "Yes", "No" and "Please". He knows green hospital jello is world-famously gross. He's thinner, paler but still furry and good-looking. He just can't remember his damn name or his mother's face. And he remembers nothing of his past. Nothing.

He stares at his reflection in the mirror marveling at the scar on his brow and the tattoo on his chest. He can't be sure if the name "Stephanie" sounds familiar. He can't decide if "Cupcake" means somehting special. He furrows his brows in confusion when one of the female nurses asks him if "lizard tongue" ring a bell. His whole family comes to visit. They bring with them his dog(with his doctor's approval, of course), his family photo albums and all kinds of his favorite homemade dishes and desserts. But sadly their hope crashes as all their attempts fail. Nothing triggers anything in Joe's brain. His grandmother's presence and mystical stare(aka the Eye) don't help. His dog's big wet smelly kiss doesn't work. His godmother's lasagna makes him burp. The sting of his cousin's slap on the back of his head makes him course. His friends come with wicked stoiries of their wild, wild past and go home crestfallen hours later. Then one by one barmaids, waitresses, several thirty-something divorcée, and a tall curvy cold-eyed blonde woman drop in and pay him a visit. He happily and almost shyly gives them his most charming smile as they kiss him on his cheek and hold his hand. But still he remembers nothing. Nothing at all.

A constant stream of doctors, specialists, and shrinks come to examine him every day and shrug and go away. His aunts and grandmother light candles for him and weep and frantically pray. His dog chews his cousin's shoes and socks and couch and wonders when his human will be back. His mother holds her head in her hands and closes her eyes. Her tears have run dry. She has done whatever she could and now she's tired. There's only one way left. She has to go talk to Stephanie Plum. She has to persuade Stephanie to visit Joseph. She hopes and wishes and prays that the sight of her son's on-and-off ex-girlfriend will be the magical cure-it-all. She needs to have her Joseph back.

And she won't take "No" for an answer.

Please Love Me Back Chapter 5

Chapter 5

It is late afternoon when Joe Morelli finally wakes up. He's all alone inside his private ward. His mother has gone home to prepare dinner and his elder brother has not yet arrived. He opens his eyes and blinks twice. He feels weak and tired but eerily calm. He slowly moves his fingers and toes. He takes a deeper breath and immediately knows where he is. He's inside a hospital. Joe Morelli smiles. He's no stranger to hospitals, cuts and bruises. He can recognize the unique smell anywhere, and all the nurses—young and aging, married or divorced—like him. He looks around and wonders what happened to him. His head is dizzy, his mouth is dry, but other than that he seems to be okay. He's not in pain, and he doesn't have any broken rib or limb. He listens to the vague voices and sounds coming from outside the door and tries to concentrate and think. Why is he here? How long has he been hospitalized? But tries as he might, his mind stubbornly remains a complete blank. He's a little annoyed that he can't remember anything. Not even his dream. And now he's also hungry. He never likes feeling hungry.

A tall sturdy male nurse comes into the door and raises his brows upon finding his patient awake. He goes out to call the doctor right away and didn't waste any time smiling his trained pleasant smile. Soon the doctor comes to check the vital signs of the patient and ask a few questions. She then frowns at the answers and tells the nurse to page another doctor. Modern medicine still has its limits. She wishes one day she can know more about head traumas. And the legendary patient looks even cuter when he's calm and awake. The doctor thinks secretly to herself and gives Joe Morelli a small encouraging smile. She is always intrigued by strong, handsome men's sad vulnerability, and she has fallen in love with his permanent 5 o'clock shadow and lean sleeping face. Even if she has issues with his dense body hair.

Anthony Morelli parks his brother's car and whistles a happy song. He's not exactly a loving elder brother but he does care about Joe. They have been through a lot together, and he wants to be there when his younger brother wakes up this time. His life has never been easy. His kids are having problems in school. Both his boss and his wife are way too demanding. His seemingly strong mother is falling apart under too much stress and pressure. And he's going to be a father AGAIN in less than 8 and a half months. Anthony steps into the elevator and blows out a sigh. He sometimes wishes he could change place with Joe. It's not that he doesn't love his sweet but not little family. It's just that sometimes he can't help wanting to run away from all the responsibilities and duties of being a father and husband and be himself again. Now he can understand why Joe never proposes to Stephanie. It's not about love. It's not about trust. It's not about companionship or friendship. It's about sacrifice, commitment and courage. And it's too much and too heavy to bear if you are not 100 percent sure and ready.

Joe Morelli starts to feel panic. He doesn't know why he can't be sure of anything. He hopes he knows why he can't remember things more clearly. They say his name is Joseph Morelli. They say he is a Trenton police detective. They say he has been in a coma for more than 7 months until this morning. They say he had suffered from a severe concussion. They say he had several fractured bones. They say he may have memory loss. And they ask him if "Cupcake" means something, anything special to him.

But he can't remember anything.

He can't remember his name. He can't remember his birthday. He can't remember if he has a pet. He can't remember who the president is. He can't remember his mother's face. He can't remember who Stephanie is. All he knows is he's hungry and thirsty and in a panic. And somewhere deep, deep down inside his being, he knows he has forgotten something. Something warm. Something soft. Something precious. Something essential. Something sweet. Something very, very special to him. He knows he needs that something. He knows he has to find that something. But he simply can't remember what that "something" is. A drop of tear falls down Joe Morelli's face.

And it scares the Hell out of him.

Please Love Me Back Chapter 4

Chapter 4 

Angie Morelli dabs at her eyes with a small handkerchief. She has always been a strong and tough woman. She never cried when her handsome, brutal yet extremely charming husband beat her, cheated on her or gambled his salary away. She didn't shed a tear when she was in labor. Her eyes remained dry during her husband's funeral. But right now she simply can't stop her tears. She's too tired, too worried and too afraid. And she has trouble suppressing her raging anger. She's mad at the world. She's mad at herself. She's mad at her son. She's also mad at both Emily Hasting and Stephanie Plum.

She has sworn to herself that she will never ever bake, buy or eat another cupcake again for the rest of her life. She has no idea why Joseph has to nicknamed his girlfriend "Cupcake". She has no idea why that Hasting woman wants to be Joseph's "Cupcake" so badly. She has no idea why Stephanie Plum could not settle down with Joseph and start their own family. She has no idea why Stephanie Plum and Joseph kept breaking up and getting back together. She has no idea why her life is always so complicated and never easy. The only thing she knows is that she is sick of cupcakes. Soft. Sweet. Fluffy. Shallow. Gooey. Easy. Cheap. And empty. Just like her dead husband's sexy smile and all his sugar-coated promises. Just like her illusion of a happy family. Beautiful and attractive on the outside but hollow inside. Pretty, but sadly worthless.

Her mother-in-law is slipping further away from reality. Her elder son is once again kicked out by his wife. Her daughter is filing for a divorce. She herself is sitting in a cheap uncomfortable hospital chair waiting for her younger son, the pride and joy of her life, to wake up from his drug induced slumber. The doctors have finally warned her that Joseph may suffer from amnesia or other kinds of head traumas. The district attorney hasn't decided if she is going to file any charges against him. Stephanie Plum and that Ranger have moved in together and moved on with their lives. Angie lets out a harsh, ragged laugh. And somehow she can't help feeling a little bit happy for Stephanie. Angie closes her eyes and feels ashamed and guilty. She thinks of the little girl who followed Joseph into his father's garage many years ago. She thinks of the young girl who became the town's laughing stock when Joseph left home to join the Navy. She thinks of all the rumours and gossips concerning Stephanie and Joseph. At least one of them has found true love. At least one of them is having a happy life. She grasps hold of her sleeping son's hand and tells herself.

And maybe Joseph can find his own happiness when he wakes up and restarts his life. A life without his Cupcake, his Stephanie Plum.

Please Love Me Back Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Stephanie Plum tries not to feel worried.

She knows she's not the world's most beautiful woman or smartest person. She knows she has made too many bad mistakes and stupid decisions. She knows all kinds of rumours are still running wild. She knows people are still whispering behind her back. She's grateful none of her family and friends has come forward and asked her about what happened that day. Curiosity must be killing them, she's sure of that. But she just wants to put all the sad, unpleasant, humiliating memories behind and start living and enjoying her life. Her new life. A life without constantly feeling uncomfortable, frustrated or guilty for whatever happened in the past.

She simply doesn't want to think or talk about Joe Morelii. She didn't and still doesn't want to go to the hospital to visit him. She has tried all she could to forget the ugly entangled history between them. She has tried all she could to rein in the anger that suddenly surfaced as the initial shock and sorrow slowly ebbed away. She still remembers that day. The blaze of the sun. The smell of the burning car. The worries and disgust in the pit of her stomach. The enigmatic look in Ranger's deep beautiful eyes. The gentle touch of his perfect lips. And the sound of his fast ferocious punch. The dull thudding sound. The one simple merciless punch. Sometimes when she rests her head on Ranger's bare muscular chest, she can still hear it in her ears. And then she will marvel at his power, his strength, and his determination and ability to protect her at all costs. Who could have thought "No price" is the highest and dearest price? Who could have thought the man who once told her that Batcave is forever will accept her love and love her back?

She also vaguely remembers the cracking sound of Joe Morelli's head smashing against the ground. The sight of Morelli's gun and his unmoving form. The blood coming out from his nose and mouth. The sirens of the ambulance. The tears falling down her father's old worried face. The look of concern in her cop friends' eyes. The warmth and safety of Ranger's embrace. And the happy smile of relief on her mother's tear-stricken face.

And now after seven months, seven days and seven hours, Joe Morelli has finally woken up from his coma. And somehow the only response the doctors and nurses could get from him is "Cupcake"...

Stephanie Plum tries hard not to feel sick or afraid. It's gonna be alright. She takes a deep breath, squares her shoulders and firmly tells herself. She's with Ranger now. She loves him and he loves her back. And she's also a different woman now. She has changed. She has become better. She's braver and smarter and stronger. She won't make the same mistakes. She won't make decisions out of guilt. She knows what she needs and whom she loves. She's happy with her life and herself. She will deal with whatever trouble Joe Morelli is going to cause.

Now matter what.

Please Love Me Back Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"Cupcake..."

The tall thin pale darkish man blinks slowly and half whispers, half croaks. His mind is a blur. His throat is raw. He doesn't know where he is. He doesn't know why he's here. He doesn't know the time. He doesn't know the date. He feels tired and strangely frustrated. He feels like he forgets something. Something important. Something precious. Something essential. Something sweet. Something soft. Something tasty. Something warm. He knows he has to remember that something. He knows he has to find that something. He frowns and tries hard to think. But somehow he can not think straight.

He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. He knows he needs to concentrate. He knows he has to try harder. He needs to remember that something. He needs that something. He wants that something. He can't live without that something. He wants to taste its tender sweetness. He wants to embrace its fluffy softness. He wants to feel its gooey warmth. He wants to...he wants to...he wants to find it...he wants to claim it...he...

Joseph...

Joseph...

Dear Joseph...

He opens and widens his eyes upon recalling the voice. He knows that voice. The voice in his cold lonely scary dream. The sweet gentle voice. The beautiful enchanting voice. The pleading desperate voice. The familiar yet unfamiliar voice. A smile breaks on his face as he suddenly realizes what that "something" really is. He needs to find the owner of that divine voice. He needs to hold her in his arms. He needs to have her in his life. She will light up his days. She will enrich his nights. She will be the meaning of his world. She will be the anchor of his universe. She will be the core of his galaxy. She will want him. She will need him. She will love him. She will adore him. She will worship him. She will be his destiny. She will be his fate. She will make him whole. She will give him power. She will give him strength. She will give him faith. She will be his courage. She will be the key to his happiness. She will be his Cupcake. His one and only Cupcake. His soft tender sweet fluffy tasty unresisting Cupcake.

Joseph...

Dear Joseph...

Please love me back.

Please.

"Cupcake..." He half sighs and half whispers. Yes, he will find her. Yes, he will love her. Yes, he will cherish her. Yes, he will wrap her in his arms. Yes, he will place a kiss on her lips. Yes, he will make her his. He looks up and looks around. He sees a lot of strange faces. He vaguely hears a lot of noises. He pays them no attention. He needs to leave this place. He needs to find his Cupcake. He has to find his Cupcake. He will find his Cupcake. He knows he will find his happiness the moment he finds her. And then they will share a life and live happily ever after. He tries to get out of his narrow hospital bed. He waves his arms and kicks his legs when hands coming out of nowhere grab hold of him. He tries to break away from the merciless restraints. He tries to growl. He tries to yell. He tries to shout. He tries to scream. He tries to bite. He tries to claw. He tries his best. But still he fails. He feels a needle piercing his skin.

"Cupcake..." He moans.

"Cupcake..." He groans.

Soon he loses his battle and closes his eyes as once again he falls soundly asleep. The doctors and the nurses let out a collective sigh of relief. Mr. Joe Morelli paid no attention to their questions. Mr. Joe Morelli gave them no answer. Mr. Joe Morelli did not respond to his own name. However, Mr. Joe Morelli's behaviors and lack of reaction are not exactly unexpected. Patients waking up from a coma are sometimes confused at first. They will soon calm down and learn to cope in due time. It doesn't necessarily mean they have amnesia or any other kind of severe head traumas. Besides, both his MRI and CT reports showed that everything was perfectly fine. They quickly set to work like the highly trained professionals that they are. They are truly glad none of Mr. Morelli's families and friends was present and witnessed the scene. Because they also know that head injuries can be tricky and unpredictable at times. And the golden rule of medicine is never say never...

Please Love Me Back Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. 

Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph.

Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph.

Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph.

Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph.

Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph.

Please wake up and love me back.

Please.

Emily Hasting stops writing and smiles her small yet serene smile.  This is her one-hundredth letter to her lover. Her furry, tall, dark, movie star handsome, badass, unconscious but no-longer-secret lover. Her peacefully sleeping prince in shining armor. Her Joseph. She lets out a small sigh and seals the letter. Her hair has been cut shorter. Her handwriting is neat and tidy, as usual. She has gotten used to her new life here. The food is not great but acceptable. Her room is small and narrow but not extremely uncomfortable. Her neighbors are loud and rude and mostly uneducated. But that's not a big problem for Emily Hasting. She always, always knows how to tolerate the less...fortunate people. It's her duty as a civilized good Catholic woman to be thoughtful, kind, truthful and considerate. She stands up from her bed, goes down on her knees and starts praying. For her precious Joseph, of course. He is the only meaning of her life. He is the only joy of her world. He is the only center of her universe. He is the anchor of her existence. He is her Joseph. Her one and only Joseph. He is the man in her dream. He is the man of her destiny. He is her fate. He is her hope. Without him, she is nothing. Without him, life is not worth living. Without him, the galaxy is but a silent black hole.

Emily's shoulders start to shake as hot burning tears fall down her face. Her whole body trembles with ragged sobs. Her crying echoes through the corridors. All the other inmates wince and cringe. They try their best to keep away from her. They can't decide if she's really that crazy or dangerous. She's always polite and quiet. She's always pleasant and nice. She's just like the girl next door. She's just like the friendly good-mannered childhood friend they all have back home. But there's something in her misty gray eyes that scares them stiff. There's something about that ordinary average smiling face that sends chills up and down their spines. This woman has a beautiful voice. This woman knows how to make perfect cupcakes. This woman knows how to make perfect iced tea. This woman knows how to use a Glock. This woman knows how to slash and thrust a professional hunting knife. This woman knows how to make perfect exquisite time bombs. This woman is sentenced for life without parole. This woman moans and groans and laughs and screams in her sleep every single night. This woman frightens them to death. Even though she didn't actually kill anyone. Even though she went to her church choir practice as if nothing had happened and sang like an angel after setting off the bombs...

Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. 

Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph.

Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph.

Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph.

Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph.

Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph. Dear Joseph.

Please wake up and love me back.

Please.

Joe Morelli looks around, trying to find where the sweet enchanting voice is coming from. He has been trapped in the dark dense woods for ages. He's tired and hungry. He's lost and afraid. Who is keeping on calling his name? It's not Terry. It's not Linda. It's not Carol. It's not Rita. It's not Amy. It's not Betty. It's not Mary. It's not Janice. It's not Janine. It's not Annie. It's not Lucy. It's not his mother. It's not His grandmother. It's not Steph...Stephanie. Who is the owner of this warm beautiful voice? He has to find her. He has to go to her. He has to look into her eyes. He has to kiss her lips. He has to wrap her in his arms. He has to feel her. He has to accept her. He has to...he has to...he has to love her. Love her. LOVE her!

The nurse jumps and squeals as the unconscious patient suddenly sits up in his bed and opens his eyes. His lips slowly part. He croaks out an almost silent word. The nurse puts a hand over her still wildly thumping heart and presses the calling button.  

Joe Morelli has finally woken up from his coma.  

Yeah, Life Still Sucks

My cat is still sick.
I am still tortured and tormented by my worries, sorrows and fears.
I hate being helpless.
I hate feeling hopeless.
I hate myself for being unable to do anything.
Anything.
I know I should be on my knees praying for my cat and myself right now.
But I need to find a vent for my pain.
I need to write it out. 
Fear.
Worry.
Pain.
Sorrow.
Frustration.
Helplessness.
Hopelessness.
Guilt.
Depression.


And I still don't like Cupcakes, BTW.

Be My Valentine

Chapter 26

The confession is disturbing, if not scary and chilling. The evidences are solid. The motive is clear. The time bombs are indeed most perfectly and exquisitely made. The poor delusional thirty-eight-year-old single slim white woman who has never dated or been kissed is apparently mad but unfortunately not legally insane. All kinds of merciless rumours and vicious gossips thrive and refuse to stop. Curious locals, exciting tourists and enterprising street vendors crowd the once quiet and narrow street. Photos are taken from every angle of the two lovely cozy two-story houses. Like a roller-coaster the selling number of cupcakes soars and soars and suddenly drops. Like Sleeping Beauty or Rip Van Winkle the tall dark—now a little pale, though—handsome and furry Trenton police detective Joseph Anthony Morelli slumbers on. There's nothing medically wrong with Mr. Morelli really, the doctors patiently explain to the worried family and the persisting reporters. The human body is an extremely complicated machine that contains more wonders and mysteries than anyone can imagine. Right now they can only say Mr. Morelli will wake up when he's ready. Who knows, maybe he will opens his melted chocolate eyes, stretch, yawn and smiles his ever so charming smile late this night or tomorrow morning.

Stephanie Plum looks into the mirror and tries not to sigh. She's all alone inside Ranger's tastefully decorated apartment, and for the very first time in her life, she is truly happy and contented. She has never ever regretted her choice and decision. But somehow she just can't stop feeling guilty and ashamed about what happened. And from time to time the small sneaky voice in her heart will question her if she really, really deserves any happiness.

Is she a good enough person?

Is she a good enough woman?

Is she a good enough daughter?

Is she a good enough hamster owner?

Is she a good enough live-in girlfriend?

Why does Emily Hasting—an almost complete stranger—hate her this much?

Why did Joe decide to reach for his gun?

What if she's not good enough?

What if it was actually all her fault?

And why can't she stop doubting herself?

Once again she searches her own eyes. Once again she finds no answer. Maybe she will never know. Maybe she will always question and doubt herself. But she knows all she can do right now is try her best and live her life. She's with Ranger now. She loves him and he loves her back.

And that alone is more than enough.

~The End~

Be My Valentine Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Emily screams and wails. Elizabeth fights and curses. Fear. Surprise. Anger. Humiliation. Disbelief. Terror. Desperation. Despair. All kinds of emotions boil inside the plain but always nice and polite Miss Hasting, part-time librarian, community volunteer, excellent chef, talented pâtissière, and lead singer of the church choir. She thinks of all her hopes and longings in life. She thinks of all the things she hates and loves. All her nightmares and dreams. All her ambitions and failures. All her glory and pride. All her contributions and sacrifices. All her hurt. All her pain. All her disappointment. All her shame. All her fake and forced smiles. All her silent sobs and hidden tears. All her lonely days. All her empty nights. All her struggles and desperate attempts.

What's so wrong to want to be loved by the man you love?

What's so wrong to want to have something you do not have?

What's so wrong to want to do the right thing and correct the wrong?

What's so wrong to want to step up for yourself and season your tasteless life?

Emily Elizabeth Rosemary Hasting looks up at heaven seeking an answer, but all she sees is a blur of shadows and colors. She barks out a shaky ragged laugh. She has failed her sacred mission. She has lost her ultimate purpose. She did not manage to kill Stephanie Plum. She did not manage to kill that tall Cuban. She's not going to have her own Happily Ever After with her Joseph. Her tall dark lean muscular fun kind humorous handsome dangerous perfect badass Joseph. She's not going to sit by his sick-bed and smile her most beautiful charming smile while watching him eat his cannolis. The best cannolis. The cannolis she now won't be able to make especially for him...

A drop of crystal tear falls down her cheek. Another one soon follows as her whole body shakes with unbearable sorrow. She's not going to be Joseph Anthony Morelli's Cupcake. His one and only and special and unique Cupcake. His yummy gooey soft fluffy sweet tasty Cupcake...

Be My Valentine Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Frank Plum can't stop trembling while giving his statement. He didn't call home. He knew his wife would not answer the phone. He looks pale and tired. His coffee and doughnuts remain untouched. He has never been so angry and scared before in his life. He almost collapsed and crumbled to the ground when he finally mustered enough strength to get out of his car. He is no stranger to guns and violence. He was a member of the U.S. Army. He has a gun and he lives in New Jersey. He has witnessed death more than once before. However, he never ever really has the military mentality. He doesn't like guns. He avoids fights and disputes at all costs. He just wants an uneventful life. Now as he sits still in the cheap uncomfortable chair, self-loathing, shame and guilt swallow him whole. His younger daughter could have been killed or severely injured right before his eyes. And there was nothing he could do. Nothing. The helplessness and fear he felt frighten him.

Stephanie Plum's cop friends don't know what to say. They feel they should say something to lighten the mood, but now is not the right time for jokes. They feel sorry for Stephanie Plum. They feel bad about what Joe Morelli attempted to do. They are glad Ranger was there. They know someone will always get hurt in a love triangle. But at lease the other two will have a chance for true happiness. So they hug her and pat her on the back. They smile as Frank Plum, with reddened eyes, gathers his daughter in his arms and shakes Ranger's hand. They ignore the calls from their curious friends, neighbors and family members. They are simply grateful and relieved that the never-ending melodrama known as the Cupcake Chronicles is now finally and officially over. Thank God for big favors. It had been dragging on for way too long.

The slender yet muscular Hispanic man and his man-mountain of a partner watch the monitor screens closely. The creamy yellow Toyota has just stopped and parked at the entrance of an alleyway across the street behind their building after circling this block for the fifth time. And there's something eerily suspicious about the woman driving the Prius. They have run the license plate in their database. They know her name, her job and her address. But they have no idea why she is here. They watch the part-time librarian getting out of her car. They watch her crossing the street. They have a really bad feeling about the baby pink duffle bag in her hand. They hear Tank bark out a command. They hear the muffled screams of a woman. They hear someone whistle. They hear someone curse. A Glock. Two knives. And three time bombs? What the Hell? Time to call Ranger.

Another Day Has Gone By

And I still don't like Cupcakes.

Be My Valentine Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Elizabeth Hasting is a tough woman with iron-like will power and determination. She always wants to be perfect and the best. She hates losing. She despises losers. She doesn't cry. She never whines. She sets her goal and pursues it. Step by step. Hour by hour. Day by day. Year by year. Yes, she has courage. Yes, she has patience. She's the one who sets the course. She's the one who calls the shot. She's the one who allows Emily to handle the trifles. She's the one who allows Emily to moan secretly and dreamily and to drool a little whenever they see Joseph...Joseph, their ever so handsome and charming Joseph. Their ever so attractive and sexy Joseph. Their prince in shining armor. Their hot-blooded fun-loving thrill-seeking badass Italian Stallion. They are both hopelessly and madly in love with Joseph. They love and adore and worship everything about Joseph. They love his furry chest. They love his furry legs. They love his dazzling smile. They love his lean, not overly muscular body. They love his off-white teeth. They love the scar on his brow. They love the strong smell of garlic, beer and oregano in his breath. He is the man in their dream. He is their happiness. He is their heart. He is their life. He is their destiny. He will always, always have their love and loyalty. And now they are going to avenge him.

Nobody can beat him up. Nobody can knock him out. Nobody can humiliate him in public and put him in a coma. He is Joseph Anthony Morelli. He is Super Cop. He is Officer Hottie. He is good at bar fights. He knows how to finger girls in his father's garage. He knows how to sweet talk and charm girls and women out of their panties and take their virginity. He knows how to write the very best dirty poems on public bathroom walls. He has the best and furriest butt in whole Trenton. He is movie star handsome. He is humourous and fun. He is understanding and accepting. He is clever. He is smart. He is perfect, strong and tough. He is God's Christmas present to all mankind. And whoever hurts him shall pay the price. Whoever cheats on him shall be punished with death.

Emily nods her head vigorously as Elizabeth smiles. Everyone at the community volunteers meeting keeps joking, eating and chatting. No one takes notice of their departure. They get in their car and start the engine. They check their bombs, their knives, their gun and their delicate wrist watch. They know they have the recipe for cannoli somewhere in their files. They knows they have all the necessary ingredients in their well-equipped spotless modern kitchen. They know Joseph's ward number. Now all they have to do is drive over to that hideous seven-floored building and kill that Ranger and his Stephanie. Then all will be well.

Yay.

Cold Service: A Spenser Novel by Robert B. Parker

Cold Service: A Spenser Novel by Robert B. Parker

My new favorite book.

Hawk reminds me strongly of Ranger.

 

 

Be My Valentine Chapter 22

Chapter 22

 

Detective Joe Morelli lies unconscious in his hospital bed. It is indeed his lucky day. After a quick check-up in the ER, he was soon given a private ward. A severe concussion. Several fractured bones. And possible minor memory loss. Stable, and not critical. He will wake up when his swollen brain and battered body decide the time is right. He's not going to become a vegetable or simply die. He may or may not face charges over attempted assault. He will be punished for his misconduct. He's such an ambitious and cautious guy. Some say he's clever. Some say he is sly. Some think he's a changed man. Some believe he is a fraud. But they all agree that anger management has always been his biggest flaw. What was he thinking trying to pull a gun on Stephanie when Ranger was there? What was he thinking deciding to avenge his injured pride in front of so many eye-witnesses? Did he not understand his impulsive action would only bring dire consequences? Did he not realize his foolishness and poor judgment might ruin his career?

Rumours fly. Stories spread. Mrs. Morelli and her mother-in-law cries and prays. Mrs. Plum, as usual, is still not answering the phone or the door. Those who attend the community volunteers meeting compare and exchange the details and sigh and gasp. They gulp down the perfectly sweetened iced tea. They chew and swallow the perfectly baked and decorated cupcakes. They WOW! and AH! and laugh and chat. Emily Hasting clenches her fists. Elizabeth starts to shake. This can't be real. This is all so wrong. This is so unfair. Stephanie Plum and that colored man are still very much alive. Her Joseph is badly hurt and in pain. Where is Justice? Where is Righteousness? Where is Right and Wrong? Where is Punishment? Where is Law? Where is Truth? Where is Love? Where is God?

Where is her Happily Ever After with Joseph?

Emily lets out a tiny ragged sob and falters. Elizabeth takes over. There is only one way to solve this problem. We have to strike hard. We have to act fast. We has a gun. We have two knives. We have three time-bombs. We have courage. We have determination. We have power. We have strength. We are Joseph's Cupcakes. Chocolate Marshmallow and Lemon Cherry Cheese. We are going to kill Stephanie Plum. We are going to kill her Ranger. We are going to get rid of them now. Then we will go home to make dozens and dozens of authentic traditional heavenly delicious cannolis and visit Joseph. He will fall in love with us after one bite. And he will be ours.

OURS!

Be My Valentine Chapter 21

Chapter 21

It started as just another ordinary day in Stephanie's life. A dream she couldn't remember. A lukewarm shower. A trip to the office. A large cup of coffee. A couple of doughnuts. A "Bob misses you". A same dilemma. Then everything suddenly changed. She woke up and walked away. She came clean with her feelings and freed herself. And she's with Ranger now. She blinks again and takes a breath. Ranger hands the gun over to the uniform cops. The firemen let out a collective sigh. Joe Morelli stays unmoving on the ground. Stephanie's knees finally buckle. She falls into Ranger's waiting arms. A cold shudder creeps down her spine as she stares at Morelli's gun. A deadly weapon. An evidence of mad fury. A tool of irrational wrath.

Who did he try to shoot?

Who did he try to hurt?

Who did he try to kill?

What was he thinking?

Is he still breathing?

Did he just try to kill her?

Would he really take aim and pull the trigger?

What if Ranger got shot?

What if Ranger wasn't quick enough?

What if Ranger didn't strike that hard?

What if the gun accidentally went off?

Did Joe ever love her?

Did Joe actually love her?

Was it her fault?

"Babe," Ranger softly says.

Stephanie Plum closes her eyes and stops thinking about the price she has to pay for her love. She feels a little bit sad. She feels a little bit scared. But no, she feels no regret. And for the very first time in a very long while, she's happy and contented.

Emily Hasting's heart skips a beat. She places a hand over her chest and slightly frowns. What's this strange, unfamiliar feeling? Where did it come from? Is it a sign or an omen? Is it trying to tell her something? What happened? Something went wrong? Why is she feeling sick and uneasy? Emily loses her focus. She can't help feeling a little frightened and worried. Her voice falters and becomes a little shaky.

Concentrate! Keep singing! Elizabeth barks out a sharp order. The choir practice will be over in a little more than six minutes. We have to do our best till the very last second. We don't want to be a failure. We don't want to be a disappointment. We are always perfect. We shall always be perfect!

So she forces the smile back on her face and keeps on singing in her sweet clear voice. She's Emily Hasting, part-time librarian. She lives on the same street with the man she's been in love for years. She has a gun, two knives and three time-bombs hidden in her car. She's going to kill Stephanie Plum and that call Cuban. And one day, one day her precious Joseph will learn to know her and love her back.

Be My Valentine Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Frank Plum can't decide if he wants to get out of his car. He, like a lot of men his age, just wants to have some peace and quiet. He doesn't ask much of life. He never sees eyes to eyes with his mother-in-law. He seldom argues with his wife. He's happy and contented as long as his dinner is served on time every night. Frank lets out a sigh. One of his fellow cab drivers informed him of the fire, so he decided to come over and take a look. And now he's starting to regret his decision. He never understands his own daughters. He doesn't know what Valerie sees in Steve and Albert. He doesn't know what is going on between Stephanie and Joe Morelli. He has heard plenty of rumours about Stephanie and Ranger. He has no idea what his younger daughter really wants in her life. He sometimes wishes he has the courage to drive his car into the sunset, have dinner at a roadside diner, get a room in a cheap motel, sleep off all his boredom, and call home the next morning to say how much he enjoys his freedom and that he wants a divorce.

He sits helplessly behind the wheel watching the tension grow. He knows he's not a good father. He knows he's too much of a coward. He should have confronted the Morellis about their younger son's misbehavior. He should have punched Dickie Orr in the face and broken that cheating bastard's nose. He should have stepped up and protected his daughter. But he just ate his dinner and kept his silence and let his wife handle the situation. He's suddenly glad he has no sons. No man deserves to have a father like him. He's never good at confrontation. He's the reigning King of Denial. Everything is peachy and fine if he covers his ears and eyes. He looks at the tall dark muscular man and blinks back a tear. He knows Ranger will defend Stephanie. He knows Ranger has killed to protect Stephanie. He knows Joe Morelli should have been the one to get rid of Abruzzi. He knows Joe Morelli will never love Stephanie or the damn society enough to risk his career. Frank has seen and heard about everything. But he always keeps his silence and pretends he knows nothing.

And he hates himself for this.

Joe Morelli's eyes lock on Stephanie. His brain is blank and empty. He can feel the cold weight of his police-issued gun at the back of his waist. It will be quick and easy. She's never aware of her surroundings. One shot through her head and she will be dead. Nobody cheats on him. He's Joe Morelli, Trenton police detective, former Navy. He's the one who broke women's hearts after taking their virginity. He's the one who needs a pay raise and deserves a promotion. He's the one who now has a house and wants to start a family. He has his dreams. He has his pride. He can't be humiliated like this. His hand reaches for his gun on its own will. He knows people are watching. He knows Ranger is near. But he doesn't care.

Ex-special forces are overrated.

The uniform police officers sense trouble coming. They reach for their guns and start to yell. The firemen gawk. Frank Plum panics. No one actually sees what happens the next second. Joe Morelli is face down on the ground, unmoving. Stephanie Plum stands there and blinks twice in bewilderment. Ranger now has a gun in his hand. A police-issued 9mm gun. Joe Morelli's gun, as a matter of fact.

And he still looks calm and collected.

Be My Valentine Chapter 19

Chapter 19 

Shcok. Rage. Anger. Exasperation. Annoyance. Disbelief. Hurt. Humiliation. The boiling volcano deep inside Joe Morelli foams and roars as the hot and stuffy world around him starts to spin. His balled fists tremble and tighten. His mouth hangs open and abruptly closes. He wants to scream out his fury. He wants to set free his frustration. He wants to punch and strangle and kill somebody with bare hands. He wants to yell and curse at the top of his lungs. He wants to grab and shake Stephanie. He wants to ask her how long she has been cheating on him. He wants to look up at the cloudless blue sky and ask God what has just happened. He doesn't want to believe his eyes. He can't believe his ears. He has just lost his Cupcake, the woman he from time to time thought he might truly love.

Surprise. Joy. Happiness. Gratefulness. Glee. Love. Relief. Stephanie Plum's whole universe brightens up and starts to twinkle like a Christmas tree. She feels she needs to say or do something, but somehow she can't think straight at this moment. "I love you too, Stephanie Plum." She can't tear her eyes off Ranger. She keeps hearing his words in her ears. She wants to place her hands on his muscular chest. She wants to feel the power, the strength, and the heat of his body. She wants to laugh. She wants to cheer. She wants to dance. She want to kiss him and melt into him. She looks at him unblinking. She's not sure if she's still breathing. Did she just looked into his eyes and see eternity?

Ricardo Carlos "Ranger" Manoso remains cool and calm. His lips curl up into a small dazzling smile as Stephanie puts a slightly shaking hand on his chest. He's happy with his decision. He doesn't want his life to be full of darkness and regrets. He looks into the clear shining eyes of the woman he loves. A part of his attention focuses on the upset frowning police detective standing only a few feet away from them. He knows Morelli's wrath is about to erupt.

But will the famous Burg Bad Boy make yet another wrong decision and choose to fight? He's curious to know.

It's Yet Another Sunday

And I still don't like Cupcakes. 

Be My Valentine Chapter 18

Chapter 18

"I love you, Carlos Manoso."

A confession of love. A revelation of truth. A baring of soul. A new beginning of life. And the end of a series of lies. Saying it must have been easier than Stephanie had thought, Ranger decides. She doesn't look overly nervous or afraid. And it seems she doesn't take notice of Joe Morelli's blazing gaze on her face. Is Morelli shocked? Or furious? Ranger feels a slight twinge of curiosity. But he honestly doesn't care.

He raises a hand, traces a finger along Stephanie's hair line and tucks a stray curl back behind her ear. He once told her he loves her in his own way. He always feels the need to protect her and keep her safe. She amazes him. She amuses him. She brightens up his days. Does he love her enough to change his life's path? Will she panic and run away once she has a clear look at the man behind Batman's mask? Who can she turn to should all things fail? Where can she go if they can't even remain friends? Should he take the risk? Should he take the chance?

He thinks about all the possible options. He searches his heart for the answer. He feels the sun on his face. He smells the lingering smoke in the air. He looks into her eyes and sees her fear. His fingertip senses the smoothness of her skin. He remembers her passion and longing. He likes her courage and resolution. And he makes his decision.

"I know." Quietly Ranger says and kisses Stephanie softly on her lips. With a barely there smile on his face.

Joe Morelli glares. The firemen and the police officers gasp. Helen Plum lets out another sigh. Emily Hasting sings another hymn. Bob the dog yawns. Rex the hamster runs on his wheel. And Stephanie Plum almost faints as the man she loves calmly adds, "I love you too, Stephanie Plum."