New York, New York

It’s been years since I’ve been to New York. I barely remember anything about the city except how large Central Park is. I’ve always wanted to go to New York and attend a Broadway musical. It’s been on my bucket list for years. Finally, well into my sixties, we have the funds to do fun trips like this. Retirement has its advantages.

While I’ve written about some things on my bucket list, including skydiving (featured in A Window to Love-Lesfic Bard Winner for Romance), I can’t seem to get the order correct. Pretty sure I was supposed to do the thing first, then write about it. I’ve yet to jump out of a plane, but still put that in a book after researching what it might be like to literally take the plunge! This is also true for attending a Broadway musical in New York. I’ve seen productions in Seattle, smaller theatres in Washington State and Florida, and even several in London, but never in New York. That didn’t stop me from writing numerous scenes located in New York in my new book coming out on May 1st, Politics of Love. I even included one in an unnamed theatre using my vague knowledge of Broadway musicals performed in large cities. So, because I am currently having too much fun in New York to do a long-involved blog, how about a teaser from Politics of Love that includes a scene from New York.

Sandra tried hard to concentrate on the stage during the first half of the musical, but it was hard to enjoy the production, wondering where their two protectors had gone. Distracted by the impending doom she felt, Sandra didn’t notice when the lights in the theater came on, indicating it was intermission. Wynter stood and stretched.

“I need to use the restroom,” Wynter announced. “I sure hope the lines aren’t too long.”

“I’ll come with you. I have a bad feeling that I can’t seem to shake ever since Candy and Sophie left the theater.” Sandra followed Wynter down the aisle.

A long line had already formed outside of the closest restroom. An attendant pointed to a staircase and instructed, “There’s another restroom on the second floor. It usually has a shorter line.”

Wynter nodded and hurried up the stairs. Sandra followed closely behind. Sandra thought it was strange that the attendant followed them to the alternate bathroom. Wynter grinned and pointed to the door where only one other woman, dressed casually, waited outside. After that, several women exited, but the woman didn’t enter.

Sandra looked at the woman expectantly, and she smiled and answered. “It’s a smaller restroom than the one downstairs. I prefer to wait outside rather than try to cram myself into a small space with more people than the fire marshals allow.”

Sandra nodded. Another woman exited, and the claustrophobic woman pushed the door open, revealing a nearly empty room with four available stalls. Sandra and Wynter followed her inside the space. Wynter rushed to an open stall, and Sandra leaned against the sink, waiting for her.

Sandra could hear a muffled altercation outside the restroom, and goosebumps appeared on her arms. The other woman who had entered the other stall burst out and glanced at Sandra. As the remaining door opened, Sandra noticed the knife in the woman’s hand. She met Wynter’s startled eyes before the door nearly splintered when Sophie burst inside, dragging an unconscious woman.

Wynter kicked the woman’s hand, and the knife clattered to the floor, skidding to the far corner. Unfortunately, Sandra didn’t have time to celebrate Wynter’s quick reaction before the woman pulled a gun free, and the horrific event unfolded before she had a chance to react.

Here are my top five things to love about New York based on my very quick trip there:

Central Park – Loved the musicians and beauty of the park
The Musicals – We were pleasantly surprised by HadesTown…so good!
The Roof 54 bar had great drinks and highest rooftop bar, which was convenient because we stayed in that hotel!
Times Square – A bit of overload with all the brightness of everything, but hard to keep my eyes off of the visual display.
Food – Had some amazing meals

Hopefully, you’ll be curious enough about my new release, knowing it has several scenes set in New York, in addition to San Diego, since it is the second book in the San Diego series. Or if you’re curious about other books that incorporate my bucket list, you know the drill, just click the links below!