Novels by Roxie

“Have you ever heard of Hubert Keller’s Fleur burger?"Madeline stared at him, trying to remind herself that she didn't just hear him mention about three words before mentioning ‘burger'. Who in the world ate such things as food? she wanted to shout.“No, Mr. Robinson. I haven't heard of it before."Robinson said nothing as he pushed a strand of hair out of Mariam's face. “Can you spell it?" he asked, his hand clasping around Mariam's.Madeline shifted one foot and without meaning to, scratched the back of her neck.“Get me a piece of paper and pen from there," Robinson said, clearing off the silence that greeted his question. He pointed with his free hand to the table set on the other side of the bed.When she handed over the paper, Madeline watched him shift uncomfortably, not letting go of the little one who was wrapped in the top sheet. After scribbling on it , Robinson handed the paper over to her.Madeline read the words and the only thought in her head was, “Such fine handwriti

As she walked out of the room, head bowed, eyes stingintin preparation for the tears that would soon start falling, Madeline was gone again, buried well beneath the surface of her thoughts.So, it's over. It's over? So soon. Why didn't I listen on the first day? Why didn't I keep my anger under check as I listened to him ramble on about the rules guarding his stupid house? How could I have guessed the girl was allergic to spice? Well, I would have known if I listened but I couldn't have guessed that. Damn you, Robinson, for almost hitting me and acting as though you don't remember me the next day! Damn you too, Charles for taunting me on my first day. It was mean. You know what? Fuck everyone here…She continued that way, covering the hurt with swear after swear, promising the two friends ths worst death she could conjure. As her hands flunked the impassive door to its reach's end a thought caught up to her.The orphanage. The children. The food.Madeline staggered, drunk on the reali

Firm hands held the glas gingerly as he placed it between his parted lips, allowing the rich taste of the wine wash over his tongue. He sits back, neck resting on the chair's edge while he listens to his best friend, Charles chatter.His eyes caught on the chandelier latched onto the ceiling as it sprinkled light on the ground. As he stared at it, a memory snuck up on him and he shook it off with a violent shake of the head, followed by a large sup of wine.“Man, Williams must be looking for a perfect opportunity to push a knife through your throat," Charles says, swallowing his laughter so he could talk.They had both been trading stories, telling themselves things going on around the office — laughing at the funny ones. The last one earned him a chuckle from Robinson.“What can I say? I have a likeable personality," Robinson replied with gusto.“Likeable personality? Really? Your arrogant ass is likeable?"Robinson shook his head in what he ought was a dramatic shake, sat up on the

As she wound her way around the kitchen, adding different things to the pot that simmered with contents too large for the four inhabitants of the house, she had little to no time for anything or anyone else in the world.This food she was cooking had to come out perfect else, she might eat her fingers for breakfast. Which was why, when the first call came in, quelling the silence that occupied the kitchen at seven AM, she didn't bother answering.The second ring, however, came with such an increased volume it made her almost drop the spoon when it started. With a sigh on par with that of an octogenarian, she dropped the spoon and paddled over to the phone she had placed on the far end of the room.“Hello?" she said into the phone, her mind focused on the contents boiling on the pit, realising too late she hadn't checked who the caller was.“Do you know what makes a billionaire?"The person on the other was meaning to follow this question with another and an answer, but her impatience

He was typing at a speed that would have qualified him for the position of the transcriber. He wouldn't know it, but he had been in that same chair, tucked behind the too-large table of his office for close to two hours.He had started out reading through files his secretary had brought, then gone online to make findings before he started writing.His phone vibrated before the screen breathed life. Only two people were ever allowed to call him during this time of the day — only these two had their contacts saved in the phone's registry — and the name of one of them stood indignantly on the phone's screen, daring him not to answer.Naturally, he would have ignored the call but had made the error of placing the phone too close and the name stared right at him when he glanced over it. He answered.“Àna. I'm busy at the moment"It took a moment of listening to muffled voices before he heard a voice respond clearly. “Hello? Mr. Robinson? Hi, it's Madeline. I'm extremely sorry for calling y

“Just answer yes or no!"“Gosh I'm not answering that. How would I know?" Madeline responded, laughter mixing with her words as she responded to the person on the other end of the call. “Maraim, are you sure you don't want me to join you? I don't mind getting wet."After three seconds, the little one called back, “No, Maddie! I'm fine. See?" In affirmation of what she said, Mariam did moved about in the water, smiling at Madeline when she turned back to her.They were both at the back of The Eddington house where the swimming pool is placed in an elegance that made Madeline wonder if she had been at the same building since the previous day.“Livie, I'm not going to answer that question when I'm standing some feet away from the kid I'm caring for."“But you said she's in the pool!"“She is in the pool. But she's quite the brilliant mind and I can't risk it."“Come on Mad-"“Is Mum there?" Madeline cut in, hoping that Olivia would let it go. She knew her hope was pointless. Olivia never