Novels by Nancii Agosto

I arrived at Jasmine’s house and remove my things from the taxi. I had forgotten how large Jasmine’s home is. Jasmine was a second-generation wealthy woman by birth right and a fashion designer by talent but she’d never make you feel that way. She was giving and genuinely kind. She was an amazing friend and I was grateful for her. Especially after what’s happened todayI bring in my belongings and sit on the couch allowing Jasmine to comfort me after I share every detail of this disastrous day that was supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life. “What about your marriage, Claire? Do you really want a divorce?” I could see the worry on her face. She knew much I loved Leonardo. “I think I’ve suppressed myself for so long by being with Leo. I have to consideration that I have a child now. I’m pregnant.” I look into her eyes expecting the worst of reactions. But Jasmine was beaming in a smile. She was so excited for me and excited I’d told her.“Does Leonardo know?” She asks qui

I came home expecting to see Claire. I owed her a conversation. What I didn’t expect to see was her gathering her things - packing them all. I knew I had taken things a little too far today with my reactions and felt obligated to apologize after seeing how upset I had made her. I thought she was upset that I had demanded an apology be given to Charlotte.I didn’t expect to hear my wife was moving out. I tried to talk and reason with her. I even offered her the chance to veto an apology to Charlotte in an effort to correct my wrongs and have her reconsider. It angered her more. It wasn’t hard to tell that what I had done today - had broken her.I had broken her. So much so, that she asked me for a divorce and returned the ring I had made specially for her when I asked her to spend her life by my side. A ring that was worth more to me than my entire fortune.And I watched her leave right from our bedroom window. I didn’t have the ability to chase her. I was in complete shock. I should

I arrive at Leo’s home. Normally I would say ‘our home’ but it didn’t feel that way after everything that’s happened today. I enter the house and it’s once comforting warmth has shifted to bitter coldness. It didn’t matter. I was simply here to get my things and head to Jasmine’s. She was more than willing to let me stay with her while I figure things out. I’m sure after my refusal to apologize to Charlotte that Leo wouldn’t mind my absence. I start gathering my things from our bedroom when I feel the front door open. I didn’t expect him to be home so soon. I thought he’d stay by Charlotte’s side - like he always does. As I continue packing, Leo enters the room and immediately looked anxious. He grabs my hand. “Where are you going?” “I’m moving in with Jasmine for a bit.” I keep my head low. I knew that looking in his eyes would spark more tears. “Can we talk about it?” I continue looking at the ground. “Claire, I know you’re angry and hurt because I blamed you for what

Could Clair and Charlotte have argued? Something must’ve happened when they were alone.I remember Charlotte’s scream reaching the house and gaining everyone’s attention and myself running to her as fast as I could.I had seen some of what happened. As I stood at the top of the hill, I had seen Charlotte’s wheelchair tip to one side, Charlotte falling to the ground and her forehead starting to bleed. Then Claire panicking while trying to help Charlotte back into her chair and Charlotte dodging her hand and cowering as if she were afraid.I remember running to help Charlotte, shoving Claire to the ground and not caring about her in that moment.Then after Charlotte was assessed, I argued with Claire.She should’ve taken care of Charlotte. She should’ve protected her.I know she said it wasn’t intentional but I knew Claire was upset that I had skipped our anniversary to be at Charlotte’s side to celebrate the news. I still didn’t believe her.But after having a moment to think, I realiz

“Leo, we’ve been married for five years. You know me better than anyone. I would never purposely hurt anyone.” I’d be lying had I said that Charlotte’s constant attention-seeking, and intrusions into my marriage didn’t bother me. They absolutely did. But I’d rather talk to my husband about resolutions - not bludgeon Charlotte.Leo stood there with his arms crossed and I felt a metaphorical knife to the pit of my stomach. He would never believe me when it came to Charlotte. I could my throat growing a lump. Tears threatening to escape and tried to control my urge to sob.“Claire, she was hurt and you were the one who caused her injury.” He repeated himself as though this were a fact. It wasn’t. I didn’t hurt Charlotte.Charlotte had set me up and trapped me once again. She was looking for a way to insert herself between Leo and I and she had found it.“I understand she got hurt. But I didn’t hurt her.”“Claire, you took her out. You should’ve been responsible for her and keeping her sa

Leonardo rushed to my side, place his arm around my shoulder and looked at Jordan in an assertive manner. I watch as he says “Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Leonardo Park and I am Claire’s husband” in a serious tone.Jordan slowly dropped his hand from my other shoulder.“Nice to meet you. I’m Jordan Taylor, owner and president of JT Constructs and Company.”Was he mentioning his company in an effort to establish some sort of masculinity? “I believe I’ve heard of your company. We are in the same business after all.” Leo smile coyly. “That’s interesting. Where do you work?” Jordan seems casual as if he hadn’t noticed what my husband was doing.“Oh, I thought I mentioned it. I’m the president of Barters to Builds Co.”Jordan seemed taken aback to hear that my husband was the president for Barters to Build Co. it is the largest ship trading group in the country, and real estate construction is one of the many successful sub-businesses within its’ corporation.Once Leo caught a glimp

I wake up around noon. I was exhausted from the highs of everyday. I go to get dressed and brush my teeth. I had to make it to my second treatment today where Darren would be waiting for me. I finish getting dressed and head to my kitchen for a a granola bar and juice then I’m out the door and on the way. I arrive at the hospital where I know exactly what floor I need to ascend too and where I’d have to wait. I get this eerie feeling as I head into the oncology department. No matter how nice the waiting area and receptionist are, I can’t help but associate this office with death. I see Darren come out to find me with a smile. “Nice to see you again, Cassandra. Are you ready? He holds a hand out to help me up. I take his hand and he leads me to the back where I had sat last time. This time, I see a woman sitting two chairs an over - receiving her treatment. She was frail, pale and had lost her hair. I start to hyperventilate at the thought that it would me in a few sessions. D

I finally make it home, shower and get into some comfy pajamas as I go to sit in my living room to think about how eventful this day was. I got the internship of my dreams at EnviroDoc. I met Maverick who’s swept me off my feet. A wonderful old soul gifted me my dream typewriter. And I told someone I was dying. Nothing prepared me for the events of this evening although the outcome was in my favor for once. That was until I had received a text about my upcoming appointment with Darren. Last time I was in the oncology office, my symptoms from radiotherapy were intense and Darren’s reactions and proximity were also immense. I had gotten worked up about my doctor. And the worst part was that I thought the tension could be mutual on both sides. I ponder the idea of being back in his office and how awkward it would be. But my thoughts are cut short by the ringing of phone. The notification on display for my eyes only. It was Maverick. M: Hey, I just got back home but I wanted

We walk for another 5-10 minutes until we notice the shops and boutiques start to close. “So what did you think?” I hear chime from Maverick as we walked back to the parking garage for EnviroDoc. “What did I think about what?” I ask almost confused. “About our day together. We had our interviews today. We had a good meal and you got the typewriter of your dreams today.” He smiles and lifts his hand to emphasize the heavy typewriter he’d been carrying so effortlessly. “I think today was more than I could’ve imagined.” I say with a smile as I face him. “I like to think I contributed to that smile with my undying enthusiasm.” He says jokingly. I look up into his eyes. “I wouldn’t have gotten this typewriter or my internship without your reminders and constant reassurance.” I roll my eyes on that last part but continue smiling. He has pleasantly surprised me which was an uncommon turn of events for me. Just then, Maverick leans down and kisses me softly, placing his free hand on

As we finished eating, Maverick paid the check and we made our way back to the busy San Francisco streets. We walked past a few window shops and talked about the upcoming trends plastered on every boutique window.“You ready to start work on Monday?” Maverick asks as we pass a glass building similar to the one we had just met in earlier today at EnviroDoc.“I think so. I mean the hiring packet says we’ll only be working Monday through Wednesday so it’s not a tight-knit schedule and it’s still a great opportunity even though I’ll be sharing it with you.” I say jokingly.“I promise to be a great distraction.” He winks as we pass an antique shop.I laugh a little. If he only knew how much of a distraction he’s become already. I look into the antique shop where I see moments captured in time and items of the ages. I notice a velvet-lined box with a beautiful Maplefield Vintage Typewriter. The mahogany wooden frame was polished to the point of reflection. I had always dreamed of purchasing

I sit as Maverick makes his way to the seat across from me. I think of something to say as the waiter makes his way over to ask what we’d like to drink. I hear Maverick answer something in Italian and the waiter nods and leaves. “You speak Italian?” Why does everything surprise me about him? As though he were a labyrinth I intended to get lost in. He looks over at me with a soft smile before answering. “My grandfather taught me. He said it’d be a waste for the language to die with him. Cosa ne pensi?” His smile changes from soft to almost flirtation. “What does that mean?” “I asked you what do you think?” He lets out a light laugh that sends a wave of nervousness all over me. I wasn’t used to going on dates or talking to guys as a whole. But I enjoyed Maverick and I’s conversations especially before I knew how hot he could me feel in my most intimate places. “Riveting” i smile with the same level of flirtation as he did before me. “So what did you order for our drinks?”

As we left the office, Maverick suggested we take a walk to a nearby Italian restaurant. It was only about a block away from the glass doors of EnviroDoc so I agreed. “So Cass, what made you apply to EnviroDoc in the first place?” He says as we wait at the crosswalk, never letting go of my hand. “I was watching some of their documentaries when I heard them advertise that they would be opening a new positional internship and encouraged California natives to apply. I thought that it would be a nice opportunity to travel while I research for the next documentary and share my skill of research. What about you?” I look up at him and wait for his response and I realize he started to seem a bit nervous. “I wanted to be able to travel, get out of California and see the world. And if I could do that, while contributing to something great - it would be an amazing opportunity to start my career.” He then smiles like he shared a valuable piece of information. He seemed to genuine and yet I