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    The Shirt
    The Shirt
    The Shirt
    Ebook336 pages4 hours

    The Shirt

    By Lee Gabor

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Prejudice is a powerful emotion and, without courage, can inhibit the expression of love. When Gwen Long falls for an American man who is half-Japanese, she must face the hatred the men in her family have for the Asian race, a malice born during World War II from the death on the island of Okinawa of her great-grandfather's youngest brother. The racial difference is only one of many issues obstructing their love. Gwen, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, meets Lance Tanaka when she visits her best friend in Chicago. The 26-year-old strong-willed and independent woman desires him at first sight, but finds him to be arrogant and chauvinistic. Even more upsetting, Gwen discovers he has no interest in a long-distance romance or in marriage and children. Sure that he is in love with the beautiful fashion model, Susan, Gwen returns home and attempts to forget Lance. Months later, a bouquet of flowers sent by him to mark her birthday tells her he is interested and invigorates her desire for him. Eventually, Lance invites Gwen to vacation with him in Las Vegas where a bet fuses the couple. When the issue of children results in his leaving her, Gwen has only his Tanaka shirt to remind her of his ardor. Later, he returns, but life together is threatened when Lance becomes associated with a jealous murderess who is willing to kill Gwen in order to have him.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLee Gabor
    Release dateNov 19, 2012
    ISBN9781301995974
    The Shirt
    Author

    Lee Gabor

    I am first and foremost inquisitive, always wanting to know what goes on globally and locally and wanting to understand WHY! Being a newspaper reporter was the career with which I began. Then, as a pianist and vocalist, I spent a number of years entertaining throughout the U.S. I also owned a talent agency during that time. After those 25 years, my next career was in public education, which was something I never intended to do. Getting "drafted" into teaching and the time I spent as an Academic Coordinator were very interesting and I do so love the students and teachers, administrators, and staff members I met. I'm very proud of our students. After six years, I left teaching and moved near my son and his family. I became a Master Gardener and Master Composter, joined local organizations, and have been able to enjoy more time with my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I am thrilled that my professional focus now is limited to writing. I will be publishing both fiction and non-fiction works and begin that in new venture in 2012.

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      Book preview

      The Shirt - Lee Gabor

      The Shirt

      By

      Leciana (Lee) Gabor

      Published by Leciana Gabor and Aquarian Age Incorporated at Smashwords

      Copyright 2012 by Leciana Gabor and Aquarian Age Incorporated

      Smashwords Edition, License Notes

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      Cover Layout by Leciana Gabor

      Thank you for downloading this ebook. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Your comments are welcome. My goal is to provide you with an excellent reading experience. Your support and respect for this property is greatly appreciated.

      DISCLAIMER:

      This ebook is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events, locales, or places is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously.

      To find out more about me and see other titles I've published, please visit http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/LeeGabor

      Please Review This Book

      Dear Readers, please take a moment to return to the site where you purchased this book and leave your opinion. Your thoughts will help other readers decide whether to buy a book. Authors, including myself, appreciate your support.

      *****

      Table of Contents

      Dedication

      Chapter 1 - Friday Night in July in Chicago

      Chapter 2 - Saturday in Atlanta

      Chapter 3 - A Long Saturday in Chicago

      Chapter 4 - A Long Saturday in Chicago, continued

      Chapter 5 - A Romantic Saturday Night in Chicago

      Chapter 6 - Sunday in Chicago

      Chapter 7 - Monday through December in Atlanta

      Chapter 8 - January in Atlanta

      Chapter 9 - February in Atlanta

      Chapter 10 - March, April, and May in Atlanta

      Chapter 11 - June in Las Vegas

      Chapter 12 - June in Las Vegas, continued

      Chapter 13 - June in Las Vegas, continued

      Chapter 14 - June in Las Vegas and California

      Chapter 15 - June in Atlanta

      Chapter 16 - July in Atlanta

      Chapter 17 - A Happy Year in Atlanta

      Chapter 18 - Another June in Atlanta

      Chapter 19 - Another July in Atlanta

      Chapter 20 - Another August in Atlanta

      Chapter 21 - September and October in Chicago

      Chapter 22 - November through February in Atlanta

      Chapter 23 - June in Atlanta, 7 Years Later

      Chapter 24 - June in Atlanta, 7 Years Later, continued

      Chapter 25 - June in Atlanta, 7 Years Later, continued

      Chapter 26 - Sunday

      Chapter 27 - Monday

      Chapter 28 - Hoping for a Happy Future

      How This Book Came About

      My Next Book

      About Me

      *****

      Dedication

      To a man whose head wins every battle with his heart. At least in words, the heart can be victorious! And to the woman who wears her broken heart on her sleeve. In fiction, all is well and dreams come true.

      *****

      Chapter 1 - Friday Night in July in Chicago

      Gwen Long tugged the light jacket around her and followed Laura Rodriguez down the arena steps. They side-stepped along the first row of seats and sat down near the middle. Laura waved at women nearby.

      Moments later, Gwen leaned forward to grasp the rail, quickly stating, Oh, the metal's cold. In fact, it's cold in this building.

      Now you know why I insisted you borrow a parka, Laura gloated.

      Gwen laughed, Hard to believe we endured the July heat walking from the car to the building.

      Their eyes scanned the amateur hockey players slowly skating around the oval to warm up for this night’s practice. Already the ice displayed a myriad of designs from the cuts of sharp steel blades.

      I see Juan, Gwen excitedly announced. He's very fast on the ice, isn't he?

      Laura smiled and answered, He's quite fast at everything he does. He never slows down. I guess every man who insists on being in control is like that.

      You may be right. I've always seen control as quickly absorbing information and then quickly making decisions. All the men I've grown up around are like that. Laura, when you said we would be doing something interesting, I had no idea it meant watching guys skate so late. Why do they?

      Early hours are reserved for young kids and teenagers. They're the future of the game. Some are destined for the Olympics and some toward professional hockey.

      So these amateur adults are left with using the ice at 11 at night?

      Yes, and that's typically only on Friday and Saturday nights. Most have to be at work by 8 in the morning Mondays through Fridays.

      Gwen asked, Which one is this Lance you and Juan want me to meet?

      Laura pointed to a man completing drills in tight figure eights and answered, You'll like him. He's not only very nice, he's very intelligent.

      Oh my, he's Asian, spouted Gwen.

      Half Japanese and half Caucasian, Laura replied. Is that a problem?

      Not at all to me. But if I started dating him, I know my dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather would each have a fit and probably disown me. They're still stuck in the World War II mentality. But you already knew that, Laura. If we weren't best friends, I'd almost think you were setting me up for trouble with my family.

      I've always wondered why your dad is so prejudiced, Gwen. He wasn't even born when World War II happened.

      I think he grew up hearing about the war from his father and grandfather and at a young age he didn't have a way to filter the hatred the older men had.

      Laura stated, I remember you mentioning their prejudices when you gave the presentation about Pearl Harbor in our Modern History class. You were so emotional about, who was that guy? The one who sailed naval war ships to Japan?

      Commodore Perry and yes, in 1854, he demanded the Japanese sign the Kanagawa Treaty that forced them into international trade, especially with the U.S. and England.

      You thought that was a prerequisite to Pearl Harbor.

      I still think that. Had Perry not been so aggressive with the Japanese, threatening to blow their cities off the island if they didn't sign the treaty, perhaps they wouldn't have felt the need to strengthen their armaments. After all, they had plowshares and samurai swords in 1854. I think they were so intimidated they started that build-up that finally led to the 1941 attack. You know, what goes around comes around.

      Did you make your dad read it?

      Gwen laughed. You know I did and he disagreed and then made his father and grandfather also read it. They all laughed at me and said I was totally off-base in my analysis. They believed the Japanese are innately aggressors, even evil. I don't think anything would change their attitudes.

      And you? Do you think the Japanese are like that?

      They never were until the President sent Commodore Perry.

      Well, Gwen, you might not even like Lance, so the race issue may be moot regarding the men in your family.

      I still wonder if you're trying to set me up.

      Why would I? As a photographer, I love for pictures to be perfect and your family has always seemed like the perfect portrait to me - the rich grandparents and great-grandparents, a dad who is a highly successful attorney with offices all over the country, a beautiful mother dedicated to charity work, and you, the only child who has had everything you ever wanted.

      With a sly smile, Gwen replied, If I didn't know you better, I'd think you felt a tad bit of jealousy. Nobody should feel that about me. Photos may make a family look perfect, but that doesn't mean the relationships among the people depicted in them are necessarily positive.

      You're insinuating your home life hasn’t been great. Want to elaborate?

      You know I won't. You've asked before, Laura. If someone can't change things, why sit around complaining or talking about the negatives to other people? Best to stay positive.

      If only it were that easy.

      I'm sorry, Laura. I know it hasn't been for you, at least until you married Juan. You and I are different. I learned as a child to keep things to myself because I didn't have anybody but my dolls to talk to and they certainly couldn't offer solutions or even sympathy. You had your sisters.

      You're right, Gwen. I shouldn't have mentioned any of that.

      Back to your Lance, let me say his race wouldn't affect my liking him, but I'm not sure an older guy is appealing.

      Gwen, you'd be great for each other. You two are very much alike. Forget about the age difference.

      A man in his late 30s who has never been married sounds like a reject. Either he's a momma's boy or he's been hurt so badly by a woman, he is single for life! And, if the race issue didn't create havoc, just think how my dad would react to my dating a man not too much younger than he is.

      Laura tossed her head, sending her black hair flying. She waved at her husband and then at Lance Tanaka.

      Gwen, please don't think like that. Your dad has quite a few years on Lance. And, I think our friend just hasn't met the right woman yet, one who can fill his heart and make him want to have a family. Or maybe a woman who offers more of a mental challenge. You should see the way some of the bimbos act around him.

      Gwen replied, As Forrest Gump says, 'Stupid is a stupid does.'

      Both women laughed.

      Gwen continued, Well, I may not be the perfect woman for him, but I'm here in Chicago, so obviously I'm willing to meet him. Just be aware I'm going to judge for myself regardless of what you and Juan think.

      Of course, dear friend. I wouldn't expect anything less from you and neither would Juan. He thinks Lance and you would make a great pair, but that is up to you two, of course.

      The two women watched as the men began their weekly practice of fast and ferocious moves. Occasionally, Gwen shivered as the cold touched her face. She often asked Laura for guidance on the game’s rules and the players’ maneuvers.

      Practice stopped an hour after it began. Juan and most of the men on the team skated quickly toward the rail. As they abruptly stopped, their skates sprayed the surface with small shards, reminding Gwen of pieces of crushed ice in snow cones.

      Juan introduced the skaters one by one to Gwen, who listened to their compliments on her appearance and their welcomes to the Windy City.

      Across the rink Lance took off his heavy hockey glove, brushed off his hockey stick, and then knelt to adjust his skates. Only after all the skaters except Juan had moved on to the dressing room did the Asian-American speed across the ice like a predator attacking his prey.

      As he approached, the blonde from Atlanta, Georgia, extended her right hand.

      Hello, I'm Gwen Long.

      He grasped her hand and squeezed it a bit too tightly. He looked into her eyes for seconds before answering, It's a pleasure to meet you, Gwen Long. I'm Lance Tanaka, but I think you already know that. Only after holding her hand for half a minute longer did he release it.

      Gwen's breathing rate increased. She wondered if he felt the same electricity she did.

      Juan piped in, I hope you girls are hungry. There's a late-night Italian restaurant a few miles away and I'm starving.

      Honey, you're always starving, Laura stated, turning to Gwen and adding, Juan has the highest metabolic rate. It drives me crazy. I can look at a potato chip and gain five pounds.

      Baby, Juan said with a smile, you're the most desirable woman in the world, so quit worrying about your weight. We'll meet you ladies at the door. Don't go into the parking lot without us.

      Laura responded, Okay. You guys shower and we'll see you in twenty minutes.

      After watching the two men skate away, Laura turned to Gwen and stated, Do you realize you offered your hand only to Lance? Already there's a connection.

      Surprised at the realization of her subconscious action, Gwen questioned, Did I? A second later she continued, No, I really didn't notice and then began a lively conversation with Laura regarding their college days. For the next fifteen minutes, Gwen relaxed when Laura didn't again mention Lance.

      Laura looked at her watch and said, Time to meet the guys. The two young women stood up and began walking toward the main entry of the arena. Halfway there, Laura asked, By the way, what did you think of Lance?

      Gwen hesitated and then replied, I just met him. How could I have an opinion yet?

      You're right. Guess I'm just trying to reinforce what Juan and I think.

      Following the silence of a few second, Gwen stated, I imagine after we eat I can give you my initial impression.

      Moments later, the men joined them at the bank of doors and the four headed into the parking lot.

      Gwen Long, I'll drive you. We're in the silver BMW, Lance stated very matter-of-factly.

      We'll see you at Luigi's, Juan yelled, leading his wife toward their SUV.

      Lance opened the door and helped the fit and voluptuously-curved woman into his car. He leaned into the vehicle and fastened her seatbelt. She immediately scoffed, You think you can do this without touching me?

      Absolutely!

      And he did.

      Gwen watched as the fit man walked around the front and climbed into the driver's seat. He started the vehicle and cocked his head, appearing to listen to the motor for a moment.

      Seconds later, she commented, I think you enjoy the purr of the engine. It does sound quiet.

      Hmmm, Lance said. Miss Long, do you have a BMW?

      No. I have an Audi. Dark blue convertible. The ride is so smooth.

      I had an Audi once. It was a great car, but I thought I'd try this.

      He said nothing else about the autos as they followed the SUV along dimly lit streets. After a few moments, he asked, You and Laura went to college together?

      Yes, we're Bulldogs from the University of Georgia.

      What was your major?

      History, with a minor in English.

      And, Miss Long, what do you do now?

      I'm a legal secretary.

      So you didn't finish college!

      Why would you assume that?

      I can't imagine a college graduate in a secretary job.

      What's wrong with a job as a secretary?

      Nothing. I'm sure it's honest work. However, what secretarial position would require a college degree and why would somebody with a degree take a low-paying job like that?

      Gwen huffed, Do you know how much legal secretaries make?

      No, Miss Long, I don't, but I can't imagine it's over $30,000 a year.

      Then your imagination fails you. Some secretaries to partners in large firms make over a hundred thousand dollars a year.

      You're kidding! And you? You make that much?

      If I did, I wouldn't share the information. In my part of the country, people with good manners don't discuss money.

      Seems to me it was just discussed, Miss Long. Does that mean you don't have good manners?

      Well, that was in general, Mr. Tanaka. And, as to why someone with a college degree would be a secretary, sometimes we do things for love.

      That's silly, Miss Long. You can't possibly love being a secretary. You might do it, but I don't think for a minute you would love it.

      I didn't say I love the job. There are other ways of working somewhere because of love.

      Ahh, sounds like you're in love with a lawyer.

      Gwen sighed and answered, No, not like you think at all.

      We'll get back to that. It seems to me a beautiful woman like you would already be married.

      I've been asked.

      You prefer to be an old maid? Isn't that they call women in the South who are unmarried at 18?

      Gwen snapped back, How ridiculous to believe an old cultural saying like that.

      The excited way you just answered sounds like you don't want to be an old maid.

      Gwen was peeved, In the first place, I'll be 27 on Dec. 5 and that isn't old and in the second place I'll get married when the right man comes along.

      There was something wrong with the men who already proposed to you?

      I have specific qualifications for a husband.

      Lance laughed and asked, And what are they?

      There are twelve! I want 1) someone gentle and tender, 2) intelligent, 3) thoughtful, 4) doesn't smoke, 5) drinks in moderation, 6) absolutely doesn't gamble, 8) has a full-time job and isn't extravagant with his money, 9) balances his checkbook, 10) works out to stay healthy, 11) is clean and neat, and 12) is willing for me to stay home and be a full-time mom after we start a family. And, it isn't a requirement, but it would be nice if he could cook and help around the house, especially outside.

      What a list, Miss Long. He laughed heartily. You left out handsome.

      Handsome is in the eyes of the beholder.

      Do you think I'm handsome? Many Anglo women aren't impressed with the facial characteristics of a half-Japanese man, especially how different our eyes are from those of Caucasians.

      Gwen laughed and stated, Looking at you doesn't make me feel sick.

      He laughed.

      So, Mr. Tanaka, what are you looking for in a wife? I bet you have a list.

      She has to be spectacular, a one-in-a-million.

      Gwen waited for more information and when none was added, she questioned, Hmmm, that's all?

      Yes, that's all, he answered.

      That's very subjective, she answered sharply. I'm surprised you don't have specific characteristics you require. Anyway, Chicago's population is over two and a half million, so there should be a couple of women like that here. Good luck in your search.

      Ouch. He snickered and asked, How many children?

      What?

      Miss Long, I'm asking how many children you plan to have.

      Two at least, maybe three or four. And you?

      I don't plan to have any. Has to do with age.

      What does that mean?

      The time for having children has passed, at least for me.

      Men aren't limited to a time for child-bearing like women are. You should know that!

      Of course I know that. I'll be 39 in January and I don't want to be 50 playing catching with my son. I just wouldn't have the energy to do the kid justice.

      You really are a strange man. You aren't old. I just watched you skating aggressively like you're in your early twenties. Certainly you could find the energy to stand and toss a ball to a child.

      He said nothing and she changed the subject, asking, Did you want to play hockey professionally?

      A knee injury limited that possibility, but I'm able to play in the amateur league. So, Miss Long, back to education. You have a degree?

      Yes, I have a BA in History, minor in English, and a Masters in Military History.

      I'm impressed. Why the English and Military History?

      Someday, I plan to write historical novels.

      Why not now? You said you’re a legal secretary. Would you rather be writing?

      My dad insisted I become a lawyer instead of a writer. We compromised and I signed a contract for a specific period of time to work in his Atlanta firm as a legal secretary. He believed if I were around lawyers, I’d want to be one.

      And do you?

      The short answer is No. I want to write and my time at the law firm is soon coming to an end. I’m already starting to outline historical novels I want to write. Anyway, did you go to college?

      BS with a double major in architecture and engineering and a Masters in Architectural Engineering.

      I see. A left-brain guy.

      What do you mean by that?

      She answered, All numbers and facts, little emotion.

      I see. Do you consider yourself left- or right-brain, Miss Long?

      I try to balance, to be emotional when it is appropriate, but to plan my life, execute plans, and keep track of facts and figures.

      I see. Facts and figures must mean money, but we don't discuss that topic. You're quite different from the typical Georgia peach, aren't you?

      She didn't answer and he said nothing as he pulled into a parking place, stopped the car, exited, and helped her from the passenger seat. As they entered the restaurant, both noticed the scent of freshly baked bread.

      Lance quietly commented, I'm going to enjoy my favorite Italian dish, Fettuccini Alfredo, but I have a high metabolic rate. Miss Long, I hope I don't have to watch you eating the same thing. It's hard to imagine you as obese. You must know that dish is one of the most fattening in existence.

      She grimaced, It just so happens that is my favorite Italian meal and I do plan to eat that tonight. Furthermore, I'll have you know I work out at the gym every other day and I stay very active. And, please call me Gwen. Miss Long sounds way too formal, almost like an old-maid school teacher's name.

      Thin-skinned, aren't you? Well, Gwen, what do you do to stay active?

      Tennis, golf, kick boxing, karate, Pilates, yoga, and I run.

      No wonder you aren't married. How have you even had time to date?

      Gwen didn't answer and a moment later the two couples were seated at the table. The waiter approached and asked for the drink orders. Lance replied, We’ll each have a glass of Chianti.

      Gwen snapped, Excuse me, Tanaka, I can order for myself.

      Lance laughed, I thought you were a history major. That would infer you like traditions and isn't it a Southern tradition for the man to order for the woman? Tell me what other wine would you have with pasta?

      Again, you are grabbing at customs from the past. But, since I'm a guest in your city and at this dinner, you may order for me, Fettuccini Alfredo, rich and fattening Ranch dressing on my salad, plenty of bread with lots of butter, and Chianti.

      Lance grimaced and slowly shook his head. Gwen smiled and sat up a bit straighter.

      The four orders placed, the couples settled into conversation about the weather, the skating practice, and other sports.

      Laura, Lance asked, you majored in history also. Are you as much of a traditionalist as Miss Long?

      Gwen interrupted, I already asked you to please call me Gwen. You make me sound like your 5th grade school teacher.

      Lance, Laura, and Juan laughed.

      Certainly, Gwen, Lance said in a sarcastic tone while rolling his eyes.

      Laura quickly replied, I love tradition, but I think lots of people do and they may not have majored in history.

      Gwen spouted, And, Tanaka, what makes you think I'm such a traditionalist!

      Look at the way you're dressed - designer clothes in a conservative style, small gold loop earrings, hardly any makeup, your hair held in a pony tail by a gold clip, French manicured nails.

      Gwen stared into his black eyes, You are very opinionated.

      Yes, Lance laughed, then answered, I enjoy being right.

      Gwen let out a quick breath, her shoulders rising and falling.

      Lance turned to Laura, How is your photography business going? Still doing mostly weddings?

      "Yes, they help pay the bills and bought me a

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