Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Reflections
    Reflections
    Reflections
    Ebook118 pages1 hour

    Reflections

    By John Paxton

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    A young woman approaches an older man and asks him to dance. During a first date, a woman declares that she wishes to be married and have a child by the time she is thirty-one. A young man opens his door to a woman who invites herself in; she returns a month later and later and tells him he is taking her to dinner. A young man is suddenly given access to almost unlimited wealth. After dressing, a woman walks into her bathroom to see a naked man she does not recognize, he claims to be her husband. The invitation extended to a young family to attend a grand party seems too good to be true. These are some of the characters who populate this eclectic mix of short stories, which have elements of romance, strange coincidences and unexpected outcomes where all is not as it might at first appear.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherJohn Paxton
    Release dateSep 25, 2017
    ISBN9781370902231
    Reflections

    Read more from John Paxton

    Related to Reflections

    Related ebooks

    Short Stories For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      The NEWCOMER

      Oct 10, 2023

      The NEWCOMER
      11 min read

    • Article

      The Newcom Er

      Sep 21, 2021

      The Newcom Er
      11 min read

    • Article

      Right date, RIGHT NOW

      Feb 15, 2023

      Right date, RIGHT NOW
      6 min read

    • Article

      Fanning the FLAMES

      Jan 18, 2022

      Fanning the FLAMES
      6 min read

    • Article

      Mature Adults In Your Area

      Aug 8, 2022

      I would say that I don’t normally do this kind of thing, except that on and off over the months and years, I’ve done “these kinds of things” too many times for that to be true. So yeah, I go on dates from time to time. This recent guy wouldn’t choose

      6 min read

    • Article

      From The Editor-in-chief

      Mar 14, 2024

      From The Editor-in-chief
      2 min read

    • Article

      Breaking POINT

      Nov 1, 2022

      Breaking POINT
      6 min read

    • Article

      Laugh EVERY DAY

      Jul 2, 2023

      Live, Laugh, Love Day-to-day life can get hectic and it’s easy to forget the simple things, such as a bit of humour. Laughing is the perfect way to indulge in a bit of me-time and just be happy. While laughing is obviously fun, did you know it’s ac

      9 min read

    • Article

      Ask Us Anything

      Oct 17, 2023

      Q Last weekend, a couple of bottles of wine down, some friends and I were swapping sex notes. And my best friend was saying that she can climax just by having her ears nibbled. Excuse me? I know about orgasms through penetration and I easily come whe

      2 min read

    • Article

      Making Small Talk

      Jan 15, 2024

      Making Small Talk
      2 min read

    • Article

      All-inclusive

      May 9, 2019

      All-inclusive
      9 min read

    • Article

      Our Happy Place

      Oct 6, 2021

      Our Happy Place
      11 min read

    • Article

      Balancing Act: Advice To My Longtime Friend Getting Married On My Wedding Anniversary

      Sep 30, 2019

      To my longtime friend getting married this weekend. Congratulations! I can't wait to meet your bride. She seems lovely and kind and adventuresome and fun. (You know, from what I see on Instagram.) And you've never looked happier. Remember when we wer

      3 min read

    • Article

      To Speak Or Not To Speak? A Case For Holding My Tongue.

      Jul 18, 2023

      I’m trying to figure out how many times I wish I’d kept my mouth shut.  As I fill in the mental spreadsheet that may eventually yield a total, patterns emerge in the data: From birth to age 7, for example, I have no entries. The numbers rise in a gen

      3 min read

    • Article

      FACING loneliness

      Oct 7, 2023

      FACING loneliness
      6 min read

    • Article

      Family PLANNING

      Jun 6, 2021

      Family PLANNING
      3 min read

    • Article

      Keeping GOING

      Aug 23, 2022

      Keeping GOING
      11 min read

    • Article

      Julia

      Oct 19, 2022

      Julia
      7 min read

    • Article

      Offended On Behalf Of

      Apr 4, 2022

      I’m not in any hurry to finish this life (and I’m certainly hopeful that it won’t end anytime soon), but I’ve got to say that I’m pleased I don’t have to live on this same planet that you younger readers are going to have to occupy for the next 40 or

      5 min read

    • Article

      Happy Families

      Aug 5, 2021

      Happy Families
      7 min read

    • Article

      Sam Delaney Is At Home

      Feb 27, 2023

      I might be a washed-up, 47-year-old recovering addict and self-professed weirdo, but I still know how to party. It’s nice to get out of the house once in a while. But these days I am careful about the way I approach social get-togethers. Whereas my y

      3 min read

    • Article

      Power Of A Pup

      Jan 24, 2020

      Power Of A Pup
      6 min read

    • Article

      Wild Days

      Jul 27, 2020

      Wild Days
      7 min read

    • Article

      Something Better

      May 10, 2022

      Something Better
      6 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Reflections

    0 ratings

    0 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Reflections - John Paxton

      Reflections

      A collection of short stories

      John L Paxton

      Smashworks Edition

      Copyright 2017 John L Paxton

      Contents

      When I’m 31

      Dance with Me

      Why are You Here?

      The Visitor

      Am I You?

      Conception

      Whatever You Want

      The Girl in the Blue Skirt

      The Garden Party

      When I’m 31

      The popular city restaurant had the slightly suppressed buzz of a sophisticated, discreet establishment. A couple, seated at a corner table of the restaurant, had engaged in spirited, mutually-enjoyable conversation throughout their meal, when, at the end of the main course, the conversation moved suddenly to a completely different topic. I intend to be married with a child by the time I’m 31, she said in a rather nonchalant way, after settling her knife and fork on the plate.

      The response from her unprepared partner was a little more excited, Wow! Do you always say that on a first date?

      Yes, nearly always. The exceptions are when it’s obvious there won’t be a second date, she answered, with the slightest of shivers as if dismissing old memories of unpleasant failures

      And what happens after you’ve made the bold statement?

      Some men are a bit uncomfortable, others surprised, she replied, holding his eye with no trace of embarrassment."

      He was now feeling less startled and more curious, Did you have any second dates?

      Not many.

      The curiosity now changing to amusement, Any?

      One or two but I don’t think we need to pursue that any further. Obviously, no lasting relationships came about, said in a very matter-of-fact manner, while still holding his eye and assessing his reactions.

      Warming to the subject, he took the initiative, Anyway, are you setting out the rules of engagement Liz or should I interpret your statement as a proposal?

      No Ryan, I’m merely articulating my plans not the rules of engagement, she replied with the same calm manner.

      OK, that’s good, said with a broad grin.

      Are you making fun of me Ryan?, she said with a hint of mock reproach.

      No, but I am amused... and intrigued, he replied almost as a challenge.

      Hmm. A proposal - that’s interesting, I hadn’t really thought of it in those terms. If it were a proposal, what would you say? She smiled with the demureness of practised innocence.

      He wasn’t expecting her to rise to his challenge, expecting the topic to just drift away. Now he was the one being challenged and so he sought to deflect her, What would I say or what would I think?

      She sensed her advantage. Well both, naturally... but firstly what you would say.

      He also sensed where the advantage lay and could only think of a non-committal answer. I would have to say I feel flattered, if it were a proposal. But I would want more time to think about it and get to know you better.

      She was now really warming to the game. In her previous experiences, the conversation had been quickly brushed aside; no-one had engaged with it before. This time it was different and she was experiencing the tingle of nervous pleasure. Is that the best you can do?

      Under the circumstances, was the blustery response.

      Under the circumstances - I see. And what would you think? Looking and sounding quite determined, she pressed on.

      My thoughts might be private, he demurred.

      Come on Ryan, what would you think, with amused encouragement as she sensed his reluctance.

      He cleared his throat and paused momentarily, as if internally rehearsing a speech. My initial reaction would be that you are a bit crazy - or desperate. After all we are only an hour or so into our first date. How was your duck by the way? he asked trying to move the conversation to a more comfortable place

      The duck was excellent thank you, and your lamb?

      It was really good - I do like this place. He leaned back into his chair, visibly relaxing as he assumed the path of conversation had taken a turn.

      His dining companion was not to be deterred. So do I. Ok, after you have wondered about my craziness or state of desperation - I’m neither by the way.

      That’s a relief.

      As I was saying - What would your next thoughts be? She leaned forward, smiling, enjoying the moment as she placed her elbows on the table, raised her forearms and rested her chin on intertwined fingers.

      That’s not quite as easy.

      Humour me.

      I should humour you? he politely enquired.

      Yes, of course.

      Why?

      Because it pleases me? she smiled.

      He now felt able to reply adequately. Hmmm, because it pleases you? OK, I would assume you had done some background checking on me before agreeing to have dinner. He smiled, thinking he now had the upper hand and was starting to enjoy the interplay.

      How would I do that? I’m a nurse remember, not a detective. Her riposte was larded with mock innocence. Switching to a brisker smile, but don’t forget I have known you for a few years.

      He was now the one not to be put off. Yes, and in that time, we saw one another on many occasions at various social functions but spent very little time together, certainly not just the two of us.

      So, how could I have done a background check, as you call it?

      While he pondered his next move, he offered another course, are we going to have dessert?

      Definitely - I want to hear more.

      Shall we have a dessert wine as well?

      Why not! We could be here for a while - you choose I don’t know much about wine. The red by the way was delicious.

      I’m pleased you liked it, he said with appreciation.

      Liz, anxious to continue, pulled the conversation back, Anyway, we digress or at least you do. How would I do a background check?

      Quite easily I would have thought, was the quick response.

      How?

      Well we have several friends in common. Felicity for example.

      Ah yes Felicity. Didn’t you have some sort of relationship with her? The feigned innocence was too transparent.

      Yes, for a couple of years - as you of course know. I rest my case.

      Hmm.

      And then there is Emma.

      Yes Emma - you had a fling with her as well didn’t you? She threw him an almost defiant look.

      I guess that’s a reasonable term to describe it, he replied good-naturedly.

      So?

      So? How’s the dessert?

      Good.

      And the wine?

      Wonderful! said with warm appreciation.

      That’s very pleasing - I like your enthusiasm.

      Thank you I’ll take that as a compliment, as she slightly inclined her head in acknowledgment.

      Please do, he smiled.

      Anyway, so? Neither was prepared to deviate for long.

      Well, did you speak to either Felicity or Emma about having dinner with me?

      I might have just mentioned something, she replied a little too casually.

      To one or both? he enquired gently pressing his advantage.

      Both.

      Both - right. Just mentioned, or did you ask about me? Ryan was now openly enjoying the moment.

      I probably asked a question or two. Again, the casual reply.

      A question or two, or did you elicit my life history?

      Somewhere in between. All right, all right, she cheerfully conceded. Did you ask about me? Liz asked, almost hopefully.

      Only to get your ‘phone number and to check you weren’t in a relationship.

      Is that all?, displaying some disappointment.

      Yes.

      Can we have another glass of that rather nice wine? she asked brightly.

      Of course.

      That was not the end of the jousting. Liz again returned, Anyway, what else would you think? Would you assume I had come to any conclusions from my background checking?

      As we are here in this lovely restaurant finishing a superb dinner with some rather nice wine, I would assume that your checking was positive, so to speak.

      Meaning?

      Ryan immediately replied, without hesitation or thought, Meaning that whatever criteria you had set, I had been assessed as suitable to be a companion and procreator.

      Fascinating.

      Are you laughing at me now?

      No, merely impressed. Anything else? Liz felt extremely calm and tranquil; the earlier nervous edge to her enjoyment had left her.

      Yes.

      What?

      "It may not immediately be obvious but I am something of a romantic. Therefore, I would have

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1