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Copyright © 2020 by J.Z. Luciano Published by J.Z. Luciano United States of America
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In addition, this is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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Introducting— The Antagonist of Book Antogonist! A.K.A. – Mr. Brown’s Love of Life and IRON MAGNOLIA. From the Mistress Elle Chronicles
First things First—Join Us For Our...
Drink Pic of the Week: The Southern Belle’s Bourbon Peach Sweet Tea
A toast to the South — where the tea is sweet, the peaches are golden, and the bourbon knows your name.
This week, we honor a drink as timeless as a front porch swing and as elegant as a magnolia in bloom: Bourbon Peach Sweet Tea — the crown jewel of refined Southern sipping.
Brewed slow and strong, kissed with ripe Georgia peaches, and finished with a velvet pour of bourbon, this drink is more than refreshment — it’s a ritual. It hums with the warmth of late summer evenings and the hush of cicadas in the trees. It’s the kind of drink that lingers on the lips and in the memory, especially when paired with a slice of our Georgia Bourbon Peach Cobbler, where a splash of bourbon in the batter lifts the crust like a hymn.
Recipe for Reverie:
- 4 cups strong-brewed black tea (Luzianne or your Southern favorite)
- 1 ripe Georgia peach, sliced thin
- 2 oz smooth bourbon (Woodford Reserve or something equally genteel)
- 1/4 cup peach nectar
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (or more, if your heart desires)
- Serve over crushed ice, garnished with fresh mint and a peach slice
Pair it with:
A warm, bubbling dish of bourbon-laced peach cobbler, where the crust rises golden and proud, and the filling sings of orchard days and Southern grace.
Because in the South, we don’t just drink—we celebrate.
Chronicles.
ABRIDGED RAW CUT
Ladies & Gentlemen Be Advised – Moderate to Rich and Explicit Content
Must Be 18+ Years or Older — Rated “M” for Mature Audiences Only
WHISPERING RIDGE – Late to The Party
Tagline—
“Sometimes the longest detours lead us straight to destiny.”
Prologue
While Caught in Gridlock is a lyrical Southern fiction tale that unfolds on the winding roads of Georgia, where memory and mystery collide. As dusk settles over I-985, a man finds himself lost in thought, haunted by the arrival of Lady Elle — a fiery, untamed spirit who once tore up the driveway to Whispering Ridge in a blur of music, wind, and wild auburn curls. Her sudden appearance marked the beginning of a love story steeped in fate, refuge, and the kind of Southern soul that lingers long after the moment has passed. With cinematic flair and emotional depth, this story explores how one unexpected encounter can change everything — and how the South holds secrets that only the heart can truly understand.
Caught in gridlock—-“on Georgia I985 late one evening, after work I could not keep my mind from thinking of those first months I spent with the enchanting “Lady Elle”. Many moons have passed since the first day that beautiful; stubborn; and tenacious creature came barreling up my driveway to “whispering ridge” ───in her little white pocket rocket (Ford Fusion)!
Oh yes…I remember that early morning, as if it happened yesterday. I could hear the music blasting as I caught glimpses of her kinky auburn tresses: wildly airborne in the wind. She looked almost “angelic” speeding up that hill to the ridge. As if she was running from someone… or something. I was very excited and proud that it was in my arms that Elle chose to run towards to find refuge. I guess at that place and time, it was simply our unplanned and unexplained destiny—her journeying to me, of course. It was in those days and moments I had the revelation that Whispering Ridge, in both my heart and mind, would never be the same—ever again!”
At that juncture in my life—-the ridge really needed the presence of Elle’s ‘larger than life” spirit and aura. I realized that fact; now more than ever as my mind reflects to those days of utter hopelessness and loneliness for me. After three days of thunderstorms and mild flooding, the ridge and I could only bask in the warmth and energy Elle brought with her and the radiant sun above. My body tingles from head to toe, and other areas I dare not mention, aloud! Elle just had that way about her. What southern gentleman, in his right mind, could have resisted that? None—that were at the ridge that day…not even one!
However—-in the few seconds before her arrival, my gut instincts kicked into hyper drive! I guess you can call it intuition…or better yet…my emotional intelligence. Elle loves that term. The first notion made every extremity on my body tingle with intrigue and a type of unbridled longing: which had lain dormant for nearly three years. A tumultuous divorce would do that to any man or woman. The seconds were far more congealing to my adulation than anticipated. The look in her eyes and the speed of that vehicle was proof positive that this beautiful angel was running from something—-psychologically ominous, so to speak.
Gosh, almighty baby, I remember wondering, for just a bit…if the “ridge” …nestled that far in the north Georgia mountains from Metro-Atlanta, would be far enough for her to run? My stomach began to tingle and tighten from the thought. I shut my eyes for a second or two as I shook my head from side to side wildly. “No negativity” …I said to myself sternly, yet softly. I chose, at that moment, to focus on two very prevalent and important things: Elle and Brown (Me)! Suddenly, a soft cough, clearing my throat, escaped me. However, I couldn’t allow old demons and intuition to disrupt my weekend with my angel in any way, shape, or form! Brown would not be down with that…on any level. Elle was mine for that entire weekend, and I to quickly re-iterated the thought to myself, that nothing of this earth was going to tear her from my clutches—not a single thing (so I thought)! That is how much I desired and needed her. As for those demons…well…they needed to beware, because I wasn’t having any of that nonsense. None…Whatsoever! Why did this thought plague me so…is anybody’s guess? Nonetheless, Mr. Brown had an objective to accomplish. This was our weekend, and possible prelude to another possibilities—-filled with a lifetime of memories, in a sense, of course, that was for morale). God in heaven, only knew, we both needed it—-that hellcat racing towards me, especially! From there, I put my happy schoolboy face forward and waited…. most impatiently!
Finally—after those few moments of mental bliss, to myself,she looked over at me… quickly winked, gave that beauty queen of a wave—-that would melt any man’s heart, and turned slightly to click open the remaining doors of her fusion. I swear it felt like a scene out of High Society …I loved it! I, secretly, kept having to re-adjust myself: as I blushed like a ridiculous schoolboy.
Perhaps that was the true defining moment between us? Whatever the moment it was clear that no man on this earth could contain that much energy and feistiness…i.e. myself… Mr. Brown included. It Didn’t matter how much I would come to love this woman; no man would have her full undivided attention or commitment—EVER! Elle was her own woman, and she went her own way in life and love: this I assessed early on in our repartee’ with each other.
Nonetheless, the pragmatist within me sought to maintain emotional distance. However, an old sense of longing and loneliness stirred within me, compelling me to act impulsively. I desired to partake in this adventure, driven by the thrill it promised. To be frank, what kind of self-respecting gentleman would I be if I did not pursue this opportunity?
Needless to say, I bought a ticket for the “love train”, and it said “non-refundable”. I could have cared less…it was time to either “feast or famine”, no joke. No woman rattled my “man cage” like this girl…damn her! What would we make of all this emotional and sensual pomp and circumstance together this weekend? Only fate and destiny had those answers…oh…and the good Lord above. Ssssshhhhiiiitttt….it was about to be on! Still standing there with a boyish glee—-I inconspicuously undocked my dress shirt. If you know what I mean? I took two to three steps off the front porch, and before I could catch another breath that angel was in flight towards me. You ran towards me at top speed, smiling, with her arms stretching out to embrace me. Those schoolgirl eyes of hers instantly paralyzed my entire body. They were so warm, deep, yet beckoning. I stepped forward, just a tad, laughing to myself. As I, continued, to gleam with anticipation, my arms reached forward: catching her before she could stumble. I pulled her as close to my chest as possible as I sighed simultaneously—then I took in a huge deep breath. With my eyes completely shut and the morning sun shining on us both, wrapping Elle and me, I utter raptured warmth. I was too relieved—and lost in the moments of total unmitigated rapture. Honestly, that is what the moment felt like. It’s just magical. I couldn’t help feeling a bit besotted. My Elle was in my arms now, safe and sound, finally!
Of course, I took a few more deep breaths again (it was needed). The beauty in my arms gave me such a warm and tense embrace. My eyes closed tighter as I began to quake quietly and shiver from that embrace. I afforded me by my “angel without wings” …as Jack Johnson would say. I held her there for as many seconds as I could—-finally releasing her slowly in two to three second intervals. Couldn’t be helped—-that damn perfume—-and voluptuous silhouette was absolutely spellbinding! We were young and free again. Meer words can’t fully explain
Elle and I were living in that moment (we chatted often about it)! I know the stubborn woman in her would not say it aloud, she knew it…and felt it, as well. I came to the realization…right then and there…that I would stride with all my might to own and possess her…caution be damned! Truth be known…I needed her in my life—at that time—and at the ridge! The cost, mentally or emotionally, at that point, was of no real consequence to me. I wanted what I wanted.
However, I could not dismiss the small hole opening up in my gut. It was a warning that she would, one day, soon, be in flight away from me. Of course, for that weekend, I dared not to allow such a daunting possibility. In no way was I prepared to accept nothing but her lovely presence: with its breath of fresh air. Hell…even the “ridge” itself opened itself up to receive her burning light that morning. All the old demons had better beware and remain at bay. The weekend’s lady of the manner was now present and accounted
After all the pomp and circumstance of Elle’s arrival, we graciously wrapped ourselves around one another. We were both physically and emotionally submerged into each other’s space by this time. Finally, I secured her little girly, pink, and green Ralph Lauren weekend bag into my free hand, chuckling like crazy!
Because… it was just too damn girly to me for a woman of her caliber and taste, I thought (yet secretly loving it). Because in the back of my cheap and tawdry mind; I was hoping there were a few sexy and chic schoolgirl or hot vixen outfits packed away, somewhere inside that leather Lagerfeld weekend tote. Hhhhmmm… Sorry… I digressed.
Gently, I tucked Elle deep into my right arm, the remainder of the journey, into the formal areas of the ridge. Yes, kinda selfish and controlling. But I needed her as close as I could possibly get her. It was worth it. She looked around and upside down, with sparkling brown eyes and ever hardening and bulging nipples. Teasing and taunting the shit out of my imagination. Gosh… almighty! What a sight to behold. uummm… didn’t bother hiding my massive, hardened member. Not in the least. Sssooo anxious! We literally waltzed over to the ridge’s entrance onto the veranda, literally walking on air. As with any naughty schoolboy I couldn’t help my urges and inclinations (blame it on that fucking spellbinding perfume (Initial). I couldn’t resist pinching those erect erasers, pointing due-north. They beckoned to be pinched and massaged, by my thumb and middle finger. And spirit God’s willing suckled like hell, later. I know. But darnnit! Elle’s eyes descended slightly shut, in utter euphoria and enchantment. Knees nearly buckled under her. Rather an obscene and naughty gesture, by me, or not. Dammit, baby girl!
But for whatever reason, Elle paused in front of the huge German styled door, gazed at her (the ridge) up and down. I frowned for a bit, as did she. Next thing I knew…down the stairs into the foyer, we both went with Elle, literally leading the way. It was as if she had been a constant visitor to the ridge’s mountain retreat. What I witnessed left me in total awe: also, it left a beautiful mark on my memory.
The mid-day sun must have been awfully jealous, because suddenly it began to beam its way into every nook and cranny of that mansion. It’s beautiful light and warmth lit up every inanimate object that surrounded us. My heart started to pound as I surreptitiously surrendered my mansion’s quarter to Elle, affording her the opportunity to continue the rest of her journey through the ridge, alone. Her first stop, surprisingly, was up the spiral staircase onto the “master suite”. I could not believe the grace, ease, and confidence of this woman! If I had my way…I would have taken her right, there.
Thank goodness my cooler head prevailed, so to speak. That is not the manner a gentleman treats his southern belle. Still, I was absolutely enamored by how comfortable this woman was in her own skin. Fearless—is a more correct discretion of her demeanor! You could tell by the look in her eyes that Elle was at home in any mansion. I guess, looking back, it is befitting to say that weekend—Elle was the quintessential “Lady of the Manor” …my manor. No gentleman in his right state of mind could have resisted or not surrendered himself to the essence of that notion!
***
CRASH! Mr. Chips rear ended the red Benz in front of him: just before his exit. It broke his deep concentration of that weekend, and of course, of his “angel without wings—at least for that moment!
Ohhhhh…boy! The gentleman was so lost in that weekend of absolute wonderment and enchantment that his ass slammed into the lady’s Benz in front of him, at about 50mph during rush hour traffic (cars were rolling out from bumper to bumper… to pressing the peddle to the metal, so to speak). It did not matter; he was with her again cognitively (his Elle). His fucking insurance would take care of the matter. Being a gentleman Mr. Chips hopped out of his vehicle immediately!’
“Ma’am…are you okay?” He asked her with a bit of anxiousness, in his voice. The shaken woman said not a word, at first. She only looked at Mr. Brown with bewilderment and tension.
“Sir… I am fine.”
“But… I have to ask you…what the hell were you thinking?”
“There was no fucking way you could not have seen this brand-new candy apple red Mercedes Benz!” She looked at him with anger and discernment.
Her curt response ignited the gentleman’s ire, just a bit. Mr. Brown was as cordial and honorable as he could’ve possibly been. Despite his angst and pissed demeaner.
Hey, he was daydreaming like hell. Elle was all over that boy’s brain. It’s No wonder that he rearended that lady. A blind man could’ve seen that accident happening. Dems the facts.
Thank goodness the middle-aged and pissed off driver finally calmed down. “Ma’am”, please allow me to escort you to grass where its safe from traffic. They’re not driving that slow.” He nearly yelled into the woman’s ear. Of course, she shook her head in agreement. Her eyes began to reveal how she really felt, at that moment. Of course, under-standably. She was a bit frazzled. Clear as day. However, Brown being Brown did the gentlemanly thing. He remained by her side until the entire ordeal was over and down.
Of course, he was a bit horrified at the thought of his insurance spiking beyond comprehension. On the other hand, thank goodness the state patrolman was a pretty cool guy.
Plus, that Lincoln Navigator of his was barely scratched, so to speak. As for the lady’s beamer, well let’s just say she didn’t fair as well. Especially, with such shotty vehicle insurance. Mr. Brown was definitely kissed by the Gods.
WELL… WELL… WELL… Ladies and Gentleman. WHEN IT’S HOT… IT’S HOT!
HOW’S THAT FOR A TASTE of HOT SOUTHERN FICTION?!
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