by Darrien Lee
About the Author
DARRIEN LEE, A NATIVE OF COLUMBIA, Tennessee attended Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, which is where she picked up the love of writing. Her experiences on the college campus, was the inspiration for All That and A Bag of Chips, her first novel, published by Strebor Books Int’l. Majoring in Business Administration, she started out writing various works of poetry for her friends to help them “get the one they loved or get over the one they loved and lost.” She is a member of African American Authors Helping Authors.
It wasn’t until recently that Darrien began to take her writing serious after feeling unfulfilled with her present job at United Parcel Service. She found writing was the perfect setting which to unwind in while entertaining her friends.
Darrien lives in LaVergne Tennessee with her husband of 10 years and their two daughters. In her spare time she loves reading, sports and listening to jazz.
Dear Readers,
I hope you have enjoyed Venice’s unique and adventurous love story. I would also like to thank all of you for your encouragement and support. While writing this story, it reminded me of the fun and minor drama that took place on my college campus. I hope in some way that I was able to entertain you and provide you with a thirst for reading. Some of you may have been able to relate to one or more of my characters. If so, I hope in some way I was able to move you either with tears, laughter, or love. Please write and let me know your thoughts and opinions.
And for those of you who are wondering, a sequel to All That and A Bag of Chips is in the works. Craig Bennett is too handsome and sexy not to find love also. Look for the sequel in the near future by checking my website. I look forward to bringing you Craig’s story and many others.
Take Care,
Darrien Lee
Readers can contact me via my website at www.DarrienLee.com and at www.luvalwayz.com
Been There, Done That
By Darrien Lee
In merely seven years, Craig Bennett has managed to become one of the most successful architects in Philadelphia, PA. Labeled as one of Philadelphia’s most eligible bachelors, Craig has had his selection of beautiful, intelligent women. Unfortunately, since his breakup with Venice, none have come close to fulfilling his passions and desires the way that she did. Having removed himself from any and all contact with her, Craig has built a wall around his heart, vowing to never risk falling in love again.
Jarvis and Venice could not be happier as the proud parents of their five-year-old son, Brandon. While Jarvis is relishing his fifth season in the NFL, Venice is enjoying her career in Sports Medicine with the Michigan State football team. Like all married couples, they have experienced their ups and downs. However, nothing could possibly prepare them for the unforeseen tragedy awaiting them. Will love enable them to overcome the unexpected turn of events? Only time will tell.
Been There, Done That
by Darrien Lee
The Detroit Lions won the Super Bowl and Jarvis was the MVP. The entire family was excited and happy for him, but Venice noticed Joshua was unusually quiet.
She asked, “Hey Josh! You okay?”
“I’m cool. Just happy Jarvis finally got that ring.”
Smiling she said, “So am I, Josh.”
Later that night, after hours of celebrating, Venice laid in Jarvis’ arms after making hot, steamy love.
“Jarvis, I’ll love you forever.”
Tilting her chin up so he could look into her eyes, he said, “Till death do us part, sweetheart. I’ll love you forever and don’t you ever forget it.”
A single tear rolled out of her eyes as he lowered his lips to hers and stole her breath with his hot kiss. Making love to her this night was necessary and special as he joined his body with hers.
Philadelphia was blanketed with several feet of snow. Not many people showed up for work, either because of the weather or because they had one drink too many at a Super Bowl party. Craig came in that day, not having anything else to do. The newspaper was at the door when he arrived. Once in his office, he opened it to see the headline: Detroit Lions Win the Super Bowl! On the inside was a picture of Jarvis, holding the MVP trophy and kissing the still breathtakingly beautiful Venice. He didn’t expect to have to lay eyes on her, but it was too late now. She had begun invading his dreams on a regular basis lately anyway and it unnerved him. He used to only think of her on rare occasions over the past few years, but lately it had increased for some odd reason. Now he’d laid eyes on her for the first time in seven years. Throwing the paper into the trash, he angrily shouted, “Damn!”
Months Later
The month of July seemed to be an unusually wet one. The late night storm woke Venice up as it rolled through. Venice watched as the lightening lit up the room. Worried that five-year-old Brandon might be afraid, she decided to check on him. Finding him sound asleep, she returned to bed and snuggled up to Jarvis and kissed him on the lips, but it felt strange. She stroked his face and his skin felt different.
She whispered his name to wake him to make sure he was all right. After no response, she started to
shake him, first softly, then frantically.
“Jarvis! Baby, wake up!”
He still did not respond. Venice’s heart was now pounding as she reached over to turn on the light.
He was still breathing but was unresponsive. She reached for the phone and dialed 911 as tears streamed from her eyes.
She screamed, “Jarvis! Don’t do this to me! Please!”
Luckily, Ms. Camille has spent the night. Venice ran to wake her so she could tend to Brandon.
She didn’t want to alarm him that something was wrong with his daddy. The paramedics were there in no time and Venice dressed hurriedly while trying to stay calm.
“God please don’t take Jarvis away from me.”