Two Steps Past the Altar

Antoine Bailey AKA DJ Ant is one of the wealthy heirs to his father’s prominent real estate business. He enjoys his wealth, but life is not perfect. Antoine is ready to move past the drama of his family issues, and ex-girlfriend’s infidelity. Relocation from the San Francisco Bay area to Los Angeles for a new position is a godsend. Within a year, DJ Ant’s ratings are over the top, and he’s one of the most popular DJs on the West Coast.

Disputes with Jada Carson, a co-worker, becomes a challenge. Even more challenging is their conflict transitions into an attraction that he can’t resist.

Jada Carson’s life has not been easy. Thrust into the parenting role of teenage sisters, at age twenty-two she’s the head of household. Ten years later, she is the Traffic Director at a radio station where she did her college internship. After her love-life dives, so does her trust in men. Then along comes Antoine, who becomes the nail in her side. But he’s oh, so gorgeous.

Although she’s attracted to him, she dismisses the notion of a relationship because she doesn’t want any part of that arrogant man. When Cupid steps in, a romance between Antoine and Jada ignites.

Will Jada and Antoine survive the turmoil that hovers over their blossoming love? Only God knows the answer.

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Meet the Author

Patricia A. Bridewell is a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds Adjunct Nursing Faculty positions at several universities, two of which are UCLA School of Nursing and Santa Monica College. Her short story appears in the Brown Girls Books Anthology Single Mama Dating Drama, an African American Literature Book Club (AALBC) two-time Best Selling book. Her fourth novel, Two Steps Past the Altar, was released by Tymm Publishing in 2018. Patricia’s next novel, Rhythm Bay Love, and a short story contribution to the Brown Girls Books Anthology – Confessions: Secrets and Lies Revealed will be published in June 2020. Her church home is West Angeles Church of God in Christ. Visit her on social media and at www.patriciabridewell.com

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Chapter 2

JADA -- Friday

TWENTY MINUTES LATER - Rapping on the radio station’s main studio window with a pen, Jada squinted. “Open the door,” she said in a tone one notch below a scream.

A cocky grin swiped Antoine Bailey’s mouth. He flat-out annoyed Jada, which was irritating. He lifted one hand with a scribbled note. FIVE MINUTES. Jada quickly jotted a note and pushed it against the window. NO!! NOW! He shook his head and swiveled the chair around to the microphone. Who does he think he is?

She shot the back of his head a daggered stare and watched him rock back and forth to the music, flinging both arms in the air like he was having muscle spasms. He just didn’t know. If she could do anything except go inside the studio and deal with his stuck-up egotistical attitude, she would. She huffed a long sigh. “Go ahead. Just keep ignoring me,” Jada said as if he could hear through thick glass windows and blaring music.

The door to Studio Two opened, and DJ Rocky Lopez exited. “Hey, how you doin’?”

“Oh, I’m okay. Trying to get in there.”

“You can’t get in?” he twisted the doorknob. “It’s locked. Looks like he’s busy.”

“I guess I’ll wait a while longer.”

“Yo’, hit him up on the red line. If it’s work-related, he shoulda let you in to see what you wanted.” DJ Rocky attempted to twist the knob again. Antoine wasn’t giving either of them a first or second thought. “Good luck.”

“I’m not worried, but thanks a lot.” She appreciated DJ Rocky’s advice, but she would not be the cause of any commotion. DJ Rocky already had a beef with Antoine and management about switching Antoine from nights to his dayshift.

Perched against the studio wall that was encased with glass windows, Jada tapped one foot, watched Antoine from the back, and waited for what seemed like forever to get his attention again. “Five Minutes? That’s what he said fifteen minutes ago,” she mumbled under her breath.

Why was it so hard to understand clients come first? When they buy a spot that’s supposed to air at a certain time, it had to air. His problem? Antoine knew but didn’t care if he could sit in there, play music, and make things hard for her. Well, she’d wait. And, whether he liked it or not, adding the spot was not an option.

Antoine had been at the station for over a year. A surprise to many, his rapid acceleration from newbie to one of the most prominent radio disc jockeys in Los Angeles was mind-boggling. The word was DJ Ant’s popularity had put a spit shine on Simon, the program director’s face. On the opposite side, his move to dayshift sent DJ Rocky Lopez and Jada on a tailspin.

“Wake up, wake up, L.A.! It’s time to move to the groove. This is your favorite champ DJ Ant, the Prince of Romance, bringing you the first two hours of oldies but goodies and some spicy romantic tunes for your pleasure.” Antoine lifted both hands. “More to come—musical joy at 101.3 KTLM on your dial. Here’s one of my favorites.” Running his hands through an acre of light brown dreadlocks, Antoine inhaled and leaned into the mic. In a sultry voice, he said, “Keep Your Head to the Sky” by Earth, Wind, and Fire.”

Jada’s head tilted. She inhaled and exhaled to remain calm. This was getting ridiculous. Watching him expediently multitask between the mixing board, paperwork, laptop, and sips of water, she shook her head. That man was so full of himself. Two months. That’s how long she’d been dealing with his behavior.

Antoine turned, gave her a dimpled smile, saluted her like a sailor, and held up one finger. She almost held up her middle one, but she caught herself.

“Keep your eyes off my man,” Denise snapped her fingers as she swayed over to the door wearing a pair of four-inch multicolored Jimmy Choo shoes. A scarf that matched the shoes was a perfect choice to accent the aqua blue dress that hugged her size sixteen pyramid.

“Hey, lady, I’d be happy to. He’s not my type, and I’m about to report him to Simon. He won’t let me in.”

Denise stuck her tongue inside her cheek. “He’s probably busy… or trying to get your attention.”

“Oh, stop. He’s not that busy. And why would he want my attention?”

“You never know,” Denise said.

Jada’s eyes swept over Denise’s clothes. “Look at you. I like that outfit, and those shoes are dope.” Denise and Jada had been close friends since meeting at Pepperdine University and sharing some required courses. Both grew up in urban communities and shared a lot of common interests. Jada lived in South Central Los Angeles and Denise in Compton. Jada respected her sharp friend and was thrilled when the station hired Denise for a sales position four years ago based on her referral.

“Well, I’ve chatted with him briefly. He seemed personable.” Denise turned her focus to Antoine. “I’ve got to give him props, though…he’s one fine brother.” She faced Jada and leaned

toward her ear. “Some of the sistas around here got their eyes on him.”

Jada shrugged, “All they want is the package in between his legs.”

Denise gasped and placed a hand on her chest. “No, that didn’t come out your mouth.”

Jada fluffed her reddish-auburn kinky-curly hair. “What else would they want? He’s way too arrogant.”

( Continued... )

© 2020 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Patricia A. Bridewell. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

Patricia A. Bridewell is a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds Adjunct Nursing Faculty positions at several universities, two of which are UCLA School of Nursing and Santa Monica College.

Her short story appears in the Brown Girls Books Anthology Single Mama Dating Drama, an African American Literature Book Club (AALBC) two-time Best Selling book. Her fourth novel, Two Steps Past the Altar, was released by Tymm Publishing in 2018.

Patricia’s next novel, Rhythm Bay Love, and a short story contribution to the Brown Girls Books Anthology – Confessions: Secrets and Lies Revealed will be published in June 2020. Her church home is West Angeles Church of God in Christ.

Visit her on social media and at www.patriciabridewell.com

Join the Seducing the Pen Tour for PAB: https://www.smore.com/sjx81

BPM: Please share something our readers wouldn’t know about you.

Many people may not know that I have a deep passion for music, in addition to reading and writing. Music and prayer are my therapies.

BPM: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Blessed, compassionate, and hard-working.

BPM: Introduce us to your most recent work, Rhythm Bay Love. Available on Nook and Kindle?

I am excited about my fifth novel, Rhythm Bay Love. The story is about two hard-working people who are seeking love. Jada Carson and Antoine Bailey clash from day one after he is hired at a popular radio station in Los Angeles. Once they settle their differences, their work relationship improves, and they discover both have a lot in common. After their romance begins, personal issues and drama threaten to destroy their blossoming relationship. The book will be on Nook and Kindle after.

BPM: Tell us a little about your creative process. Do you use a computer or write out the story by hand?

When a story comes to mind, I jot it down on paper, or if I’m at home I type the information on my laptop. Once I determine a possible storyline, I write the synopsis, and build the story from that. I must know what the main characters look like, and they also must have names before I can move on. After I have all the characters’ information, the story becomes easier to write.

BPM: Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips self-care for creative folks?

My advice is take your time. Write, but make sure that you take breaks to eat, drink water, do stretches or exercise, and get enough sleep. I usually have tension when I am trying to finish my book, and at times I have done what I call my “all night marathons” of writing. I’m trying to change that habit because it throws my sleep cycle off.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?

They can go Author Central on Amazon.com and view my books and to my website http://www.patriciabridewell.com

BPM: Do you have a Goodreads, BookBub™ or Facebook community?

Yes. I am on Facebook, Instagram, GoodReads, Twitter, and I have a blog. They can also Google Patricia A. Bridewell and find out more about me. I live in California. There is another author with the same name who lives in the south, and she has been one of my biggest supporters over the years.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PABridewell

PAB Blog: https://patriciaannbridewell.wordpress.com

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Pharmaceutical sales representative, Sasha Edmonds, is a motivated high-flyer with a stellar track record at Wexel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Being the top sales rep and having a fiancé who loves her is more than she could ever imagine. But it’s not enough. Her obsession with climbing the corporate ladder is the number one goal that she strives to reach by any means necessary. Until she learns that her mother requires a new medication for her life-threatening medical condition.

When she discovers that her fiancé, Damien Taylor, may be cheating, she breaks off their engagement. In the midst of healing, she becomes captivated with Wesley Dunbar, a wealthy pharmaceutical businessman that may hold the cure for her mom and Sasha’s wounded heart. Although she attempts to resist Wesley’s romantic overtures, his charm, status, and kindness open a window of opportunities to consider. While Damien tries to woo her back into his life, her involvement with Wesley becomes complicated. A surfeit of lies and deception causes a web of mixed emotions as she struggles to help her mom and determine whether Damien or Wesley is the real love of her life.

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As Sasha stood in the mirror, admiring how well the dress complimented her figure, she paused. Dad.

She rushed out the room, holding up the bottom of her dress so she wouldn’t trip as she made her way into the living room. Sasha whirled around. “You like my dress?”

“It looks nice,” he said, walking right past her.

Sasha tilted her head. “What’s wrong, Dad?” He frowned and mumbled under his breath before opening the refrigerator. From the expression on his face, something must have happened.

“Hi, hon,” her mother said. “When’d you get in town?”

Sasha turned and saw her mother hugging Damien.

“This morning,” Damien said, peering at Sasha beneath a raised brow as he sat in a corner chair in the living room.

Sasha squinted at him and moved her attention back to her father in the kitchen. Her dad’s behavior made sense now. Damien had told him. Why else would her dad be acting so strange? She glared at Damien, who slightly shrugged his shoulders looking unbothered.

“What’s the occasion for the dress?” Her dad’s tone stung like acid.

“Tamar’s wedding is Sunday,” Sasha explained. “This is my bridesmaid dress.”

“Humph. A Sunday wedding? So, I’m guessing you won’t be at church,” her dad said.

Her shoulders felt heavy from the disappointment in his voice. “No, I won’t be there. Ebony’s leading the Women in Prosperity Ministry until my job slows down. Right now, between me trying to get this promotion, my business trips to Atlanta, and Tamar’s wedding, I’m swamped.”

Her father scrunched his face but didn’t comment.

“We understand, and you’re planning your own wedding. This gown looks nice on you,” her mother said, touching the fabric. “Fits you perfectly. Ebony did an excellent job, and I’m loving the color. Doesn’t it look good on her, Damien?”

With his attention on Sasha, Damien got up and crossed the room, closing the space between them as he examined her in the dress. “Yes, she looks stunning. But she always does.”

Sasha forced her pouty lips to smile. “Thank you,” she said, taking a moment to observe his well-sculpted physique. Even in his camouflage cargo pants and black t-shirt, he could turn a few heads any day. But she refused to allow his striking appearance or cotton candy sweet talk to woo her. The fact remained; he had disrespected her, and their wedding was off. If he couldn’t be faithful to her for 365 days, how in the world could he commit to a lifetime?

He stretched out his arms for an embrace, and her skin bristled. Just the thought of his touch made her cringe. At the same time, she knew if she avoided his hug, it would raise questions from her parents that she didn’t feel like discussing. She’d just have to play this one out.

Her back stiff, she allowed him to wrap his arms around her briefly and then stepped back. “I…uh, I didn’t know you were coming down today. You usually call first.”

Purchase copies at Two Steps Past the Altar

https://www.amazon.com/Steps-Past-Altar-Patricia-Bridewell-ebook/dp/B07DCC5XFT

Patricia A. Bridewell is a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds Adjunct Nursing Faculty positions at several universities, two of which are UCLA School of Nursing and Santa Monica College.

Her short story appears in the Brown Girls Books Anthology Single Mama Dating Drama, an African American Literature Book Club (AALBC) two-time bestselling book.

Her fourth novel, Two Steps Past the Altar, was released by Tymm Publishing in 2018.

Patricia’s next novel, Rhythm Bay Love, and a short story contribution to the Brown Girls Books Anthology – Confessions: Secrets and Lies Revealed will be published in June 2020.

Her church home is West Angeles Church of God in Christ. Visit her on social media and at www.patriciabridewell.com

BPM: Tell us about your most recent work, Two Steps Past the Altar.

The title of my new book is Two Steps Past the Altar. This book is about love, trust, healing, forgiveness, and restoration.

Available on Nook and Kindle? Yes, the book is available on these sites, and the paperback will be available on Amazon.com and in some book stores.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters.

The first main character Sasha Edmonds is a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, who carries emotional baggage. During her childhood, her father incurred significant problems in the church that caused damage to his ministry and family. Sasha never forgot, and the immense weight of unforgiveness has stayed with her throughout her adulthood. She had trust issues and previous relationship problems. Until she met Damien, who was the cherry on top of her sundae.

Damien Taylor is kind, considerate, he works hard, and is over the top in love with Sasha. He is ready to marry her and start a family. Then whirlwinds drift over their relationship, she calls off their engagement, but he desperately tries to win her back. After she’s introduced to Wesley Dunbar, her whole outlook changes, and the chaos begins.

BPM: What makes each one of your main characters so special?

Sasha is a workaholic and career fanatic. She is a smart, educated woman who channels a significant amount of time toward her career, and that poses problems in her personal life. Her special characteristic is a passion for helping others.

Damien is a charmer. His sense of humor, military career, Christian upbringing by his parents, and strong family ties, are all positives that would quench most any woman’s desires.

BPM: Is there a specific place or space that you find inspiration in?

When I'm at home, my specific space is in my home office or at the kitchen table. If I'm not at home, a quiet environment where I can listen to my favorite gospel music inspires me. I consider myself a nighttime writer because that’s when the characters begin talking. Lol!

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I enjoyed creating the character sketches. It’s always interesting to see how their personalities, likes, dislikes, etc. evolve as the story progresses.

BPM: How much planning goes into writing a book? How long does it take to complete one of your books?

Planning for me starts the minute an idea for a book comes to mind. I start by jotting down the synopsis. From there, I start the character sketches. I must know names, my main characters’ appearances, and other information before I begin the book, and then I gradually add the other characters who have significant roles in the story. I delegate most of my time toward my primary book, but I do write several chapters for the next manuscript when I have free time. It works out well. I always have another book that I have started. I’ve started compiling character photographs to have a clear vision of them. I love doing this! I have about three or four other books that already have some character sketches and chapters.

In the past, my full novels were written in five to six months. Short stories in approximately two to three weeks. I wrote Two Steps Past the Altar in thirty days after participating in a NaNoWrimo contest. The positive side – I finished my book with a little over 50,000 words in thirty days. Although I had to do a lot more rewriting and revising, it was an awesome learning experience and I have no regrets. I have an enormous amount of respect for editors, and I am grateful for all of the editors, beta readers, and the proofreader who worked with me on this project. I think writing a novel in five to six months works better for me.

BPM: What advice would you give aspiring writers that would help them finish a project?

Write every day, even if you do not meet your word count. I stopped using word counts. I write whatever I write, whether it’s one thousand words, two thousand, or five hundred words. Research what you do not know and be sure to line up a professional editor to read your book. I use professional editors, and most are referred, and I also have started using beta readers and a proofreader after all the editing is complete.

BPM: What period of life or topics do you find you write about most often?

My characters tend to be in their early to mid-thirties.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?

Yes. I'm a life-long learner, and I find that I usually learn new things during the time that I'm writing. Sometimes writing provokes reminders of important things that I already know. My most important reminder from writing this book was no matter what people have said or done negatively, always have a forgiving heart. I may not forget, but I must forgive.

BPM: Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?

I have been a registered nurse for a long time, and I am familiar with the pharmaceutical industry, but I am not an expert. My main character and a secondary character are in the pharmaceutical business, and as I was writing, I found out that I needed to validate some things. I consulted with a pharmacist, one of my colleagues who worked at our university. His information and recommendations confirmed that I had to change certain parts of my story to make them more realistic. That meant restructuring and rewriting. I also met a pastor and eventually, I joined his church.

When I say that I hear some powerful messages on Sunday mornings… It’s true. I took notes, and I didn’t use his exact words, but I received ideas that helped me rewrite a couple of scenes. These were just two people, but I engage with students, patients, and meet new people frequently. I’m a people watcher, so I also learn a lot from observing people, and I do online research.

BPM: How has writing impacted your life?

Writing, nursing, and teaching are my passions. And I will say…writing has brought me so much gratification. I have had opportunities to network at both literary and nonliterary events. What I love most are my readers and their feedback. Their feedback is awesome, and I find that it’s intriguing to hear their perceptions of the characters and the way they believe the stories played out. The readers have inspired me to write more frequently.

For a while, I questioned whether I should continue writing, and said to myself no one reads my books. Over the years, I found out that my assumption was not true. I’ve met many readers in person and received inbox messages and emails asking when my next book would be out. That was very uplifting.

BPM: What does literary success look like to you?

I think literary success is not the same for every author. For me writing is my other career, not a hobby. The most important aspect of any career is devotion and commitment to what I am doing. It pushes me to be more productive. So, I need to make sure that I'm writing consistently. If I can help other writers, I do that. I'm still learning, and I will always work diligently to improve my writing skills. When aspiring authors ask me to take a look at their work, I suggest they use an editor and I have contacts for them.

For several years I wrote short stories, and I enjoyed writing them because I finished in two to three weeks. But I had not had written a full novel for a few years. About five years ago, I put a completed novel aside because I didn’t feel it was good enough for publication. In 2017, I prayed over this, then made a commitment to write at least one, if not two books per year. At the time, I was working full-time, attending school, and writing, which meant becoming more disciplined with writing and staying prayerful. Thank God, I am finished with school!

BPM: What are the 3 most effective tools for sharing your book with the world?

Online social media, website, and various types of book promotions.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?

I'm currently writing my fourth novel and loving the story. I really should say fifth because I have the one unpublished manuscript that I didn’t try to have published.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pabridewell

Website: http://www.patriciabridewell.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patricia.bridewell

PAB Blog: https://patriciaannbridewell.wordpress.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciaannbridewell