A day in the life of Cleopatra Jones starts out with Saint Bernard breath in my face as soon as the alarm goes off. Madonna became my pet a few months ago when her owner was killed by a crazy woman. A month or so ago, my supertanker of a dog presented us with three lively puppies, which is the reason she prefers sleeping with me.
After getting myself cleaned up and putting the dogs in the backyard, I start breakfast for my teenage daughters Charla and Lexy. Mama, of course, sleeps in and gets up after I run the kids to school.
Today I do a quick buzz of the office of my accounting firm before I drive to the golf course, but I can’t concentrate because I have a lesson with my golf pro boyfriend Rafe Golden in a few minutes.
I like golf, but I love this man.
I fought it, especially after the nasty divorce I went through with my adulterous ex, but something this powerful as my feelings for Rafe couldn’t be denied.
Rafe gave me a key to his place but lately I’d been hankering for another gift from him. A ring. Not just any ring, but one that comes with a two-car garage and joint tax returns.
We’d started out dating without any expectations, so I didn’t know if we were still on the same page. Could he be holding back on proposing because of our ground rules?
I pulled into the parking lot and before I had the car in park, his golf cart blocked me in. His eyes lit up, making me feel like two million dollars.
With a wedding ring dancing in my head, I slipped out of the car and into his open arms.
The lesson was rocky. I couldn’t manage a single swing thought because I’d rather be someplace private with him instead of public display on the driving range.
Just as we’re making plans to get together that evening, he gets a call, cancels our date, and runs off without a word of explanation.
All during my errands, afternoon at work, and dinner and homework with the kids I wonder what he’s doing. And I wonder why he won’t return my calls.
One thing is certain. This is no way to treat your girlfriend.
You can read more about Cleopatra in Dime If I Know, the third book in the “Cleopatra Jones” mystery series, published by Five Star. The first book in the series is In for a Penny.
Meet the author
Formerly an aquatic toxicologist contracted to the U.S. Army and currently a freelance reporter, Southern author Maggie Toussaint loves to blend murder and romance in her fiction. With ten published books to her credit, her latest releases are Hot Water (romantic suspense) and Dime If I Know (mystery). She’s an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and Sisters In Crime. Visit her at www.maggietoussaint.com.
Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
Thanks for hosting me, Dru Ann!!! I hope readers enjoy this private slice of my sleuth’s life. Cleo was a little nervous as this is the first interview she’s ever given.
Thanks for introducing us to Cleo.
I’m off to look for the first in this series!
yay!
Maggie,
Your novels are so interesting! Thanks for introducing us to Cleo. She’s a woman of infinite variety.
thanks!
Okay, now I’m wondering why he flew and disappeared… guess I’ll have to read it and find out!
Cleo is definitely a “character”. Best with this book.
Terry
Terry’s Place
Appreciate your comment, Terry. I aspire to create characters who leave an impression, LOL!
Welcome Deanna, I hope you own a kindle, as that’s the best, and most economical way to read books one and two – but they are also in lots of library collections in hardcover.
Thanks for stopping in Jacquie. Cleo has moxie and messes. That’s why I enjoy having her around. Never a dull moment.
LK, I’m delighted Cleo’s entry sparked your curiosity. I hope you’ll read and story and more!
Thanks for the comments, folks!
DIME IF I KNOW is a fun, fast, funny book. Congratulations, Maggie!
thanks, Alice! I’m so glad you enjoyed the latest in my Cleopatra Jones series
Cleopatra has her hands full with all those dogs! One is enough for me to take care of!
Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
I’m a one-dog woman too, Morgan, although I’ve been dog-free for awhile. Just need to stop traveling so much and we will re-dog, if that’s a word!
Maggie, Cleo did just fine at her first interview! This looks like a great read! (And I want to know what that golf pro if up to.) Love the reality of awakening to the St. Bernard’s dog breath. Write On!
Thanks, Heather, for giving Cleo that encouragement to speak up in public. She needs to get her act together is she’s going to reach for the things she most wants in life.
Thank you Dru for introducing me to Maggie and what sounds like some great books. Will be interested in ordering the first ones and working my way up to the newest novels out. I love mystery and mixed with romance is a nice combination which I am just getting into with my reading genres.
I would be very pleased to be the recipient of your book. Thank you so much.
Hi Christine,
Thanks for your comment. I’m delighted to make your acquaintance here at Dru’s place. I’ve learned that many mystery readers are purists, so there is a subset of us that enjoys mystery with romance. I’m so glad we ran across one another!
posted for Diana Cosby, who is having troubles with wordpress:
Maggie,
Too fun! Loved meeting Cleopatra, and sounds like mayhem is in her future. Love your stories!
Diana Cosby
Diana,
I’m so glad you emailed me your comment. It’s always nice to have your encouragement, and to share this writing journey with you.
I’ve read the first two in this series, and loved both. Can’t wait to read this one!
Hi Linda,
Your praise brought a big smile to my face. Thanks for enjoying this series and for stopping by to say so!
I can’t wait to read the next Cleo book and find out what these two are up to. I hope he doesn’t get himself killed or kidnaped by another woman. Never know. Okay, I’m hooked and already trying to guess.
Hey Mona! I’m glad you like this series. Hope you LOVE this book as much as the others!
Clever. Your books sound interesting.
Thanks, Anna. I’m so glad you stopped by. Hope to meet up with you again!