The Best Of Times Book Novels & Stories

Just the golden glow of sunlight dancing across glass and stone, and the faint citrus scent of an expensive diffuser someone must’ve set up earlier. My eyes caught movement down the left corridor, somone passing by. Older, neatly dressed, his demeanor far too composed for this early hour. “Excuse me,” I called softly. “Russo—I mean, Reagan. Where is he?” The man turned politely and gave a slight bow. “This time of day, he’s usually in the gym, ma’am.” I nodded faintly. “Thank you.” I turned toward the empty dining room. A long table with twelve chairs, place settings arranged like a museum exhibit. And that’s when it hit me...I’m hungry. Really hungry.

As for himself, he thought with definite conviction that it was going to be extremely boring. "We'll start immediately," said Timmy, unzipping his backpack to return his snack, after taking a handful. "We're not even done with our crackers," retorted Rodge. "Dude, we haven't got all day, you know. We better make the best of our time," said Timmy, bringing out, this time, a pair of binoculars. "What-ever," said Rodge, putting aside his crackers and getting his binoculars. They wore on, also, their mini headphones in their ears, and turned it on.

I snatched up one shell trying to fill that up with little sand, trying to mold it. The lightning hurled itself across what was once the tame uncaring heaven. Thunder boomed while the atmosphere relieved itself of unwanted moisture. An explosion of heavenly emotion has replaced my peaceful evening. What could be more exciting than living in a place where everything seemed so peaceful? Or is it just my thought?

Now we no longer have any secrets between us and boy does it feel good. “I know you’re my best friend, Elinda; you always have been, and you would never stop being my best friend. I love you so much, girl.” I said, and she began jumping happily. We both laughed, did our signature bestie handshake, and fell on the bed still laughing. Woah… It felt good not to be thinking about the problems hanging over my head. I didn’t want to think of the possibilities that I might have lost my job and the contract forever.

Jada hid her smile, proud of her grandmother for not bowing to the arrogant woman. They ate in silence, and Doris could not take it anymore, she had to say something. “Evelyn, your home is absolutely beautiful, and this is the best steak I’ve ever tasted. Everything is delicious, and I want to thank you for having us over to share this wonderful meal with you,” Doris Ann offered politely. “It’s prime rib, but I wouldn’t expect you to know that. I suppose you are as poor and uneducated as your granddaughter,” Evelyn said with sharpness.

that I had built from nothing was now one of the group's most profitable subsidiaries. The HR director nearly spilled her coffee when she saw my resignation letter. "Ms. Shaw, you're resigning? Does Mr. Carter know?" I smiled faintly. "He's swamped right now." Seeing the flash of sympathy in her eyes, I knew the entire company was watching my embarrassment play out. Back at the western suburbs villa, this place had once been our quiet retreat, somewhere we'd occasionally stay for peace. My small fragrance studio was still here. While packing, I found a yellowed note tucked inside a book called "The History of Perfume". It was Alex's handwriting, youthful yet bold.

“Wait, what!” Elena screeched out. Her eyes were wide open as she stared at Sarah, darting them towards Matthew too. “So you guys have a book date, and you won’t invite me in?” She added before concentrating on Matthew. “Elena, you don’t like books. Why would we want to invite..” “Because it’s time I can spend with my friends, have fun, talk and gist. Why won’t you invite me in?” She cut in, eyeing Matthew before facing Sarah.

Rest of the meeting was a blur. I was the first person to walk out of the conference room. I ain’t going to rest until I proved that old fool wrong and show who’s the best scientist. This isn’t my arrogance speaking. Being a scientist is about discovering possibilities and solutions not giving up. I was so immersed in my thoughts I didn’t see Dr Evans approaching me. “Nova, I heard what happened in the conference room. Listen, you are one of the best scientists the country has but please think this through. We don’t have much time left for the International Science Summit, and we need a potential project completed by 2 months”

Somewhere in the city—several stories above, in a steel and glass building—Julian Blackwood lay in his dark, sleek bedroom, staring at the book she had given him. He'd never intended to keep it. When Lena Carter had offered it to him—those gentle words, that thoughtful crease between her eyebrows—he'd intended to refuse. But something in her eyes had taken away his intention. It was neither flirting nor pretense. It was genuine. Silent. Generous. He hated kindness. It broke things open. Julian gazed down at the book. The cover was unadorned, the title in gold print: *A Man Called Ove*. He remembered Lena's words:

As he was walking away, the lady then asked him, “If you don’t mind… do you want to sit at the same table then.” “Are you sure? There are-” “No, I- I insist… Since this corner of the café is the best spot to read, I always sit here, I don’t mind sharing it with you.: “Ah sure, that spot was something I had my eye on since earlier.” Kayne replied. “AH, REALLY, let’s share it then!” Both were really awkward at each other at first but when they found out that both were reading the same book, they eventually got a comfortable to talk at each other.