Welcome to A Better Pair of Shoes, a novel. Before going on to The Decks and the Road Novel Series,  read A Better Pair of Shoes :  http://abetterpairofshoes.blogspot.com/2017/05/chapter-1-camies-secret.html Book Synopsis A Better Pair of Shoes is a seamless and stand alone continuation of the novel Renegotiating Kayla .  The story follows the main character Kayla Ross as she continues to create her road to wholeness.  The new book picks up after Kayla has exposed her father for sexually abusing her in her childhood, and a few months after she has gotten married to Wood.  Newly married yet still living under her old regime of sexually robust desires, Kayla seeks to get help, at the request of her husband.  A Better Pair of Shoes also follows the quickly unraveling lives of the rest of the ladies from Renegotiating Kayla ; Camie, Ketly, and Aisha.   In this fast-moving, quick- witted, and forcefully relatable offering by th...

Message from the Author Dear Reader,                 Thank you for coming along for what was for me, a joy ride.  A Better Pair of Shoes was written to further emphasize Kayla’s journey of recovery.  In the process of that intention, a world of very relatable matters came to the surface.  As was the case with Renegotiating Kayla , in this new book, I leaned on my ability to characterize emotions, pains, hurts, and confusions.  The two main quests of ABPOS were, “Where do we look in the face of failure” and “How do we maintain composure when our past reemerges in our current circumstance”.   As an author of fiction, I never thought to answer the questions for the readers, but present possibilities.  I hope they were enjoyable to read and imagine.  I wish you all the best in all of your quests and questions, and I challenge you in life, to always:  choose hone...

A Better Pair of Shoes, a novel Chapter 9, 10, and 11 Ketly’s Heart Break I couldn’t stop thinking about Jeff since the day before when I had casted him as the best supporting actor in my fantasy.  I longed to hear his voice and even get into some adult conversations, which I was certain he would not refrain from.  That was the thing neither one of us could deny; our chemistry and our mutual desire for each other.  We couldn’t deny it when we met, and although I now knew the truth about his ways; it still couldn’t be denied.  But before I could pick up the phone, it began ringing.  “Great, who is this trying to disrupt my plans?”  I thought. “Hello?”  I quickly answered “Hey Ketly.”  I heard Jeff’s voice on the other end. “Hey!”  “What a coincidence.” I thought but didn’t say. “What’s going on—how’s Shayne?” “He’s wonderful.” “And you?”  He smoothly switched gears.  And I knew because I probably wouldn’t hav...

A Better Pair of Shoes, a novel  Chapter 8 Aisha Exposed I lay quietly on the full size bed in our double which Camie was graciously paying for, and Kayla insisted I stay in against my wishes to get my own room.  Kayla and Camie had quickly decided to share a bed which worked well for me.  I continued to think about the conversation I would eventually need to have with Tony.  I realized that this get-a-way wouldn’t last forever, and that I would soon be on my way back home.  What was I going to do?  Would I ask him to leave?  Would I leave?  Would he lie about his infidelity?  Would I foolishly accept his lie?  There were so many questions floating around inside my head.  Yet, I knew the ultimate question was whether or not I still wanted to be with my husband.  And if the answer was yes, was it because I really wanted him or because I just didn’t want to be a laughing stock.  I knew I loved him—that wasn’t reall...

A Better Pair of Shoes, a novel Chapter 7 The Ride to Meet a Friend   (Narrated by Aisha) For the first half of the short trip I tried to get some much needed rest, but my mind fought me unwaveringly with thoughts of Tony’s deception.  I shifted and shifted in the passenger seat, until I finally decided to return the seat to its upright position, and keep Kayla’s company.  Although, she didn’t seem like she needed much company.  I couldn’t help but notice that Kayla herself seemed preoccupied with her own thoughts.  I couldn’t tell if they were personal, or if she was overly consumed with me and Camie’s drama.  I wanted to break the silence, but I didn’t want to discuss me.  So I took the opportunity to find out exactly why we were driving five hours to meet Camie.  “So what’s going on with Camie?” “I don’t have all the details, she was pretty torn up about everything, but basically she’s in Tampa to visit her nine year old daught...

A Better Pair of Shoes, a novel Chapter 6 Camie’s Little Girl I checked into a nearby hotel and waited for morning to come.  I was anxious to see Hannah.  I planned to take her shopping or to a movie or something; anything; just the two of us.  I wanted to have another chance at being a mother.  I told myself it wasn’t too late, and that she would be happy to see me.  I thought about the possibility of getting married, and maybe having more children.  It was a good time for these things.  I had accomplished most of my personal goals, and I could actually afford to have kids.  The only problem as I saw it would be meeting a good man.  That was always my problem, and I used to think every woman’s problem but lately all my girlfriends were so damn happy; well almost all.  I was beginning to wonder if there was something wrong with me.  I think it’s the question that every woman begins to ask herself more seriously when thir...

A Better Pair of Shoes, a novel Chapter 4 and 5 Kayla Returns the Favor I heard Camie’s ring tone, and quickly dug my cellphone out of my purse.  I was surprised to hear the ringer that had become somewhat infrequent.  Camie was still my best girlfriend, but my getting married had somehow come between us.  “Hey Camie!!  What’s up?” “Hey.  You busy?”  Camie sounded quite distraught and obviously didn’t care to waste any time getting to the point of her call.  “No, not exactly.” “Well, I just needed to ask your advice on something.” “Sure.  What is it?” “There’s something I need to share with you first—something that I’ve been keeping.” “You!  You never hide anything.”  I said, knowing how open Camie had always been with me; mainly about her many sexual delights.  What could be more worth hiding than that? “Well, I have…and it’s really big, but I hope you can forgive me.”  Camie spoke with so much disa...

A Better Pair of Shoes, a novel Chapters 2 and 3 Aisha’s Surprise Running low on patience, I sat shifting in my seat, in the small lobby of my doctor’s office.  My appointment time had come and gone.  This kind of blatant disregard for appointment times was typical, but the itching sensation I was experiencing between my legs made it quite a nuisance.  I tried to make my constant shifting less obvious by looking at my watch each time, but the frequent checks only made me seem neurotic and overly impatient.  Finally, after a half hour of waiting, the Doctor called for me.  I got up slowly hoping to down play my urgent need for the visit.  Dr. Roberts read the small summary I gave about my problem, and began with a series of questions that added to my annoyance.  A few quick glimpses later; I heard the words I’d never thought I would have to. “I’ll run some test for your benefit, but this appears to be gonorrhea.”  Dr. Roberts said with...