After Hours

By Angel U. Somarriba

Kicking off the collection "No Time for the Departed," starts off with a lighter tone as readers follow, James, a run-down schoolteacher who has been late to work many times. Now, waking up in the middle of nowhere with no car, phone, and a way back. James must find a way to make it to work on time or faced with termination and his entire livelihood will be thrown for a loop.

The second story, "Croyez en Vous" follows the story of Nicky, an alcoholic motorcycle racer glued to the seat of a pub in France. Readers will follow the mind of an athlete that is desperate to prove himself to the world. While also coming to terms with the fact the world will never give a Latino man a chance. Alcoholics are dangerous, but when readers put alcohol in the hands of someone that has nothing to lose. This story also features romantic tones as Nicky meets Hailey for the first time. Hailey is the lighthearted break that Nicky desperately needs in his life.

The third story, "Crossroads" is the continuation of Nicky's story. He has the trophy's, money, and the beautiful wife to pair with his "winner's circle" mentality. As the alcohol never left and now it's with a man that has everything to lose. Nicky has a mistress, and he must tell his mistress the truth about his marriage. What he doesn't know is that Sophia has a confession of her own.

The fourth story, "Anxiety: The Death of Love" follow's the author's real life struggle with grieving the loss of a loved one, and his acceptance of it. In this dramatic tale, readers will learn why anxiety is the killer of love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angel U. Somarriba
• Release date: Feb 23, 2023

Angel U. Somarriba

Angel U. Somarriba is an American Screenwriter who specializes in drama and dark fantasy. He is currently earning a Bachelor of Fine Art's degree in Creative Writing from Full Sail University. He recently had his short story titled, "Fool for You" published in the Scarlet Leaf Review.

Book preview

AFTER HOURS

By Angel U. Somarriba

Copyright © Angel U. Somarriba, 2022

All Rights Reserved

First Smashwords Edition

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Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Table of Contents

Introduction

Dedication

No Time for the Departed

Croyez en Vous

Crossroads

Anxiety: The Death of Love

About the Author

Get Connected

Introduction

This is a collection of dramatic short stories regarding: love, loss, and acceptance. Ready your heart for a spiritual journey of healing.

To those insomniacs who stay up late at night wondering of a love you wished you had or those who stay up at night regretting the love you lost.

Welcome to the After Hours, I hope you stay awhile.

Dedication

Grandpa Nick, this is for you.

No Time for the Departed

Listen, Officer Bradley, I’m just trying to get to my meeting on time! Nobody was around when I took the bike. Come on, it’s me, James.

James? what the hell are you doing out here?

I stood before officer Bradley, beaten down, handcuffed, covered in mud, and disdain, it’s a long story.

I’ve got some time, Officer Bradley checked his watch. So do you, talk.

...

I was jolted awake when a sock fell on my forehead. Red solo cups infested the