A view from a Window

Fourteen years ago this was the view from my office window. Even though it was only of gas cylinders, I was glad to see outside.

The call centre, where I worked was a huge place filled with chattering people who worked for the RAC breakdown service. Some took calls from stranded motorists, others took claims from those who had accidents in their vehicles. My team paid the agents who sold breakdown cover in supermarkets and shopping centres.

The office, which was open plan had two floors and also sat next door to British Gas. The cylinders held the fuel which served the neighbourhood. We were also situated down the road from Manchester United football stadium.

I used this background and location as the setting for my book Play the Game. Manchester, Salford, and the football station all play a part in the story.

The book isn’t based on my experience as I had a good time there, but Stella, my main character, who takes motor claims like I used to, doesn’t. She is plagued by the bullies who make her work life miserable. She is also the main earner in her household which brings her stress and worry. Besides all that, Stella uses her space time to support the homeless.

Despite the bad deal life has dealt her, it makes Stella an incredibly strong woman. Only she doesn’t think so. It takes someone special to show her that she really is incredibly special.

That person is Kelly Ambrose. He sees through her immediately and his admiration and dogged determination makes her believe in herself and that she is a strong woman.

Falling in love was something Stella never imagined. Her story is one of loyalty, courage, love, and hope. It’s a perfect weekend read.

Play the Game is available on Apple, Google, and Kindle amongst others retailers.

Excerpt

My colleagues sat around me, and though we were supposed to be a well-knit team, we weren’t. In fact, they were friends, and I didn’t
fit in. If they had their way, I never would.

With a lag in morning calls, my thoughts drifted to Kelly and our day rambling on Winter Hill. Even though I barely knew him, there was an undeniable magnetism in the air.

From the beginning, Kelly’s thoughtfulness and kindness radiated in every interaction. I adored his frequent pauses for kisses, and nothing had changed since then.

My unconscious sigh must have been loud, because the laughter of the girls on my team pulled me back to awareness. Heat rushed up my neck and face, alerting me I was growing crimson by the second. I couldn’t stop or help my blush, and the betrayal frustrated me. That’s how they always know their behaviour has affected me.

My eyes darted around the room, and I caught two of the women roll their eyes. Ugh, I’m fed up with them goading me. I don’t know why they do it. Well, I already knew the answer – I’m their entertainment to break up the monotony of a dull job. I also knew they mistook my silence for meekness, but they couldn’t be more wrong. It was my choice not to make a fuss and cause the unrest they obviously wanted to stir within the team.

So, I ignored them and after a moment, they returned to their normal mundane chatter. Staring at the screen on my monitor, I attempted to shut out the sound of their voices.

With the phone lines remained quiet, I headed to the breakroom. Hmm, coffee is just what I need right now.

When I walked into the breakout area, two lads from my team had already gathered together.

“Good morning.” I’d have preferred to ignore them, but that would only draw attention to me, so I remained civil.

“Morning, Stella.” Graham’s gaze travelled the length of me.

The other guy smirked.