River City Connections — 2025-11-03 (Patreon)

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SO CLOSE, AND YET… by Hayes E. Markel

Dinner last night left me totally confused. Roman called as I was finishing up unpacking from my move to my new apartment with Jordan here in Collierville. He asked if I wanted him to treat me—me—to dinner.

Jordan had already suggested we go out to Applebee’s so it ended up being all three of us.

Don’t get me wrong—Jordan’s great. She’s cheerful, confident, quick with jokes that make everyone feel comfortable. But there were moments I caught myself wondering if her brightness was just her being herself… or if it was directed a little too much toward Roman. And the part that bothers me most is that I don’t know whether that’s real or just my own insecurity talking.

I like her. I really like her. She’s becoming the friend I’d hoped to make when I moved to Memphis. But last night, I couldn’t help feeling like she’s everything I’m not—outgoing, effortless, magnetic. It’s not her fault. Still, I kept thinking… What if Roman notices?

Then again, Roman called me. Not Jordan. Me. He could’ve texted both of us, but he didn’t. He picked up the phone and called me. That means something… doesn’t it? Or maybe it doesn’t.

It’s hard to know what’s real when your thoughts keep tugging between hope and self-limits. Maybe the truth is somewhere in between.

I still fight with myself over Roman. Yes, I like him and would love to date him. But still—I don’t want to be the girl that got promoted because she dated the boss. I want my success in business to be based on what I do, not who I’m kissing goodnight.

So, I’m afraid to claim that I want a relationship with Roman. And I’m afraid he’ll end up in one with someone who’s not me—like Jordan.

And that’s where I have to just live, for now. In that tension.

Anyway, I need to get ready and head to work. A new week’s waiting, and I’ve got to stop overanalyzing before I even leave the bathroom.

The Storylines are the heart of Ailana Geven Imagines, and they are found in the Collections section of the site.

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Pleast all characters in this story are fictional characters, their images generated with AI for AGI Stories. They do not represent any real person, nor is their appearance based on any real human.

MONDAY MORNING THOUGHTS by Cindi Curtis

Good morning and happy Monday! I hope everyone’s week is off to a strong start. Yesterday’s post ended with my dad’s “problem solver” moment—and, believe it or not, Michael actually thought Dad’s plan made sense.

He’s going to start making calls this week about the grad student and see if Carter can begin in December instead of waiting until January. He also plans to talk to his supervisor in Nashville about transitioning back to contractor status. It’s not official yet, but the wheels are definitely turning.

Meanwhile, I’ve got a full week of Teams meetings ahead and a couple of writing deadlines to hit. The good news is I’m feeling steady—enough energy to stay on top of things without the anxiety spike that sometimes follows a weekend of overthinking. I’ve already made my coffee and reviewed my to-do list twice (of course), but it’s shaping up to be a productive week.

Outside, my garden and greenhouse are sliding into their November rhythm—slow growth, cooler mornings, and lots of cleanup. This week’s greenhouse chores include trimming the basil, repotting two small ferns, and cleaning the solar-light lenses so they keep charging through shorter days. I’m also going to swap in reflective material near the planters to catch a little extra sunlight.

This week’s “living green” tip: Unplug or power down small appliances when not in use. Even your coffee maker and phone charger draw current in standby mode. It’s a small thing—but so are seeds. Do enough small things right, and the whole ecosystem benefits.

Today’s verse is from Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”

Here’s to a grounded, purpose-filled week ahead.

Be your best you!

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