Tasmyn Vaughn is not having the senior year she expected. Her boyfriend Michael leaves for college, she’s being stalked by a suspicious preacher, pursued by the hot new boy at school and blackmailed by her chemistry teacher–who just might be a witch. Tas needs all of her many talents–and a little help from unexpected sources–just to keep her head above water. . .literally.
You can buy it on Kindle / Paperback
Tawdra Kandle was super kind enough to send me a guest post from the Breathless Book Tour. I can’t wait to finish reading Breathless myself!
St. Dymphna Mental Hospital, Winena, Mississippi
Dr. Barbara Leonard: Hello, Nell. How are you today?
Nell: Isn’t that what you’re supposed to tell me?
Dr. Leonard: No, I’m interested in hearing your opinion.
Nell: Of course you are. Well, I’m just dandy. What could be more fun than being confined to the psych ward of a nowhere town in the middle of a godforsaken state?
Dr. Leonard: I suppose that’s one way of looking at things. You could, though, be grateful to be here and not behind bars.
Nell: Bars take many forms, doctor.
Dr. Leonard: The food is better here.
Nell: I wouldn’t know.
Dr. Leonard: Nell, let’s talk a little bit about what led to your arrival here. We’ve discussed the events that led to your. . .relocation to Mississippi. I’d like to chat a bit now about Tasmyn Vaughn.
Nell: No. I don’t want to talk about her.
Dr. Leonard: And why not? Does thinking about her upset you?
Nell: No. She just isn’t worth my time.
Dr. Leonard: You didn’t feel that way a few months ago. Remember the day you tried to kill her? She must have been worth your time then.
Nell: I was mistaken.
Dr. Leonard: Nell, during our first sessions, every time I mentioned this girl’s name, you became hysterical and had to be sedated. What’s changed?
Nell: Nothing. I’ve just had time to think. Lots and lots of time. . . .you know, between the group sessions and beading classes.
Dr. Leonard: And what have you been thinking about, Nell? During all that time.
Nell: I’ve been realizing. . .maybe I was wrong. Maybe she wasn’t really the one I should hate.
Dr. Leonard: She? You mean Tasmyn?
Nell: Yes. I saw her as the enemy. I thought she was taking Marica from me. Now I don’t think she really was.
Dr. Leonard: Why not? What changed?
Nell: I overestimated her power. She wasn’t a player. She was merely a pawn.
Dr. Leonard: What do you mean by power, Nell?
Nell: If I say I only mean. . influence, you’ll put a gold star on those notes you’re taking, won’t you? And if I say I mean something more, something that makes you uncomfortable, you’ll up my meds.
Dr. Leonard: I only want you to tell me what you really think, Nell. That’s how I can help you.
Nell: Help me. That’s right. You only want to help me. Okay. Well, I don’t want to talk anymore. I want to go back to my room.
Dr. Leonard: Nell, we haven’t finished this session—
Nell: I’m finished.
Dr. Leonard: All right. Bobby, can you take Nell back to her room please? Thanks. Mollie, I’m finished with Nell Massler’s session. I’m going to get some lunch. . .hmmm. I can’t find my car keys. No, it was just my car keys, not the ones for the hospital, those are secure. . .I could have sworn they were in my bag. No, it was never within Nell’s reach. Hmm. I guess I left them. . .somewhere. . .
