I
just returned from the much heralded and bally-hooed book signing/retreat
for Dark Castle Lords Publications in Nashville, TN. After much
negotiations with the company, I managed to get a great flight
on Southwest Airlines; non-stop and at the perfect times for me.
How often does that happen? No charge for bags either!
The
flight was great, but not sure what part of "I'm at the baggage
claim!" my ride to the hotel didn't understand. They finally
found me and I was on my way. Uber fan and friend Mary Everett,
a Tennessee native, met me at the hotel. My suite was beautiful.
Cover bud and Playgirl Man of the Year, Julian Fantechi was also
joining me for the signing. His room was a few doors down from
mine. Life in San Diego must be agreeing with him. Julian has
buffed up since the last time I saw him in Houston a while back.
You go Boy! (I will admit...I HAVE TOO!)
Later
that night the DCL gang made our way to downtown Nashville. I'd
never been to Nashville and figured I'd fit right in. I was just
what Nashville needed...another BIG haired blonde! We went to
a bar called "Coyote Ugly". They made a movie about
the place a few years ago with Piper Perabo and Tyra Banks. In
the movie all the bartenders are hot women who spend more time
dancing on the bar than pouring drinks. This place was very similar,
except it seemed all the hot girls had the night off. They did
however, spend an inordinate amount of time on the bar shaking
what little God gave them. Drinks and body shots flowed like water.
I did my share of killing brain cells but begged off on the body
shots.
The
next day we had the book signing which went pretty smoothly. I
was promoting my latest cover for Kate Hofman, "Golden Adonis".
Another old cover pal of mine from the early days, Bill Freda
showed up too. I met DCL new comer, Armando Gonzalez who was also
a great guy. I think Bill and I talked for all of 30 seconds.
Julian and I traded insults all afternoon, as usual. Good times.
We were also collecting food that day for a local charity for
Thanksgiving. I was really surprised how much was donated by the
fans who showed up.
It
was like deja-vu all over again because we all went to downtown
Nashville after the signing. I went sight-seeing with Mary Everett
and her friend JL Foster, author of "The Trail Of The White
Boxers". I loved the downtown. There were so many people,
but the night was warm and everyone was so friendly. JL was taking
us to some bar he insisted we try. There I was walking up and
down the streets of Nashville in boots that were definitely NOT
made for walking and my dogs barking. After an hour of walking
aimlessly we found the bar. The sign on the door said "Closed
for renovation". If that's not the story of my life!
We,
then decided to meet up with the rest of the gang at an Irish
pub where everyone said they would be. On the way back to the
car I was stopped by a blonde man with a bandanna who I thought
was Brett Michaels. The next thing I know he's asking me if I
mind being interviewed for a reality TV show. There I was in my
tight black jersey and equally tight, if not tighter, black jeans.
Of course, I had the signature 3 foot blonde braid trailing down
my back. There weren't too many of those in the crowd. I have
never been one to blend in.
Looking
around I saw a camera crew and the blonde guy's entourage surrounding
me. I thought for sure it was Brett Michaels at this point, but
thought he had really hit the wall...hard and often. He asked
me a series of inane and annoying questions before turning around
to show me his "ponytail", which was all of 6 inches.
Being the smart ass that I am I flipped mine around to the camera
and said "That's not a ponytail! THIS is a ponytail!"
Our interview ended at that point and for the record: It wasn't
Brett Michaels.
Mary,
JL and I did find the Irish pub we had been looking for. We didn't
find anyone we knew there but we did find the pub!
The
weekend was over in a blink of an eye. There are more lurid details
of the weekend, but if I told you I'd have to kill you...or the
parties involved would kill ME! But, if you see me someplace and
want to know, buy me a drink. I'll spill my guts!
Note
to self: Don't drink the night before a book signing where they
will be taking photos. My face has never looked so puffy. You'd
think I'd know better by now!
Many
thanks to the ladies at Dark Castle Lords Publications, Pam, Pat
and Annie.