Stuart Maudlin

Jeux Stuart Maudlin

Girls like attention-even the ones that are taken. Twenty-six-year-old Charlie is still in school and works in a bookstore. All his friends, however, have grown-up careers and committed relationships. Charlie seems to be left behind. But one attractive dancer has the power to change that. Charlie's best friend, Doug, and Doug's fiancée, Marisol, throw the ultimate parties, the key element of which is couple-driven drama. Charlie has always been a spectator to the "games" (always the groomsman never the groom). That is, until Doug and Marisol have a housewarming party on the eve of the holiday season-and Charlie meets Victoria. Adorable with her fair skin, deep brown eyes, and pixie haircut, she instantly captivates Charlie and reciprocates his flirtatious banter during a passionate conversation about the ballet. The small space between them fills with electricity and just a touch of tension. But his cool confidence comes to a screeching halt when he sees the ring. Not just any ring-an engagement ring. Set to the backdrop of the weird things that can transpire in life during the dawn of adulthood, Jeux is a charming boy-meets-girl novella that explores the age-old dilemma, doing what is morally right versus doing what makes us happy.