thegoodfellas/blogset-br huggingface dataset:
of me sufferingnot that this job was so bad.Well, this is just temporary, obviously, I explained. It gives me something to do while I interview for others, and I get a mall discount. And really, its just another form of customer service. I was trying hard not to sound defensive or desperate, but with each word, the intensity of how much I missed my old job hit me more and more.Oh, good, she said, looking slightly relieved. Im sure youll find something soon. Looks like the lines moving.Wait, Janice? I caught hold of her arm before she could walk away. How...hows Doug?Id left behind a lot of things at Emerald City: a position of power, a warm atmosphere, unlimited books and coffee... But as much as I missed all of those things, I didnt miss them as much as I missed a single person: my friend Doug Sato. He, more than anything, was what had spurred me to leave. I hadnt been able to handle working with him anymore. It had been terrible, seeing someone I care about so much regard me with such contempt and disappointment. Id had to get away from that and felt Id made the right choice, but it was still hard losing someone whod been a part of my life for the last five years.Janices smile returned. Doug had that effect on people. Oh, you know. Hes Doug. The same, wacky Doug. Bands going strong. And I think he might get your job. Er, your old job. Theyre interviewing for it. Her smile faded, as though she suddenly realized that might cause me discomfort. It didnt. Not much.Thats great, I said. Im happy for him.She nodded and told me goodbye before hurrying forward in line. Behind her, a family of four paused in their frantic texting on identical cell phones to glare at me for the hold-up. A moment later, they hunched back down again, no doubt telling all their Twitter friends about every inane detail of their holiday mall experience.I put on a cheery smile that didnt reflect what I felt inside and continued helping with the line until Sneezy, my replacement, showed up. I got him up to speed on Santas drinking schedule and then abandoned the holiday nexus for the malls back offices. Once inside a bathroom, I shape-shifted out of the foil dress, trading it for a much more tasteful sweater and jeans combo. I even made the sweater blue so that there would be no confusion. I was off the holiday clock.Of course, as I walked back through the mall, I couldnt help but notice I was never off the clock for my main job: being a succubus in the illustrious service of Hell. Centuries of corruption and seduction of souls had given me a sixth sense for spotting those most vulnerable to my charms. The holidays, while ostensibly being a time of cheer, also tended to bring out the worst in people. I could spot the desperation everywherethose hoping to frantically find the perfect gifts to win over the ones they
loved, those dissatisfied with their ability to provide for their loved ones, those dragged along on shopping trips to create a perfect holiday experience they had no interest in... Yes, it was everywhere if you knew how to look for it: that sorrow and frustration tucked in amongst the joy. Those were exactly the kinds of souls that were ripe for the taking. I could have picked off any number of guys if I wanted to tonight and taken care of my quota for the week.My brief exchange with Janice had left me feeling strange, however, and I couldnt muster the energy to go strike up conversation with some discontent suburban businessman. Instead, I consoled myself with impulse purchases for myself and even found a couple of much-needed gifts for others, proving that I wasnt totally and completely selfish. By the time I left, I felt confident traffic had died down and would give me an easy drive back to the city. As I walked past the center of the mall, I heard Santa ho-ho-ho-ing loudly while waving his arms boisterously around, much to the terror of a small child on his lap. My guess was that someone had cracked and broken the drinking rule.On the way home, I noticed I had three voice mail messages, all from my friend Peter. Before I could even attempt to listen to them, the phone rang.Hello?Where are you? Peters frantic voice filled up the small space of my Passat.In my car. Where are you?At my apartment. Where else? Everyones here!Everyone? What are you talking about?Did you forget? Damn it, Georgina. You were a lot more punctual when you were unhappy and single.I ignored the jab and scanned through my mental calendar. Peter was one of my best friends. He was also a neurotic, obsessive compulsive vampire who loved hosting dinners and parties. He usually managed to throw something together at least once a week, never for the same reason, so it was easy to lose track.Its fondue night, I said at last, proud of myself for remembering.Yes! And the cheese is getting cold. Im not made of Sterno, you know.Why didnt you just start eating?Because were civilized.Debatable. I pondered whether I wanted to go or not. Part of me really just wanted to get home and snuggle with Seth, but I had a feeling hed be working. I likely couldnt expect snuggling for a while, whereas I could appease Peter right now. Fine. Start without me, and Ill be there soon. Im just getting off the bridge now. Wistfully, I drove past Seths exit and instead set my sights on the one that would take me to Peters place.Did you remember to bring wine? he asked.Peter, until a minute ago, I didnt even remember I was supposed to be at your place. Do you really need wine? Id seen Peters wine cabinet. On any given day, he had a dozen each of reds and whites, both domestic and international.I dont want to run out of the good stuff, he said.I seriously doubt youre going towait.
Is Carter there?Yes.Okay. Ill pick up some wine.I showed up at his apartment ten minutes later. His roommate and apprentice, Cody, opened the door and gave me a broad, fang-filled smile. Light, music, and the scent of fondue and potpourri washed over me. Their home put Santas gazebo to shame and had Christmas decorations filling every square inch. And not just Christmas ones.Since when do you guys have a menorah? I asked Cody. Neither of you are Jewish.Well, were not Christian either, he pointed out, leading me toward the dining room. Peter wanted to take a multicultural slant this year. The guestroom is all done in Kwanza decorations, if you know someone looking for a truly tacky overnight experience.It is not tacky! Peter stood up from a table where our other immortal friends sat around two tubs of melted cheese. I cant believe youre so insensitive to other peoples religious views. Jesus Christ! Is that boxed wine?You said you wanted wine, I reminded him.I wanted good wine. Please tell me its not blush.Of course its blush. And you didnt tell me to bring good wine. You said you were worried Carter would drink all your good wine. So I brought this for him instead. Your wine is safe.At the mention of his name, the only heavenly creature in the room looked up. Sweet, he said, accepting the box from me. Santas little helper delivers. He opened up the boxs dispenser and looked at Peter expectantly. Do you have a straw?I sat in an empty seat beside my boss, Jerome, who was contentedly dipping a piece of bread in molten cheddar. He was the archdemon of all of Seattle and chose to walk the earth looking like a circa 1990 John Cusack, which made it easy to forget his true nature sometimes. Fortunately, his brimstone personality always came out the instant he opened his mouth. Youre here less than a minute, Georgie, and already youve made this get-together 50% less classy.You guys are eating fondue on a Tuesday night, I retorted. You were well on your way without me.Peter had settled himself back down and was trying to appear calm. Fondue is very classy. Its all in the presentation. Hey! Whered you get that?Carter had set the wine box on his lap, dispenser on top, and was now drinking from it with an enormous straw that I suspected had been literally conjured from thin air.At least hes not doing that with a bottle of Pinot Noir, I told Peter good-naturedly. I helped myself to a fondue fork and speared a piece of apple. On the other side of Jerome, Hugh busily typed away on his phones keyboard, reminding me of the family at the mall. Telling the world about this low-brow party? I teased. Hugh was an imp, a type of hellish administrative assistant, so he could have actually been buying or selling souls via his phone for all I knew.Of course, said Hugh, not looking up. Im updating Facebook. Do you know why Roman wont answer my friend request?No clue, I said.
Ive barely spoken to him in days.When I talked to him earlier, he said he had to work tonight, Peter explained. But that we should go ahead and draw for him.Draw? I asked uneasily. Oh lord. Tell me its not Pictionary night too.Peter sighed wearily. Draw for Secret Santas. Do you even read the emails I send?Secret Santas? Seems like we just did that, I said.Yeah, a year ago, said Peter. Just like we do every Christmas.I glanced over at Carter who was quietly drinking his wine. Did you lose my hat? You look like you could use one. The angels chin-length blond hair was even more unkempt than usual.Tell us what you really think, Georgina, he replied. He ran a hand over his hair, but it somehow only made things worse. Im saving it for a special occasion.If I get your name again, Ill buy you two hats so you dont have to ration yourself.I wouldnt want you to go to the trouble.No trouble at all. I get a discount at the mall.Jerome sighed and set down his fork. Are you still doing that, Georgie? Dont I suffer enough without having to endure the humiliation of a succubus who moonlights as a Christmas elf?You always said I should quit the bookstore and find something else to do, I reminded him.Yes, but that was because I thought youd go on to do something respectable. Like become a stripper or the mayors mistress.This is just temporary. I handed Carter the elegant crystal wineglass that had been sitting by my plate. He filled it with wine from the box and gave it back. Peter groaned and muttered something about despoiling Tiffanys.Georgina doesnt need material things anymore, teased Cody. Shes paid in love now.Jerome fixed the young vampire with a cold stare. Do not ever say anything that saccharine again.Youre one to talk, I said to Cody, unable to hide my smile. Im surprised you could drag yourself away from Gabrielle tonight. His face immediately grew dreamy at the mention of his ladylove.That makes two of us, observed Peter. He shook his head bitterly. You guys and your perfect love lives.Hardly perfect, I said, at the same time Cody said, It is perfect.All eyes fell on me. Hugh even looked up from his phone. Trouble in paradise?Why do you always assume that? And no, of course not, I scoffed, hating myself for the slip. Things are fantastic with Seth.And they were. Just speaking his name sent a flood of joy through me. Seth. Seth was what made everything worthwhile. My relationship with him was what had caused the rift between me and my former co-workers at the bookstore. They saw me as the reason for his breakup with Dougs sister. Which, I suppose, I was. But no matter how much Id loved that job, giving it up was a small price to pay to be with Seth. I could endure being an elf. I could endure the quotas he and I put on our sex life, to ensure my succubus powers didnt suck him dry.
With him, I could handle anything. Even a future of damnation.There were just a couple of teeny-tiny things about my relationship with Seth that gave me pause. One had been eating at me for a while, one I kept trying to ignore. But now, suddenly, with my immortal friends watching me, I finally drummed up the courage to address it.Its just...I dont suppose any of you told Seth my name, did you? Seeing Peter open his mouth in confusion, I immediately amended, My real name.Why would that ever come up? asked Hugh dismissively, returning to his texting.I dont know even know your real name, said Cody. Are you saying its not Georgina?I regretted the words already. It was a stupid thing for me to worry about, and their reactions were just proving that point.Do you not want him to know your name? asked Hugh.No...its fine. I just, well. Its just weird. A month or so ago, when he was half-asleep, he called me by it. Letha, I added, for Codys benefit. I managed to say the name without tripping over it. It wasnt a name I welcomed. Id shed it centuries ago, when I became a succubus, and had been taking assumed names ever since. In banishing that name, Id banished that former life. Id wanted to erase it so badly that Id sold my soul in exchange for everyone Id known forgetting I existed. That was why the conversation with Seth had totally blindsided me a month ago. There was no way he couldve known that name.You are the world, Letha... he had told me drowsily.He hadnt even remembered saying it, let alone where hed heard it. Dont know, hed told me, when I questioned him about it later. Greek myths, I guess. The River Lethe, where the dead go to wash away the memories from their souls...to forget the past...Thats a pretty name, said Cody.I shrugged noncommittally. The point is, I never told it to Seth. But somehow, he knew it. He couldnt remember anything about it, though. Where he heard it.He must have heard it from you, said Hugh, ever-practical.I never told him. Id remember if I had.Well, with all the other immortals traipsing through here, Im sure it came up from one of them. He probably overheard it. Peter frowned. Dont you have an award with your name on it? Maybe he saw that.I dont really leave my Best Succubus award lying around, I pointed out.Well, you should, said Hugh.I eyed Carter carefully. Youre being awfully quiet.He paused in drinking from the wine box. Im busy.Did you tell Seth my name? Youve called me it before. Carter, despite being an angel, seemed to have a genuine affection for us damned souls. And like an elementary school boy, he often thought the best way of showing that affection was by picking on us. Calling me Lethawhen he knew I hated itand other pet names was one such tactic he used.Carter shook his head. Sorry to disappoint you, Daughter of Lilith, but I never told him. You know me: model
of discretion. There was a slurping sound as he neared the wines end.Then how did Seth find out? I demanded. Howd he know the name? Someone must have told him.Jerome sighed loudly. Georgie, this conversation is even more ridiculous than the one about your job. You already got your answer: either you or someone else slipped up and doesnt remember. Why does everything have to be so dramatic for you? Are you just looking for something to be unhappy about?He had a point. And honestly, I didnt know why this had bugged me so much for so long. Everyone was right. There was no mystery here, nothing earth-shattering. Seth had overheard my name somewhere, end of story. There was no reason for me to overreact or assume the worstonly a tiny, nagging voice in my head that refused to forget about that night.Its just weird, I said lamely.Jerome rolled his eyes. If you want something to worry about, then Ill give you something.All thoughts of Seth and names flew out of my head. Everyone at the table (except Carter, who was still slurping) froze and stared at Jerome. When my boss said he had something for you to worry about, there was a strong possibility it meant something fiery and terrifying. Hugh looked startled by this proclamation too, which was a bad sign. He usually knew about hellish mandates before Jerome did.Whats going on? I asked.I had a drink with Nanette the other night, he growled. Nanette was Portlands archdemoness. Bad enough she still wont let me forget the summoning. She was also going off on some crap about how her people were more competent than mine.I glanced briefly at my friends. We werent exactly model employees of Hell, so there was a very good chance that Nanette was right. Not that any of us would tell Jerome that.So, he continued, when I denied it, she demanded we step up and prove what superior Hellish minions we are.How? asked Hugh, looking mildly interested. With a soul pledge drive?Dont be ridiculous, said Jerome.Then with what? I asked.Jerome gave us a tight-lipped smile. With bowling." (Succubus Revealed, capitulo 1, Richelle Mead)Podem surtar a vontade nos comentarios!!=*
Ola fas, boa tarde!! Finalmente a Editora Planeta lembrou-se de nos e esta organizando um evento de lancamento para a nossa amada serie de livros!! \o/O evento sera realizado dia 15 de maio, as 16h, na Saraiva Megastore, do Shopping Recife, em Recife/PE. Vejam a pagina de divulgacao do evento no Facebook da editora.Via Twitter nos e varias outras pessoas perguntaram sobre a possibilidade de realizacao deste evento em outros locais, e a Editora Planeta informou que avaliara essa possibilidade, portanto, nao percam as esperancas dele acontecer na sua cidade!! Por isso, facam seus pedidos via twitter...quanto mais pedirmos, mais chances teremos!! E aproveitem para deixar as sugestoes de locais de voces tambem aqui nos comentarios!!;D Succubus Heat, o quarto livro da serie Georgina Kincaid, chega ao Brasil em julho deste ano com o titulo O Calor do Sucubo.Apesar de nao gostar muito dos titulos aqui no Brasil (de nenhum dos livros), fico muito feliz com a rapidez com que a Editora Planeta esta lancando a serie.Quem tiver oportunidade nao pode deixar de ler! Fonte: Fotos e Livros Olaaaaaaaaaaaa, pessoal!! Depois de tanto tempo sem novidades, eis que finalmente a Editora Planeta lanca esse mes o quarto livro da serie da Georgie: O Calor do Sucubo.Abaixo voces conferem a capa, sinopse e o link para ler o primeiro capitulo no site da Editora Planeta! Enjoy:Sinopse: "Georgina Kincaid tem sido muito, muito malvada... O que deveria ser uma coisa boa considerando a sua condicao de sucubo. No entanto, seu mau humor por causa do fim do namoro com o escritor de best-sellers, Seth Mortensen, anda tao insuportavel que seu chefe, o arquidemonio de Seattle, Jerome, resolve ?terceirizar? Georgina para um rival que mora no Canada ? e aproveita para fazer dela uma espia.Ficar exilada naquele lugar gelado ? tudo bem, em Vancouver ? e ter de deixar Seth nas garras aconchegantes da nova namorada nao e nada agradavel... E, para piorar tudo, Jerome e sequestrado e todos os imortais sob seu controle perdem misteriosamente os poderes. O lado positivo desses acontecimentos e que, sem a necessidade de sucubo de sugar energia dos mortais, nada mais impede Georgina de fazer o que sempre quis com Seth ? quer dizer, nada fora a nova namorada dele. Agora, enquanto os membros da comunidade sobrenatural comecam a se voltar uns contra os outros, uma Georgina recem-transformada em mortal precisa salvar seu chefe e descobrir quem e que esta causando toda essa confusao ? ou entao tudo vai virar um verdadeiro inferno."O primeiro capitulo voces poderao ler clicando AQUI.E para quem tiver interesse em ja adquirir seu exemplar, o livro esta em pre-venda na Saraiva ; Cultura e Travessa. De acordo com infomacoes do twitter da Editora Planeta, o 5o livro sera lancado aqui no Brasil apenas 2012!! O que e muito triste, uma vez que eles estavam lancando os volumes tao rapidamente. Contudo, e possivel compreender o porque, pois o 6o e ultimo livro da serie ainda nem foi lancado nos EUA. Entao, so nos resta esperar!! =S =D Ola, fas!! Bom Dia!!Para quem acompanhou o twitter
ou facebook da Richelle essa semana viu que ele trouxe muitas novidades, dentre elas, a capa do primeiro livro da serie spin-off de VA, Bloodlines!! Junto com essa novidade, ela informou que em breve divulgaria outra nova capa e as especulacoes comecaram sobre a possibilidade de ser a capa do ultimo livro da serie da Georgina, Succubus Revealed.Contudo, na quarta-feira, Tia Rich revelou que a capa, na realidade, e a da nova edicao em mass market de Succubus On Top. Para quem nao acompanhava nosso blog antes, ano passado nos divulgamos que os livros da serie Georgina comecariam a ser relancados com novas capas, comecando com Succubus Blues. Para quem nao viu, a nova capa de SB e essa ao lado!! Que, por sinal e muuuito mais bonita do que a antiga!! A epoca, Richelle revelou que aos poucos os demais livros seria relancados tambem em mass market com as novas capas, o que, honestamente, me animou muito levando em consideracao essa primeira capa!! Uma curiosidade sobre essas novas capas, e que a Richelle confessou que essa nova garota que as ilustrara parece bastante com a Georgina que ela imaginava!!Prontos para verem a nova capa americana de Succubus On Top?? Aqui vai ela:Muito mais bonita do que a anterior, nao acham?! Sem contar que a capa em si, segundo a Richelle, tem muitos efeitos metalicos que nao sao possiveis de visualizar em uma simples imagem no computador...mas para quem esta familiarizado com algumas capas americanas, da para ter uma nocao sim do quao linda ela deve ser em maos!! *________*A versao em mass market com a nova capa estara disponivel para venda a partir de Julho nos EUA!! Honestamente, eu tenho vontade de adquirir todos os livros da serie da Georgie me ingles futuramente, mas com certeza vou esperar o lancamento de todos com as novas capas para poder comprar!! ;DE voces, o que acharam?? Adendo: Quanto a capa de Succubus Revealed, a Richelle explicou que provavelmente ela sera divulgada proximo mes!! Esperamos que sim!!