Spotlight & Excerpt – B.J.’s Promise by Jeaninne Escallier Kato
Synopsis
This story takes place over the most difficult eleven years of Jeaninne’s life. Her instinct to bring a Golden Retriever puppy into a new marriage proved to be a decision that changed many lives. Think of that one dog you will never forget, then imagine that dog being your life preserver when your cruise ship sinks. Jeaninne’s life capsized many times in eleven years, but her dog, B.J., never let her drown. In the end, B.J.’s love triumphed, giving Jeaninne the ultimate gift.
B.J.’s loyalty and love served as the inspiration to allow Jeaninne to continue her work with her Special Education students in lieu of grieving her divorce and the death of her father. B.J. gave her students infinite patience so that they could process their own grief issues from home. When Jeaninne reread this book upon completion, she discovered more ways that B.J. taught her to accept life’s challenges.
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Excerpt
B.J., tied up behind a black iron stairwell on the side of a white stucco building, yelps in fear. I don’t know how long she’s been there—days, weeks, months. I’m not sure she’s still alive. I don’t remember losing her or how she escaped my care. In one scene, we run mountain switchbacks, sharing our passion for the great outdoors. In the next scene, I search desperately for her in a dark forest, bereft and alone. Before I can reach her to untie her emaciated body, I bolt upright from a deep sleep, the tears streaming down my face. That dream first appeared at the onset of my Golden Retriever’s failing kidneys. When her voracious appetite disappeared, I knew it was the beginning of the end of our love story.
Twenty-five years have passed since her death. If I didn’t know that one dog, destined to be mine, I wouldn’t have the life I have today. B.J.’s story deserves to be told.
Ricky, sassy and sultry, arrived late to the crowded Santa Monica folk club that breezy summer night in June 1983. In her usual style, she displayed the cleavage of her ample bosom, wearing clothes that accentuated her curvy body. I admired Ricky’s shoulder-length, red curly hair and quick wit. By contrast, my runner’s body—flat chested, with a long waist and strong limbs—represented the antithesis of a sexy bombshell. My chestnut brown, wavy hair fell to the middle of my back. I had that sparkly, girl-next-door enthusiasm. Ricky kept me calm and centered.
I yelled in her ear above the din of the bluegrass band.
“I can’t believe I grabbed the last two seats at the bar. Ricky, see that guy sitting next to me, isn’t he adorable? I don’t think he’s interested because I couldn’t engage him in a conversation.” Ricky winked at me as if to say, I’ve got this.
Ricky leaned across me, igniting a conversation with the tall, bearded man sporting thick, shaggy auburn hair. His dark blue eyes, shielded by arched sun-bleached eye brows, ignited a desire I hadn’t felt in years. I imagined if he were to shave his beard, his straight nose, high cheekbones, and full lips would be the face of Old Spice cologne. I moved down one seat so Ricky could talk to him. I sensed he liked her savvy New Jersey confidence better than my apologetic California cool.
When this perfectly proportioned man rose to use the bathroom, Ricky whispered, “Jeaninne, he’s shy. Try talking to him again.” Ricky guided me back into the seat next to Ben. When he returned, he looked directly into my eyes and smiled. I felt the blood rush from my head to my toes.
“I’m Ben. Can we start over?” I shook his extended hand, yearning to prolong the warm strength of his grip. I hoped he felt the connection, as well.
About the Author
Jeaninne Escallier Kato is a retired public school educator, currently coaching new teachers for Placer County, whose muse is inspired by the Mexican culture. Her work in bilingual education and in developing her own 501 (c) (3) mentoring program for Latino youth inspired her to write the notable children’s book Manuel’s Murals. Her piece “A Desert Rose” won the 2017 Fall Flash Fiction Contest for Women on Writing. Her piece “Milagro” placed second in the 2020 Women on Writing Fall Flash Fiction Contest. Jeaninne published her fiction and non-fiction in several online literary magazines and in two issues of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her story “Swimming Lessons” appears in the anthology “Gifts From Our Grandmothers,” with a dedication from Eleanor Roosevelt’s granddaughter. Jeaninne released her memoir, “B.J.’s Promise: How My Dying Dog Found My True Love.”
