Alexander Monroe lives in Grasspatch, a town so small, the founders couldn’t even be bothered thinking up a proper name for it. He works at the newsagency/post office, where his duties include ordering newspapers and magazines, printing Lotto tickets, and delivering the mail. One morning he has to deliver a parcel to the mysterious Mr Christian O’Neill, who lives in an oddly-shaped mansion on the outskirts of town. Not much is known about Mr O’Neill, although there is certainly an abundance of rumours -- a faded rock star, a media-shy actor. Alexander can’t wait to find out the answers for himself. Rather than being odd, Christian turns out to be the most interesting person Alexander has ever met. In fact, he asks to come back, and with each consecutive visit, he learns more and more about Christian, and about the power of the mind and the wonders visualisation can bring. But even as Alexander learns how to get what he thinks he wants, he loses Christian. Is it too late to find him again? And if he does, will what they had still be there?

Cool Blue

“I’ll still help you with the painting,” he said, hoping that if he spent a bit more time with Adam, his dream lover would see what a great couple they’d make and eventually change his mind.


“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” said Adam, tipping the contents of his glass down his throat.


“Sure. I’d like to help. We can still be friends, can’t we?”


Adam stood up and took his glass to the sink. He lifted up the drop cloth and put the glass beneath it. He turned and looked directly at Alexander.


“If it’s all the same to you, Alex, I’d rather you didn’t. I don’t want to sound ungrateful, because I really appreciate all the time and effort you’ve put in to help get Uncle Lester’s place back in ship shape, but I think it’s better if we make a clean break.”


“I’ll get it finished. Don’t worry about me.” He walked back to his roller and picked it up. “So I’d, erm, better get on with it.”


Alexander started walking towards the hallway. 


Chapter 21