I love life and all the blessings that come with it. Am I serious? Only when forced due to work or issues with my grown daughter. She’s always been “Daddy’s girl”. I accept that fact and hope time will bring us closer.

 

I hold the prestigious position of District Manager at Gérard’s nationwide department stores, which is very high-end, handling only the crème de la crème . I worked my way up from the sales floor, and always had an eye for fashion and décor. This responsibility takes me on many business trips along the east coast and Midwest which feeds my need for travel. Being a Gemini, I get restless and yearn for new faces and cities to excite my creative bent.

 

 French gourmet cooking is only one of my passions. I am quite the expert on French culture and speak the language fluently. Being one hundred percent French might contribute to my fondness for Paris.

What word describes me? Enigmatic.  I’m a shadow man of sorts, even on stage. Music has always been my driving force and passion. I had two marriages that went bust—I’m no good at that institution, or else I haven’t met the right person yet.

 

I never expected to be a singer, and certainly not famous. Creating music behind the scenes was my goal. But, that was many years ago when I first started out on this crazy path called show business. The money is a nice side benefit, but not one I give much credence to. My accountant pays the bills. As long as I have enough to keep my house in Bel-Air then, I’m happy.

 

My heritage is English and Scandinavian. My birth certificate reads Lars. Mom always called me Larry. I was born and raised in Queens, New York. Dad was a CPA, and Mom taught school. Overall, I had very humble beginnings. As a kid, I would have never dreamed platinum and gold records would be on the wall. Plus, a few Grammy’s are added to the mix.

 

 

 

Give me a beer and a great New York pizza, and I’m one happy guy. No pretense here. What you see is what you get. I lived on the streets until taken in by Lar’s parents when I was fourteen. They gave me a good home, taught me to be honest and caring—which I am. My friends are from the old days. Especially, Sal, or Sally as his friends call him. He’s loyal with shady connections—don’t know nothin’ ‘bout his business, and I don’t ask.

 

I’ve been by Larry’s side since the beginnin’. Tryin’ to look after him. He might have book learnin’, but he’s bit short on street-smarts.

 

I’ve always liked the ladies. Don’t go for ‘em too young. Never found no one to marry. Don’t like the idea of the ring in the nose, if you get my drift. When I’m in the mood, I always leave the bar with a dame on my arm.

 

My gut tells me who to trust and who to watch. Lots can be said about listenin’ to one’s gut. I’ve always kept my nose clean. Had a couple of close calls on that score when I was kid—but I turned out okay. Fancy food and highfalutin clothes is not for me. A comfortable shirt and pants is all I need. Though, when out with Lar, I have to dress respectable. I clean up pretty good.

 

Art? It’s in my blood. I see beauty in the simplest thing—the way light dapples through trees, or the play of shadows when the sun sets. Very few art forms disinterest me. Luckily, I have decent talent, went to college to hone my craft. Classic painting is my forte, with pen and ink running a close second. I’m a traditionalist and will choose oil over acrylic every time.

 

To help make ends meet, during the early years, I taught art history at a local college. It wasn’t long before I was promoted to assistant professor. One of my students became the love of my life. Honesty is a value I seek in others. The old golden rule is in my playbook.

 

Living in Tampa, owning an art gallery was a dream fulfilled. Frequent trips to Europe are a side perk. I enjoy seeking out quality art, whether it is local talent or some starving artist in France or Italy.  I’m a firm believer that talent should be supported.

MEET THE CHARACTERS

 

Get to know a little about the characters in the Forbidden Series.