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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Wednesday Spotlight with Oliver





Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! Today I have a very special guest. Our very own Oliver has agreed to be interviewed. So come into the parlor and join me for an up close and personal with my suave and debonair butler. And here he comes now. Oliver, darling, come on out!

Oliver saunters out, grinning. Dressed in a black t-shirt and low rider jeans, he takes a seat on the sofa, crosses one muscular leg over the other and blows kisses to his adoring fans. The women scream for him to flex his biceps. With a wicked wink, he obliges.

A cacophony of feminine shrieks and howls erupt from the audience, rattling the double pane windows and crystal chandelier. In between chanting his name, Oliver is bombarded with red roses, lace thongs, pictures and hotel keys. A real lady killer, Oliver scoops up handfuls of the souvenirs and takes a gallant bow.

Sharon: Thank you for agreeing to an interview, Oliver. Now, since the roles are reversed, I’ve mixed up a batch of your favorite drink, the James Bond martini and your favorite munchies, Macadamia nuts. Sharon pours the martinis into two chilled glasses and they toast.

Oliver: Perfect, just the way I like it. Shaken, not stirred. He scoops up some nuts and kisses his fingertips. Ambrosia!

Sharon: All right, now I know the ladies are dying to learn all about your life before joining my employee, so let’s get started. Tell us your full name and where you’re from.

Oliver sips his martini and winks. My name is Oliver Rodrigues Carvalho. I was born in Tuscany, but was raised in Hawaii. My sweet mama, God rest her soul, was a feisty little Italian woman with a heart as big as the day is long. Papa was born in Madrid, Spain and was a legendary bull fighter until his dying day.

Sharon: Sigh. What a family history. And tell us, Oliver, with all that hot blood surging through your veins, did you ever entertain the notion of carrying on the legend? I’m sure all the ladies out there can visualize you as a very sexy matador, taunting the bull with your red cape. Inquiry minds want to know.

Oliver: I remember watching Papa a few times as a boy, and being both fascinated and horrified. A raging bull is not a pretty sight, especially when he’s charging full steam ahead at a loved one, determined to stomp him to death. No, not once did I wish to pursue Papa’s career.

Sharon: You know, something I’ve always wondered about, Oliver. Why the color red? Correct me if I’m mistaken, but aren’t all animals color blind?

A seductive chuckle erupts from the back of Oliver’s throat. I always wondered who decided animals are color blind? To my knowledge, they can’t speak for themselves. But I can speak the truth about the red cape that is flapped in their face. It isn’t the color that annoys them. The bull gets stimulated by the flapping of the material. It enrages them and makes them charge.

Sharon: Well, thank you for clearing that up, Oliver. Are you ready for another martini?

Oliver winks. Keep them coming.

Sharon tops off the chilled glasses. Now, tell us how you came to be a part of my employee. And remember, darling, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Oliver clinks his martini glass and smiles a beguiling smile. Would I lie? The truth is, I love to cook and clean and am a connoisseur of fine wines. If there’s a drink or martini out there I don’t know about, I’ll learn and mix it up faster than I can pump my biceps. So when I saw the ad you were running in the paper, what choice did I have? Obviously, your mama didn’t raise no fool, and you hired me on the spot. And if I might be so bold to say, working for you is the best.

Sharon beams a brilliant smile. Why, thank you, Oliver. How sweet of you to say. I am the best boss, right? Sharon bats her eyelashes, still beaming.

Oliver: Well, there’s that. But I was actually thinking about all the hot babes you interview that I get to wait on hand and foot.

Sharon pouts. But of course. But tell them the real shocker, what you do at night.

Oliver grins and pumps his biceps. I’m a private investigator. I work undercover and have done a variety of surveillance work from tracking cheating spouses to some shady deals I am too much of a gentleman to discuss.
Sharon: And this makes you all the more dark and mysterious. Now, no doubt the ladies are curious about your love life. Are you or have you ever been married? If not, are you dating?

Oliver winks and grins? I’ve never been married and am still waiting for the woman who holds the key to my heart.

The women sigh.

Sharon: And just what type of woman might that be, Oliver?

Oliver: I’ll know her when my heart beats for her and only her.

The women gasp.

Sharon: Well, it’s either getting hot in here or thick in here. She fans her face. But obviously, our darling Oliver isn’t about to budge an inch. So on to other subjects. What kind of music do you like?

Oliver: I love all music. It speaks a language all its own. It can be romantic, energetic, sad or thrilling. But outside of rock and roll, jazz crawls beneath my skin and makes me feel alive. But when I’m thinking about a case or a woman, I prefer classical music.

Sharon: Lovely. And how about a date. Where do you take a woman on a date to impress her?

Oliver: It all depends on the woman. I prefer a woman that knows her mind and isn’t afraid to let me know her passions. But a selfish woman or self-serving woman is a real turn off. For a first date, I enjoy a quiet dinner, soft music and a nice bottle of wine. Talking is good. And a woman must have a sense of humor, but above all, she must have a heart that echoes her joy.

Sharon: clutches her heart. What a man! What about reading and movies? What are your preferences:

Oliver: Raises an eyebrow. You’re asking a PI that question while he’s sitting here drinking a James Bond martini? He winks. I love a good who done it, James Bond is my hero and I prefer to watch historical documentaries in my spare time.

Sharon: Do you have a hobby? Not that I give you any time to pursue one, but we all have a passion. What’s yours?

Oliver grins. I suppose it’s my Italian blood from Mama’s side. But I enjoy growing my own grapes and making wine from my own vineyards. When doing this, it’s something that I created with my own two hands. And wine is very good for you and a special bottle for the right occasion adds the perfect ambiance.

Sharon: Oliver, you are a jack of all trades. And tell us, do you have a favorite wine? Red or white?

Oliver: They say red is good for the blood and my personal preference is Tuscan Red. He kisses his fingertips. Delicioso..

Sharon: How sweet. Well, that just about wraps things up. And while I run in and brew your favorite coffee, chocolate almond and bring out your favorite dessert, a black forest cake smothered in cherries, you can entertain the ladies. Thank you for a most revealing interview, Oliver. And if I don’t say it enough, you’re the best. Sharon leans over and plants a kiss on Oliver’s lips and saunters to the kitchen, swooning.

52 comments:

Sharon Donovan said...

Let's have a warm welcome for the one and only Oliver. Come join us for a James Bond martini and chat with us. These Macadamia nuts are quite good. Oliver has me addicted to them. Wink

Hywela Lyn said...

Good morning Oliver, how fantastic that Sharon has you as her guest today! Oh, hello Sharon, didn't see you in the kitchen there.

Well Oliver, what an insightful interview, now we know even more about you. Oh, do you mind if I just brush you off a bit, you seem to have a few - er - personal items and rose petals covering your t-shirt. Hmm, that's better. *Sigh.

Yes, I could well imagine you as a James Bond type, but dear, you're so much nicer - and better looking than James Bond - he always struck me as a bit selfish, I'm sure you wouldn't take advantage of the ladies the way he does - even when they're throwing themselves at your feet. What 's that? Of course not. Didn't think so.

I'm so glad you didn't take up bull fighting. Apart from it being such a cruel sport (no offence to your dear papa, you know how I love animals though) I couldn't bear to think of you being stomped on and hurt by those wicked horns. Your 'evening job' sounds much more 'you' and far less dangerous.

Oh you like black forest gateau? It's my favorite too! Tell me Oliver are you an animal love? You seem to know a lot about them - and I've seen you on a horse. When you're not fooling about you're a fantastic horseman - that fiery destrier you rode at the tournament at 'The Author Roast and Toast' the other week was no child's pony, that's for sure!

Oooh, a quiet dinner, bottle of wine and an entertaining conversation with some soft Classical music in the background - sounds heavently - I'm free all week by the way! :)

Oh dear, I see there's a cue forming behind me, I suppose I'd better let some of the other ladies have a word with you before Sharon comes back - see you later sweetie.

(Lyn just can't help herself and has to touch Oliver's lips with her own, in a discreet but heartfelt kiss, before reluctantly backing off, almost getting trampled underfoot by the heaving, pushing throng of women impatiently waiting for her to get out of the way so they can get upclose and personal with Oliver themselves!)

Margaret Tanner said...

Oooh Oliver, my hero. Great interview Sharon
Regards
Margaret

Sharon Donovan said...

Lyn, my lovely. How wonderful of you to pop over to chat. Can Sharon mix or stir you a martini of your choice? He chuckles. I just love saying that to rile her. Look at her bustling about behind the bar, dearheart that she is, doesn't quite have the hang of mixing drinks. It's a special talent. He pumps his biceps. And yes, I am an animal lover and have two golden retrievers. Then there's Sharon's beloved cat. Freddy plops onto Oliver's lap, purring. Oliver strokes his sleek fur. And horses, I admit to being a champion horseman in my day. I love to ride a wild stallion, break one in. And when I go on vacation, I make it a point to go to a ranch and get in a lot of riding and camping and hiking. He pumps his biceps again. A PI's gotta keep in shape, you know. And yes, outside of working here and my night job, working as a butler on the author roast and toast is most fun. You ladies are the best. Ah, he clutches his hand to his heart. Lady Margaret is winking wildly at me. He leans over and plants one on Lyn's lips... Thank you for your charming visit.

Sharon Donovan said...

Margaret, my sweet. Come sit with me. Ah, yes if you prefer sitting on my lap, who am I to complain. He returns her wink. And what can Sharon bring you? An Earl Gray, but of course. Oh, Sharon, dearheart. Bring a pot of tea for Lyn and Margaret...and a few scones might be nice. He grins a beguiling grin. She'll make me pay for this later...but for today, I'm milking it...

P.L. Parker said...

Good Morning Oliver - how wonderful to hear about the "real you." You'd make a wonderful leading man in a romance story. I must do some personal interviews - soon. (Don't tell my husband.)

A girl in our office's last name is Carvalho - must talk to her about family history - are all the men so beautiful.

Sharon Donovan said...

Patsy my love, Oliver pats the sofa for her to join him. Come sit with me. Did I ever tell you flattery will get you everywhere? He plants a kiss on her lips. Now, tell me, what can Sharon bring you to drink? Allow me to feed you a chocolate covered Macadamia nut. There's a good girl. Open up.

Emma Lai said...

Fun interview! What a Renaissance man! Just like my husband. Too bad Oliver is virtual. Sounds like he needs a virtual leading lady!

Sharon Donovan said...

Emma, my pet. Come join me for a drink. Sharon, another martini for me, and whatever Emma fancies. I'm so pleased you stopped by to chat. Such a pity I'm virtual, but I am the romantic hero in one of Sharon's upcoming books, so stay tuned for my virtual woman. I have no objection to a virtual kiss, do you, Emma?

E.A. West said...

Wonderful interview! It's always a pleasure to learn more about the incomparable Oliver.

To show my appreciation for both Sharon and Oliver, I'm awarding this wonderful blog the One Lovely Blog Award. You can learn more about it here http://thewestcorner.blogspot.com/2010/01/one-lovely-blog-award.html

Oliver, I hope you enjoy your day in the spotlight!

Mona Risk said...

What a fun interview Sharon. Oliver, you're one hunk we can't forget.

Shawna Thomas said...

Swoon is right. A quiet dinner, a bottle of wine and good conversation. That is the perfect date. Oliver, you would make any woman happy.

I've never had a James Bond martini, but I'm willing to try one. I have to agree with you about the Macadmaia nuts, Sharon, they are addicting, especially when drenched in chocolate. ; )

Emma Lai said...

You're a hoot, Oliver. You may kiss my hand as any gallant Renaissance man would do. And I shall blush and simper properly.

Miss Mae said...

Oh, hey there, Oliver, and Sharon. Don't mind if I brought along my own chocolate, eh? It's flavored with a tangy...well...something. *hiccup*

Now Oliver, I always knew you were full of bull, but now you're admitting it!

Wait, what's that? Oh, you say your daddy was the one who fiddled with bulls. Are you sure? It certainly looked like you sitting astride old Mean Horned Bill last Saturday night at the Pinky Pearls Saloon.

Oh, don't pout just because I zipped your photo all along the internet. Here, get happy, chomp on a piece of my chocolate.

Thunk!

Hey, Sharon! You better hurry in here! Oliver's passed out on the floor!

Laurean Brooks said...

Sharon, that Oliver is a regular Cassnova. Don't be taken in by his many charms.

Oscar and marriage? Do those two words even belong in the same sentence? Sounds like an oxy-moron to me. LOL

Hmmm.

Sharon Donovan said...

Oliver stands up to accept the award from E.A. Before taking it, he leans down to kiss her. Then with a wink, he pats the sofa for her to join him for a drink. E.A., always a pleasure. Sharon, more drinks are in order, I dare say you look a bit flustered. He pumps his biceps at E.A. Being a butler isn't all as easy as the boss lady assumed. He grins a roguish grin.

Sharon Donovan said...

Oliver stands up and takes a sweeping bow. Mona, my lovely. Thank you for dropping by to chat. He grins shamelessly. You think I'm hunky? He breaks into the old Rod Stuart song, "Do you think I'ms Sexy?" Twirling Mona about, he sings in her ear. ""Come on sugar, let me know!"

Sharon Donovan said...

Oliver fans himself. Lynne, sweet sweet Lynne. Come have a James Bond with me and let me make you swoon! Allow me to feed you some chocolate covered macadamias, there's a pet.

Sharon Donovan said...

In true gallant style, Oliver takes Emma's hand, kisses it, never losing eye contact. Then he turns her wrist over and kisses the tender flesh with a roguis wink.

Sharon Donovan said...

Oliver winks at Miss Mae. Accepting her gift of chocolate covered nuts, he pops a few in his mouth. With a twinkle in his eye, he sighs. Miss Mae, he kisses her cheek. I'm too much of a gentlman to broadcast the surveillance I was doing on you at Pinky Pearls Saloon last Saturday night. Sharon, dearheart, bring Miss Mae a martini before she passes out. She looks a bit green in the gills.

Sharon Donovan said...

Laurie, my sweet sugar plum. He bats his eyes and pats the sofa. Hmmm. Now what would make a sweet young thing like you so skeptical of me? I speak the truth. The words I speak come straight from my heart. He presses his fingertips to his heart and to her lips. Now join me for a martini and we'll have ourselves a nice little chat to sooth your blues away... Oh, Sharon, dearheart, make this one a triple.

Barbara Edwards said...

I had to add my admiring sighs. If only Oliver would visit one dark night..... Oh my!

Laurean Brooks said...

Sharon,

Oliver's charm is overwhelming. I'm still laughing at what he did to poor Miss Mae!

Sharon Donovan said...

Oliver's eyes darken at Barbara's teasing proposition. Come sit with me over a drink, my sweet, and we'll discuss this...a rather interesting fantasy of yours...

Sharon Donovan said...

What can I say, Laurie. MM walked right into that one. Hee hee!

Emma Lai said...

Shame on you, Oliver! Kissing me on the wrist when the baby momentarily distracted me. Very naughty! However will you make it up to me?

Kathleen said...

So nice to learn more about Oliver. Thank you Sharon. Didn't realize he's such a renaissance man.

Sharon Donovan said...

Oliver pats the sofa for Emma, assuring her he has all good intentions of making it up to her. Wicked wink...

Sharon Donovan said...

Oliver kisses Kathleen's hand. Join me for a drink, my dear. There's a lot you don't know about me, but we can soon remedy that.

Emma Lai said...

What a rogue! :)

Shawna Thomas said...

Oliver, you are a charmer.

Emma, what would life be like without a few rogues, especially those as dashing as Oliver?

Emma Lai said...

Very boring, Lynne! Our stories probably wouldn't be as fun.

Skhye said...

So, Oliver, where can we buy your 2010 calendar loaded with incredible snapshots of you dusting the furniture?

Lori Quisley Graham said...

Sigh, so many thoughts are running through my mind as my fingers stroke his wonderful mane, glorious.

Sorry, Sharon, I didn't realize you had stepped back in the room. I was just talking about some manuscript business with Oliver here. He is truly very gifted in his other career and has offered to take me on a stake out with him. I know it will be incredibly boring, sitting all alone with him on a comfy bench seat in his big old truck in the dark. I just can't imagine what will happen but I am willing to sacrifice to learn more about the PI field. Being an editor it is very important to me that I have some real life experience as I read manuscripts. I hope you don't mind.

What's that Oliver? It could take all night. That's okay. I'm willing to give up a fun evening. I'll be ready for you to pick me up later but will run for now and gather some Tuscan red, nice cheddar, macadamia nuts and so forth to keep us going through the night.

Great chat here Sharon and I'll let you now what I think of stake-outs. But you know...I might have to go more than once. :)

Hywela Lyn said...

Oooh yes Skhye. In a kilt?

(Yes Lyn's back, trying to find room on the settee, crowded as it is with swooning ladies. Oh well, looks like I'll just have to perch on your knee, Oliver.)

Sharon Donovan said...

Oliver winks at Skhye. For you, darling girl, I will pose in a kilt, every month a different pose....

Sharon Donovan said...

Lori, love. Oliver takes her by the hand and kisses it in true gallant style. Then he casts her a roguish wink and whispers in her ear. Meet me out back for the undercover work. And no doubt, Sharon will be happy to pack us a picnic lunch...in case we work up an appetite. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. Come with me, my pet. The criminals and the night await...

Sharon Donovan said...

Ah yes, Lyn, Oliver nuzzles her ear. How lucky to have you return for another visit. And by all means, sit on my lap. I honestly don't know how I'll go back to my butler duties tomorrow. I rather love sitting here being swooned. Another kiss? Wel, if you insist...

Lori Quisley Graham said...

Sharon, you are such a sweetheart to not mind me stealing Olive for an evening of under the blanket...oops, I mean undercover work. And to pack the goodies so we can keep our energy level up is just too darn nice.

Candace Morehouse said...

I just want Oliver know that when he needs something new to investigate, he can come on down to Arizona any time? er, uh, right Sharon? You would let him go for a few days, wouldn't you?

Sharon Donovan said...

Sigh. It's a tough job, Lori, but someone has to play the role of the butler. You know what they say...when the cat's away...the mouse will play... Stop nudging me in the ribcage, Oliver. You will pay dearly tomorrow when it's back to the real world. Today is the male version of Cinderella. Enjoy!

Sharon Donovan said...

Oliver is always ready and willing to travel undercover, Candace. Oh, he of feeble heart!

Unknown said...

swooning! Hold on ladies while I catch my breath! Oliver you sure are a hottie. Loved hearing about your background ;)

Sharon Donovan said...

Oliver rushes over to Val to massage her back. Allow Sharon to mix you a drink, my lovely. Come sit with me and let me work my magic fingers on you. There's a pet...

Linda Swift said...

Oliver, I've been looking forward all day to learning more about your fascinating life and you didn't disappoint me. I know you must be exhausted from all these frenzied admirers you have but I did want to stop and say hello. And if you're ready to relax now why don't you just kick back and put your feet up, and lay your head on my shoulder and I'll sing you a lullabye while Sharon makes you a nice cup of cocoa. Every charmer needs a little mothering once in a while, especially after a day like you've had, dear Oliver. No, no, ladies. Please leave his feet alone and let the poor boy rest.

Sharon Donovan said...

Oliver sighs. Lovely Linda, how right you are. Ah, that's right, my pet, sing in my ear. And if the ladies insist on massaging my feet, who am I to stop them. And how sweet it is....

Hywela Lyn said...

Hi Sharon - hi Oliver.

Sharon I just wanted to see if I could help out at all, you must be exhausted after yesterday.

What's that Oliver - not half as exhausted as you are (but in a nice way) and Sharon's fast asleep in the kitchen with a pile of washing up n front of her? Aw. Tell you what Oliver, you wash, I'll dry, and yes, you may whisper sweet nothings while we do it!

Sharon Donovan said...

Sharon wakes up. Oh, Lyn. You and Oliver did up the dishes. How sweet of you, thank you. Oliver, a pot of Earl Grey for Lyn would be nice. Now, Oliver, don't pout. It's back to work today as my butler. I'd like my hazelnut coffee, please, just the way I like it, slow roasted and very strong. And yes, biscotti. Then you can draw my bubble bath for me, perhaps a massage... Being a butler is tough work, after all. Come now darling, chop chop.

Well folks, that brings us to the end of another Wednesday Spotlight. I would like to thank everyone for dropping by to chat with Oliver. Join me next week when my featured guest will be Candace Morehouse. Until then, may the luck of the Irish be with you as you travel through life.
Love and Blessings,
Sharon

Jane Richardson said...

Oh, dear, I'm late, but I know Oliver won't mind. ;-) Well, that interview just confirmed something I've suspected for a very long time,which is that Oliver and I are soulmates. Definitely. No question about it! I bet he likes an olive in his martini just as much as I do!
What a guy.....:)

Jane x

Sharon Donovan said...

Jane, love. Oliver rushes over to kiss her. Come join me for a special James Bond martini. Wicked wink...

Cate Masters said...

Loved having Oliver in the spotlight! He's certainly at ease there, but then he takes up every task with grace and panache. Bravo Oliver!

Sharon Donovan said...

Oliver takes a sweeping bow and kisses Cate's hand. I certainly try my best. Might I interest you in my special James Bond martini? He pumps his biceps and winks