Sunday Snippet: Kings of the Con (a Black Unicorn Comic Company short)

May is shaping up to be a weird month. I'm feeling kind of rushed but at the same time like I'm bogged down in mud. I think that's a sign that big change is coming and I'm not always as go with the flow as I'd like to be. We'll see what the summer brings.

Work projects are in a good place. I finished up a proofread and only have a few random changes to check. Also moved a copy edit off my plate. I'm continuing work on a design proofread and started a manuscript proofread over the weekend. I have a client call this week on a memoir and a developmental edit I'm returning to after a bit of a break. All in all, shaping up to be a busy week.

Hoping to put in some work on my sorely neglected website to get things moving on one of the side hustles I've been working on for a long time. I'm putting this in writing as a motivator!

Had a really good viewing week. I got through my full slate of shows and got one of my back-burner ones in also.

Started out with finishing up Foyle's War and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. I'm not sure I actually got to see this one during my original run through.

Also caught another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries. Ended up really enjoying this one also. Very fun to see some previous characters return.

Watched an episode of Silent Witness and I love that Jack is considering teaching. That could end up being fun to watch. Also love his interactions with Kat.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. Poor Hastings has had a run of bad luck with his investments. Very fun to see Poirot not enjoy his health retreat until the mystery starts.

Elementary had another great episode. Season five has been very enjoyable with the cast gelling in a great way. Loved the guy getting his comeuppance because he couldn't resist leaving the country for a hockey match.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and I ended up really enjoying how the team worked together even while completely blowing their original mission.

Caught the season four premier of Star Trek: Lower Decks and enjoyed every moment. Fun to see the growth of the characters and also fun to see so many callbacks to other Trek shows.

Hit an episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. Really felt for Alex and Carrie. And I also really loved Will changing his mind about the case with the sisters. Then again, if he'd listened to Alex in the first place he wouldn't have had to.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Kings of the Con, a sexy short in the Black Unicorn Comics series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Black Unicorn Comic Company, Episode Two: Brian Wells and Lucy Sanderson are the creative duo behind the rising success of Black Unicorn Comics. Surrounded by a close-knit group of coworkers they have fun and crazy adventures, keeping their relationship burning hot in spite of it.

And a snippety peek…

"Good God, Els. The booth looks brilliant."

Brian Wells tried to take the full effect of the display in, but his eyes couldn't quite stay in one place long enough. Randy and Zapf's idea sounded incredible the night they'd all ended up at the office … but what Randy and Els actually came up with? Surpassed anything Brian could imagine in his head.

Linus shuffled his feet, embarrassed with the praise. "It turned out great, didn't it?" He lowered his voice. "Do you think Reg would mind if I added this to my portfolio?"

Brian clapped him on the shoulder. "Mate, I think he'd be offended if you didn't." Reg would go slack jawed when he got a load of Linus's creation.

Els snickered. "Nah. Nothing I do lands on his radar." He shook his head.

Brain's mouth dropped open. "Els, you couldn't be more wrong." He sighed. "Where'd you get an idea like that?"

Lucy's brother shrugged, uncomfortable with the question. "Ah, well, nowhere, I guess." His eyes darted toward Chelle.

Brian's lips thinned. He wondered if Lucy might not have a solid basis for abhorring the woman. Wouldn't take much to find out.

An idea hovering in the back of his mind, Brian tried to set Linus at ease. "Els, Reg has been my best mate since primary school. Trust me when I say he knows how fantastic you are."

Els shrugged. "If you say so, Brian. It's not a big deal. I only want Reg to be happy with my work."

Brian stopped himself from pushing for more information. Els would probably clam up anyway. He had a bizarre loyalty toward Chelle and wouldn't break his personal code of ethics if he thought she'd get a hard time from Brian.

"I'll bet he tells you himself as soon as he gets here." Brian winked. "Just as soon as Ana gets past the morning sickness." She'd been fine the first trimester. The unpleasant symptom of pregnancy didn't make an appearance until a week after they made their announcement.

Els shuddered. "The baby makes her throw up. I'm glad guys can't have them."

Brian chuckled. "You and me both, Els. You and me both." He caught sight of Lucy and excused himself. "Mate, your sister just arrived back from the panel she went to, I'm gonna see if she wants lunch. You okay here?"

Linus nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine." He pulled a camera out of his jacket pocket. "I need to take pictures. Have a nice lunch." The device started whirring before Brian walked away.

I enjoy writing this series so much. The cast of characters is fun and Brian and Lucy are an amazing couple.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Killing Time

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, grandmas, mentors, fur baby mothers, aunties, found moms, and mother figures. I hope this day is joyful and everything you want it to be. For all those out there who have a hard time with this day, I hope peace and serenity find you.

Coming off a super-busy week with a lot going on between work and home. There are times I really wish I could split myself in two so I could get more accomplished.

Work projects ended up being chaotic. A bunch are finishing up, which is great. But they're also closing out with little things that need attention and happening all at once. Whew! I'm actually not sure how I made it through the week.

I have a couple of new projects starting this week and they're fairly normal, which is good for my executive function. I at least feel like I'll be able to breathe.

Even with all the chaos projects, I ended having a decent viewing week. Made it through my usual slate of shows. I didn't get to watch any extras, but I'm okay with that.

Started out with Brokenwood Mysteries and really enjoyed the mystery. I rather like Reverend Green and Doctor Plummer and seeing them work through a rough patch kind of made the whole show.

Got started on an episode of Foyle's War and need to finish it up this week. I'd forgotten how twisty the last two seasons were with the spy thrilled angle.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Thoroughly enjoyed Mervin and Solomon interacting. Kind of curious where they'll go with things and I have a feeling it won't be to a good place.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot and loved having Hastings return. The twisty, twisty tale also made for great viewing. Love it when Poirot almost stumbles then catches himself before he faceplants.

Elementary ended up being really good. I love Joan having Marcus's back. Getting the dirt for him made me so happy. Also loved the mystery they had to solve.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and I'm pretty interested in where things go. I like the team figuring out how to interact and I look forward to seeing their new member.

Finished up the third season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Gotta say for someone who really disliked Mariner well into the second season, I'd probably die for her now. That's a great character arc. Just saying.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Killing Time, a sexy short that pulls a couple together on a stakeout.

Here's the miniblurb:

Landry comes up with a great idea to kill time while on a stakeout with her hot coworker. Her biggest challenge? Getting Thryn to participate in a lively game of truth or strip.

And a snippety peek…

Thryn figured they could cut the sexual tension with a knife at this point. Especially since they were both down to their underwear. He gave himself credit for not staring at her breasts since she'd removed her bra … but he couldn't keep his lust in check much longer.

And that meant … he needed to make what he wanted very clear.

Thryn injected a warning into his tone. "Once the last item is removed, this progresses to the next level." How could it not?

Landry lifted her brows. "I'm counting on it." Her gaze dropped to his groin.

Thryn didn't move to hide his erection. "Ground rules? What are the expectations here?" He'd play by whatever rules she put out, but he knew what he wanted.

Landry didn't mince words. "Hot sex and mutual satisfaction." Her eyes took on a smoky quality.

And, damn, if that didn't turn Thryn on.

Thryn nodded. "A given, I think." He added a little push. "What about after?" Because everything in him screamed once wouldn't be enough.

Landry rolled one shoulder then the other. "I have no expectations, which isn't to say I'm not open to seeing where things go." She met his gaze. "I'm not gonna hold a gun to your head for promises." Her lips twitched a little.

Thryn appreciated her honesty. "Fair enough. If I had to make the call, I'd want to make plans for something away from work to see if this is a one-time thing…" He paused a moment. "Which I'm kind of hoping it's not." There … cards on the table.

Landry gave him grin and stuck out her hand. "Deal." She waited a beat. "Can we talk about that after?"

Thryn could get behind that idea. "Yes. Yes, we can."

Landry leaned forward. "Good." Her mouth meshed with his.

Lots of tongue and no subtlety. He understood exactly what she wanted. Definitely his kind of woman.

I love this one. This duo is so much fun to write!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Ker and Moros

Yeesh. So far, May has been a very chilly month. Our high yesterday hit forty-five degrees. Brrr. I'm going to try really hard to remember this when I'm crying because it's eighty-five in October. Just saying.

I didn't quite get everything tracked down that I wanted to last week so I'm carrying it over to this week. I think I'm going to make May my month to get stuff done. And, I'll be honest, it'll probably spill over into June. Time moves faster than I like sometimes.

Pretty good work week all things considered. I closed out a project and came close to finishing the final steps two others. Finished up a copy edit on a long manuscript and started a proofread on another. I have a continuation of another project on the books for this week also. I love to be busy.

Not a bad viewing week. I got through my usual list of shows, which makes me happy. I didn't get to watch any of my back burner shows or a concert, but maybe this week.

Started out with the season-twelve premier of the Brokenwood Mysteries. Thoroughly enjoyed the episode. Love having the cast of recurring characters making appearances.

Watched the final behind the scenes bonus of Foyle's War and enjoyed seeing the effort that went into creating the battle scene. Should be starting the final season this week.

Caught the opening episode of the next Poirot season. Kind of fun to see how little Poirot enjoyed retirement. And a really good mystery also.

Finished up the two-part Silent Witness premier. A very twisty story with lots of layers. I think I'm going to like having the team work at the new Bowman Center.

Elementary ended up being really interesting. I'm enjoying the Shinwell training and the case ended up being way complicated than I thought it would be.

Watched the second episode of Young Justice and I enjoyed seeing the team come together. Looking forward to more.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and, whoo boy. Gotta say Mariner got shafted. Should be fun and interesting to see how things play out over the rest of the season.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Ker and Moros, a novella that brings a couple together when both are at low points in life.

Here's the miniblurb:

When they meet on the hiking trail, Leticia Sutton and Dustin Pierce carry guilt for past transgressions that weighs them down. The new acquaintances are at their lowest point and agree to meet each week for friendly therapy, which develops into an attraction between the two. By the end of their journey, they have to decide if they have a solid foundation to build a relationship or if they should remain friends.

And a snippety peek…

Dustin guided Leticia through the clearest way to the main hiking path. "Try to keep the weight off that ankle." He could see the swelling getting worse.

She glanced toward him. "Are you a doctor?" Her lips turned upward for a moment before she grimaced again.

Dustin huffed out a laugh. "Nope. Paramedic and firefighter." She didn't need to know he'd been forced to take leave.

No matter how gently the battalion chief suggested Dustin take the time off.

Because he had become a death magnet. The chief didn't come right out and say those words, but Dustin got the strong impression everyone wanted him gone. At least for a while.

Not that he blamed them. Three deaths in two years and each one related to him in some way. Yeah, even he wondered if the planets were in some weird alignment.

First, one of his coworkers fell through a floor of a burning house and died from their injuries. Next, at a scene on the highway, a fellow paramedic got struck by a car and didn't survive the impact. Finally, Dustin's mentor—the man who brought him into the fire service—died during a training exercise at the academy. The last one pushed Dustin into accepting the chief suggestion to take some time off and get his head on straight.

He'd been present at all three. Each one had been violent. And the losses hit hard in the tight-knit departments.

Leticia made an ouchy sound and Dustin paused, glancing down. She shook her hand and a splash of red caught his eye.

He frowned. "Some paramedic I am. You hurt more than your ankle, didn't you?" He maneuvered her toward a tree and propped her against it. "Let me take a look."

She held out her hand and, sure enough, she had a small gash where she'd probably made a grab for something to slow her fall. It oozed blood and had dirt and debris surrounding the wound. He pulled his water bottle from his pocket and twisted off the cap.

She met his gaze. "I didn't notice it either, so it's not your fault." Holding her hand out, she closed her eyes.

Dustin quickly rinsed the area clean and took a closer look. "Don't think it'll need stitches, but we need to put some pressure on it." His brow furrowed. "I don't have anything on me here, but I have a first aid kit in my truck."

Leticia reached up with her uninjured hand and pulled the wide headband from her head. "I know it's not clean, but will it work for now?"

Dustin nodded. "Yeah. We'll rinse the area again when we get to the parking lot." His original plan to get her to the main trail and let her call someone wouldn't work now.

She sighed. "I'm so sorry. I really appreciate your help." Her eyes got misty, but she blinked then pulled her lower lip between her teeth.

Dustin shook his head. "Hey, it's okay. Let's get going and we'll have you fixed up and feeling better soon." He finished dressing the gash then got his arm back around her.

Leticia gave him a smile. "I'll bet you didn't have this scenario on your bingo card for today, did you?"

Dustin laughed. "Can't say I did. But it's better than the dumpster fire burning in my head earlier."

Shit. Did he really say that out loud?

I'm not quite sure where this one is going yet, but I love the idea of characters healing each other while they fall hard.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Keeping Him Real

Another bonkers week of fighting a cold and lack of sleep while trying to keep a lot of plates spinning. I have another week of tracking some things down that I really don't want to put off any longer and, honestly, I always forget how much time it takes to this stuff sometimes. I'd love an extra four hours in a day so I could stay caught up.

The weather is doing its usual back and forth thing, plus we're at that stage of spring where it's full-on construction season. I have to laugh because some of the detours have detours. It's bonkers.

Really good work week. I've got several projects in flux at the moment and if the timing goes well (spoiler alert: it rarely does), I'll move two off my plate and add two more. I did put a final checkmark on one of my developmental editing projects. I had a lot of fun working on that one.

Had a pretty solid viewing week. I made it through my usual list of shows and kind of added an extra one because one of my streamers is being a pain and wanting an upgrade for immediate access to new seasons. I'm not okay with paying more so I'll play the waiting game.

Finished up the fifth season of My Life Is Murder and I'm very happy with where all the characters are. I love Madison's growth and Will choosing to stay on the straight and narrow makes me smile. This group would be so much fun to hang out with.

Caught another behind the scenes bit with Foyle's War. I'm always interested in how they pull things together and this one had several segments about makeup, wardrobe, and sets. I think I have one more before the next season.

Watched another episode of Poirot and finished up the sixth season. From what I remember, there's a five-year break before the beginning of the next one. Stay tuned to see if I'm right.

Started the new season of Death in Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed the opening salvo. The commissioner is back. Darlene is gone and will be missed. A new sergeant is in the mix. Seb is still Seb. And DI Wilson has a clue that his half-brother is a terrible, no-good, awful person. Catherine and Naomi are the glue that holds everything together.

Elementary had another terrific episode. I really like where all the characters are right now, and I love Sherlock kind of going out on a limb for Shinwell. Looking forward to seeing more on this plot point.

Started a new to me series with Young Justice. I've seen a few of the episodes, but I've never seen how the series kicked off. So far, I'm enjoying the ride.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and quite enjoyed the adventure. Always lovely to see special guest stars and this week we had George Takei. Such a fun episode.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Keeping Him Real, a novella that pulls a couple together while one tries to help the other with work-life balance.

Here's the miniblurb:

Hugo Mitchell is the glue that holds his family's business together and they rely on him for more than they should. Gayle Dawson is a long-time friend who works with Hugo. She becomes the match that sparks a transformation within Hugo where he finally stops taking up all the slack and starts to enjoy life … as long as she's in it.

And a snippety peek…

Hugo finished putting the inventory away and contemplated Gayle's words. "She doesn't have my situation wrong." When Wayne and Vince dodged helping out, not only did they suck as brothers, they also showed their asses to everyone else.

Especially when both knew the bar would have a busy weekend.

Hugo snorted. "They sure love the ready cash to buy a new go-pro or a new software subscription for their web hijinks." But actually doing the work for said cash?

Not so much.

And Hugo could be a hard ass and make them help. Like Gayle said … they were grown-ass men and should start acting like it.

But … the last time Hugo put a foot down and made them toe the line, his brothers decided to make Hugo the subject of one of their segments. "And I didn't enjoy being in the limelight." Not when they could edit the footage however they wanted to and he came off looking like a complete moron.

It took weeks for the teasing to die down not only from the family but the patrons of the bar too. Thankfully, he had people he could count on. Ramona for one. She'd been with the bar for a long time, coming to work for his parents not long after they opened. She didn't let Wayne and Vince get away with not pitching in. Hence the reason they liked to hang out in the bar after breakfast then flee before she came in.

Wayne and Vince might be able to make a living with their platforms, but they couldn't support themselves completely. Unlike Hugo's other siblings, Aimee and Dante. They always popped in on their days off, and if they didn't do a full shift, they at least eased the burden for a few hours. Hugo appreciated the effort. Maybe helped that they were the oldest and decided quickly they wanted to keep a hand in the family business but also wanted their own careers.

And then … well … Hugo had Gayle. A breath of fresh air he always looked forward to having. He pretty much fell for her the first week she started working.

But he never said anything. "After all, she counts on me for a paycheck." Kinda inappropriate to seek something more, even if she flirted up a storm with him.

Which led to the next reason he didn't pursue anything else. He literally didn't have the time to put into a relationship. And she deserved someone who could go all out for her.

Dragging the kegs closer to the steps, he huffed out a breath. "Who knows? Maybe someday." He could dream, right?

I'm in the very beginning stages of this one, but it's going to be fun to see where the story goes.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Justice Is Served

What a wild week. We're back to almost winter temperatures with freeze warnings this weekend and the first part of the week. My cold is sorta kinda over, but the crazy weather probably won't help.

Had a pretty decent work week. I'm in flux on a number of projects but the work is moving steadily along. I'm happy to stay busy.

Pretty good viewing week also. I finished up a rewatch and have to pick a new show to watch on one of my streamers … and I have no idea what I want to choose.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and it was so fun to see a regular in one of the shows I watch do a guest turn in this episode. Can't wait to watch the finale this week.

Caught another behind the scenes episode of Foyle's War and enjoyed it. I have one or two more before starting the next season of the show.

Watched another episode of Poirot and loved the mystery. Hastings completely falling for the girl ended up being very interesting along with Poirot kind of lending a helping hand. Very cool.

Started the new season of Silent Witness. Jack's new look is … okay? Enjoy them being in a new city, and I'm liking the vibe of the characters.

Elementary, as usual, didn't disappoint. Such an interesting case and having Sherlock go out on a limb for Shinwell was rather cool.

Finished up my Batman Beyond rewatch and, honestly, the show holds up. Not sure what I'll pick next, but it might be DC universe adjacent.

Watched another Star Trek: Lower Decks. Kind of fun to have a one-off character come back and not end up being an actual hero. I like the risky maneuver there.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Justice Is Served, a novella that brings a couple together during an advocacy.

Here's the miniblurb:

Derby Stack is a cold-blooded killer, but not by choice. She's convicted for her crime, but Nate Mobius's specialized legal firm takes an interest in her case. Nate gradually wins Derby over and together they uncover a sinister trail leading back to her childhood therapist.

And a snippety peek…

Great question.

Not like she asked to have some righteous, nosy woman poking around in her dismal life.

Derby mimicked Nate's stance, bracing her back against the chair. "You're here because I apparently have the unlucky right to an advocate … who thinks she knows what's best for everyone on the planet." She rolled her eyes. "As if." Derby shrugged again. "Whatever. Not like I'm in any hurry to die a slow death in prison."

Tired of talking, she got up and started for the door—then remembered he hadn't given her permission to leave.

Heaving a sigh, she turned and kept her head low. "Are we through here? I have to have your okay to leave." She had to have someone's okay to take a piss.

Nate gave her a tight smile and waved his hand toward the door. When she pounded on the heavy metal, he got up, gathered his stuff, and moved to stand beside her.

Wilma yanked the door open and glanced back and forth between them. "Well, now. Aren't you two a cute couple?" Her wheezing laugh grated on Derby's ears.

Derby brushed past the guard and took her place one step behind the woman. Nate exited the room.

Ignoring Wilma's presence, he addressed Derby. "I'll be in touch soon. If you need anything, let Laura know or have the warden contact the legal firm."

Derby barely stopped from rolling her eyes. She lifted her chin, acknowledging she'd heard him. Wilma watched the exchange with avid interest. She also fixed her gaze on Nate's ass and didn't stop staring until he'd crossed into the admin area to sign out.

Wilma gave a low whistle. "Man's got a hot bod hiding under that suit." She practically licked her lips.

Derby didn't doubt he probably did, but she didn't share her opinion one way or the other. Wilma could perv all she wanted. Derby didn't do fantasies—not anymore.

Wilma jerked her head toward the cell block. "Let's go, Stack. You've got extra time in the library since you missed the last thirty minutes."

Derby hid her surprise. "Yeah, okay." She followed Wilma back to the only sanctuary she had.

And smashed down the flair of hope the guard's unexpected and out-of-character kindness sparked.

I really love how this one is coming together. Derby isn't quite sure what's going on, but she's in for a wild ride.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Just Take a Moment

Bleh. I've been fighting a yucky cold all week and I'm feeling a little better but not quite 100 percent. I'd be happy if the coughing could be a wee bit less.

Weather has been steadily warming up. We've dipped back down a couple of times but thankfully it's been gradual without the wild forty-degree swings in twenty-four hours. Been getting a lot of rain, which is causing high water and some flooding. Combine that with ongoing construction and the onset of tree-trimming and getting anywhere is something of a challenge. It pays to leave early.

Another busy work week. Finished up another proofread, continued work on one, and started an assessment read through. Also finished up a read through on another project that keeps lingering in the shadows. Started a new proofread that's a lot of fun so far.

Had a decent viewing week even though I slept a lot because of the yuck. I made it all the way through my usual slate of shows and added an addition to the lineup.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery along with getting more Harry backstory. I think the next two episodes are a two-parter that makes the finale. Can't wait to watch.

Watched the first behind the scenes for Foyle's War. Kind of enjoyed seeing the process of how they do what they do to film the period specific series.

Finished up the first season of Return to Paradise. I have no idea when season two will be available on the streaming platform, but I'll look forward to it.

Caught another episode of Poirot and completely enjoyed poor Japp trying to manage on his own then having a harder time after accepting Poirot's invitation to stay with him. Fun to see Miss Lemon's sister.

Elementary ended up being very entertaining. The twisty start proved interesting and Joan's advice to Sherlock turned out to be great. I love where their relationship is at this point.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and had completely forgotten about this one. I think I have one more left before I'll need to find a new series to watch or rewatch.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and quite enjoyed learning about Tendi's pirate past. Always fun to see characters from other Trek shows pop up in the episodes and Deep Space Nine counts as a character. Just saying.

I continued to use my Kanopy tickets to watch Fleetwood Mac: The Dance. This was such a great concert film, with quite a few surprises. Glad I got to watch.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Just Take a Moment, a novella that explores a second chance at romance.

Here's the miniblurb:

Sheila Hogan has spent eight years in the military and returns home to bury her mother. Troy Collins is the guy she left behind, and, after a bumpy reunion, she realizes he's still a source of strength and calm. Sheila has thirty days to decide if she's going to sign on for another four years or muster out and explore the future with Troy.

And a snippety peek…

Troy stared at the empty space Sheila left behind. Whispers rose and filled the room when she departed. Eyes darted his way.

The funeral director stepped in. "Ms. Hogan is taking a few moments to compose herself. Please give her some time and space." He stood sentinel next to the casket.

Troy shook his head. "That went about as well as I expected." He moved through the room, filled with flowers and pictures of Lydia's life. Not much different from his dad's viewing. But with a different set of lifetime memories.

Pushing his way out the door, he walked down the steps and across the parking lot. "Maybe I shouldn't have come." He'd debated the idea, not sure how he'd react to seeing Sheila again.

He didn't think about her reaction to seeing him.

He snorted. "Guess I know the answer now." The her seeing him part.

He didn't have a handle on so close to her yet. She obviously looked different. Eight years changed people. The navy appeared to have been good for her. She'd never been soft and giggly. He loved that about her. She spoke her mind and expected him to do the same.

Except when it came to leaving. She hadn't said a word about enlisting in the military. Hadn't mentioned she'd be heading out two days after graduation.

He paused by his car. "I really should've seen it coming, though." She'd laid the groundwork … he'd been too blind to see the gears turning.

He popped the door open and settled behind the wheel, his mind drifting back to Lydia giving him the news about Sheila being gone. Lydia brought him in, set him down, and explained that her daughter had some ghosts that needed laid to rest. Clarity hit him between the eyes. Sheila never really got over her dad walking out. Lydia agreed. Sheila wanted to see the world because she thought it would help her understand why her dad left.

Lydia shook her head. "I fear she'll be sorely disappointed. Jack didn't walk away to traipse all over the planet. He left because he couldn't handle being responsible for himself let alone anyone else." She'd grabbed his hand. "I'm sorry she didn't have the courage to tell you. But I think she feared she wouldn't go if she did. She'd let you talk her out of leaving."

At the time, he didn't want to admit he would've tried to convince her to not do something she wanted. But after some soul-searching and talking to his mom, he had to own the idea he probably would have. Or worse … given her an ultimatum.

Shaking off the memory, he started the car. He'd done what he'd come for. Offered his condolences for Sheila's loss. And okay, things went sideways pretty fast. A better man would track her down and apologize, but he didn't have it in him at the moment. Besides, he didn't owe her anything.

But Lydia had always being kind to him, even when he'd asked her to keep him out of the loop when it came to her daughter. She respected the request. But she'd come to his dad's funeral, and Troy's mom appreciated the gesture.

A weird thought hit him. He and his mom had each other to lean on when his dad passed and left their finances in a mess. 

Sheila didn't have anyone to rely on. No parent to help pick up the pieces.

At least not a present one.

Putting the vehicle in gear, he eased out of the parking space and turned toward the exit. His headlights flashed on the lone figure sitting on the stone ledge, head bent forward and shoulders shaking.

He almost stopped … but decided against doing so. He didn't want to make her grief worse.

But a part of him let go of the thread of resentment he'd held on to for so long.

No matter what remained unsaid between them, they'd each lost a parent and that meant they shared some common ground. Maybe not enough to forgive and forget … but probably enough for him cut her a break and move on from the hurt she'd caused.

Just starting out with this one but very happy with how it's coming together. Sheila and Troy are a bit of a challenge to write and I like that.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Just Skip Dessert

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. Happy regular Sunday to those who don't. After three days of lovely temperatures, we're back to mid-forties and chilly. I'll take the cooler weather because the warm-up seemed to bring the ticks out. Pulled three of them off my spouse yesterday. That's usually a May through October problem.

Got to enjoy a wonderful Friday with my daughter at an art walk. She's a project manager for a county arts council and knows many of the artists. So much fun!

Had a busy work week. Finished up a copy edit and proofread for one of the publishers I edit for. Also finished a proofread for a memoir. Continued work on two other proofreads. I have a developmental edit to start this week and hopefully another copy edit.

Ended up with an okay viewing week. I got through most of the shows I watch. I ended up skipping two because I didn't feel well and couldn't concentrate on more than one thing at a time. I did get some cleaning and decluttering done when I needed a break from work projects.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and quite enjoyed the mystery. I love Alexa and Madison's friendship, especially when Madison pushes Alexa out of her comfort zone.

Caught another Foyle's War and ended the eighth season. Loved Sam's good news and kind of felt sorry for Miss Pierce. There are several behind the scenes episodes that I hope to watch this week.

Watched another Return to Paradise and I'm almost finished with the first season. Not sure when the second will be available to me, but I'll look forward to it.

Also enjoyed another episode of Poirot. A holiday episode with a truly distasteful antagonist that thankfully didn't last long. I loved Poirot coming to Japp's rescue once the singing started. If you know, you know.

Elementary ended up being very good. I'm kind of interested to see where Joan's story goes with Shin. Also enjoyed Sherlock's chess match with Shin.

I binge-watched some Brokenwood Mysteries. The new season starts this week and I'll dive into it as soon as I finish up My Life Is Murder.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Just Skip Dessert, a novella that puts one of the characters in a tricky situation and gives the other character a chance to lend a helping hand.

Here's the miniblurb:

Wanda Craig and Dewey Pearson are the two newest teachers at Cheltenson Academy, a private school, and they hit it off right away. When a family emergency calls Wanda away right before the end of semester dinner for the new academic advisors, Dewey gets to deal with an inappropriate advance from the headmaster's wife. When Wanda returns, she takes steps to give Dewey a better experience.

And a snippety peek…

Dewey's new boss stopped in front of a brick bungalow where a woman with wavy blond hair sashayed back and forth from one side of the porch to the other.

Chalmers frowned. "Ellyn, what are you doing here?" His gaze narrowed on the woman.

Ellyn waved a hand. "Chalmers, dear, I'm here to welcome the newest additions to our exalted ranks, of course." She smiled sweetly at Chalmers. "Please do the introductions."

Chalmers made a grumbling sound. "This is Ellyn, my wife." He stepped up onto the porch and withdrew a key from his pocket. "Ellyn, this is Dewey Pearson and Wanda Craig." He unlocked the door and pushed it open.

Ellyn barely spared a glance for Wanda, acknowledging her with a brief lift of eyebrows.

For Dewey, she tucked her hand around his arm after giving him a slow once-over. "It's so lovely to meet you. Let's go in for a quick tour, shall we?" She didn't wait for an answer, guiding Dewey into the bungalow.

Chalmers made a grumbling sound again. "Yes, yes. By all means, show them around." He retrieved another key and held it out for Wanda. "You're right next door." He pointed to the quaint stone cottage on the right side.

Wanda murmured her thanks. "Much appreciated." She trailed behind Dewey and Ellyn.

Chalmers stepped inside. "Ellyn, don't be long. We want to give Pearson and Craig time to get settled." He met Dewey's gaze. "Report to my office at eight a.m. and I'll go over your responsibilities." Glancing toward Wanda, he lifted his chin. "I'll meet you directly after lunch and we'll get you sorted over at the theater." He gave Ellyn a brief look.

She waved her free hand. "Go on, dear. I know how busy you are the week before classes start. I'll see you at dinner." Turning away from her husband, she led Dewey further into the house.

Dewey grew increasingly annoyed at the way Ellyn wouldn't let go of his arm while she showed the main points of the bungalow. She also blithely ignored Wanda, which irritated Dewey, especially when Ellyn continued to flirt outrageously with him. Dewey worked to bring Wanda into the conversation and remind Ellyn the other woman existed.

He asked about the layout of the houses even though they were the same on the information sheets. "Wanda, any questions about your cottage?"

She smirked a little and got a good swipe or two in with a polite innocence that counted as … anything but innocent. "Oh no. None at all. Mrs. Grove is doing a lovely job with the grand tour." Keeping things formal by calling Ellyn Mrs. Grove earned Wanda a sharp glance.

Dewey's lips twitched, but he remained silent.

Wanda got another jab in when they finished the walkthrough. "Mrs. Grove, your husband has been so welcoming and kind. It's remarkable how both of you are working in tandem to make us feel like part of the family."

Ellyn's nostrils flared, but she gave Wanda a tight smile.

Wanda shot one last missile across the bow. "And I think your husband is going to be a great boss."

Dewey admired the way his newest coworker rather put Ellyn Chalmers in her place without being catty or bitchy about it. Frankly, he wanted to applaud the new theater director's ad-libbing, show-stealing moxie. They'd reached the front door again and Ellyn visibly stewed at Wanda's gentle reminders about Ellyn's marital status.

However … since she had no reason to continue holding on to Dewey, she inclined her head and stepped toward the door. "Yes, well, it's wonderful to have you." She met Dewey's gaze. "We always host a dinner party for our new educators." She flicked her attention to Wanda. "Chalmers will let you know the date and time, but it'll be soon." With another tight smile, she exited Dewey's new residence.

Dewey waited until the door firmly closed behind her before he turned to Wanda. "Uh, wow." He had no other words.

Wanda laughed. "Yeah, she's not subtle, is she?"

Dewey chuckled. "Not one bit. But you were amazing."

I'm in the beginning stages of this one but it's so much fun to write!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin