Slow week in television due to the Olympics, but that's okay. I enjoy being a casual viewer of the coverage and there have been some terrific events. Watching Virture | Mior during ice dancing is such a joy. They're unmatched by anyone else.
Legends of Tomorrow returned on Monday and while I'm kind of "meh" about the move to a new night, I did love the episode. Nice to see the group dealing with Firestorm being gone. Also kind of cool to see Mick step into something of a leadership role, even if he'd never own doing it. LOL
I had the chance to catch up on my period dramas. Murdoch Mysteries is having some fun with Julia's pregnancy and I kind of like how she's dealing with everything. Frankie Drake Mysteries keeps getting better. I love the varied types of cases Frankie and Trudy get involved in.
Also caught another five episodes of Chicago Fire. Season four is diving into things on a much deeper level and I like where the characters are right now. It's been fun watching Severide pull himself back up from his demotion. I even sort of enjoyed Patterson figuring out what really matters at fifty-one. Not sure I'm totally down with him becoming a battalion chief but, yeah, I can live with it. LOL
I didn't get the chance to watch more of The Punisher, but I'll be catching some episodes this weekend. Also still need to watch the latest Riverdale before the show returns after the Olympics.
That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from The Ex Files, a novella that started with the story idea of writing a situation where an ex makes things awkward.
Here's the mini-blurb:
Effie Stone helps Reed Rettos avoid an ugly scene with his ex-girlfriend and halfway falls for him over coffee. When an old flame contacts Effie, she asks Reed to return the favor. Reed hesitates, not sure he wants to get tangled up in more drama, but he's very smitten with Effie and agrees to make it clear she's got a new man in her life… even if only for a night.
And a snippety peek…
Reed Rettos tensed the moment he caught sight of his ex-girlfriend, Gianne, entering the diner. He didn't need a confrontation today. Seriously. He'd spent the night responding to emergency calls, back-to-back-to-back, and only had about two hours of sleep. He loved working on the medic with his fire department, but sometimes—like now—he cursed stupid people doing stupid things that made nights like the last one long.
And left him ill-equipped to deal with his drama queen ex.
Flashing a smile, he thanked the waitress for his to-go cup of coffee, left a big tip, and tried to sneak out the side entrance.
"Reed! Hold up a minute. I need to talk to you." Gianne's voice sounded like gunshot in the otherwise quiet restaurant.
He paused, trying to decide if he should just make a run for it and met the gaze of a lovely blonde, stirring a mug of coffee while she picked at the remnants of her breakfast platter. A cross between humor and commiseration lit her eyes and her lips twisted in an understanding smirk. She seemed to get the entire picture without a word needing to be said. Finally, someone who understood, even if a complete stranger.
With a shake of his head, he started for the door but the brief exchange with the unknown woman lasted long enough for Gianne to catch up and she latched on to his coat sleeve, her fingers fisting the fabric. Reed braced for whatever shit storm she wanted to unleash this morning.
She didn't disappoint. "Reed. You're not answering my calls. Just because we split up doesn't mean you can't be civil and speak to me when I need something." She swung around to stand in front of him. "It's like you're trying to avoid me. Is that what you're doing? Because you said we'd always be friends."
He'd lived to regret that promise. Offering a platitude to avoid a teary-eyed goodbye had totally blown up in his face. Gianne considered friendship one tiny step away from still being a couple.
So not his intention.
He inhaled, counted to three, and slowly exhaled. "Gianne, we're not a couple anymore. You've called me ten times in the last two days." His grip tightened on his coffee cup. "That's more than you contacted me when we were together."
Her eyes narrowed. "Did it occur to you it might have been important?"
He fought the urge to roll his eyes. "You and I don't define the word 'important' the same way." They didn't define anything the same way.
The blonde in the booth bit back a grin and her action distracted him. Gianne's mouth flattened into an angry slash and a stab of irritation throbbed behind his eyes. Two months after breaking up and Gianne hounded his every move. She needed to move on… if only to save his sanity.
Gianne squared her shoulders and opened her mouth, no doubt to blast him for being a dickhead.
The blonde stranger rose from her spot and pushed the side door open far enough to make the bell jingle. Then she saved Reed's life.
Lifting her hand in a wave, she called out. "Reed. Sorry I'm late." Making her way around Gianne, the stranger angled in close, brushing her lips over his in a lingering kiss.
Shocked, but grateful, he responded, drawing the kiss out by capturing her mouth under his for another moment before he spoke. "No problem. Glad you could make it."
His lifesaver stood by his side, wrapped her arm around his waist then faced Gianne. "Hi, I'm Effie Stone." She stuck out her free hand. "And you are…"
A myriad of emotions crossed Gianne's face. Surprise, understanding, hurt, and finally humiliation. She blinked and stepped back, ignoring the outstretched palm.
Her gaze flew to Reed's, angry and calculating. She tilted her head to one side and glanced toward Effie, whose friendly smile slowly faded. Gianne gave Effie a once-over from head to toe, then side-eyed Reed. Instinct kicked in and Reed made a quick decision.
Nodded toward Gianne, he tugged Effie closer. "Effie, this is Gianne Morse."
Effie inclined her chin. "Ah, right. Former girlfriend." Her voice lowered. "And awkward moment. I'm so sorry." She looked in Reed's direction. "Do you two need a moment?"
Gianne opened her mouth, but Reed shook his head. "No. Since you made it, let's find a seat, maybe order some breakfast." He waved to the waitress from earlier and she shot him a wink before indicating he could sit wherever.
He slid into an empty booth and Effie sat across from him. Gianne gaped a moment, then snapped her mouth shut, her nostrils flaring when she inhaled an angry breath. Turning on her heel, she stormed toward the side entrance and pushed her way outside. Reed didn't breathe until the door closed with a quiet swoosh.
His shoulders slumped with relief when Gianne crossed the street and stalked out of sight.
He met Effie's gaze. "I have no idea why you just saved my life, but thank you." His hand shot out. "Reed Rettos. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Effie laughed and clasped his palm. "Nice to meet you, too. And you're welcome." She lowered her gaze. "Sorry for taking liberties with your lips, but it seemed like the quickest way to avoid a major meltdown." She glanced back up. "Great kisser, by the way." Her lips curved upward.
Reed barked out a laugh. "Back at you. And, yeah, as you just saw, she's not as ready as I am to move on."
The waitress brought two mugs and filled them. "Coffee's on the house, Reed. Well-deserved by the looks of it." She nudged Effie's shoulder. "Nice save. You're welcome in here anytime." She bustled away and poured more java for other customers.
Effie chuckled. "I need to get up early more often."
I'm having a lot of fun with this one. Effie and Reed come together under bizarre circumstances but discover they have a spark.
That's it for this week. Happy reading!
Skylin
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