Sunday Snippet: Parade on Main (An Organic Nature short)

We're still in the grips of cold and snow. Not a ton of accumulation but the temperatures? Ugh… it's cold. We had a full day of single-digit weather this past week. The local school system had Monday and Tuesday off for the Columbus Day holiday and a staff training day, then had the rest of the week off due to icy roads. Fun times.

Light week in television again. I finished up episode two of the second season of Penny Dreadful. Also watched the season finale of Wynonna Earp. Man… this show. It's so, so good.

Caught another episode of Painkiller Jane and watched an episode of Underbelly Razor. Also caught some Babylon 5 and The Sarah Conner Chronicles.

I'm finally catching up on Arrow and "The Demon" did not disappoint. I wondered what happened to Talia and it's probably good she survived the island. I also watched an episode of Blade the series.

I had some binge marathons of some classic television with The Saint and 77 Sunset Strip. I love both shows and it's nice to have them on in the background when I'm working.

That's about it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Parade on Main, an Organic Nature short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Eppie and Vin help the brother of Vin's best friend find his footing when he arrives in town to be the honored speaker at the Memorial Day parade. Vin recounts his brief stint in the military and Eppie plays matchmaker—something she swore she'd never do.

And a snippety peek…

Eppie Collins searched for the large bin of floral accessories she'd misplaced. "Lily? Have you seen the—" She broke off when her helper came around the corner carrying the tote.

Lily flashed a harried smile. "I'm sorry. I wanted to double-check the order for the baseball team float." She held up a stapler. "They'd be screwed sideways if they didn't have this."

Eppie laughed. "Yeah, they kind of would. Thanks, Lil." She took the plastic container and added it the back of her SUV. "You've been a godsend this month. You're sure you don't mind bumping to full-time during your summer break?" Lily finished up a little early due to a work-study program.

Lily shrugged. "I'm actually thrilled to have something to do. And letting me have time and space for my classwork is a huge bonus." If her tone lacked a little enthusiasm, it wouldn't be the first time since mid-April.

Lily went through a nasty breakup over the Easter holiday and hadn't quite recovered yet.

Eppie nudged Lily with a shoulder. "You know I rely on you and always appreciate the help, but if you need to take a little time, let me know. I've been where you are and it sucks." The recent visit from Jordan served as a ringing reminder that men could be raging assholes sometimes.

And if they weren't going to be monogamous they should at least let the other party know. The whole scenario of walking in and catching a boyfriend, spouse, or partner with their dick in someone else had almost become clichéd. But Lily deserved a good man and Eppie would bet she'd find one. Eppie had when she least expected it. And she wouldn't trade Vin for anything on earth.

Lily snorted. "I'm at that place where I want to stay busy because too much time on my hands leads to too much thinking about dickhead Rob and how many other women he decided to bring to my dorm room."

Yeah, that probably sucked the worst. Apparently Rob had two roommates that didn't want to deal with the musical bed partners so Rob thought using Lily's single room to be a great compromise. At least until Lily's class got cancelled and she came home early.

What an asshat.

But Eppie got exactly what Lily meant. Staying busy helped. Too much unstructured time gave Rob rent-free space in Lily's head. But maybe Lily needed something a little more fun than work to occupy the longer almost-summer nights.

Eppie stopped mid-step. "Hey, we're having a small get together for Ken Rhodes tonight. Why don't stick around after work?" Ken had been invited to be the honored guest and speaker for the Memorial Day parade.

Lily shook her head. "Uh-uh. I don't want to be setup with anyone. I don't even know this guy."

Eppie's mouth dropped open. "No, no, no. First, you misunderstand. I don't do the matchmaking thing." She grabbed Lily's hand and pointed to a wicker rocking chair on the porch. "Second, this is a whole group of people. Ken is Hannah's brother, you know, the woman who runs Holly Hollow Bed and Breakfast." Lily had met Hannah at least once, but around the time she and Rob split up.

Lily pursed her lips, giving the idea some thought. "You're sure this isn't a setup?"

Eppie shook her head. "No way. This is a casual dinner thing with some of the guys who work for Vin, Hannah and Emily, Ken, and probably my sister and her family. We'll grill hot dogs over the fire pit and serve some cold salads for food. And have wine and beer for drinks. The kids'll have whatever Dani brings for them." Maybe some soda, but Eppie doubted her sister would cave on the no-carbonated-beverages rule.

Lily smiled. "Well, it sounds like a great way to kick off the long weekend and better than moping around my mom's place, especially since she's gone with the girls for a spa retreat."

Eppie grinned. "Great. We'll start things around six, but come whenever. Vin's got a crew working late but they'll show up around seven."

Lily jumped up and nodded toward the SUV. "Why don't I do the afternoon deliveries, then stop by Mom's for a change of clothes. I'll catch a ride home with Dani or something."

Eppie got up and fished the keys from her pocket. "Awesome. That'll give me time to finish up the crates for the dance troop so Jennifer can pick it up tomorrow." Sunday mornings were usually quiet at the farm, but with the holiday weekend, Eppie had three pick-ups and two deliveries to make.

Lily stepped off the porch then turned around. "Thanks, Eppie. For everything. You've been a great shoulder to lean on since the breakup." She ambled back around and got inside the SUV.

Eppie tilted her head when Lily backed around and headed for the road. Eppie hadn't really done much more than listen when Lily needed someone to vent to and Lily more than repaid the effort by being such a huge help. Then again, a simple gesture went a long way when someone needed a distraction.

I love writing the Organic Nature shorts. Eppie is so much fun and I enjoy getting her to interact with new characters.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Open Shelter

Whoo boy… winter arrived with an icy drizzle followed by some major snow. I'm very glad I have no place I need to be that involves travel. Ugh.

Another slower week for television. I had a project that needed some solid focus and I used music as my background noise for less distraction. Oddly enough, it was a New Year's Eve playlist. LOL I also had some outside things going on; lunch with my daughter and cousin and a lengthy concussion assessment for my middle kid. Okay, he's not really a kid anymore since he just turned twenty, but he needed to have someone with him while they did the tests and I'm glad I was there. Turns out he's probably had a concussion for at least a couple of years. Epic fail on my parental duties there.

I did catch the finale of Strike Back. Kind of liked the way it ended but I'm used to a little more closure. I'm definitely looking forward to the new season in the next week or so.

Watched an episode of Chicago Fire and—thank whatever rules the universe—the stupid deputy commissioner appears to be out. Who knows for how long, but man, I hate that storyline. Also saddened that Severied lost his dad. Really thrilled Benny came through in the end though.

Caught an episode of Luke Cage. Actually kind of liked watching several relationships implode. Almost to the end of the season then, sadly, won't have any new to look forward to. I'm so excited for Punisher's second season but I'm hitting up Iron Fist and Dare Devil first.

I watched some behind the scenes stuff from Passionflix. If you're not a subscriber, check it out if you love books made into movies. Had time to finish up the web planet arc of Classic Who also.

I finished out the week with an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. This show continues to make me happy and hasn't fallen back on repeating storylines yet. After twelve years. That's amazing.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Open Shelter, a novella that started with a prompt of having the main character meets at an early age, like eight years old, and develop the story based on that meeting.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jay Hestwick meets Weslee Noss at the open shelter his mom operates and sees through her sarcastic rogue front to the scared kid underneath and decides to be her new best friend. Fifteen years later, Jay runs the program and Weslee comes home, ready to assist, but she doesn't realize she's bringing a dangerous menace out of hiding now that she's back.

And a snippety peek…

Weslee stared out the window in her new office. "Used to be the crying room." Her laugh slipped out before she could stop it.

Jay's mom, Nora, used to send mothers with infants or toddlers who had turned on the waterworks to this space until they got things under control. The shelter could be scary and the cheery yellow room with the big window and lots of toys helped ease the transition.

"Looks different now, doesn't it?" Jay's voice cut through her memories.

She turned and smiled. "You went all out, didn't you?" Soothing green replaced the sunny shade of yellow but one corner still had a grouping of toys stashed neatly in a large unit of cubbies. Those would come in handy when she had to meet with parents in need.

Jay entered and looked around. "It was ready for an update and you needed space." He jerked his thumb toward the corridor. "We moved the family area down two doors. It's a little more out of the way, not as close to the loud kitchen area, and the window overlooks the playground." He put his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. "Big Bertha sends her love. And she wants to see you when you're settled."

Her lips curved. The kiss stretched between them and she could play it off or dig in and discover how deep his feelings went. Because hers… well, she didn't have a clue but she wanted to find out.

Moving to stand in front of him, she glanced over her shoulder. "I'm pretty much set. I mean you basically thought of everything I'd need or want and set it up." Her gaze met his. "Why?" She asked about more than the office décor… would Jay pick up on that?

He kept his eyes on her. "I want you to stay and be happy here." His tone held a much deeper meaning.

Weslee grasped his hips and moved closer. "So, the kiss…" Her tongue swiped over her lower lip. "Can be part of that?"

Jay tilted his head, his mouth hovering over hers. "If you want it to be. No pressure, but all possibilities are open." He waited, staying within easy reach.

Weslee tilted her chin and meshed her lips with his. She poured her answer into the embrace, slipping her tongue against his. She'd been out of his life for a long time. Five years. Coming back, she didn't know what to expect but the welcome ended up being more than she'd hoped for.

Easing away before things got out of hand, she rested her forehead on his chest. "Please tell me you're not involved with anyone right now." Jay didn't do the player thing, at least he hadn't when she'd left.

He shook his head. "Not for over a year now." He tilted her chin up. "And it wasn't serious."

His reply made her happy. No wounded lover in the background hoping for a second chance. She kept things casual during school, only going out with guys who understood she focused on her studies as a priority.

Stepping back, she grabbed his hand. "Same. Although I always did the friend with benefits thing. A relationship would've taken time I didn't have." And, frankly, no one held her interest enough to pursue more.

Jay laced their fingers together. "I meant it when I said all possibilities are open. We can do the friends with benefits if you want."

She cracked a smile. "Jay, we're more than friends. We always have been." And with school out of the way, they could figure out exactly what they were together.

He wrapped an arm around her. "Was hoping you'd say that." He started out the door, leading her with him. "Let's go see Bertha."

Weslee gladly went along with him. She couldn't wait to see the tiny dynamo again.

I love where this one is going and the rediscovery between Jay and Weslee. It won't all be sunny skies, especially when the past comes calling.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: One Time Thing

Man, what a week. Sixty-one degrees one day and twenty-two the next. Ohio is crazypants sometimes. Yesterday, it snowed and, since it's the first significant accumulation we've had this winter, everyone forgot how to get around in the white stuff. It is rather nice it waited until the weekend. Monday's commute should go smoother. LOL

Had a light viewing week for television shows. Caught another episode of Underbelly: Razor. I thoroughly enjoy getting a feel for Australia in the twenties. It's a very different vibe from Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and I like that.

Also caught another episode of Babylon 5. I've also been tuning into Comet occasionally to catch up there also. Also got to finally catch The Flash's 100 th episode. Gotta say, the messing with the timeline gives me a headache. I'm invested in the characters though so I'll keep watching.

Watched the second part of Blade's pilot episode. I liked this series when it aired but never got to watch it all the way through in order. I'm looking forward to having the chance now.

Started season fourteen of Midsomer Murders. The changing of the guard from Barnaby one to Barnaby two is fun to watch. I didn't get to see that episode in its original run.

I'm almost finished with season one of Pensacola Wings of Gold. In all honesty, I'm not sure I'll stick it out for the other two or three seasons. It sometimes irritates me when they scrap an entire cast and almost start over.

Caught another episode of Lexx. I really forgot how cornball some of the series ended up being. Still… it's a great nostalgia thing. Back when Syfy was SciFi and I watched the channel almost exclusively. I miss those days.

Tried to watch Gotham's fifth season premiere and my app decided to crap out. Not sure what the problem was so I'll try again later this week.

And that's it for television. Tonight's post is from One Time Thing, a novella that started as a think piece for my writing group. The idea was to examine the messy aspects of meeting the one you're meant to be with but not being free and clear to pursue the relationship.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sometimes a wicked powerful attraction isn't always a good thing. Vickie South and Grant Magnus have an instant spark, but Vickie is dating Grant's best friend. A stormy night and loss of power set the stage, and the duo can't resist the strong pull, which makes for an awkward situation all around.

And a snippety peek…

Grant Magnus paced in front of the door. "Where the hell are you, Brent?" He glanced out the window again.

Friends since junior high, Grant and Brent had followed the same path until three years ago. Both joined the military and excelled in their chosen programs. Each had mustered out within six months of each other and both entered into private security.

Grant chuckled. "I definitely have the cushier job." Consulting with clients on their systems from the ground up paid well.

And he didn't have to be in a dusty, gritty desert or a frigid tundra unless he chose to.

Brent opted for fieldwork. He pretty much went back to all the hotspots and put his life on the line protecting dignitaries and bigwigs. But he made about five times what their military pay brought in.

Grant missed the physical activity sometimes, but he liked digging deep into a problem and troubleshooting solutions. He worked well with worst-case scenarios and fixing potential bugs before they went live. His current client brought him on board to map out a route for traveling through a country under siege. He couldn't wait to dive in and get started.

Checking his phone, he sighed. "If Brent ever gets here."

A sporty blue sedan pulled into the driveway. Definitely not Brent. He drove a huge pickup with an extended cab.

A brunette exited the vehicle and strode up the sidewalk. When she got closer, Grant recognized her. Vickie South. Brent's significant other for going on ten months.

 Longer than anyone else in his friend's roster of relationships.

Grant let out a low whistle. "You're as hot as he said you were."

A yoga instructor if Grant remembered correctly. She moved with ease and graceful fluidity. He'd bet anything her ass looked spectacular in a pair of yoga pants. Not that he'd find out today… she currently wore a sexy little sundress and strappy sandals. And looked damned fine.

"Geez, Magnus. Chill. She's not for you."

How the hell did Brent always get so lucky? Maybe because Grant flirted up a storm but had yet to make a solid commitment to a one-woman relationship. That would hopefully change after this consulting gig. The closer he got to thirty, the more he wanted to settle down and find a person to share his life with.

A rapid series of knocks drew his attention and pulled the front door open. "Let me guess… Brent got called out?" Damn… she looked even better up close.

I'm in trouble.

Grant is definitely in trouble but he's not alone. Vickie's going to be right there with him.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Once in a Lifetime

Welcome 2019! I can honestly say it's been a weird week. The whole having the new year start on the second day of the week throws me off. Even more so than if it started on Wednesday. I have no idea why, but there it is. LOL

I started some new shows this past week. Caught the first episode of Blade and I'm looking forward to actually watching this show in the correct order. If CW Seed doesn't pull it. I didn't get to finish Birds of Prey and it irritates me.

Also watched part of the second episode of Roswell but I'll be switching to Netflix for this one or maybe another streaming service. DustX only has it available as a marathon and, frankly, it's too much of a giant pain to fast forward until I get to the episode I need.

Also watched another episode of Pensacola Wings of Gold and Lexx before the end of last year. I'd forgotten the prison ship episode and end up enjoying it more than I thought I would.

Caught the next to last episode of Strike Back season five. So thrilled to see familiar faces and experience the passing of the torch, so to speak. Looks like those familiar faces are in the last episode, too. I'm also super excited for the new season with Jamie Bamber taking over the CO. I can't wait!

I watched the last episode of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and truly wish there had been another season. I fell in love with the characters. I'm rather glad it didn't end on a massive cliffhanger, only hinting at what the characters might face in a new season.

Caught another episode of Luke Cage and loved having Danny turn up. Nice to have another mention of Claire too. I'm actually thrilled with Missy's arc and I'm kind of disappointed we won't see more of her development after this season ends.

Chicago Fire disappointed the hell out of me by having the stupid deputy commissioner back again. Not sure why the conflict irritates me, but it's the same thing that happened with Chicago PD. I think it's because it feels forced and not something that happened organically even though both antagonists were introduced well before they became the actual pains in the ass they are. Eh… whatever.

I watched the Passionflix holiday Quickie Caught Up In You; obviously after the actual holiday. Such a sweet little tale! More of these please!

Murdoch Mysteries had a terrific episode but I'm honestly still trying to figure out what the hell happened in the last one. LOL

Watched several episodes of Classic Who. I'm still on the web planet arc and it's kind of a fun run. Also started Doctor Who's "Demons of the Punjab" but still need to finish that one. Also can't wait to see the New Year's special.

Started season two of Penny Dreadful and, wow, Vanessa is a true magnet for all things evil, no? I'm very interested in Ethan's story and not so much in Frankenstein's. I'm honestly kind of pissed off with his actions lately.

Caught most of Wynonna Earp's second to last episode of the season. I had a sneaking suspicion Charlie would end up being something other than a cool new dude. And this show loves taking crazy twisty turns and Charlie's real identity is definitely a solid effing twist. LOL

Started a rewatch of Painkiller Jane but didn't have time to finish the first episode. I rather like this show when it originally aired and I'm looking forward to seeing it again.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Once in a Lifetime, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of creating a scene where one of the main characters hears the other calling their name during sex.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Evan McCoy overhears Sasha Knepf shout his name when she's in the throes of passion with another man. He confronts her the next day in the hotel suite and demands an explanation, which she's not inclined to provide since he ditched her after their second dance at the annual ball.

And a snippety peek…

Evan fiddled with his bowtie. "A caged monkey would have more freedom." He scanned the room and sucked in a breath.

Holy… shit…

Sasha entered and immediately did a full overview of the space. Evan would give her credit for staying in professional mode… if he didn't struggle to his tongue off the roof of his mouth. Beautiful didn't begin to describe Sasha in whatever the hell fabric hugged her luscious body. Her bare shoulders glistened under the chandelier, a dusting of glittery powder sparkling under the lights. The deep finish of the lilac gown contrasted with Sasha's dark hair. A dark band of violet purple wound around her waist, up between her breasts, and crisscrossed at her neck to form a halter. The material swirled around her feet. The sight of strappy, silver heels made his eyes go wide. Sasha in anything but standard issue black footwear? Color me impressed.

Her hair piled up on her head then fell in wild waves down to her shoulders. She crossed over to the bar and signaled for a club soda.

Evan shook his head. "I kind of like the ponytail she usually sports." But damn… what a woman.

He made his way over to her at the bar. "Wow." Seriously, he couldn't think of anything else to say.

Sasha gave him a sultry vixen smile. "What? Didn't think I could pull off wearing a dress?" A subtle shrug and a hair flip.

If he didn't know better, he'd swear she flirted.

He blinked and shoved the thought aside. "Sash, there are dresses and then there are dresses." He did a slow once-over of her. "That's a dress." And she looked amazing in it.

Sasha smirked. "Yeah, well, don't get too excited. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity." She leaned in closer to him. "I feel like a Vegas showgirl and it's so not my thing."

Evan cracked a smile. "You look better than a showgirl. You look amazing."

Sasha sent him a sideways glance. "Is that a compliment?" Her eyebrow arched and the ice in the glass tumbled when she brought it up to her lips.

Evan nodded. "It is." He didn't say more because, well, his brain didn't quite know how to deal with this version of Sasha.

Her lips curved in another smirk. "Well, then. Thank you." She drained the glass and glanced out to the crowd on the dance floor.

Evan's manners kicked in. "Uh, since we're supposed to mingle and stay close to the commissioner… would you like to…" His voice trailed off and he nodded toward the swirling couples.

Could he have made that any more awkward? His arms itched to wrap around her and he didn't know what to do with the response. He almost took the safe route, suggesting they walk the perimeter instead.

Sasha tilted her head to one side and studied him a moment. "Are you asking me to dance?" She looked around. "No date for the night?"

He shook his head. "Um, no. Flying solo this evening." He held out his elbow.

Sasha's fingers gripped his bicep. "Then lead the way, Evan." She squeezed his arm. "Fair warning. I'm murder on the dance floor."

He didn't get a chance to ask what the hell that meant because she turned to face him and his arms went around her, hauling her close. Everything else, with the exception of keeping one eye on the commissioner, crashed and burned in his brain.

Didn't take long to figure out Sasha had some serious skill with dancing, even in killer heels.

I have to say I have so much fun writing Evan and Sasha. They're not exactly keen on sharing their feelings, which makes them finding their way to each other a treat.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin