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
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