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
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