Sunday Snippet: Youth is Overrated

Wow, I can't believe January is almost over. Actually… yeah, I can. It's been a strange month. The weather is definitely not winter-like, which I'm not really complaining about. It might be nice to have snow… but maybe after we get our roof repaired.

Slow week for television as I had a few projects to get caught up on. I caught a new arc of Classic Who episodes. I'm in the tenth season and have one more to go with Three.

Also watched two more episodes of Gargoyles and finished out the first season. The second is super long with something like fifty-plus episodes. I'll gradually make my way through those.

I watched the first episode season eight's Arrow. Man… I'm going to miss this show so much. I'm excited there might be carry-on with Mia and the Dinah's and I actually hope some of the others in the 2040 version of Starling City find their way to the new show.

Caught an episode of Murdoch Mysteries and loved it. I always find it fun when they have historical figures mixed in with the regular cast. And I love the soft jabs the show takes at current events.

Watched another episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries and I have one left for the third season. I really love how they work Flo and Mary into the storylines and I'll be interested to see what season four has on the horizon. If there is a season four.

Started the Riverdale finale for season three. I'm so hoping Edgar is gone for season four and I know Hiram isn't but I at least I might get one wish to come true. Seriously, I hate Hiram with the passion of a thousand burning suns. Ugh.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Youth is Overrated, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tatum Moore and Fisher Vogler have three grown children and their oldest is considering divorce. When he seeks advice from his parents, they try not to interfere but provide insight into a passionate opposites attract marriage and how to make it work.

And a snippety peek…

Well, hell. A ton of bricks would've landed easier on her than her son's words. Tatum shifted her gaze sideways to gauge Fisher's reaction. His stunned countenance matched hers.

She strode forward and grabbed Jamie's arm, hauling him to the table and pushing him into a seat. Pulling another back, she sank down and sent a silent thank-you to Fisher when he set the coffee in front of her.

Pushing her shocked reaction aside, she laid a hand on Jamie's. "What's going on, Jamie? You're asking for a divorce?" What the hell had happened… what signs had she missed?

Tatum had a decent grip on her children's statuses—what they had going on in their lives, jobs, schooling, and relationships. Maybe not so much. The normally close bond stretched taut at the moment.

Fisher remained standing, his hips propped against the counter. No surprise there. He always thought better on his feet.

He gave Jamie a pointed look. "Plan to answer your mom anytime soon?" His voice softened. "I get needing to take a moment to collect your thoughts but you just dropped a bomb, Jame. Talk to us." He folded his arms over his chest but his words lacked any kind of heat.

Jamie shook his head. "Yeah, sorry. Not sure about the divorce thing. I think I needed to say it to see how it felt." His lips twisted. "Not good, by the way. Which is why I want to stay a few days if you don't mind."

Okay, that explained the three suitcases in the foyer. But maybe overkill for a few days.

Tatum shot Fisher another questioning glance. He shrugged and gave a quick nod.

She squeezed Jamie's hand. "You can stay, of course. What can we do to help here?" She didn't want to push hard but, damn, she needed some idea of what the hell happened with Jamie and Risa.

Jamie sighed. "Honestly, Mom, I don't know. Risa and I are taking a break to think about things, namely us, our marriage, and what we want from the future." He huffed out a breath. "Lately, it's been total chaos, or maybe I should say more chaotic than usual and I'm at a point where peace and calm are about the only two things I want in life." His shoulders slumped forward.

Tatum snorted. "Peace and calm are overrated. Not saying they aren't important and all but, Jamie, life tends to get a little boring when it's all quietness and tranquility." Neither Risa nor Jamie had jobs that fostered a serene vibe.

Jamie rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I know. There's more to it than both of us going Mach two with our hair on fire. Risa and I always come at our problems from different angles. We're never on the same page. I mean, I love her. Pretty much from the first moment we met." His gaze met Tatum's. "How do I know if that's enough? Because, right now, I'm too tired and angry to think about much else." Pain and defeat warred in his eyes.

Tatum's heart went out to her oldest. His words sent her mind back, way back, to the very beginning with Fisher. Jamie's predicament had deep roots and the tendrils sprouted with her and Fisher.

She glanced up at her husband. "Sounds familiar, doesn't it?" Especially the part about loving from the very first moment.

Fisher's lips kicked up in a wry smile. "It does, yes. Why don't you tell him about our first meeting."

I'm taking a different approach with this story and I'm having a good time writing it. I love taking a walk down memory lane and Tatum and Fisher have a long and winding road they've traveled.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Your Move

I'm so excited! We're getting our leaky roof replaced in the very near future. I've been waiting to do a small renovation in our bathroom because I need to make sure we won't have any more water damage in there. Can't wait!!

Not a bad week for television. Caught an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries and, once again, enjoyed the four main characters and their bonding. Terrific female representation in this show.

Watched the penultimate episode of Riverdale's third season. So many revelations in this one and nothing I'm terribly surprised by. Edgar is just as creeptastic as I suspected. I do want to know if Polly is aware of Jason being… whatever the hell Jason is. My gut says Alice is not. Can't wait to find out. Veronica pulled a savage move on Hiram and I'm totally there for more of that. I literally hate that guy and actually wouldn't mind if he died in a fire. No such luck, I'm sure.

I caved and watched a season twelve episode of Peak Practice. I'll probably go back and forth on this show, catching the entire run while also sneaking in episodes with my favorite actor.

Caught the behind-the-scenes episode of Midsomer Murders and I'm ready to start season twenty-one. Looking forward to diving in next week.

I'm excited to watch the final season of Arrow in the very near future, along with the crossover event. I'm also thrilled to have some new super-hero shows on the horizon. Should be an interesting year for watching.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Your Move, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reilly Mounts returns to her hometown after an impulsive marriage and a divorce that's turning ugly. Caden Bromley, her high school flame, wants to pick up where they left off, but Reilly needs some time to figure out where he fits in her life… and she has to deal with her soon-to-be ex.

And a snippety peek…

With his world tilting sideways, Caden waited until he could settle in his office, close the door, and focus on making a call to his brother. That meant checking through a large shipment of pretreated lumber and helping unload a tractor trailer full of hardware supplies.

He finally finished up around six, which worked well because of the time difference of his brother's location.

Cameron answered on the fifth ring. "Yo, Cade, I'm on vacation, remember?" Cameron moved somewhere with less noise. "What's up? You're interrupting a bona fide luau here."

Caden's lips quirked. "Sorry, bro. You'll have to send pictures after we're done." A kick of guilt hit his gut.

Hawaii had long been on Cameron's bucket list. Caden didn't waste time and got straight to the point. His brother would advise whether Caden wanted it or not.

"Reilly Mounts is back. For good, apparently. She's looking for a lawyer to handle her divorce." He paused a moment. "Asked if you can do the divorce thing and help her with setting up a corporation." There… all out in one go.

Cameron didn't respond. In fact, he stayed silent so long Caden wondered if the call dropped.

He had no desire to repeat spewing all the information again. "Cam? You there?"

Cameron finally replied, "Yeah, yeah. Trying to process that information overload you dumped on me." He shuffled around, probably grabbing for something to write with. "Where the hell do I start here? First, I wondered when she didn't contact me about selling the house if she'd be coming back. Sorry I didn't say anything about that."

Caden rolled his eyes. "Always the protective older brother. I can handle my shit now, Cam. You know that." He'd come a long way from the brokenhearted summer after senior year.

Cameron tsked. "Never said you couldn't. Didn't see a need to stir a shit pot unless necessary. The divorce I can take a look at. If she's got anything tricky, I'll refer her to Barnum Hentwhistle. I don't do the messy stuff. As for setting up a corporation, it depends on what she's looking for, but that's definitely my wheelhouse. For now, let her know we'll work something out. I take it she's looking for the family friend discount?"

How does he know?

Caden confirmed the guess. "You know more about what Wanda left her than I do, but Reilly did mention she doesn't have a lot to spend." Maybe the husband wanted a piece of Wanda's estate.

The idea irritated Caden more than he'd ever admit to anyone, including Cam.

Cameron grunted. "We'll figure that out too. I'll call her when I'm getting ready to fly out and work her into my schedule."

Caden nodded. "Sounds good. Thanks." He opened his mouth to sign off but Cameron cut in.

"Be careful, Cade. I'm not trying to be a dick when I say that. You're gonna do whatever you're gonna do and I'd be hard-pressed to ignore the girl of my dreams if she came back home, but you're not the same man and she's not the same woman. That's all I'm saying."

Caden appreciated the words of caution. "Thanks, bro. I'll be fine. Not like I'm looking for a hookup right now anyway. And that's all it would probably be."

Cameron snorted. "Yeah, and remember the reason. You stopped doing hookups a year ago because you said you wanted a long-term relationship. I'm just—"

"Looking out for me. Yeah, I know. Reilly isn't going to be that. She's still married for one thing and I doubt she'll want to dive back into a serious thing before the ink's even dry on her former marriage." When it became so.

Cameron added one last salvo. "Right… but the power of what-if is strong, my brother. Keep that in mind." The sound of drums got loud again. "I'm headed back to enjoy this luau. I'll call you before I head out."

The call ended and Caden shook his head. "Thanks, bro. I kind of needed Reilly's number." Oh well, he could stop by Wanda's house on his way home.

The power of what-if is strong.

His brother's words echoed all the way to Caden's truck.

I'm having a lot of fun with this one. I love the sibling relationship and second chance romances are fun to explore.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: X Out the Date

We're having unseasonably warm weather for January. The temperature hit seventy degrees today. I'm pretty much planning on having a blizzard during prom season and possibly during my daughter's graduation in May. Just saying.

I've had the unique experience of being project-free for a whole week. I can honestly say it's actually been kind of nice to have the downtime. It's good to catch up on mundane things like clearing my inbox and deleted items files.

Had a semi-decent week of television viewing. I finished up the episode of Frankie Drake and watched a new one. I really love this show.

Caught an episode of Midsomer Murders and finished out the twentieth series. I have a behind the scenes thing to watch then off to series twenty-one. Looking forward to starting it.

Finished the Sapphire and Steel series. I can honestly say the way ended surprised me but not in a bad way. The unique spin on how time functioned ended up being fun to watch.

Also caught the Three Doctors arc of Classic Who. Very interesting to go watch this one because I didn't get to watch during its original run.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles. Started the second season, which is a lot longer than I originally thought it was. I've also discovered I'm pretty sure I missed the entire third season of this show. New stuff!!

Started a new episode of Murdoch Mysteries and I'm enjoying it so far. I feel like fans are on borrowed time because sooner or later the shoe is going to drop on William and Miss Hart will be the one to wield it. Not sure how I feel about that, to be honest.

Finished up a Blue Heelers episode and started a new one. Still enjoy this show so much. I love getting a look at how law enforcement works in another country, even if it's fictionalized.

Finally, I've been waiting and waiting for a very long time for an old British show to make its way to the streaming services. It's finally here! I watched the first episode of Peak Practice and I can't wait to watch the episodes with one of my favorite actors. Of course, he doesn't show up until the final season and it's a solid bet I won't be able to wait to watch his episodes, but I'm trying to view in chronological order. We'll see what happens.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from X Out the Date, a novella that started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Preston Ayl and Elliot Newman are on the verge of making a strong commitment. Attending conferences on opposite ends of the country, the week away from each other is proving more difficult than either expects and they're crossing out the date until they're back together.

And a snippety peek…

Preston flopped down on the bed in her room and groaned. "What a loooonnnnggg day." She kicked her shoes off and flexed her toes, something she always did after being on her feet for an extended period.

Too bad Elliot isn't here to provide one of his sexy foot rubs.

Her lips quirked. The man had magic in his fingers… even when one happened to be injured. She laughed when his ringtone sounded from the phone on the nightstand.

Rolling over to grab it, she swiped to answer. "Hey, I was just thinking about you." She sat up. "Wait… is everything all right? It's after midnight in Maine."

Elliot chuckled. "Things are fine here. Well, okay, the temperature is just shy of frozen tundra cold, but the lodge is terrific and the flight was good." He paused a moment. "I have company in the form of Alex for the duration."

Preston shook her head. "What's he doing in Maine? Wait, I don't need to know. By tomorrow morning, he'll have it blasted all over his social media." Tucking her feet under her thighs, she changed the subject. "I'd rather focus on how weird it'll be to not have you next to me tonight."

Elliot groaned. "I know. That's partly why I called. I couldn't sleep so I figured I'd at least say goodnight and see how your day went."

She settled back against the pillows. "Not bad. The flight got in on time and I spent the day on shuttles from the airport to the hotel to the conference venue at the university then over to meet and greet they held at the hospital." She sighed. "I'm still on eastern time so I'm exhausted. How did your day go? Did you take the team from Atlas Health to dinner?"

Elliot filled her in. He had taken the group to dinner and did a soft pitch on the new product line. He'd meet with the full panel the following day and provide an in-depth demonstration and conduct a question and answer session for the employees.

Preston yawned and snagged the notebook on the nightstand. "Okay, I'm calling it a night. I've got my pen and I'm Xing out the date. One down, too many to go until we're in the same time zone."

A scratching sound came from Elliot's end of the line. "I marked my calendar too. I'll talk to you soon. Love you."

Preston signed off. "I love you too. 'Night, Elliot."

I'm not quite sure where this story is going to end up but I love the challenge of having my characters in two different places.

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: X Marks the Spot

Hello 2020! I'm quite thrilled to have a clean new year to take out for a spin. We have a new puppy named Maggie Mae and she's a sweetie. Her big sister Annabelle needed a companion and so far they're settling in together very well. I'd totally forgotten how much energy puppies have. Yeesh.

Had a limited week of television viewing but got a few shows watched. I caught a full arc of Classic Who and also watched quite a bit of the Doctor Who marathon on BBC America. Sadly, I missed almost all of the episodes from last season.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. I had a long hiatus mainly because I've been catching up on laundry and had so much to fold I couldn't do it in my laundry room.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles. Also had another great conversation with my oldest about watching this show when he was a little one.

Caught the prom night episode of Riverdale and, again, enjoyed the hell out of it. This show is so incredibly batshit I can't not have fun while watching.

Also watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I'm so on the fence about where they're going with William and Julia. To date, this show has never let me down so I'm hoping that won't be the case here.

Finally, I started an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries. This is another show that rarely lets me down and I'm having a good time watching this episode.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from X Marks the Spot, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nydia Vreeland takes her boyfriend, Declan Morris, on an adult adventure vacation where sexy fun and games ensue. X Marks the Spot Private Island Resort caters to couples who want to push the boundaries of their sexual experience. The way Nydia figures things, there's no way she can lose.

And a snippety peek…

Nydia accepted the hand Declan offered her and stepped onto the dock. "Wow, this is gorgeous." The tropical foliage dazzled in its native environment.

Declan wrapped an arm around her waist. "It is, yes. And so are you." His lips nuzzled her throat. "Did you say we're being met by the couple who owns the resort?" His hand slid down her back to cup her ass.

A thrill shot through her at the mention of Grant and Heidi. "I did, yes. And here they are…" She smiled a greeting when they approached. "Geez, they're even more stunning in person." Her heartbeat kicked up a notch.

Grant extended a hand to Declan. "Hello, I'm Grant. Welcome to our island." His gaze shifted to Nydia. "You've got one hell of a woman here, Declan."

Declan clasped Grant's palm. "Indeed I do. I can say the same for you." He nodded toward Heidi. "It's nice to meet both of you."

Nydia shook hands with Heidi. "This is such a beautiful locale. We're so excited to be here." She fell into step beside the other woman.

Heidi looped Nydia's arm around hers. "We're thrilled to have you. Grant and I don't often get to be part of the same package." She leaned in closer. "We're more than a little excited too." She stopped in front of small bungalow. "This is yours." Stepping back, she allowed the porter to enter with the luggage. "Grant and I right behind you." She pointed to a two-story cottage barely visible through the thick greenery separating the homes.

Nydia raised an eyebrow. "You're not residing in the main lodge?" Why she assumed they would be, she couldn't say.

Heidi laughed. "Only when necessary. The house is kind of our sanctuary. Gives us a place that's just ours." She motioned for Nydia to precede her into the bungalow.

The guys followed and the space should have been crowded, but the airy, minimalist décor kept it from feeling that way. The living area opened out from the small foyer space with the kitchen and dining area within view. The entire right exterior wall had arched doorways open to the patio with billowy curtains stirring in the ocean breeze.

Grant walked through the living room and nodded toward the wide hallway. "Bedroom and bath is along this side and a spa area with a bonus room are on the opposite side. There's also a den with a fireplace tucked in behind the bedroom." He moved down the corridor and opened another door. "This leads out to a paved pathway that will take you to our house." He closed the door and rejoined them. "We'd like to entertain you with dinner and drinks around seven if you're not too worn out from the trip down here."

Nydia slid her gaze toward Declan and arched an eyebrow.

He grinned. "We'd love to join you. Thank you." He slid an arm around Nydia.

Grant and Heidi made their exit and Declan turned to face Nydia.

He cupped her face in his hands. "You are the most amazing woman." His mouth slanted over hers and Nydia patted herself on the back with a mental high five.

I'm excited about this story. The idea is pushing me to explore concepts I don't normally delve into and I'm having fun with the challenge.

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin