Sunday Snippet: The Ex Files

I seriously can't believe I'll be moving my daughter into her dorm in three weeks. It's coming up fast! She's very excited and I think I have almost everything she needs to be prepared for the daily masking, temperature taking, and hand sanitizing she's going to have to do.

On a super-positive note, I found an app that will let me not only brainstorm but will translate the long-form handwritten brainstorming I've done into text! This is true game changer for me. I'm so, so, so excited.

Had a semi-slow week for watching shows. I made some serious progress on getting my office cleared and organized. I'm almost ready to add a bookcase or two. I've been a little light on work projects so this is a terrific time to get the tedious sort, sort, sorting accomplished.

I did get to watch another episode of Peak Practice. I'm about midway through the second season and I have a sneaking suspicion someone will be leaving at the end of this one.

Also rewatched the second episode of Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. I truly love this spinoff.

Caught "The Sontaren Experiment" episodes of Classic Who. It's a lot of fun to visit Sarah Jane way back when. I miss Elisabeth a lot.

Watched episode four of Picard. I'm trying to figure out what the captain's deal is. All of his holographs are versions of himself? I kind of love it but also really wonder about it.

Got a few more episodes of Danger Man in, both ones I didn't remember. I thoroughly enjoyed each.

Also watched another compilation of Cirque du Soleil shows. I honestly can't fathom how the performers do what they do. I'm always, always amazed at their ability. And the costumers and makeup artists along with the musicians pull everything together. It's mind-blowing.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from The Ex Files, a novella where my main characters fall for each other while trying to help each other out with their exes.

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 quirked an eyebrow. "Not a morning person?" He pushed his to-go cup to the side of the table.

Effie shrugged. "Depends on my schedule." She nodded toward his cup. "If I'm keeping you, please let me know."

Reed smiled. "I've got time. Just finished my shift at station house seventeen." Talking to Effie kept his tired mind off the craziness of the previous day and night.

She tilted her head. "Firefighter?" Her gaze assessed him.

Reed bobbed his head. "Yeah, paramedic, too. We had nonstop calls yesterday and all night last night." He yawned and took a sip from his mug.

Effie winced. "Ugh. Sorry. And here I am keeping you from maybe getting some sleep." She put her hand on his. "No wonder you looked ready to drop when your ex showed up."

Reed rolled his eyes. "Eh, I'm catching my second wind right now. And Gianne's a nice girl but high maintenance and drama is her go-to mode." She also hated his twenty-four on, forty-eight off shifts.

Effie's lips quirked. "I know the type. I teach art at the local college. I can't tell you how many students, male and female, think they have to be almost manic in their approach to their assignments." She shook her head. "Art doesn't require anything more than a love for creating, but they all seem to think they have to infuse drama into my life to get passing grades." She made a strangled sound of disgust.

Reed wanted to know more. "How many classes do you teach?" He'd never met an artist but he enjoyed strolling through galleries.

Effie brightened. "Currently, only one." She picked up her mug and took a sip. "I've got a private commission I'm working on for the planetary society so I cut back my coursework." Her smile had a hint of pride.

Reed's eyes widened. "Wow. I'm impressed." And definitely interested, which he shouldn't be.

Not after a pretty crappy breakup.

But Reed couldn’t resist learning a little more about Effie Stone. And he spent the following hour comparing notes about their different fields of work. By the time they ran out of things to say, the pre-lunch crowd started filling the booths and tables around them.

Effie checked her phone. "Argh. I really need to get going. I'm working with the director of the society today; making sure his vision matches mine." She gathered her coat and satchel.

Reed stuck his hand out to halt her progress. "Seriously, I'm in your debt. Thanks again." He wouldn't mind another opportunity to see her again.

Effie settled back down, tilting her head to one side. "If you're serious about maybe paying me back, I might have a way." Her lips quirked. "You're not the only one with a persistent ex who can't accept the reality of a breakup." She met his gaze. "Mine likes to stop by on Saturday mornings, really early, and tries to get me to let him in." A small shudder went through her. "He's harmless but a major pain in the ass when my neighbors are trying to sleep in."

That would make Reed crazy. "What can I do to help?"

She gave him a sheepish look. "It's a lot to ask, but would you be willing to maybe open the door this Saturday?"

Reed blinked. Not at all what he expected. Nervous tension filled the space between them.

He gave an honest answer. "I'd be willing, but it might be a hard sell." Or not … because, yeah, he had an active imagination.

Effie laughed. "Oh, I don't think so. He's been gone for over a week on a road trip with his hockey team. More than enough time for me to have met someone." She paused a moment. "I find you extremely attractive and, unless I miss my guess, you find me the same, right?"

Oh, hell, yes. "Definitely." Still … he hesitated.

Effie reached into a pouch on the side of her bag. "Look, here's my number. Call me if you think you'd be up for returning the favor." She waggled her eyebrows. "Fake lip-lock or not."

Reed took the card and returned the gesture. "Here's mine. Give me a day or two to make sure my schedule is clear and we'll see what we can do."

She flashed a bright smile. "Can't ask for more than that. Take care." With a waggle-fingered wave, she made her way to the entrance and exited the diner.

Reed studied her business card for a moment, tucked it into his pocket, then left the diner with a quick nod to the waitress.

I kind of love this meet-up. Reed and Effie will have some tension-filled fun on their next meeting.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Enforced Confinement

Wow, half of July is gone and I'm trying to get my office organized and figure out how we're going to get my daughter moved into her dorm. If she can even move into the place. The clear out and organization is going better than expected. I ordered several types of smaller bookcases and some drawers to help corral all the crap I've had surrounding me for close to a decade. It's way past time.

I didn't get a ton of television watched this week but I do have a few updates. First, I'm still having feels about Arrow's final episode. There might be more coming about the series as a whole at some point.

Caught Roswell, New Mexico and honestly truly enjoyed the episode, "I'll Stand by You." The entire cast got some solid screen time and that makes me very happy. Special kudos for Michael and Isabel's arc and I loved Kyle telling Liz she's family because he gets what she means now. I'm starting to truly appreciate the complexities of the characters' interactions. So good.

Watched the penultimate episode of Strike Back and, damn, the cast brought their A games. Seriously, every single moment had me on the edge of my seat. The crazy fight between Coltrane and Wyatt topped the list because the size difference is almost comical but the entire point wasn't lost on me. The trio needed to clear the air and that was the best way to do it. And I'll freely admit I absolutely loved Chetri's journey. I love that she pretty gave a giant middle finger to her captors and that her end didn't happen before the team arrived. Another huge eff you to the antagonists. Excellent viewing. Seriously.

Started another new episode of Blue Heelers and this one is off the charts crazy. Different from the usual and I like that.

Began a rewatch of Hollywood Dirt, a Passionflix original. I love the chemistry between the actors and I also appreciate the fact that the casting department will go back to actors who are terrific.

Caught several episodes of Danger Man and both were ones I don't remember watching. Each ended up being terrific.

That's pretty much my week in a nutshell. Tonight's post is from Enforced Confinement, a novella that puts the main characters together to figure out their drama.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After a breakup, Baylee and Noah get trapped in a confined space and neither is happy about the situation. But the enforced intimacy gives them a chance to meet their issues head on in a place they can't take each other for granted.

And a snippety peek…

Noah didn't stop pacing when the door opened. He had a good head of anger roiling and ready to spill over. A quick glance showed Baylee with her clothes rumpled and damp, no doubt from making a mad dash in the blowing rain.

It also showed her holding her keys and phone.

He rolled his eyes. "Now you've got your phone." Taking a deep, calming breath, he spun to face her. "I'll assume you didn't have it earlier when I called and texted from Ben's party?" A splash of red stained her cheeks.

She set the items on the table by his door. "I left it on my desk." She didn't have to add the again.

Noah snorted. "Ben's cake looked incredible, by the way. You'll be sorry you missed it." The thin wire holding all the hurt and disappointment back stretched taut.

Bailey's shoulders slumped. "I already am. It's been a day." She started toward the living room but paused when Noah didn't budge from his spot.

He gave a slow nod. "Yeah, it has. Did you get a load of that storm? I mean we had plans, right?" He planted his hands on his hips. "So of course I'm concerned when you don't show up. Then I can't get a hold of you either on your cell or at the office … because why?" He dug his phone out of his pocket. "Oh, that's right, because you got an emergency call and forgot your phone and you're headed home soon." He shoved the phone toward her. "Don't get me wrong. It's great you finally decided to let me know you weren't dead on the freeway, but check out the time there … almost two hours after Ben's party." Looking at the time on the screen, he shook his head. "And it's almost forty-five minutes since I got your message." Which, okay, made sense, but his rational brain ceased functioning when he left Ben's party.

Baylee stepped back, her jaw clenching. "You remember the storm, right? Meaning it took me for fucking ever to get here. And before you get started, let me rephrase my earlier statement. It's been a bitch of a day and I'm not here for a fight." She closed her eyes and sighed. "I really want to get out of these wet clothes and go to bed." She met his gaze. "I'm sorry about tonight. What more do you want from me?"

Noah wanted to be understanding, but they'd been down this road so often the ruts had ruts on them. "Maybe a little consideration? Honestly, Bay, if common courtesy is too much effort, why do you even stick around?" He immediately regretted the question but couldn't snatch it back.

And maybe he didn't want to … because not knowing where they stood wrecked him.

I have to say I really like writing this one. I had an idea to take a couple through a breakup then eventually get them back together but didn't know if I could keep the flow going. So far, so good.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Elective Campaign

I spent the past week wondering where half the year has gone quickly followed by feeling like it's been a decade since January. Anyone else have that experience? It's kind of insane how weird this year has been.

I did get a few shows watched while I worked on several projects. I had a week where I wanted some good background noise and got multiple episodes of Danger Man in. I truly enjoy this classic show.

I also started another episode of Blue Heelers. I'm almost through the second season of the show and I'm enjoying how things get changed up. I also love seeing how rural Australia is portrayed.

Have almost all of Riverdale's "Tangerine" in the watched column. Man, lots of reveals and good stuff in this episode. As much as I loathe and dislike Hiram, I kind of loved how Veronica sticks it to him. That said, I dread her storyline revolving around one-upping her dad all the time … if that's the direction the story goes in. Cheryl's situation with her mummy dearest ended up being a load of fun to watch. Archie's vigilantism biting him on the ass ended up being better than I thought it would be. Also loved Jughead finally getting to the bottom of the whole deal with his grandfather and the mystery books. And Betty … not quite sure how I feel about everything going on with her. I do have a theory about who's doing what to whom and I can't wait to see if I'm right.

Last but not least … I finally watched "Fadeout", the finale of Arrow. I have to say I couldn't have asked for a better end to the series. I'm so sad to see this chapter of the Arrowverse close but I'm also thrilled to have been a part of the experience from the very beginning. I got to watch the characters grow and change and become who and what they're meant to be. I think my favorite thing about this whole season are the callbacks to previous seasons and the cavalcade of familiar faces from the past—seriously, I don't think they missed anyone—and how they made Oliver's send-off worth its weight in green arrows. The fadeout with Oliver and Felicity in Moira's office ended up being pretty much a perfect endcap to the entire series. My glass is raised and my pile of tissues is testament to the emotional journey I took with the cast and crew of one of my very favorite shows ever.

Whew. I'm actually getting a kick in the feels all over again.

And that's a good note to wrap up television for this week. Tonight's post is from Elective Campaign, a novella that's been a lot of fun to write, especially the mother / daughter relationship.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Mac is running for reelection and needs a logistical planner on his roster to win. Yancy has the training and background but she presents a problem … Mac is very attracted to her. They fight the pull but give in and once it's discovered, he might lose more than the election.

And a snippety peek…

Mac exited his vehicle outside the municipal building and nearly collided with a stunning woman. "Whoa." He grasped her elbow, making sure she didn't lose her balance. "Sorry about that. Is there something I can help you with?" He definitely didn't recognize the beauty.

Her brows furrowed. "Uh, maybe. I'm looking for the municipal court." She waved a piece of paper. "I got a speeding ticket and would like to pay the fine." Her cheeks colored a little.

Mac inclined his chin. "Ah, the court is on the lower level. I'll walk you around. I'm stopping in to see the city attorney anyway." The converted school building served as city hall and housed the municipal court. "I take it you're not from around here?" She couldn't be if she didn't know the odd setup of the building.

She shook her head. "No, I'm from Illinois." She didn't add more but fell into step beside him. "Nice little city here."

His chest puffed out a little. "Thanks. I'll pass that along to the city council. We've got a meeting later tonight." He loved hearing praise from nonresidents.

She tilted her head. "You're on the council?" She gave him a slow once-over.

His lips quirked. "Not on the council, no. I'm the mayor." He stuck out his hand. "Mac Davison." He chuckled when her eyes widened.

She grasped his palm. "Yancy Malloy, alleged speed demon." Her lips curved. "I missed the lower limit posted just outside the city limits. Got caught going fifty-seven in a fifty zone."

Mac chuckled. "I'll bet Deputy Stonemark wrote your ticket. He's a stickler for enforcing the speed limit close to the traffic ramps." The ordinance passed two years ago to help with the lake quadrant project.

Yancy nodded. "He would be the one, yes. He was very kind about the whole thing. Said I could come and pay the fine today, so here I am."

They'd reached the entrance to the municipal court. Mac almost hated to end the conversation. Something about Yancy Malloy sparked his interest.

He opened the door and ushered her inside with a sweep of his arm. "If you head straight down this hall, you'll find the clerk's office. Someone there will be happy to help you settle your fine." He paused by the short set of stairs leading to the law director's office. "It was nice meeting you, Ms. Malloy."

She gave him a wide smile. "It's Yancy, and very nice to meet you too." She headed toward the clerk's office.

Mac only spent about five minutes with the city attorney, dropping off some zoning committee questions for the council meeting. He trotted down the stairs and almost bumped into Yancy again.

She flashed a quick grin. "We need to stop meeting like this."

He laughed. "I take it you're all set then?" He couldn't believe his lucky timing.

She nodded. "Quick and painless … except for the hit to my bank account." She started toward the exit.

He quickly followed. "Would you mind if I walked along with you? I'm headed back to the upper parking lot too."

She gave him a shy sideways glance. "Not at all. Pleasant company is always welcome."

He got a kick of the low-key flirting they were engaged in. When they reached the sidewalk leading to the parking lot, a teenage girl hopped off the hood of a car, waving two bags of takeout.

"Mom! You'll never believe it. They have a quaint Victorian house that's been turned into a restaurant. It's gorgeous."

Mac's heart sank a little. It never occurred that Yancy might be married. And from the looks of her daughter, she would've been very young when it happened.

He recovered quickly. "English Charm. Best chicken salad sandwiches on the planet." He pointed to the east. "The family's owned the house for generations."

Yancy grinned and took a bag from her daughter. "And you're in love with the place, aren't you?" She gave her daughter an indulgent smile.

The girl gave an eager nod. "This is such a cool town, Mom. We should think about staying here." She shot Mac a side-eye. "Who's your new friend?" Curiosity filled her tone.

Mac liked her. The teenager had vibrancy and sass but didn't cover it up with lots of attitude. She also had respectful air about her.

Yancy quirked an eyebrow. "This is the mayor, Mac Davison." She glanced in his direction. "Mr. Davison, this is my daughter, Vivian."

Vivian thrust her hand outward. "Viv, please. Vivian is usually reserved for when I do something exasperating." She shot Yancy a smirk.

Charmed beyond measure, Mac shook hands with Viv. "It's nice to meet you." He picked up the thread she'd dropped earlier. "Did you mention something about staying? Are you considering a move from Illinois?" He directed the last part of the question to Yancy.

Viv answered. "We're settling somewhere in Ohio, just don't know where yet." She waved her bag and headed for the car. "I'm starved. Drinks are inside, Mom. But don't rush." She met Mac's gaze. "Mom and I aren't in a big hurry and we have no one else to worry about." With a head tilt and sly grin, she ducked inside the vehicle and closed the door.

Yancy heaved a sigh and shook her head. "My daughter lacks any kind of subtlety, as you've probably figured out." Her cheeks bloomed with color again.

Mac chuckled. "Her roundabout way of informing me you're single?" He really hoped so.

Yancy snorted. "Not so roundabout, but, yes. I've always been single. And, yes, to answer your earlier question, we're making a move. I have some extended family here in Ohio."

Mac stuck a foot on the lower rung of the wood fence and folded his forearms on his knee. "Are they close by?"

She shook her head. "Not really. And we're not all that close, but I loved visiting when I was a kid. Viv and I needed a change of scenery and she's all for the adventure."

Mac hoped they'd consider sticking around. He wouldn't be doing his due diligence if he didn't make an attempt to garner new residents.

Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew his wallet and fished out a card. "Sheri Campbell is our chamber of commerce director." She also happened to be his step-sister. "Give her a call and she'll get you set up with a place to stay … if you're really interested in sticking around." He handed the card over to Yancy.

Sheri loved helping new people get their bearings.

Yancy eyed the card. "I might just do that." With a smile, she turned and headed for her car. "It really was nice meeting you."

Mac waited until her vehicle left the parking lot before he whipped out his phone and made a quick call to his step-sister.

I like Viv and Yancy's relationship. They're close but not completely in each other's pockets. Mac adds a really fun layer to their dynamic too.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Drowning Pull

Well, July is off to a roaring start. Daughter's graduation party is scheduled for today and I'm hoping we have a good turnout but also spaced out over the three hours of the party. I'm filling out my blog post early and getting it ready to post beforehand.

Had a semi-busy week between work and the party prep, but I did get some solid television watched. I started out with Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. This is a rewatch for me but I love the show.

Also caught another arc of Classic Who. The four-part Ark in Space episodes. Not a bad group.

Watched another episode of The Witcher and, ouch, kind of a heartbreaker episode. I did totally love the dragons though. Looking forward to the next episode.

Caught two more season three episodes of Danger Man. I don't remember either of them so I enjoyed watching.

And that's it for this week. I should have more time next week to dive into some of the shows I'm behind on. And I have to watch the finale of Arrow. I'll have at least two boxes of tissues on hand. Just saying.

Tonight's post is from Drowning Pull, a novella that is coming along nicely. The twists and turns are set and progress is happening.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lane Addison drowns his grief over losing his brother in alcohol, until a blonde distraction sits down beside him. Injured and off the circuit, Weslee decides to have a pity party for one until she sees someone deeper in the well than she is. A hot hookup later, Lane thinks he's found the perfect woman in Weslee, until she mentions her fiancé.

And a snippety peek…

Weslee Thorn caught major air on her last run. Snowboarding competitions gave her nothing but joy. She did her final spin, going one hundred eighty degrees and glimpsed Brad Young, her fiancé, standing next to Barbie Quantro. Too close. Weslee's number one rival getting all cozy with her hockey-playing man? Not remotely cool.

Weslee lost focus and tilted, just a little, enough to throw off her finish. She landed off-kilter, twisted hard to the side, but couldn't recover. She went down, landing on her knee, wrenching it sideways. The pain tore through her and she gasped, unable to move, too scared to shift position. One wrong maneuver could end her career.

An event worker dashed to her side. "Weslee? Josh Trombo. You okay?" He crouched down, assessing her position.

Weslee jerked her head back and forth, her teeth chattering. Josh signaled for the medics and tried to support her awkward position.

He leaned in close so the onlookers wouldn't overhear. "I'm not gonna try to move you or remove your board. Can you hang in there?" He held her gaze, his filled with sympathy.

Weslee nodded, still unable to speak. Tears streamed down her face, warming her cold cheeks. Josh kept talking, using soothing tones and kept an eye out for the medical team.

The medics arrived and carefully splinted her leg before removing her board. They got her onto a stretcher and lifted her, ready to carry her to an ambulance.

Weslee found her voice, squeezing Josh's hand. "Thank you." She gave him a wobbly smile.

He managed a quick nod. The medics carried her forward through the crowd of spectators. While they gave her a round of applause, Weslee looked for Brad. Her gaze scanned the passing faces. She spotted Barbie, standing by the scoreboard and then Brad's face came into view.

He put a hand against her cheek. "Hey, sweetness, I'm here." He reached down and clasped her palm.

Weslee had a twinge of relief and kind of hated herself for it. Brad would be there for her. Of course. Not his fault women flocked to him in droves. She had her fair share of men trying to get close to her too.

Loaded in the back of the ambulance, she heaved a frustrated sigh. She wouldn't place at this event or if she did, it would be on the low end. Brad climbed in, but held the door open, playing to the gathered crowd until they stopped taking pictures. Only then did he sit by her side and let the medics head out.

Weslee rolled her eyes and bit back a nasty retort. Brad never missed a chance to get his name and face in the news and on social media. She could imagine the tweets later today. Brad Young bravely leaves event with his fiancé Weslee Thorn after she wipes out on the course.

He dragged his phone out and spared her a glance. "You'll be fine, babe. No worries."

Weslee didn't argue, but the ache in her knee said otherwise. She'd be lucky if she got the all clear to compete again this season.

Didn't that suck balls?

I loved writing this scene. Weslee is fun and she'll have some interesting choices to make soon.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin