Sunday Snippet: Healthy Appetite

I hope everyone had a terrific Thanksgiving, if celebrating. I had an oddly weird week. My youngest is in quarantine because she ended up being exposed to Covid at her university. Thankfully, she could go to my dad's house to isolate from the rest of us—he was out of town visiting my brother. She got her test on Friday and we should have the results by Wednesday—fingers crossed. She's restricting herself to an upstairs bedroom and bathroom and carefully disinfecting anything she touches. And, of course, she's keeping a mask on unless she's in the bedroom. Needless to say, she's not having a lot of fun, but we'd all rather be safe and limit other exposure.

The middle kiddo has GERD. He's been five days free from throwing up, thank whatever rules the universe—and a prescription for a strong acid reducer. Considering he spent anywhere from two to four hours at a time being sick for over ten days, he's feeling way better. He'll be changing a few things in his diet to hopefully help alleviate the symptoms even more.

Happy to say my oldest is doing just fine. He's getting ready to move out in the near future and looking forward to having more space.

Had a decent week watching television. I started off with a full arc of Classic Who and caught the full four-part Planet of Evil.

Started a new-to-me drama The Queens of Mystery. Thoroughly enjoyed the first episode and look forward to finishing up the second part.

Watched several more episodes of Silent Witness. I'm almost through with the third episode of season seven.

Also caught a full slate of Ovation mysteries throughout Thursday and Friday. Also watched quite a few Classic Perry Mason and The Saint episodes. I've been seeking out comfort television lately.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Healthy Appetite, a novella where the characters have to find their balance between work hard and living life.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Thad Nightingale meets Kailey Dent during a weeklong getaway and finds her approach to life refreshing. Not only does she eat with gusto, she has a thirst for adventure that leaves Thad hungry for more.

And a snippety peek…

Thad waved her off and scooped up another bite of the pasta. Engrossed in the tasty dish, he almost choked when a hand slapped him hard on the back.

"What's up, bro?" Talon pulled out the chair beside Thad and plopped down. "You're not messing with my sister, are you?"

Thad swallowed and fought to keep the flush from his face. "Wouldn't dream of it." He took a sip of water. "We're not in high school anymore."

Talon grunted. "Exactly. So I wanna know what your intentions are toward my sister."

Thad gave Talon a long look. "Since I only just met Kailey earlier, I'll have to get back with you on that one." What the hell?

"Right." Talon studied him for several moments then shrugged. "Watch your step, man."

Thad opened his mouth to reply but Kailey returned and winked at Talon before sitting down at the table.

"How's the party going?" She glanced in the direction of his friends, a loud, brash group that just got seated.

Talon laughed. "It's in full swing." He angled his head around, clearly wanting to get back to the action.

Kailey jerked her head in their direction. "Go on. I'll catch up with you later."

Talon gave her a huge smirk and rose. He jabbed his index and middle finger toward his eyes then pointed them in Thad's direction. Then he gave Thad a narrow-eyed stare that lasted a lot longer than it should, before ambling off to join the guys.

Kailey's eyes flashed with a mix of disbelief and concern. "What the hell did you talk about while I was gone?"

Thad shook his head. "Not much, why?" Her brother acted like federal agent and she got pissed at him?

Kailey leaned forward. "Did he get all overprotective and in your face?"

Thad put his fork down. "Possibly. Is there something you two need to work out?" He picked the utensil up again and rolled more pasta around it.

Kailey narrowed her eyes and observed him for a moment. "Is that what you think?" She kept her voice low, but the sting in her words came through loud and clear.

Thad shrugged. "I honestly don't know what to think. We're having a nice dinner and your brother makes a point to get in my face. Does he do that with all your dinner dates?"

Kailey snorted. "No. And I'm sorry he acted like an ass. He's not usually abrasive, even when he's out with his friends." She waited a beat. "He's probably paying me back for riding him earlier."

Thad frowned. "About what?"

She rolled a shoulder. "Goofing off when he needed to be training. Sometimes it's a fine line between sibling and coach." She scooped up a forkful of the pasta.

Thad quirked a brow. "I'm assuming there's a solid rivalry too?" He didn't have siblings, but he did have competitors.

Kailey's lips quirked. "To put it mildly." She raised a brow. "Any ideas on how to balance the dynamic?"

Thad bit back a laugh. "Uh-uh. That's something I struggle with daily." He finished chewing his bite of food. "I can say one thing, though?"

Kailey lifted a brow. "And that is?"

Thad's mouth twitched. "I'm glad he's your problem and not mine."

Kailey snarked. "Gee. Thanks."

Thad gave her a wide smile and tucked back into the food.

I'm having so much fun with this one! Kailey and Thad have a few challenges to get past but I love their dynamic.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin