Sunday Snippet: Selling Tickets

Ugh, so far September is kicking my butt. I've been down with the flu pretty much all week because of course I haven't had a chance to get a flu shot yet. Lots of chills, fever, aches, and long slogs of sleep. Here's hoping I'm over the hump and on my way to recovery.

Very slow week in television. I started the week with New Rugrats and thoroughly enjoyed both episodes.

Also caught another episode of Chicago Med. I think this might be my favorite of all the Chicago shows.

Watched another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. Once again, this show makes me so happy. A great mystery that had a few twists.

Started another two-parter of Silent Witness and vaguely remembered the first episode.

Enjoyed the first arc of Five's run on Classic Who. So far, I have to admit I like the trio of companions and how they're interacting with each other and the doctor.

Caught the second episode of UFO Conspiracies. I'm enjoying how the stories are presented in this series. There's a theme and the conspiracy revolves around it, with usually at least two different scenarios.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Spike Milligan and Leslie Uggams were the guest stars, along with a special appearance by Big Bird.

Last but not least, I started the second season of Prime Suspect. I'd forgotten just how messy Jane could make things and I'm enjoying that angle.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Selling Tickets, a novella that puts my main characters at a crossroad and both have to decide which direction they're going to choose.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Kurt Trevarthan trusts Winnie Clay, one of his oldest friends, with everything but his heart. He never dreams he won't be able to rely on her when she decides to take a large step away after the opening of his latest nightclub, especially when his old man shows up—after a decade away—and he needs her now more than ever.

And a snippety peek…

Winnie leaned back against the wide expanse of Kurt's chest. "Mmm. Dinner sounds good." She picked up her phone. "Mind if we order in?"

Kurt shot her a sly grin. "Does that mean we'll be dining naked?"

Winnie laughed. "Isn't that the best way?"

Kurt waggled his eyebrows. "You know it." He jerked his head toward the bathroom. "Gonna grab a quick shower."

Winnie waved him off and placed the order. Disconnecting the call, she chuckled over Kurt's earlier playfulness. They were T-minus about forty-eight hours from opening night and, instead of stressing, Kurt seemed so calm and relaxed.

Then again, they'd done this twice before and Solange's being a labor of love and dedicated to the memory of Kurt's mom meant the world to both of them. Her death still had the power to bring him low. Ten years since she'd died in the car crash. Ten years of being estranged from his dad, Ken. Ten years since Kurt grabbed Winnie's hand and walked away from everything he'd known.

Winnie shook her head. "Giving the ultimate middle finger to his dad must make for a zen experience." Not that she blamed him.

Finding his dad in another woman's bed and discovering he'd been there when Solange died became a defining moment in Kurt's life. He had his eyes opened to Ken's shortcomings in the worst possible way and the effect caused a lot of damage, namely Kurt's inability to make deep emotional commitments. Long-term, casual connections were the best he could do.

And … she didn't want to think about that elephant in the room right now or her current quandary about making a change to their status quo. They had a grand opening to launch and a night of debauchery to partake in.

Pushing aside anything not related to food or dining naked, Winnie quickly changed into yoga pants and a kimono then walked up the steps to wait on the delivery.

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. Kurt definitely has some issues and Winnie is rethinking her role in his life, but they'll definitely have a great night of fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin