Sunday Snippet: A Very Awkward Evening

January kind of flew by for me and I'm not quite ready for February yet. That said, I did establish a few new habits or routines and I'm a little thrilled I kept them up for the entire month.

Had a very solid week of television viewing. I kind of let the housework slide to stay caught up on work projects and had a chance to cycle through a bunch of shows.

Ended up getting in three episodes of Chicago Med. I'm almost finished with the third season and I'm still thoroughly enjoying this show so much.

Watched three episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. These little shorts are fun and quick to get through. Nice to have something that works as a timed break when it's needed.

Finished up The Madame Blanc bonus episodes and eagerly await another season of this super engaging mysteries series.

Ended up catching three episodes of Silent Witness. The "Fear" two-parter ended up being really terrific and I don't remember watching it before. Looking forward to the next two-part episode.

Enjoyed the final two episodes of the Classic Who arc with Two and Six. Kind of fun to revisit the former doctor, especially since many of Two's episodes are lost to time.

Got two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle in. One focused on a lost flight and the thunderbird legend and the other about Mount Hope and a possible secret base, which had remote viewing involved and that subject fascinates me.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppets. I'm still finding my way with this show. It's entertaining but really lacks the charm of the original.

Finished up Fosse Verdon. Even though I knew how things ended, I still felt like someone punched me in the gut when the final moments aired. Hat tip to the cast of this terrific limited series.

Caught the final episode of Peak Practice season six and started season seven. Sad to see Erica no longer with the practice but looking forward to some new interactions with whoever takes over for her.

Watched two more lessons of MasterClass with Bill Nye. I have a bonus episode to watch then I'll start a new class. No idea what I'll pick up next but look forward to diving in.

Enjoyed a couple of extras for The Witcher. Started out with the making of season two and then caught the characters of the continent special. This week I'll probably dive into the beasts and monsters they deal with.

Caught a couple episodes of Classic Rugrats. Season two ranks as probably my favorite overall. That might change as I get further along, but right now, I'm remembering how many of my faves are in the second season.

Watched another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I like the new guy even if he's not quite as quirky as Breen. As always, it's fun to see recurring characters pop up in the course of the investigations.

Star Trek: Discovery continues to amaze me. I'm enjoying the red angel saga and how intertwined everything is. Nice to have Hugh back even if he's not quite himself. Should be fun to see how that plays out.

Started the second season of Queens of Mystery. I'm rather disappointed that Matilda and Daniel aren't anywhere close to being together. Miscommunication can be a blessing or a curse and I'm hoping it ends up being a blessing. We'll see how the season goes.

That's pretty much it for the television update this week. Tonight's post is from A Very Awkward Evening, a novella that mixes rock and roll with academia with interesting and hilarious results.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Vi Palona's rock star mom wants a sit down meeting with Garwin Noth's academic parents, which Vi keeps putting off because her mother, Mina, has no edit button. When Mina crashes a birthday dinner, Vi figures her mom can't do much damage … but five minutes into the evening she learns how wrong she is.

And a snippety peek…

Well, hell. The dinner conversation definitely took a turn to the bizarre. And I obviously fucked up.

Mina went to get up, placing her napkin on the table.

Gar stopped her. "No, trust me. You don't want to be anywhere near her when sharp objects are within grabbing range. Not right now." Hell, he'd be lucky to avoid losing his balls.

Mina went contrite. "Oh, dear, I'm afraid she gets that from me. Apparently she inherited some of my not so good traits." Sitting back down, she apologized. "I'm sorry. I've ruined the evening and I swore I'd be on my best behavior. My daughter's not wrong when she says I let the rock star thing hang out all over the place."

Garwin excused himself and made his way into the kitchen. Vi stood, staring out the window, tears leaking from her eyes.

Yep. Fucked up for sure. Mina stressed Vi out on a good day. And today didn't count as good—not when she all but begged him to help referee and he'd refused.

Then again, Mina's in rare form tonight. More so than usual.

He wanted to wrap Vi in his arms but refrained. She'd needed him and he'd failed her. She wouldn't welcome him right now.

Instead of hauling her close, he pulled out a tissue and handed it to her. "I'm sorry, Vi. I got so caught up in watching Mom and Dad react to Mina's antics, I didn't pay attention to how much she stressed you out."

Vi dabbed at her face. "It's not just that, Gar. I completely sank to her depths and pulled my own diva act. I never wanted to do that in front of your parents." She crumpled the tissue. "They've been so good to me and I love them like they're my own." Grabbing another Kleenex, she blew her nose.

Gar understood. The greener grass on the other side of the fence and all that. Hadn't he felt the same about Mina's crazy-wild approach to life?

He finally wrapped his arms around Vi. "I get it. They're completely different from Mina. Why do you think I enjoy her so much? She's nothing like my mom and dad." But his enjoyment shouldn't trump Vi's trauma.

And she had a lot with her mom. Not the physical kind or even mental. No, Vi's issues were internal. Living with a larger than life personality—even one that cared about and obviously loved Vi—left a lasting impression. And not always the good kind. Vi retreated when she got around Mina. Withdrew a little, almost as if to not dim her mom's light.

He pressed a kiss to her head. "Take as much time as you need. I'll go referee." He eased away.

A voice spoke from the doorway.

"You won't have to." Mina pushed away from the jamb and moved into the kitchen, placing a beringed hand on his forearm. "You're so good for her. Don't you ever do anything to bring her pain." With a nod toward the dining area, she indicated he should make his exit.

He met Vi's gaze and she lifted her chin. He squeezed her hand and headed out, leaving the women to work through their issues.

Hopefully without sharp objects.

 

I'm having so much fun writing this one. Vi and Mina have a complicated relationship and exploring it on the page is a joy.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Veritas

Kind of a busy, frustrating week. We dug out of eleven inches of snow, which is actually a lot more than we've seen in several years. I had a lot of work stuff hit sideways and struggled to get some insurance stuff sorted out for my middle kidlet.

Had a decent week of television viewing, mainly due to hold times on the phone. I started with Seduction and Snacks, a PassionFlix movie and have about half of it completed. I had to pause because the distractions were too many and I want to take my time and enjoy this one.

Got two more episodes of Snoopy in Space watched and kind of enjoyed both. It's fun to have something quick and easy to view.

Caught some behind-the-scenes stuff for The Madame Blanc Mysteries. So much fun to watch the cast interviews and get some insight on how they shot the series. I really hope they do a second one.

Finished up one and began a new Silent Witness two-parter. Good stuff this season. I'm looking forward to more.

Watched two more episodes of Classic Who. The Master is gone again—for now. Can't say I'm sorry to see him go. Six is kind of growing on me and it's fun to have two wandering around again. I'll see how that arc ends this week.

Enjoyed two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Shipwrecks and underwater UFOs and ghost ships were the focus. Always love watching what might have happened to downed ships.

Started The Muppets and, meh, it's okay. Really lacks the charm of the original but it's kind of fun to see the muppets in a docu-style series.

Caught another two episodes of Fosse Verdon. I'm so intrigued by the ins and outs of Bob and Gwen's personal and professional lives. Can't wait to finish this one.

Watched two more episodes of Peak Practice. I'm almost finished with season six and should be starting seven this week. I've enjoyed not having weird manipulating characters for the past few episodes.

Got two more MasterClass lessons with Bill Nye. I love how much fun he has educating people.

Ended up getting in two more episodes of Classic Rugrats—two of my favorites. I love reminiscing while watching.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med and enjoyed it a lot. Really looking forward for more next week.

Caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I'm kind of sad because a favorite character ended up saying good-bye. I'm hoping some light will be shed in the behind-the-scenes interviews.

Enjoyed a seriously great episode of Star Trek: Discovery. This show … never fails to suck me into the action and emotion.

Last but not least, I finished the second season of The Witcher. I'm so intrigued by the ending and can't wait for more episodes. I ended up being very satisfied with how things played out for the main trio and the side characters. I love this show.

That's it for the weekly television update. Tonight's post is from Veritas, a novella that features a couple that broke up but still have unfinished business.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tillie Cruz has a moment of veritas when she shoots Faxon Jarvis in a friendly fire incident. The realization she wants a life with him may be too late because Faxon has a new relationship and Tillie doesn't want to mess it up. But she may not have to—her bullet may have done the trick.

And a snippety peek…

Tillie stood outside Faxon's room waiting for him to wake up. The surgery to repair some damage from her bullet went well, according to Faxon's CO. Tillie needed to see him for herself.

She glanced in the window. "Damn." Maisie sat by Faxon's bed.

Of course, she would be there. She deserved to be at his side. Unlike Tillie.

All the reasons she now realized they belonged together ran through her head. "I'm such an idiot." The guy du jour didn't really work except on a physical level.

And Tillie wanted more. She craved the emotional connection—the good and the difficult. But only with Faxon. Why did she trash their relationship?

Maisie got up to answer a call and headed for the door. Tillie made a mad dash for the closest alcove in the hallway. She didn't want to face Faxon's new lover. Not when her bullet put him out of commission.

Maisie exited the room with her phone to her ear. "I'll be right there. No, he's sleeping again." Her footsteps carried her down the corridor.

So … he'd been awake, at least for a little while. Relief filled her. She had to see him, if only for a few moments.

Tillie checked the hall and didn't see Maisie anymore. She went in to see Faxon; she would only stay long enough to satisfy her need to see him whole. Reaching out, she grasped his fingers.

A wave of emotion swept through her. The warmth of his skin seeped into her, chasing away the cold ball of dread she'd carried since she shot him. He'd be okay. She didn't care about anything else.

Okay, not true. But she'd live with the consequences of her own making.

Lost in thought, she let out a small gasp when he stirred.

He woke slowly, blinked, and smiled. "Hello, world." His gaze met hers, looking as if she and only she mattered to him.

He had to be under the influence of pain meds and thinking he spoke to Maisie.

Tillie cleared her throat. "Hey, do you need anything."

His face cleared when he heard her voice. He glanced around, his gaze darting past her shoulder.

Tillie squeezed his hand. "She got a phone call and had to leave."

He exhaled slowly and seemed relieved. "She's a bit of mess over me getting shot. The last time I woke up, she couldn't stop crying."

Tillie cringed. "I'm sorry." She waited a beat. "For everything." She grasped his hand again. "Take care of yourself and let me know if you need anything." She let go and he started to shift, to sit up.

He grimaced and heaved a sigh. "Damn, that hurts."

Tillie shook her head. "Please, don't. I have a mandatory counseling session and can't be late." She didn't wait for a response, quickly exiting the room, and made it halfway down the hall before the tears came.

She wanted to stay and curl up with him but he had someone—who obviously cared deeply.

Dashing the tears from her eyes, she headed for the elevator. "Stupid. So stupid to realize too late how much I love him."

I'm pleased with how this one is coming together. Tillie's revelation is a step in the right direction even if she's kind of hopeless right now.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Underfoot

We're supposed to get dumped on by winter storm Izzy. I don't know, six to eleven inches doesn't seem like getting hammered by snow, but it'll make driving very not fun.

Had a great work week and started a new project. Also got another haul of books that I've already cracked open and started reading. I'm gonna need another bookcase in the near future.

Decent week of television also. Caught two episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life and kind of enjoyed them. They're super short and rather fun.

Finished up an episode of Silent Witness and started a new two-parter. This show continues to make me happy. Although Leo is being a bit of a shit and that disappoints me.

Caught two more episodes of Classic Who. The Master returned, which is kind of meh for me. I'm not a fan of his weirdness or one-note return to evil.

Watched two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Both focused on hauntings and one featured giants and the other had a creature called the kushtaka. I found everything fascinating. Gotta watch more shows about Alaskan lore.

Finished out season five of The Muppet Show. Johnny Cash, Buddy Rich, Linda Ronstadt, and Roger Moore were the guest stars. I'll probably start a new muppet series this week.

Caught two more episodes of Fosse Verdon. I feel like I missed out on so much by not really following this as it all happened. I didn't really get into Broadway shows until my late twenties, which is almost a decade after Fosse died.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Peak Practice. I'm nearing the end of season six and they've tackled a lot this season. Kind of looking forward to Claire having the baby to see where things go from there.

I finished up the first season of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. Only slightly surprised by who the villain turned out to be and I'm looking forward to seeing if this thread is picked back up if there's a second season.

Watched two more MasterClass lessons with Bill Nye. I truly enjoy how he presents information. I think I have about four more classes with him and I'm looking forward to more.

Caught two episodes of The Witcher. Man, the second episode almost did me in. Never thought I'd be so damned bummed about a horse. And, wow, the storm brewing around Ciri is getting intense. I only have two episodes left and I'm not sure I'm ready for them.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. This show makes me happy. The first two seasons are filled with so much tongue in cheek, yet very spot-on mayhem.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. I have a sad feeling Sarah is headed for lots of trouble. Really not sure about the whole Conor Beckett hookup. I mean, I know what happens but the way they get started is kind of bleh.

Started season seven of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I really hope there's more to come from this series. I have a lot of fun watching this group solve crime.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Suru and Michael have come such a long way and I love their storyline. This show really makes me happy.

That's pretty much it for this week's television update. Tonight's post is from Underfoot, a novella where the characters are thrown together by circumstance and it ends up being the best thing ever.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nona Rack, a footloose artist and Jane of all trades, breaks down beside reclusive author West Wentworth's house at two am during a blinding snowstorm. The cranky writer lets her stay, even though she's underfoot, and before he knows it, he's discovered a new muse.

And a snippety peek…

West woke up to the smell of coffee. "I didn't set the timer before I crawled into bed, did I?" Then he remembered his guest. "Right."

He got up, grabbed a shower, and finally made his way to the kitchen. After pouring a cup, he checked the den. He found the bed put away and the space nice and neat.

He glanced around. "No coat." Walking to the living room, he looked by the door. "No boots."

He had to own being a little disappointed she left. He started to take a sip of coffee but paused midway to his mouth. The light bulb went off. How the hell could she go anywhere with a fresh eight inches on the ground?

He leaned closer to the door. A black dot at the end of his drive winked in and out of sight between fat, fluffy snowflakes.

"What the hell?" West placed his mug on the shelf and grabbed his coat, opening the door before remembering he needed boots, not moccasins.

He shoved his feet inside the fur-lined weatherproof footwear and left the laces untied. The wind bit at his cheeks and he flipped the hood of his parka up to block the precipitation. How long had she been out in this frozen tundra?

Trudging out to her location, he paused. "What are you doing?"

She stopped and glanced in his direction. "Pretty sure there's no explanation needed." She went back to work, clearing a path around her car.

He blinked then countered her sassy remark. "You're shoveling snow in a blizzard. That makes zero sense."

Her lips twitched and she dumped a load of mushy flakes. "I stand corrected." She planted the shovel in the snow, resting her gloved palm on the handle. "I need to get my car out of the ditch and off the road. The damage isn't bad but when the plows come through, they could make it worse."

He battled the urge to groan. "Can't you call for a tow?" As much as he enjoyed bantering with her, he had a lot of work to do.

She shrugged. "I don't have roadside assistance and honestly can't afford the expense right now. I know why it died. Spark plugs." She emptied another pile. "If you don't mind, I can call a couple of friends and see if they can bring some out." Pausing, she glanced upward. "But with this storm blowing through, it might not happen today."

He frowned. Not what he wanted to hear. He had a deadline to meet.

She started in again. "Look, I've got almost enough cleared here. If you can spare fifteen minutes to help me get the car out of the ditch, we should be able to move it far enough to get it to the drive."

Heaving a sigh, he slipped off his gloves and leaned down to securely tie his boots.

She gave him a wide grin. "Awesome. Why don't I make brunch as a thank-you once we're through?" She opened her door and put the car in neutral.

He definitely wouldn't turn down an offer of food—especially if he didn't have to cook.

Bracing his hands on the trunk, he gave a nod. "Sounds like a fair exchange." He gave a hard shove and said a silent thank-you when the wheels started moving.

I enjoy writing this one. I love the verbal dance these two execute whenever they have conversations.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Under the Influence (a South of the Border novella)

Not a bad week overall. The weather has been a little crazypants, but given the state of the world, not exactly surprising.

Had a new work project and set up several more for the near future. Happy about getting some new ink on my calendar. Also started a new goal of reading a bit from my new books. If I make it an almost daily habit, I'll get a lot accomplished.

Decent viewing week for television. I caught a couple of Peanuts specials. Happy New Year, Charlie Brown and It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown. I don't think I've ever seen either.

Watched the penultimate episode of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. So far, I'm really enjoying this new show. Here's hoping there will be more.

Caught two episodes of Classic Who and I'm stuck between thinking it's kind of cool that the Doctor struggles with maintaining the TARDIS and being annoyed by the idea. Did kind of enjoy the various incarnations the ship took when they moved from place to place.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Alaska Triangle. I'm constantly fascinated by how vast the state is and how beautiful the scenery is. Even with weird stuff going on.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. Not quite sure what this one will be about but I have a feeling Wayne's not going to fare well.

Watched four episodes of The Muppet Show. Gladys Knight, Hal Linden, Marty Feldman, and Wally Boag were the guest stars. Almost finished with season five and then it'll be the new-to-me series and movies up next.

Got two more episodes of Peak Practice watched. The icky doctor finally got his comeuppance and Claire's manic depression might have calmed down a little. Still enjoying this one.

Finished up the holiday special of Fantasy Island. I ended up a blubbery mess by the end of it. Kudos to the writing staff for that. Really like where this show is headed. Fingers crossed they don't eff it up like so many other shows.

Enjoyed two more lessons of MasterClass with Bill Nye. I love his mix of humor and excitement. I wish school districts would let teachers instruct the way he does.

Got two episodes of The Witcher watched and I'm so in love with this show. I love everything about the plotlines this season. I'm very excited about the main trio meeting up … if it happens. If it doesn't, I'll deal but I want Geralt, Yennifer, and Ciri in one room at the same time—even if it's the final cut scene of the season. Just saying.

Watched two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. Both were remembered favorites. Someday, I'd love to watch some of these with my oldest kidlet again.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med and enjoyed both. There's something about a medical drama that makes me very happy. This one walks a nice line of drama and humor.

Finished up season six of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I've got one season left and I'm actually hoping there will be another one in the wings. Haven't really looked to see if that's going to happen but here's hoping.

Started a new season and a new two-parter of Silent Witness. Harry is still around, which is terrific. I love his character. I also don't remember watching this run so I might finally be in new episodes for me.

Caught another episode of Fosse Verdon. This one made me grin because my daughter did the "Who's Got the Pain" number for her senior year pops concert. I'm hoping I can get her to watch at least that scene.

Last but not least, I watched another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. A lot going on in this one. Ash is back with star fleet. Tilly is going through it. Phillipa made an appearance, which I'm totally down with. And Michael is caught up in major family drama. Looking forward to seeing where everything ends up.

Whew! That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Under the Influence, a South of the Border novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When her father dies, Lilith Jans inherits a piece of hotly sought after property in Mexico. She also unknowingly takes on an unpaid debt, which puts her life in danger. Hayden Knoxville makes her an offer she wants to refuse, but can't—sell to him and he'll deal with the men coming to collect payment.

And a snippety peek…

Her demand didn't surprise him, but Hayden tried to get Lilith to see reason. "Would be safer if you left." For both of them.

Lilith's eyes widened. "No, it wouldn't. Do you think I'm stupid?" She flung a hand out. "Play this out with me. I sell to you and leave. What's to stop them from still coming after me to collect what my dad owed? Not like they're going to give up."

Hayden smiled against his better judgment. "Smart women tend to be lethal—to themselves and others—but you get the danger." He folded his arms over his chest. "So … I have a counter offer. I buy the bar. You keep that money in a numbered account as a safety net in case you have to leave in a big hurry."

Lilith frowned. "I'm not walking away."

Hayden lifted his chin. "Not saying you have to or that you're changing your mind. I'm saying if I can't settle this and things go sideways, you need a plan to start over." From what he'd learned, she deserved better than that, but he could only do so much.

She bit her lip for a moment. "Fine. What's your offer?"

He named a figure.

She blinked. "That's more than fair market value, but I'd be insane to turn it down."

Hayden arched his brows. "So, we have deal?"

She nodded. "We have a deal." She thrust her palm forward. "We do."

Hayden took her hand, ignoring the zing that traveled up his arm. "I truly love smart women."

She gave him a firm shake to seal their agreement. "Yeah, well, something tells me smart women know not to get tangled up with you."

Hayden laughed. "You'd be right about that." He nodded toward their peanut gallery. "Looks like we'll have plenty of referees if needed."

For once, she gave him a genuine smile.

And he refused to acknowledge how much he liked the warmth filling him.

I love writing the South of the Border series. It's fun to weave the established characters into the narrative and have fun at the same time.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Under the Impression

Welcome 2022! Honestly, I'm hoping for great things in the next twelve months. After two years of questionable circumstances with family health issues and weird things happening, I'm kind of ready for some smoother sailing. Here's to making that happen.

Had a weirdly busy week with finalizing some work projects and clearing my desk and inbox for year-end stuff. Also had some running around that needed to get done.

Sort of a so-so week for television. I caught two episodes of Chicago Med and liked both. Sad to see Conor's life implode again and since I know what's coming for him, I'm hovering in the background wondering how bad things will get.

For a fun pick-me-up, I watched the Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne special and thoroughly enjoyed it. I might have to revisit all the Peanuts specials to keep the mood up.

Caught an episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries and, as usual, loved it. This show makes me happy. I'm always excited to see returning characters.

Enjoyed the holiday episode of Death in Paradise. Gotta say I really enjoyed it. I need to start from the very beginning and watch the whole series run to date.

Watched the first part of Silent Witness and I have a feeling it might be the last of Harry's episodes, which makes me sad but I'm also getting closer to episodes I haven't seen yet.

Caught the first episode of a Classic Who two-parter. I think this season has a couple of those.

Started a new series with The Alaska Triangle. Loved the first episode, mainly because it's like brand new information to me. There's so much stuff about the Bermuda Triangle but I haven't read or watched anything about the Alaska one.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Muppet Show. Mac Davis and Carol Burnett were the guest stars. Still hoping to get the movies watched in the near future.

Watched the first part of Fantasy Island's holiday episode and should finish up the second part this week. Really enjoyed it and I hope it goes in the direction I'm wishing for.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice. The new guy is really annoying me to no end. I'm not sure if they'll end up making him a decent guy or not, but at this point I don't actually care.

Viewed another MasterClass lesson with Bill Nye. Critical thinking and critical filtering was the topic and I loved it. Bill explains things so well.

Enjoyed the second episode of The Witcher. This season has been a bit of a roller coaster already. I feel awful for Yennifer and can't wait until she hooks up with Geralt and Ciri.

Caught an episode of Star Trek: Discovery and thoroughly enjoyed it. So far, the second season is excellent. Love Pike and Michael's interactions and I'm totally down with Tillie and Stamets having their weird issues from interactions with foreign entities.

Wow, I watched more than I thought I did. That's pretty much it for the update this week.

Tonight's post is from Under the Impression, a novella that puts the characters in a tricky spot, especially when one discovers a secret and isn't sure if they should share.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gris Ravenswood, owner of the hot night spot, Impressions, has it bad for his lead bartender, Kari Dans, but she's in a casual relationship with a semi-pro golfer. When Kari imbibes too much at an after party and puts the moves on Gris, he thinks he's finally got a chance … until Kari receives a text and runs off to be with the guy who always leaves her behind.

And a snippety peek…

Kari sat down before she heaved. Could it be true? Which meant Gris had Bernie's number the whole time.

She exhaled on a long, slow breath. "I can't be that stupid." But, yeah, she totally could.

She never asked Bernie about the deep personal stuff. Mainly because he always said he had to focus on the now so he could play his best. Her head dropped back, hitting the wall with a soft thud.

Gris took pity on her. "Look you don't know what the facts are." He settled beside her on the bench. "He could be divorced but listed as an emergency contact." He rolled a shoulder. "My ex listed me as hers until she remarried last year."

Kari's mouth dropped open. "You had a wife?" How did she not know that?

Gris lifted his chin. "Briefly. We got married right out of high school and didn't make it five years." He paused a moment then his lips curved. "But we parted as friends and she didn't have anyone else. Made sense to have me as her contact, especially since I knew her history."

Kari needed a moment to absorb the newfound knowledge. Gris had an ex-wife he got along with and still cared for. But didn't seem jealous she'd found someone else.

Kari considered the possible reasons Bernie might have lied to her—okay, not lied exactly, but withheld information. Obviously, if he had to pay alimony or something, he might not want to pass that along to his new girlfriend. Yeah … Gris could be right, but what if…

She shook her head. "I need to know. I'm a lot of things, but other woman has never been one." Her skin crawled a little. "I'd rather not be one now. And I'd never ever want to bust up a family." Please, don't let him be married.

Gris offered more support. "Is there anything I can do?"

Hold me until I can breathe again? She didn't voice the request. I'm not worthy of his help. Especially after she basically told him to fuck off after they slept together. Nope. She had to handle this on her own.

She got up. "Look, I'm sorry. I think I need to get out of here and figure stuff out." She started for the steps. "Thank you. You didn't have to be decent and lend a shoulder." Pausing by the door, she angled her head around. "I'll be back by the time my shift starts."

Gris lifted his chin but wisely said nothing.

Especially nice he didn't say I told you so.

I love how this scene came together. Kari can be a hot mess but she's got a golden heart.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin