Sunday Snippet: Auld Lang Syne

Had a much calmer week and got caught up on almost everything—including laundry. I can honestly say that hasn't happened for a long time. Multiple work projects are churning along and I'm also getting some writing and creative endeavors accomplished. I've been sleeping a lot better and I'm pretty sure that's playing a big role in lighting the spark.

Or the planets are aligned in a specific pattern and helping me along. Either is possible.

Had a semi-decent viewing week. I got two MasterClass with Roxane Gay lessons viewed and I really like listening to her. She's got some terrific things to say.

Finished up the first season of the Babysitter's Club and thoroughly enjoyed watching. I'm glad there's another season to dive into.

Caught another episode of the Ready Room. Ethan Peck had some great things to say about playing Spock and I'm excited to see him on the new Trek.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med and hope to finish watching a crossover episode to find out what happens.

Enjoyed another episode of The Snoopy Show. I think I have one more for the first season and then I'll start on the second.

Finished Signora Volpe and loved the first season. I really hope there's more of this show. If not, at least I like where they left things.

Watched the beginning of a Silent Witness two-parter. Loved the setup on this one. Looking forward to finishing up the second half.

Started season twenty-five of Classic Who. The daleks are back and we'll see how things play out in this arc.

Caught another episode of Most Terrifying Places in America. Weirdly, I'm not horrified by any of those locations after this week. Living in my own house is scary at the moment.

Watched another episode of The Mandalorian. I loved this one. Smart heroes make me happy and Mando is very smart. I also enjoyed a few laugh out loud moments and that's a bonus.

Harrow had an interesting episode and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet. I hate that Harrow has been betraying Nichols and it's going to bite him on the ass. I really like the growth they've had over the past two seasons and I'm not going to be thrilled if they trash that.

Caught another episode of Blue Heelers and finished up a two-parter. I liked the conclusion and the way they resolved the hostage situation.

Also enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats, both had moments I'd forgotten and I loved catching little details.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Auld Lang Syne, a novella featuring the characters from Mistletoe Madness.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When a New Year's Eve party turns into a surprise memorial for Delaney Nixon's mom, Scotty London and Westin Ames help Delaney face the auld lang syne with grace and gratitude while it stirs up old memories. The trio then returns home for some much needed TLC.

And a snippety peek…

Scotty entered kitchen to find Delaney drumming her fingers on the table. "I guess Westin didn't do enough convincing." Damn.

She shook her head. "It's not that. He actually gave me some good advice." She nodded toward the mug on the table. "Splash of creamer, sprinkle of sugar."

Scotty grinned. "You're the best." He pulled out a chair and settled across from her. "What did Westin advise?" They had to go to the ball.

Delaney traced the edge of her cup. "To tell you I'm concerned about you losing business if we go public and let you decide if I'm crazy."

"I did not suggest a mental imbalance." Westin strolled into the room, ready for work. "London, don't make light of her worry." He leaned down and caught Del's lips in a hard kiss. "And you listen to what he has to say then let me know what you've decided. I'll be at the garage all day." He set his mug in the sink and grabbed his coat, lifting his chin in Scotty's direction.

Scotty gave a nod and waited for Westin to exit through the door before focusing on Del again. "Okay, first, you're not crazy. But why do you think I'll lose business if we attend the ball?" He loved that she worried, but didn't get why.

Delaney tilted her head. "The three of us attend the ball as a trio and it's out there. We're going public. How do you think the town is going to react?" Her eyebrows arched.

Scotty sighed. "I get where you're coming from, but regardless of how people act or what they say, is it going to change the way you feel about me or Westin?" That mattered more than anything else.

She shook her head. "Of course not. But if you have clients who pull their accounts or find another agent because they decide to judge you, how is that going to make you feel?"

Scotty waited a moment before answering. "Honestly? If my client relationships suffer because people are judging me—or us—I'm not sure they're worth much as a relationship, are they?" He leaned forward and reached for her hand. "Are you ashamed to be with Westin and me?" He almost regretted asking, because he might not like the answer.

Delaney gasped. "What? No. I finally found what I've been looking for." She squeezed his fingers. "You and Westin are my perfect match. But I don't want anything to wreck this." Her eyes filled with a touch of sadness.

Scotty cupped her face. "No one can wreck what we've found. And, look, if a client pulls their account because they don't understand, it's not a loss for me. I work hard and go the extra mile for my policy holders. They're welcome to find someone else who can do the same." He could withstand losing a few people if necessary.

Delaney snorted. "Fat chance. Look what you did for my mom." She leaned into his palm. "I love you for taking care of her and handling everything the way she wanted."

His gut clenched for a moment. "Then let's go to the ball. We don't have to make a grand announcement, but we won't shy away from being honest either." A lot relied on her saying yes.

Delaney gave him a wide smile. "All right. We officially have plans for New Year's Eve." She rose up and caught his face in her hands. "I love you."

He accepted her kiss even though a sliver of guilt sliced through him. He had an ulterior motive for getting her to the hotel for the ball … and he hoped she wouldn't be upset when she discovered the final item on her mom's checklist.

I have a lot of fun writing a trio. The sages wanted to see what happens with Scotty, Westin, and Delaney after they make their Christmas commitment.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin