Sunday Snippet: Gotta Start Somewhere

I hope everyone who celebrated Thanksgiving had a wonderful one. We're always low-key. We head to my dad's, eat, converse for a while then head home to nap in a food coma. We definitely had a good time.

The weather is crazy weird again, which is actually kind of typical for the end of November. It's usually a little colder and the question of whether it'll snow or not. Now it's more like up and down temperatures that go back and forth to drive anyone with sinus issues to the pharmacy to stock up on meds.

I finished up the episode of Ted Lasso I started and thoroughly enjoyed. I'm iffy on Jamie's redemption but hopeful it'll continue and stick. I honestly hated that character so much last season.

I also spent the week watching a large chunk of Batman: The Animated Series as mentioned in last week's post. I started with episode seventeen of season one and continued through episode thirty. I'll be watching more this week with a plan to finish out November with my memorial to Kevin.

One of the things I love most about revisiting this series is finding overlooked gems in the rewatch. There were a couple of episodes I'd completely forgotten about and it's nice to see them again.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Gotta Start Somewhere, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Colleagues, Justine and Thatcher, work for a private security company and finally land a mission together. When things go sideways and the duo gets trapped behind the safe zone, they have to lay low and wait for an extraction. There's no better time to discover what else they might have in common.

And a snippety peek…

Justine Holden scanned the roster for the Brownwell protection detail. "Hot damn, I finally get an assignment with Thatcher Beckett." She'd been waiting almost two years to pull duty with him.

He'd been in her recruitment group three years ago and, whoo boy, she noticed him. Sadly, they'd quickly been separated into opposite teams and trained on different rotations. She kind of lost track of him—other than occasionally bumping into him between operations.

She huffed out a breath. "I might actually get to have an actual conversation with him." Instead of quick nods and chin lifts or the usual inane chatter.

How's it going? Have a nice day off? Watch your six out there.

She reviewed the information on the protective detail. Leander and Ella Brownwell were requesting a six-man team to accompany them to Mexico to complete the settlement of Ella's grandparents' estate. The property bordered on the fringe of a drug cartel's holdings. The Brownwells didn't expect any trouble but wanted to take precautions until the sale of the house and grounds went through.

Justine nodded. "Smart choice. Never hurts to err of the safe side." She tucked the roster back inside the folder. "Better pack for a warm climate." Heading out of the briefing room, she bumped into Thatcher.

He gave her a smile. "Justine, right? You assigned to the Brownwell detail?" He propped a shoulder against the jamb.

Her lips curved upward. "Yes, it's Justine and yeah, I'm on with the Brownwells." Jerking her thumb over her shoulder, she gave a brief rundown. "Looks like it's you, me, Jasper, Mathias, Dora, and Chase as team leader." A good mix—she'd worked with all but Thatcher.

Thatcher inclined his chin. "Chase keeps a cool head, which I like in the person on point. Jasper's a whiz with tech. Mathias and Dora speak Spanish. That's a bonus." His lips quirked. "That leaves us in the role of marksmen, right?"

She chuckled. "If everything shakes out the way I think it will, probably." She knew her way around weapons. "I also speak Spanish but I'm better at interpreting."

He arched his brows. "Is there a story behind that?"

She shrugged. "It's weird, I know. I read and understand the words but I struggle to pronounce them. If I hear a conversation, I know what's being said and I can respond, but not quickly." Her brain worked the same with German, French, and Farsi.

Thatcher huffed out a breath. "You're ahead of me. I'm terrible with languages." He pushed away from the door. "I haven't tried the reading thing, though. Maybe we can talk about it on the flight down?"

Justine lifted a shoulder again. "Sure. It's a long flight. We can give it a try." She made a mental note to bring her Spanish dictionary.

Thatcher grinned. "I'd like that." He turned and ducked out of the room. "Wheels up in twelve. I'll let you get packed and maybe catch some shut eye."

She laughed. "That's exactly my plan."

This one is in the beginning stages of its journey even if the idea has been pinging around in my brain for a long, long time. Happy to get going on the story of Justine and Thatcher.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Gone Fishing

Whew. November is almost over and I'm not sure where the month went. Crazy weather continues. It warms up then plunges into the cold depths. We've had a dusting of snow twice. I don't mind the cold, but I like it better when it gets chilly and stays that way. The back and forth makes me cranky.

I did finish up one of my work projects and have a brief break on the second one. I thought I'd get some things accomplished around the house but I ended up having two new works projects land in my inbox. Definitely not complaining but I think one of my new goals will be trying to create better balance.

I, again, didn't get a lot of anything watched this week. I started an episode of Ted Lasso but put it on hold when I got the new projects.

I plan to view as many episodes of Batman: The Animated Series as a memorial to Kevin Conroy, as I can. I can honestly say, Kevin is my Batman. He's the first voice actor I ever looked up online because I loved his work in the animated series so much.

One bit of great news is I'm three-quarters of the way done with my holiday shopping. I might even start getting the gifts wrapped and bagged. Then it's off to gather stocking-stuffers.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Gone Fishing, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A year after college graduation, Quaille Ramsey and Franz Herman get together with a group of their friends for a summer vacation at a state park. Quaille recently broke up with a long-time boyfriend and Franz is ready to make a move, something he never took a chance on during school. Quaille isn't quite ready for something serious but she definitely sees possibilities for the future with Franz.

And a snippety peek…

Quaille exited the cabin to the spectacular view of Franz's ass when he bent over, searching under the porch. "Fish on, Franz. You'll never find the secret stash." As if she'd ever hide her rich, dark roast where animals could get into ti.

Franz straightened and arched his brows. "Fish on? Seriously, Quaille?" He settled back against the cedar siding. "I think you overestimate your hiding skills."

Quaille smirked. "Maybe, but you underestimate my ability to coerce people to do what I want." That should send him on a quest to chase down all their friends to see if she'd given her coffee to them for safekeeping.

Franz narrowed his gaze. "Uh-uh. You just tripped my bullshit meter. You'd never hand over your prized grounds to one of us." He folded his arms over his chest. "Not after making a big deal about everyone keeping their hands off."

Her shoulders sagged a little. "Damn. I really thought you'd hit everyone up and drive them nuts instead of me." She tilted her head to one side. "Why is it so uber-important to know where I keep my coffee?"

Franz pushed away from the cabin. "Because it's share and share alike and the fact that you're not makes me wonder if those ground up beans have magical qualities." His lips twitched.

She barked out a laugh. "The only amazing quality my coffee has is the ability to wake me up and put a happy smile on my face." And she'd take those simple joys where she could right now.

Franz gave a slow nod. "So … would you consider sharing if I come up with something that will wake you up and put a happy smile on your face?" His voice held a shade of something promising.

Quaille made a low hum. "Depends … what did you have in mind?" She liked playing this flirty little game with him.

Franz cracked a slow, sexy grin. "You'll have to wait and wonder for a bit, but I suggest you make sure you've got enough of that heady brew for two." With a quick wink, he nudged her shoulder and headed for the lake.

Quaille sent her gaze upward and thanked the universe she'd said yes when Caitlyn insisted Quaille join their friend group for this retreat.

Franz Herman had some hidden depths Quaille wanted to uncover…

This is a fun story and I love how Quaille gets caught up in the banter with Franz.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: A Golden Moment

We've had the most insane weather this week. Three days in the high sixties and low seventies then a thirty degree drop on Friday with rain, rain, rain, followed by another dip in temperature and snow in an area not far from where I live. I predict a lot of people will end up with upper respiratory issues in the near future.

Had a very busy week with work projects. The two I've been working on are both wrapping up and we're down to the final tweaks and polishing. I've thoroughly enjoyed both and I'm looking forward to a small break to get some additional things accomplished around the house.

I didn't watch much of anything this week, mainly because I needed the quiet focus again. I did get most of the way through Resisting Roots and I started Enola Holmes 2. I have so much love for this movie!

I also got an episode of Star Trek: Discovery in. I'm thrilled everyone is back together and I love the changing dynamic of the characters. Looking forward to seeing more of this season.

I'll hopefully be back to a partially normal viewing schedule in the next week. I also found a streaming service that has a classic television network I've been missing for the past three or so years. I'll be giving that a whirl soon.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Golden Moment, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A group of friends sets up Pam Yardley and Desmond Hyde with prospective dates, hoping to get the last two remaining single friends into committed relationships. Pam and Desmond aren't enthusiastic but only because each harbors feelings for the other but neither want to ruin their long-standing camaraderie. When their friends start pushing for serious commitment between the two couples, Pam and Desmond finally have a heart-to-heart about the future they really want.

And a snippety peek…

"Pam! Hold up!" Monica Wells hoofed it across the school parking lot, weaving between cars. "Pammy! You'll never believe the news I have."

Pam Yardley arched her brows. "Considering you're speaking in exclamation points, it better be good." She laughed at her friend's antics.

Monica rolled her eyes. "Ha-ha." She leaned in. "Listen, I just set you up with the most awesome guy. I don't know why I didn't think of doing this sooner."

An awesome guy she didn't think of sooner? Could she mean Desmond Hyde? That news would make Pam's day.

Wary, but hopeful, she eyed Monica. "Okay, who is this incredible man you should've matched me with sooner?" Please let it be Des.

Monica waggled her eyebrows. "Paul Harrison. He's meeting you at Bobby Ques for dinner at seven." Her feet did a happy jig.

Pam narrowed her gaze. "Is Paul the new tech guy at the fire academy? The one James keeps talking about?" Monica's husband hired Paul so he didn't have to deal with the headache of running the state fire instruction school and keeping the computer system up to date.

Monica squealed. "Yes. That's him. He's settled in at the academy and his new apartment and he's ready to have a social life." She propped her hip on Pam's car. "He's a lot of fun and since you're both single, James thought you two would be perfect for each other." She grinned. "Of course, I agreed and when Paul answered the phone in James's office, I figured it was kismet and suggested he meet you for dinner."

Pam widened her eyes. "And what if I have plans?" She didn't really, only paper that needed grading.

Monica snorted. "You don't. It's Thursday, which means you're going to grade papers and plan next week's lessons so you'll have the weekend free." She folded her arms over her chest. "You can grade the papers before and after dinner and do you lesson plan during lunch tomorrow." Her lower lip jutted out. "Please say you'll go. Paul has to be tired of hanging out with me and James."

Pam laughed. "I doubt that. More like he needs a break from your overwhelming, but loving, attempts to keep him entertained." She sobered ... because she didn't want to lead Paul on. "It's just dinner, right? I mean, you didn't promise him a wedding in the near future or anything?" With Monica, no one could be certain.

Monica's gaze slid sideways. "A wedding? No. But I did mention you've been single for forever and you don't have any ex-husbands or boyfriends he should be concerned about."

Pam sighed. "That's by choice, Mon. Not that I don't want to find someone to share my life with, but after Chad … well, I'm very picky." And a blind-date setup wouldn't be her first choice in finding a someone.

Desmond Hyde, however, would. The only problem there? He happened to be James's best friend and if they did hook up and things didn't work out…

Monica clicked her tongue against her teeth. "Chad Harlow is an ass and we rightfully cut ties with him. No one cheats on my best friend and lives to tell the tale."

Pam loved Monica's fierce support. "Of course he does. He just doesn't work in the same school district anymore because he moved halfway across the state." Word traveled fast through their circle of friends and Chad decided to cut his losses and move on.

He also ended up being stranded at the altar by the woman he cheated on Pam with.

Monica waved her hand between them. "Whatever. He's dead to me and that's all that matters." Her gaze turned pleading. "You'll meet Paul, won't you?"

Bobby Ques did happen to be Pam's favorite restaurant. The owner, Robert Quinn, made the absolute best barbeque on the planet. And, if nothing else, Pam could introduce Paul to the marvelous cuisine.

She gave a nod. "Yeah, I'll meet him." She held up a hand when Monica started clapping. "But only for dinner. Don't start planning a couples' vacation over summer break." If she didn't nip that idea in the bud now, her best friend would have them sharing a room for their annual two-week trip to the condo on the beach.

Monica smirked. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Pam rolled her eyes. "Yes, you would. But let's wait until I actually meet him before you start waving your magic wand, okay?"

Monica hugged her. "Fine. But you're going to like him. I know you will." She let Pam go and stepped away. "I'll let you head out so you can get started on grading those papers." With a waggle-fingered wave, she trotted back across the parking lot.

Pam shook her head. "What am I getting into here?" She popped her door open and slid inside her car with a chuckle. "Better question would be what's Monica getting me into?" Starting the engine, she backed out of her space and headed for the exit, her mouth already watering for barbeque.

This story is barely more than a scene or two at the moment, but it's fun to write. I love having friends who mean well but sometimes miss the forest for the trees.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Ghost of a Chance

November is off with a bang. We've had way higher than normal temperatures this past week. It's throwing me off kilter to have seventy-five degree weather right now. The trees are bare but it's like summer outside. Weird.

I had another busy week with work projects. I also got my new washing machine and got caught up on laundry. Last but not least, I think I have about half my holiday shopping done. I'm trying hard to be ahead of things this year.

I didn't get a lot of viewing completed this week. I've been on a kick where I need quiet time to get things done. I did watch a couple of things…

Caught the premiere episode of season two of Only Murders in the Building. Gotta say, I love how they've kicked the season off. This is such a fun show.

Also watched an episode of Peak Practice and ended up enjoying it a lot. I like it when they have characters who've been on previously. Adds a bit of realism.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. I think I'm going to catch up on a couple of movies this upcoming week. Stay tuned.

Tonight's post is from Ghost of a Chance, a novella that puts the characters in a position of getting past a shared history with someone to see if they can have a future.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Valerie Queen and Jay Pennyworth meet through Chad Adsworth, Jay's best friend. When Chad is killed in a car crash, Valerie reunites with Jay after five years. When the chance meeting leads to a long discussion, they end up spending the night together … but the specter of Chad hovering between them may be more than they can overcome.

And a snippety peek…

With plenty of time to kill after his interview, Jay strolled down memory lane and visited some old haunts. He'd loved growing up here. Could he see coming back?

He paused and nodded. "Yeah, I could." Almost too easy to jump up and say yes if an offer ended up being made for that reason alone.

But the job also had great perks. He could work from anywhere but the location had advantages. He'd be close to some fellow military friends who'd left the service before he did.

Jay continued down the sidewalk. "And Valerie lives here."

Okay, his brain didn't want to focus on anything else right now. Why would it? She looked incredible.

"Five years have been kind to her."

She styled her hair in softer waves and her face looked a little thinner, but her curves were still lush and voluptuous. His hands itched to grasp her hips. Hell, his body craved intimate contact, skin-to-skin.

"Slow down, dumbass. She may have someone. You had one night, a long time ago."

One night of an incredible, awesome connection. Never mind the fact they'd just buried Chad—the man who meant the world to both. The heavy guilt over that night only gave Jay a twinge now. Leaving Val with only a note—and a lie—bothered him more. He should come clean about the falsehood and let the chips fall. Maybe she didn't care?

He snorted. "Doesn't matter. I do. It was a shit thing to do." So, he'd own being a dick.

And if she hated him or thought it would be weird or creepy if he moved back, he still had the interview in Colorado. The area wouldn't be home, but Jay liked the mountains and wide open spaces. And he'd probably need to be a good distance away from her if she didn't want him in her life.

Otherwise, he'd be too tempted to keep trying.

I love where Jay's head is for this scene. Cautiously hopeful is fun to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading! 

Skylin