Sunday Snippet: Keeping Him Real

I can't believe we're at the end of May already. The year is flying by a lot faster than I want it to. Then again, it's been busier than usual for me, so time is kind of relative right now.

Had a great week with work projects. I'm making steady progress on both and still enjoying them. It's so much fun when you love the work.

Had a somewhat limited viewing week. I'm trying to figure out the whole HBOMax is Max now and, oh, yeah, it includes Discovery+. I have both so I have to figure it all out. I won't be paying twice for the same thing.

I watched a double-header of Battlestar Galactica with the second and third episodes of season two. I can't say enough about how strong the first ten episodes are. This show rarely missed in the first two seasons.

Also caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I have so much love for this show. It also makes me happy when people pop back up. I kind of miss a few of the original recurring characters but it's nice to have the continuity this show tries for.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Who. I think I might have one or two left to finish out the classic run of episodes. Not sure if I'll start a new rewatch of the New Who or not, but I'm excited for the new doctor and the anniversary specials.

I'll be starting the second part of Silent Witness this week. I'm also going to change up how I do my viewing. I normally scroll through my streaming services and watch one show from each, but that hasn't been cutting it lately. I think I'll start watching whatever strikes my interest and go from there.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Hugo Mitchell is the glue that holds his family's business together and they rely on him for more than they should. Gayle Dawson is a long-time friend who works with Hugo. She becomes the match that sparks a transformation within Hugo where he finally stops taking up all the slack and starts to enjoy life … as long as she's in it.

And a snippety peek…

"Delivery truck's here!" Hugo Mitchell called out from the doorway.

Gayle Dawson poked her head around the door jamb just in time to see Wayne and Vince Mitchell casually get up from one of the tables and walk upstairs to the apartment they shared on the second floor. She had no doubt the guys heard their brother call out from the alley behind the bar. She also had no qualms ratting the idiots out if she could.

Ducking back inside the kitchen area, she made her way to the small loading section. "Hey, Hugo, what can I do?" She wiped her hands on her apron and gave him a smile.

Hugo arched his brows. "Where're Vince and Wayne? Weren't they just in the bar?" He glanced up, expecting to see his siblings.

Gayle gave her best bland look. "They were … until two milliseconds after you shouted about the truck being here." They should be helping, unlike their fourth and fifth siblings that had day jobs.

Hugo frowned. "Dammit. I asked them to stick around to help get this order unloaded. With the Memorial Day holiday this weekend, it's all hands on deck. We always get more stock in to manage the uptick in business." He sighed and waved to the delivery driver. "Hey, Jonah. Thanks for dropping this off. We'll see you Friday night, yeah?"

Gayle managed to keep the sour look off her face, but barely. Where's the anger? Where's the demand for his brothers to get their asses down here to help store the inventory? Why is Hugo the only one who actually works in the family bar? Gayle didn't quite trust herself to stay silent much longer. Six months of watching how the Mitchell family treated the oldest sibling—the one who kept the bar running and filled to capacity—made her blood boil on a regular basis. How had she missed this in the ten years she'd known the Mitchells? Maybe because she'd only been employed for eight months while she tried to figure out if she wanted to apply to grad school or pursue a job in her field … which would mean a move to a bigger urban area.

The family loved crowing about owning a bar and reaping the benefits of the business, but not one of them, including the parents Ryan and Fran, stuck around for the hard work that went along with keeping the doors open, the lights on, and the alcohol and food flowing and prepped for their clientele. Dante, the third brother, had a landscaping business and Aimee, the lone sister, worked at the local hospital. Both pitched in when their schedules allowed.

But Wayne and Vince? They claimed to be content creators, which usually involved dares and challenges they filmed and put up on social media sites. They also did video gaming tutorials and had live streams three times a week.

Gayle tsked. "None of which should prevent the slacker bros from helping out right now."

Hugo popped back inside. "Did you say something?" He had a pushcart stacked with cases of alcohol.

Gayle winced. "Not really. Just wondering if you want to me run up and ask your brothers to come down and help." She didn't have to guess what the response would be.

Hugo snorted. "Nah. I've got this." He draped his forearm over the handles. "Do you mind sorting the food? Ramona will be in to start the lunch service then you can head out until your shift tonight." He gave Gayle a lopsided grin.

The one that never failed to melt her insides.

She narrowed her gaze. "You're sure you don't want help with that?" Boxes of wine, cases of beer, and more than a dozen kegs littered the alleyway.

Hugo rolled his eyes. "Do I want help? Absolutely. Will I get any?" He rolled a shoulder. "Doubtful." Pushing the cart toward the steps, he propped it against the wall.

Gayle bit her cheek then asked a burning question. "Why do you let them get away with not helping?" Especially when they were so blatant about being utter slack-offs.

Hugo grabbed three cases from the top of the pile. "Eh, if they come down, they'll bitch and complain about helping." He started down the steps to the cooler.

Gayle made a garbled choking sound. "They're grown-ass men. Tell them to shut up and deal." She slapped her mouth shut.

None of your business, Gayle. Stop talking.

Hugo trotted back up the steps. "I could do that. Then look over my shoulder for at least two weeks to make sure I don't end up as one of their challenges." He picked up the remaining three cases, his forearms and biceps flexing under the weight.

Gayle lifted her chin. "Yeah, I'm sorry. This isn't any of my business." She paused a moment then met Hugo's gaze. "Can I at least phone your mom and dad? See if they have time to help out?" Hugo shouldn't have to do everything.

Hugo's lips curved. "You could. But they're in Arizona visiting my aunt. They'll be back late Monday night." He headed back down the steps.

Late Monday. After the holiday rush. Very convenient.

Not that they probably hadn't earned the downtime. Hugo took over the day-to-day running of the bar about two years ago.

Gayle's shoulders slumped for a moment then she squared them again. "Okay, it's time to come up with an alternate plan here. My new mission is to get Hugo to find some work-life balance." She ducked out into the alley and gathered up some of the food items. "Even if I have to get a little creative to do it."

I'm not entirely sure where this story is going yet but Gayle knows exactly what she plans to do.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Justice is Served

Greetings! It's been another busy week and I'm still excited about my ongoing projects. They're completely different genres and it's fun to have that variety while working.

Somewhat limited viewing week again. I've been in a place where background noise is more distracting than helpful, which occasionally happens. I notice it more on days when I didn't get solid sleep the night before.

I did catch most of Pennyworth. I have the last act of the episode to watch. This show is dark in all the ways I like shows to be. And I love getting to see Alfred actually grieve. And having Ripper be the catalyst that pulls him out is kind of a masterstroke. Such a great show!

Also continued my Battlestar Galactica rewatch. We started season two and the first ten episodes are so terrific. The second half of the season is also excellent, but I remember so much about those first ten.

That's pretty much it for the life update. I am hoping to get some gardening in this week so stay tuned.

Tonight's post is from Justice Is Served, a novella that brings the characters together under tenuous circumstances and explores how they build trust in each other.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Derby Stack is a cold-blooded killer, but not by choice. She's convicted for her crime, but Nate Mobius's specialized legal firm takes an interest in her case. Nate gradually wins Derby over and together they uncover a sinister trail leading back to her childhood therapist.

And a snippety peek…

At a loss, Nate didn't know how to approach the prickly woman in front of him.

No, dumbass, she's a prisoner. Someone conditioned to follow directions or wait for permission to do basic things.

He came around the table. Derby went completely still but didn't flinch. Instead, her gaze narrowed, and she inhaled sharply.

He slowed his gait and relaxed his stance. "Ms. Stack, I'm an attorney looking into your case." He stuck out in hand. "Nate Mobius. Please, call me Nate." He'd have to tread carefully from this point forward.

Derby glanced at his outstretched palm then up to meet his gaze. The look in her eye clearly indicated she wouldn't be calling him anything if she could help it. With an inward sigh, Nate dropped his palm. Tough sell, this one.

He nodded toward the chair across from the table. "Please, take a seat." He hung back, giving her plenty of space.

She shuffled forward and sat.

Nate returned to his side of the table, and he settled down. "May I call you, Derby?" He picked up his pen and withdrew a legal pad.

She lifted a shoulder, and he took the gesture as permission.

"Derby, my firm might seek to overturn your conviction. I'd like to ask a few questions to determine the best way to go about getting started."

She gave him a stony stare.

Nate pushed forward. "Have you ever lived or worked under an alias?"

A small frown marred her features, but no verbal response.

He'd take that as a no. "Do you have periods of blank time or blackouts?"

The look she sent him would singe the hair on a normal person. Good thing he'd never been normal. Nate kept prodding her for information, pushing for answers. Derby remained silent and sullen, refusing to respond.

Nate had to break the ice somehow. "Are you incapable of speech or just naturally a pain in the ass?" Maybe pissing her off would work.

Her gaze finally snapped to his. "Have you read my file?"

Progress, finally.

Nate nodded. "Yes, I have."

Derby snarled. "Then you should have everything you need to do your job."

Nate wearied of the fight to find a connection and the lack of headway. She didn't have to trust him, not yet, but her reluctance didn't make sense. Why would she not cooperate if it meant she could leave this place?

He leaned back, tossing his pen on the table. "Derby … why am I here?"

I seriously love this story. Derby is so prickly and unreachable in this scene and I'm pleased with how it all came together.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Just Take a Moment

Happy Mother's Day to all who celebrate. For me, this includes those who mentor others because being a mom isn't always about giving birth to a person or have fur babies.

Had another busy work week and I'm thrilled to have multiple projects to dig into. I love what I do and being freelance means being happy when the work is rolling in.

Had a limited viewing week with so many other things going on. I sadly lost one of my aunts I've been particularly close to and needed some quiet reflection time.

I did get the double-header of the last two episodes for the first season of Battlestar Galactica in, and they held up as being one of the most perfect season finales of all time.

I also finished up the episode of Only Murders in the Building. Gotta say I had a feeling the artist would do something creepy and she totally did.

Other than that, I watched my classic standby of Perry Mason and also caught some early seasons of Midsomer Murders.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sheila Hogan has spent eight years in the military and returns home to bury her mother. Troy Collins is the guy she left behind and, after a bumpy reunion, she realizes he's still a source of strength and calm. Sheila has thirty days to decide if she's going to sign on for another four years or muster out and explore the future with Troy.

And a snippety peek…

Sheila Hogan thanked the head of the hometown gossip brigade. "So nice of you to come, Marjorie. Mom enjoyed her Tuesday morning walks with your group." And Lydia Hogan loved the ribald breakfasts after.

Marjorie clasped Sheila's hand. "Work's not going to be the same without her. We're gonna miss her. She's gone too soon."

Sheila nodded. Car crashes would do that to a person. Especially when driving home in the wee hours of the morning after a shift at the jelly factory.

Marjorie shook her head. "I'm sorry for your loss, sweetie. You gonna be okay? When do you have to go back?"

Sheila didn't know how to answer. She had a month's leave from the navy, but she also had a decision to make. Did she reup for another stint or muster out?

Sheila gave a little shrug. "I have a month. Should be time to get mom's estate settled." And figure out what to do about the navy.

Marjorie leaned in close. "You call if you need anything. Me and the girls are here for you." After a quick hug, Marjorie moved to join the other women Sheila's mom used to work with.

Sheila inhaled slowly and readied to greet the next person in line.

Her heart stopped a moment when her gaze clashed with a familiar blue one. Troy Collins … her high school boyfriend until two days after graduation. She didn't expect to see him. Hadn't prepared for it. Eight years of carefully avoiding him, of planning quick trips in and out of town so she didn't have to face him … and now, at the worst possible time, his eyes cooly assessed her before a note of sympathy entered the clear, dark depths.

He lifted his chin. "Sheila. My condolences." He glanced toward the closed casket. "Losing a parent sucks."

Guilt filled her … because he would know. His dad, Frank, died from a massive cardiac infarction three years ago, leaving Troy and his mom to pick up the pieces and carry on. Marjorie, always with the inside scoop, mentioned Frank had left a business teetering on the brink of debt when he passed, and rumor had it the stress caused the heart attack in the first place.

Sheila sucked in a breath but couldn't speak. Memories rolled up and knocked her back. Frank and Myra had been like parents, treating Sheila like a daughter because she'd dated their son for four years.

And she'd left, never looking back. Not once during her entire enlistment. And now Troy stood before her telling her it sucked to lose a parent. The room went hot and spun wildly, and Sheila put one hand to her mouth.

She held the other out, unable to meet Troy's gaze. "Sorry. Sorry. I can't…" Turning, she fled the room, brushing past one of the funeral directors, and made a hasty exit out into the cool evening dusk, making her way along the well-manicured planters lining the edge of the building. A wave of grief hit her, and she stopped, sinking down onto the concrete ledge of the landscaping. The lush greenery blurred when tears flowed down her cheeks and her heart shattered, not only from the loss of her mom, but for everything she'd trashed and left behind.

This one is in the very beginning stages but I'm excited to see where things go.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Just Skip Dessert

Finally have a little bit of spring weather, which is a nice change from the cold and dreary yuck of last week. Taking the doggos out won't be as much of a chore and they like it when the temperatures are mild.

Super, super busy work week. I dropped a quick copy edit in for a healthcare workbook and managed to get the revisions reviewed and back to the author in record time. Might have a few tweaks left, but otherwise that project is in the books.

Also completed a clean copy return for a romance novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I've been lucky enough to edit the whole series and I'm excited for more!

Finished up a full copy edit on a novel and have the file ready for author review. I'll be forwarding it later today and I'm excited to finish book one so we can jump into book two. This is a fun series to work on.

Also finished up a manuscript evaluation for a new adult novel and I can't wait to work on this series with the author. I love the concept and the characters are messy and fun, which is what I like in the new adult genre.

All those projects didn't leave a lot of time for television this week, which I'm actually okay with. When projects are fun and interesting, I fall right into work mode and enjoy what I do so much!

I did finish up The Mandalorian. This episode ended up being terrific. Ahsoka's introduction and her interaction with Grogu topped my favorite moments. Having the Mandalorian and Jedi working together also made things interesting. I love this show.

I started the next episode of Only Murders in the Building but didn't get to finish. I'll probably watch the rest later tonight.

Also missed my weekly rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. We're doing a double-header for the last two episodes of season one and I didn't have the chunk of time needed to do that this week. Bummer.

My daughter also finished up this semester of college and came home this weekend. She'll be here about a month before heading off to Michigan for a paid internship in a summer stock theater. So excited for her!

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Just Skip Dessert, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Wanda Craig and Dewey Pearson are the two newest teachers at Cheltenson Academy, a private school, and they hit it off right away. When a family emergency calls Wanda away right before the end of semester dinner for the new academic advisors, Dewey gets to deal with an inappropriate advance from the headmaster's wife. When Wanda returns, she takes steps to give Dewey a better experience.

And a snippety peek…

"Welcome to Cheltenson, Ms. Craig and Mr. Pearson. It's wonderful to have two new educators to bring new insight and ideas to our institution." Headmaster Chalmers Grove ushered Wanda into his office first, then waved the other new recruit inside.

Wanda slid her gaze toward the other newb, Dewey Pearson. His six-foot-plus height and lean, chiseled frame would keep most comments about the name behind closed lips. Or maybe not. She had to get used to the idea they weren't in a public-school setting and repercussions could be different here.

Dewey lifted his chin in greeting. "Ms. Craig. You're heading up the drama program?" Interest, instead of derision, filled his tone.

Which made her happy because she almost expected the latter, especially since she'd received bored disinterest from her mom and brother when she'd graduated with honors in both of her majors—theater and media production. Both decided she'd be living at home for the rest of her natural life because what kind of job could she get with a theater degree? Part of the reason she'd accepted the position at Cheltenson had been to break away from the mold they put her in because living accommodations came with the job.

She smiled. "Yes. And you're taking over for the librarian?" The females of the school would be spending a lot of time in the stacks.

Dewey gave a nod. "I am. With a name like mine, I fit right in." His lips turned upward in a grin.

Headmaster Grove laughed. "You'll both be quite at home here. We go out of our way to make our new educators feel welcome." He moved around his desk and pulled out two hefty envelopes. "I have your residence assignments here. You'll be neighbors in the woodland quad." Handing over the packets, he moved back to the front of his desk. "We'll walk over now so you can get settled in. Classes start next week." He headed for the door.

Wanda blinked and shook her head. Grove continued talking, nattering on about the welcome brunch scheduled for the next day. Wanda slid her gaze toward her new colleague.

Dewey shrugged and sent her another smile. "After you." He caught up and fell into step beside her.

Following Grove through the main campus oval, she glanced at the map on her information packet. A group of eight bungalows formed a square around a small courtyard not far from the archery range. The layout of the bungalow showed an open concept living-dining-kitchen area with a tiny study and half bath were tucked into one corner of the back of the house along with a bedroom and full bath on the other side. All in all, more space than she'd ever had to herself.

Dewey nudged her shoulder. "We're going this way." He pointed down a narrow walking path edged with greenery on either side.

Wanda winced in embarrassment, adjusting her direction. "Thanks. Got caught up in the…" She waved the envelope.

Dewey flashed another grin. "Understandable. And I think Headmaster Grove forgets we've never been here and don't have the lay of the land yet." He nodded toward the still rambling man.

Wanda chuckled. "Quite right." She paused when they came to the arched brick entryway to the bungalows. "Wow."

Dewey huffed out a breath. "Um, yeah. This is … well, amazing." He followed Grove when the man took a right and started down the stone sidewalk but glanced over his shoulder to meet her gaze.

Wanda held it a moment longer than necessary, silently asking the question, can you believe this?

Dewey lifted his chin and smirked a little in answer. Kind of a, oh, we're going to like it here thing.

Wanda strolled along behind Dewey, admiring the view. Yep. She definitely liked everything about Cheltenson so far.

This story is in the beginning stages and I'm excited to see where things go.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin