Sunday Snippet: Rise and Shine

Ohio weather is tripping on some kind of psychedelic drug right now. We're in our third winter at the moment, so hopefully actual spring will happen in about two weeks. Of course, we'll have to give or take a month because who knows how long the state will be under the influence.

Had a crazy week of work, a mom crisis mode occurrence, and of course the weird weather, which wreaks havoc on my sinuses.

I didn't get much television watched this week. Too many things going on to really pay attention to my shows.

I did get an episode of Death in Paradise watched and enjoyed it. I hadn't seen any of this one and ended up really liking the mystery.

I also started an episode of Elementary and should finish it up today. I love the fun dynamic of Holmes and Watson after last week's near miss with Watson's life.

Other than that, I might be back on track this week, but I won't hold my breath. My brain is doing weird things and having a very hard time staying focused on more than one thing at a time. It's driving me batshit.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rise and Shine, a novella that brings a couple together when both are making big changes in their careers.

Here's the miniblurb:

Abram Purdy sees the same barista, Whitney Boone, every day of the week. She always knows exactly what he needs to get his day started. He runs into her on a Saturday jog and discovers she's accepting a teaching position at the local university and Abram decides to see if she'll still make his morning coffee—at his place.

And a snippety peek…

Whitney finished up another order and bit back a sigh. Almost a full week had gone by and no Abram. She might not have a chance to see him again before her final day.

One of her regulars, Madelyn Gamber, flashed a quick smile. "Busy this morning, aren't you?" She placed her order for a caramel mochaccino.

Whitney put the drink together and nodded. "We were. You picked a good time to come after the main rush." Only three people were left, and the other baristas were serving.

Madelyn took her order and headed for the exit.

Whitney called her back. "Hold on. You forgot your package." She picked the small box up but paused when she noticed the name. Abram Purdy.

Madelyn laughed. "Not mine. But I found it on the stoop next door, and we're supposed to get some rain later, so I grabbed it." She shook her head. "My neighbor has been gone all week and should be back in a day or two. But not before we get the nasty weather." She tucked the box under her arm.

That explained why Whitney hadn't seen Abram all week.

Whitney raised her eyebrows. "Oh, no. Did he get called out by the crazy-uncle client?" She never remembered the guy's name.

Madelyn gave Whitney a considering look. "Yes, that's the one." Understanding dawned. "Abram's one of your regulars, isn't he?"

Whitney laughed and nodded. "Yeah. And he's got some great stories about that guy." Bonkers didn't begin to describe the client.

Madelyn agreed. "Some horror ones, too." She leaned forward and lowered her voice. "Pretty sure this trip is one of the nightmare ones."

Whitney shook her head. "I couldn't do what Abram does. The whole drop everything and jet off to solve problems would stress me out."

Madelyn gave a waggle-fingered wave. "Same. So glad my biggest worries are all local and involve gardening." She pushed the door open and exited the coffee shop.

Whitney wiped down her workstation, hoping she didn't miss her chance to see Abram before her last day. Surprised at the disappointment she'd experienced when she thought she had, she didn't think too hard about the reason. She absolutely had an attraction to Abram. And she'd definitely miss the stories about his impossible client.

Stowing the cleaner under her counter, she untied her apron. "Hopefully, I'll get to hear one more."

I'm happy with how much fun this one is to write. Whitney and Abram are going to be angst free but still have some conflict.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin