Sunday Snippet: Vicarious Living

The end of October is nigh and, man, it's been a month. Between work projects and personal life stuff, time flew by fast. Helped my oldest kidlet move some things from their old place to their new one and also took him for a job interview. Happy to say he got an offer and should start sometime soon. Also looking forward to trick or treat night and then gearing up for the holidays.

Happy to say the areas where I had my extractions are finally healed up enough that I can eat most types of food. I'm still careful with anything hard and crunchy but otherwise normal intake isn't a challenge anymore.

Stayed busy with work. Have a tricky manuscript that's kind of giving me fits with continuity and consistency concerns, which makes the edit slow way down. Sent off a couple of quotes for upcoming projects and look forward to getting started on those.

Had a decent week of viewing. I made it through a full round of my shows but kind of in backward order. Will probably have the same thing this week.

Started off with an episode of Elementary and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice to see Lastrade get back on track. Interesting twisty case also.

Caught an episode of The Batman and enjoyed it. Always like seeing the Flash in action. I remembered most of this episode also.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Rugrats and only remembered one of the vignettes. The other two were either new to me or memory holed.

Watched another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I do remember bits of this one and I’m glad I got to see the whole thing from start to finish.

Caught another episode of London Kills and I like how the new cases play into the overall case of the disappearance of David's wife. Looking forward to seeing how this season ends.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Loved the case because it's fun to see a bit of Ruby's past mixed in with the present. I enjoy her interactions with Commission Patterson. Gotta say, I'm not sure I enjoy Neville Parker. I appreciate the fact he's very different from the previous three DIs but … the constant afflictions are, well, annoying.

On a side note, I discovered there's a second spinoff of this show that's set in Australia. I'm looking forward to seeing it when it's available in the US.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and it's terrific to see Jack's niece take a role in the Lylle. Looking forward to the second half of this episode.

Another side note … most of the cast from Battlestar Galactica is in Chicago for the twentieth anniversary of the show. I've been poking around all weekend to stay up to date on what's happening at the convention. My mind is completely blown that it's been twenty years since the premiere of the series. It's still probably my all-time favorite show.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Vicarious Living, a novella that brings a couple together at a group therapy meeting.

Here's the miniblurb:

Sometimes adversity can be overcome and living vicariously through fantasy proves to be a good thing. Lola Humes and Wright Wesslop discover a mutual way to cope when they meet at their group counseling sessions. They're not supposed to interact outside the anonymous therapy gatherings, but neither is very good at following the rules.

And a snippety peek…

Lola ducked into Danko's and paused a moment when she spotted Wright in a corner booth. "Our spot." Should she think of that space as theirs and should they even have one?

They'd had coffee after the last two AA meetings but arranged to meet today sans group session. She savored the flutter of tension filling her while she observed Wright unnoticed. He scrolled on his phone with his head bent forward.

Tilting her head to one side, she literally couldn't find one thing she didn't like about Wright. "I could totally fall for him." If she hadn't already.

He glanced up and a wry smile twisted his lips. She waved and made her way to the table. Taking a break from editing a tricky manuscript to join Wright might be the best decision she ever made.

Listen to me making excuses. She really just wanted to spend some more time with him.

He nodded toward the already steaming mug at her spot. "Ordered your usual but held off on a danish. Didn't know if you'd want one." Tucking his phone in his pocket, he gave her his full attention.

She slid into the seat. "I might order a full breakfast for dinner." She'd skipped lunch to work ahead on the memoir.

Wright grunted. "That's not a bad idea." He grabbed one of the menus. "Lunch was on the go between ambulance runs today."

She chuckled. "You're one up on me. Lunch didn't happen today." Her stomach growled right on cue.

Wright arched his brows. "Book still giving you trouble?" He set the menu aside and gave her his attention again.

Lola shrugged. "A little. My author shifts back and forth. Sometimes the writing is conversational, like he's telling a story and others where it's like he's recording memories in third person where he refers to himself by name. It's a little strange." She took a sip of the steaming coffee. "I'm sure we'll get it figured out, but we have a deadline to meet and that always stresses me out." Hence her reason for going to meetings again.

Wright cocked his head to one side. "And stress triggers the urge to fall off the wagon. Glad you decided to start coming to meetings. I mean—" He paused when the server came to take their orders.

Lola got the breakfast wrap with a side of fruit. Wright chose a ham, egg, and cheese bagel with toasted hash browns on the side. The server refilled his mug and left to put their orders in.

Wright picked up where he left off. "I was going to say it's probably wrong to be happy your author is stressing you out because I wouldn't have met you otherwise."

Lola laughed. "If anyone had told me I'd someone who sparked my interest at an AA meeting, I wouldn't have believed them." Of course, she hadn't been looking for anyone at the time.

Wright's lips curved. "Same." He leaned in closer. "But I think Belinda pegged you and me becoming friends from the beginning."

Lola smirked. "You're not wrong. Pretty sure she's got the matchmaking gene." And great taste in people.

I like Lola and Wright and helping them discover their way forward. This is a fun story to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: A Very Awkward Evening

Had a less than productive week after having two teeth extracted. It's strange because they really weren't difficult to remove—well, one of them ended up being a little harder than the other—but it still threw me off. I think because they were on opposite sides with one on top and the other on the bottom, which made eating a tad challenging.

I also took time away on Friday to meet my daughter so we could do early voting. Very happy to have that done! I voted to raise my taxes for the school and emergency services levies.

Work stayed busy with some cleanup on two drafts and two copy edits. I also checked changes on two proofreads. Those were kind of dropped in on the fly.

Didn't quite make a full round of my usual shows this week, but I did get through about half.

Watched another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder and it was one I'd seen at least part of. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Caught another London Kills and I'm liking this show. The overarching mystery of what happened to the DCI's wife folded into the two cases is interesting to me. I'm a little worried about the trainee DC. Things could go really sideways for her if she's not careful.

Enjoyed another Death in Paradise episode. I kind of feel like this is the season where Commissioner Patterson gets a lot more screen time. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. I enjoy him.

Finished the second half of Silent Witness and, whoo boy, what a ride this two-parter was. I'm going to be very interested in seeing if there's any fallout from everything that went down.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Very Awkward Evening, a sexy short about a birthday dinner interrupted by a rock-star mom.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Vi took a deep breath and apologized. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have trashed you like that."

Mina shrugged. "You've never been shy about stating an opinion."

Vi shook her head. "That's not the point, Mom." Why could Mina never see sincerity when it more or less bit her on the ass?

Mina snorted. "You're right. The point is you don't need me and never have." She ran a finger along the spotless countertop. "You go to a lot of trouble to keep me from being part of your life." She stopped and faced Vi. "I've only now realized it's because you really don't like me." She turned and leaned against the cabinet.

Vi's eyes went wide. "That's not true. I love you, Mom. But sometimes…" How could she say Mina could be a bit much?

Mina picked up her train of thought. "You wish I wasn't quite so me?" Her lips curved in a sad smile.

Vi rolled a shoulder. "I've never asked you to be anything other than what you are." A rock star of high caliber.

Vi couldn't and wouldn't take anything away from what her mom had accomplished. But Vi also craved stability and touring the world didn't offer her a way to put down roots and create a home she'd always wanted.

Mina rolled her eyes. "No, you wouldn't dream of asking me to change. Instead, you cut me out of your life, never giving me a chance to be your mom."

Surprised by the accusation, Vi blinked. "What are you talking about?" Of course, Vi did want to avoid having Mina over for Gar's birthday, but she met her mom whenever she came to the city and often traveled to see her shows in neighboring states.

Except … not recently.

Mina flung her arm out, her silver bangles clinking together. "I'm talking about why I act the way I do with you sometimes. Loud, proud, and fully wowed." She pushed away from the cupboard and paced toward the sink. "You know, it hurts when your daughter is ashamed of you, especially when I finally figured it out." She paused and faced Vi.

Vi shook her head. "I'm not ashamed of you, Mom." Embarrassed by her, sure, but what kid isn't weirded out by their parents sometimes?

Mina arched her brows. "No? Really? Because you obviously lied about Garwin's folks. Which means you didn't want me to meet them." She looked away. "You didn't even give me a chance. You never do. Not since you were twelve." Her gaze met Vi's again. "You've pretty much been your own woman since then."

Is she right? Do I really not give her a chance? Maybe. The observation certainly gave Vi something to think about.

Mina took Vi's hands. "Vi, my girl, you have the right to ask me to tone down the banshee in me. And I would do that for you." She squeezed Vi's fingers.

Her mom acting normal? Vi seriously couldn't picture it. But she loved that Mina would try.

Vi smiled. "Thanks, Mom. I appreciate the offer."

Mina hugged Vi. "Forgiven?" She leaned back, keeping her arms around her daughter.

Vi nodded. "Of course." She eased away, liking the newfound thread of understanding. "Why did you really come tonight, Mom?" There had to be more than crashing Gar's party.

Mina stepped back and took a deep breath. "I have news and didn't want to wait to share it." She schooled her features.

Vi's heart dropped. Is something wrong with Mom? The thought kicked her heart rate up a notch.

A huge grin spread across Mina's face. "Tomorrow is last call for the Damn Banshees. We're done. Hanging up our axes. Retiring. Whatever you want to call it." She bounced on her toes.

Vi's mouth gaped open. "I'm sorry, what?" Mina leaving the spotlight behind didn't compute.

Mina nodded. "Yeah, and we're not fighting or pulling bitch cards or anything like that. I mean, we're all at good places—for the most part—and we've already talked about doing a reunion tour at some point if there's interest." Her face softened. "The girls and I all want to spend time with our families. I mean, hell, Gwen's got two grandos she never sees."

Vi shook her head. "I'm stunned. And I don't know what to say." She'd never known Mina as anything else but a rock star.

Mina sobered. "Say you'll have me in your life. I really want to spend time with you—as your mom—and try fun stuff like shopping and spa days and, I don't know … brunch. Things like that."

Vi huffed out a breath. "Mina Vesper going normie? I'm not sure that's possible." She laughed, trying to picture her mom doing brunch in a quiet restaurant.

Mina leaned in for another hug. "I promise I'll behave."

Vi choked on more laughter. "Don't make promises you can't keep, Mom." She pulled away with a grin on her face. "I'm going to love spending more time with you no matter what."

I'm in love with this mom and daughter relationship and writing the ins and outs of out that affects Vi's life is a lot of fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Veritas

A weird week of chilly weather and lots of cleaning projects. I'm at that place where the clutter is driving me bonkers, but I don't have enough hours in the day to really focus on a good cleanout. So … I'm tackling small areas to at least make a little progress.

Lots of work projects landing in my inbox. A few have been quick turnarounds, which I enjoy. I love having a project that I can finish up in a few hours. That type of work helps when I also have three difficult manuscripts that challenge my brain and one that requires a lot of focus.

Had a solid week of viewing. I'm still trying to finish up an episode of Peak Practice, but I made it through a full round of shows.

Started with Mr. and Mrs. Murder, an Australian mystery series. I've seen several episodes but not in order and I'm looking forward to watching this one from beginning to end. Thoroughly enjoyed the first episode, which I had not seen.

Also started a new-to-me British crime drama called London Kills. Loved the first episode and look forward to watching this series.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise introducing the new DI. Enjoyed the interaction between the commissioner and his new lead detective. Interesting to have someone Patterson doesn't particularly like as part of the team.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. I'm intrigued by the premise of this one. I thought the episode felt a little disjointed and I'm hoping the initial murder somehow ties into the other two. Kind of happy to be guessing on this one.

Watched a fun episode of Elementary with the return of Lestrade. I love the actor, so I love the character. Plus, he's much less annoying than Mycroft.

Enjoyed an episode of The Batman. Finally got a return of Batgirl. I'd forgotten Firefly powered up in a big way and almost blew up Gotham. Great episode.

Caught another new-to-me episode of Classic Rugrats. I'm not a great fan of the three-vignette format but I do have a lot of love for this series.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Veritas, a novella that reunites a couple after a bad breakup.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Maisie pulled into Faxon's drive and shut the engine off. "Stay there. Let me get the door for you." She hopped out and dashed around the front of the car.

Faxon shook his head. "I could've opened it myself." Maisie didn't hear the muttered words, and he mustered a smile when she insisted on getting the small bag the hospital gave him along with his after-discharge instructions.

He had a full week of follow-up appointments with his primary care physician and a physical therapist. Pain meds were being delivered by the pharmacy and a grocery delivery would be on its way as soon as he had five minutes to order from the app on his phone.

Maisie unlocked his door and opened it wide, so he didn't jostle his injured side. She placed his bag on the coffee table and darted from the kitchen to the bathroom then back with some water and over-the-counter tablets, which she placed on the end table beside him.

He settled on the sofa, wincing when he jarred his wound. Agitated, Maisie paced back and forth, a ball of pent-up energy. She'd pause to glance out the window then go back to walking the length of his living room.

Faxon straightened up on the couch. "I'm getting dizzy. Why don't you sit?" He looked for the television remote thinking she might calm down if they watched something.

She settled on the edge of the chair. "I can't do this." Her fingers twisted in her lap. "I know you think it's nothing, but you got shot." She huffed out a breath. "By one of your own, no less." Her knee bounced up and down.

Faxon got completely serious. "I did, yes. But it's rare. Even by someone who's not on the other side." He could give her the statistics, but decided she didn't need or want numbers.

She wanted reassurance, and he really couldn't give her any.

Maisie shrugged. "Maybe it is, but we've only been together for a few months." She met his gaze. "I can't imagine how I'd deal if we stayed together and it happened again."

Faxon lifted his chin. "So that's it? We end it now?" He didn't mince words or make things harder for her.

She nodded. "Before I fall deeper, yes." Her eyes watered a little, but she didn't cry.

Faxon reached out and clasped her hand. "I'm sorry." He really couldn't say anything else.

Maisie squeezed his fingers. "Don't be. There's no fault here." Her lips twisted in a sad smile. "Not like I didn't know you were a cop from the beginning. I just didn't realize how hard it would be."

Faxon's head bobbed up and down. "I understand." He did … especially since he couldn't offer any guarantees.

She leaned in and kissed him. "Goodbye, Faxon." She got to her feet and quietly left.

Faxon took stock. He should probably be more upset. Getting dumped on the heels of getting shot should sting a lot more than it did. Yet he didn't blame Maisie for bailing and he couldn't find the ache of loss he should have.

Because of Tillie. She'd taken up a lot of space in his mind since her impromptu visit at the hospital. He couldn't shake the idea she'd wanted to say more or that she'd chosen her words carefully when he called and asked to see her.

Leaning his head against the cushions, he stared at the ceiling. "We need to talk, Tillie. Soon." He had a lot he wanted to say.

And he'd find a way to make her listen.

I like writing reunions when a conflict has to be resolved. Faxon hopes he'll be back on track with Tillie in the near future … if she doesn't end up running scared.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Using Tongue

October is starting off on something of a down note. But it's spooky season and that makes me very happy.

 

Received some sad news this morning about one of my current authors. He had a rare form of brain cancer and passed peacefully yesterday. I'm so glad I got to know him and his story, which I hope we'll be able to share with others.

 

I ended up having a decent week with work projects and managed to get some other things done along with a good bit of writing. Have one manuscript almost finished up and I'm excited to get it out in the world.

 

Pretty good week of viewing also. I managed to make it all the way through my current roster of shows and got one that simmers on the back burner most of the time mostly watched.

Started the week with the season finale of My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. So great to kind of have some closure for Alexa's cycle of grief. I loved how the two-part episode played out.

Caught DI Jack's last episode of Death in Paradise. Really enjoyed his sendoff and look forward to the new DI's introduction in the next episode. Really have to thank my sister-in-law for recommending this show.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness. The episode took a turn I didn't expect and that always makes me happy. For a show that's been running for twenty-seven seasons being able to surprise the audience—or at least me—is excellent.

Watched an episode of Elementary and quite liked it. It's fun to watch Sherlock and Joan navigate their living together and it's really awesome to see Joan stepping out and solving some of Sherlock's cold cases.

Enjoyed an episode of The Batman with Green Arrow featuring as the Justice League character. This ended up being a pretty decent episode even without an appearance by Batgirl again.

Caught an episode of Classic Rugrats. Some more new-to-me vignettes. Enjoyed all three.

Also got most of the way through a Peak Practice episode, which is the one that simmers on the back burner when I don't have time to do a full cycle of shows. Looking forward to finishing this one up.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Using Tongue, a sexy short with a fun vibe.

Here's the miniblurb:

Joss Hellenburg hates licorice and Lisa Getz aims to show him why he should learn to love it—by using her tongue during a hot and steamy kiss—which sets up a series of sexy embraces while the two try to outdo each other.

And a snippety peek…

Joss finished loading the dishwasher then filled the sink to wash his cookware. Lisa brought the empty wine bottle in and stowed it in the trash bin. She'd been a little quiet during their meal.

What's up with that?

She usually chattered nonstop about new ideas for the donation-only restaurant they ran or new sponsors she'd lined up as giving partners in their venture. She could talk the tightest fist into shaking loose a few dollars or dropping off a pallet or two of goods. Her concept of having a homestyle diner for food-insecure patrons fit right in with his skillset of cooking large quantities using simple recipes but didn't lack nutrition.

They now had a regular crowd and word of mouth kept spreading. "Her plan to kickstart the giving hand paid off in spades." She'd put cutouts of handprints on the bulletin board and diners could pull one down if they didn't have anything to donate.

Lisa had prepaid ten meals and when customers asked about the array of colorful hands on the corkboard, she'd explained about letting those who had more offer a way pay things forward by purchasing a lunch or dinner and posting their own to the board. They had to add a second section to handle the overflow.

Joss snorted. "She's always working an angle."

Which did nothing to explain her obsession with black licorice. No angle to work there. Except the one where he didn't understand the appeal.

Usually, they had a lot of the same taste in culinary fare. But, man, something about the smell of licorice turned him off. The stuff really did remind him of cough syrup, which never tasted good.

Lisa wrapped her arms around him. "The new pasta dish is fab. Light and savory. We should think about adding it to the menu." Her hands drifted up his chest and she started planting nibbling little kisses on his neck.

Which never failed to turn him on. He stopped scrubbing and turned, kissing her on the mouth. She took the opportunity to slide her tongue past his lips, dueling with his for dominance.

Mmm. She tasted smoky and sweet. He didn't break the embrace, but he grabbed the towel and dried his hands, then hauled her closer taking the lip-lock into deeper territory. The spicy tang of her drew a low moan from his throat…

This is such a fun story. I love writing established couples that have an amusing conflict to resolve.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin