Sunday Snippet: Zootropolis

Whew. It's been a week. I'm under the weather and not enjoying that at all. I'm behind on my two work projects and we're getting a buttload of snow at the moment. Also … I'm on cold medication and it's making me loopy. Fun times.

I made a video for Tip Jar and I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. I'm excited about this new endeavor and hope it gets some traction.

Really slow week for viewing. Between being under the weather and everything else going on in the world, I didn't have the spoons to really dive into my shows.

I didn't end up finishing the episode of One Lane Bridge. I'm hoping to get to it this week.

I did watch the finale of London Kills and it ended up being pretty thrilling. I have a behind the scenes episode to watch and then I'll be starting the next season.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise and enjoyed it. I'm liking Neville a lot more this season. Very interested in how things play out with Florance's under cover job.

Started an episode of Beyond Paradise and should finish it today. I ended up sleeping a lot over the weekend and just didn't have a chance to get the whole episode in. I did get a chuckle that Humph named his duck Selwyn because that's the commissioner's name from Death in Paradise. Not sure how I missed that before.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zootropolis, an opposites-attrack novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

Mackenna Sycks is looking to raise money for a wildlife refuge. When Walton Conley offers to back her project, she balks, thinking the hot shot playboy has ulterior motives. He does, but he's also a whiz with fundraisers and surprises Mackenna with gala affair dubbed Zootropolis.

And a snippety peek…

Mackenna pulled into the parking lot of Walton's office. "I don't know, Carrie. I still think this is a bad idea. I'm all over the place right now … mentally." Mackenna had emailed Walton yesterday to beg off from the second meeting, suggesting Carrie attend instead.

Carrie snorted. "You think?" She followed with a chuckle. "The email you sent isn't something you would do. So … it begs the question of why." She stopped there.

Mackenna sighed. "I know. And I don't have an answer." Her inner voice made a rude sound. "At least not a good one." Cutting the engine, she leaned her head back on the seat.

Carrie's tone softened. "Kens, this is a big thing. I can't do what you do or explain how you do it. You're the best person to pull this off." She paused for a moment. "And you will get everyone on board. But … apologize to Walton first. You owe him that much."

Mackenna exhaled slowly. "You're right. Thanks, again, for talking me around." She ended the call and did a quick check of her face in the visor mirror.

Exiting her SUV, she pulled a portfolio out of the backseat and tucked it under her arm along with checking to make sure she had the thumb drive with the power point files. "Here goes nothing." She made the short walk to the main door and headed for the reception area.

No one sat behind the desk, which seemed weird. Mackenna took a chance and followed the corridor to Walton's office. She took a deep, calming breath and knocked on the door.

Several long seconds ticked by before the hard wood panel jerked open, and Walton snapped. "I said no interruptions—" He broke off with a frown. "What are you doing here?"

Mackenna noticed the multiple monitors with people in a Zoom call. "Oh, no. I'm sorry." She scrambled to think of something to say. "Um, I'll just go back and wait in reception. I didn't realize you were busy." Backing away from the door, she turned to flee.

Walton grasped her shoulder, his gaze sliding from her head down to her feet, a momentary flash of appreciation sparking in his eyes before irritation settled back in. "Just … give me a few minutes to end this meeting. Stay right there." He shut the door in her face.

Mackenna closed her eyes, her face heating. "Dammit." Of course, she picked the worst time to attempt an apology.

Once again, doubt seeped into her mind. She hated being indecisive, telling him she'd come back and wow his lined-up donors then rethinking the idea and emailing to suggest Carrie take her place, then talking with Carrie and deciding to go ahead and put on a presentation. All of which she'd put at Walton's feet. She'd been off balance since she met him and still couldn't figure out if this would be worth the hassle and headache.

I can't believe I let Carrie talk me into wearing a dress for this.

Mackenna originally planned to go with a pair of pressed cargo pants, button-down shirt, and good boots. A more up-to-snuff version of what she usually wore when she met with anyone about the facility. Carrie nixed the idea and gently suggested Mackenna should up her game and dazzle the donors with a pretty dress and strappy sandals. Put forth the effort to show everyone Mackenna could straddle the line of meeting them at their table and proving their investment of time and money would be valuable.

Mackenna rolled her eyes. "It would be easier if these donors were exotic animals." Animals she could talk to all day.

People … not so much.

The door to Walton's office opened again and he swept an arm out to usher her inside.

Mackenna spoke before he could distract her. "Again, I'm sorry for breaking in on your meeting. I came early to apologize and let you know—"

Walton cut in. "That you changed your mind. Again."

Her face heated, but she gave a nod. "Yeah. I'm just not used to anyone doing anything for me." She met his gaze. "But Carrie talked me off the ledge and made me realize I'm the only one who can do this. I need the down payment, and you're making a huge effort to see that it happens." She made her next words a promise. "I can do no less. No more trying to bail on this project. I'll play nice from now on."

Walton arched his brows. "No offense intended … I'll believe it when I see it." He nodded toward the conference room. "You can get set up. If you can't find something you need, give a shout." He moved around and sat at his desk.

Mackenna started to cross the office for the conference room, but his voice stopped her.

"Nice touch with the dress. You look amazing."

She lifted her chin, acknowledging the compliment. The smile didn't spread across her face until she'd entered the next room. Maybe the third time would be the charm…

I'm excited about this story. I love writing Mackenna in all her awkward glory.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin