Sunday Snippet: Auld Lang Syne

The work project abundance continues. I'm plugging along and chiseling away at the four current projects I have on my plate—two copy edits, a proofread, and a developmental edit are the main events. I also have a set of revisions to review and a read through to start. It's chaotic but also … fun? I love that everything I'm working on right now is so different. Not one of the manuscripts is similar to the other ones.

As usual, totally unhinged weather in Ohio. It's cold. It's hot. It's both in one day. Rain, sun, gloomy clouds, and hey, a chance for more snow. I did get lucky and had a mostly clear night for the recent blood moon eclipse, which was amazing to watch. Being a night owl comes in very hand sometimes.

Had a limited viewing schedule this week, mainly because I needed to focus on the words in the manuscripts. I did get a few things watched. I might have to give binge watching something for background noise a go for the next few weeks.

Finished up Beyond Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed the first season finale. They packed so much into this episode. The case, Humph and Archie fight, more shenanigans from the Chief Super, Esther and Hump bonding, Margo being Margo, Kelby being Kelby, and of course, the crew from Death in Paradise at the end. I can't wait to watch the first holiday episode this week!

Caught an episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed it. Interesting interactions between the consulting trio and the police duo and twisty bits thrown in to keep things rolling.

Enjoyed an episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I definitely remembered and liked during my first watch of this series.

Watched an episode of Classic Rugrats and actually remember this one, which is odd because most of the ninth season has been new-to-me stuff.

Started an episode of London Kills, the opener to the fourth season. I had to stop partway through because I need to pay attention and this isn't the week for me to do that.

Also binged a marathon of Peter Gunn on one of the live PlexTV channels. I've been hitting Plex up for a lot of viewing fare lately and I might end up using it over the next several weeks for background noise. Stay tuned.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Auld Lang Syne, a novella featuring the trio from Mistletoe Madness.

Here's the miniblurb:

When a New Year's Eve party turns into a surprise memorial for Delaney Nixon's mom, Scotty London and Westin Ames help Delaney face the auld lang syne with grace and gratitude while it stirs up old memories. The trio then returns home for some much-needed TLC.

And a snippety peek…

Westin glanced up then narrowed his eyes when the bell jangled over the front entrance and Landon walked in. "Things go okay with Laney this morning?" He set the wrench on his workstation and wiped his hands.

Scotty gave a nod. "Yeah, all good." He held up a takeout bag from the Roadside, a diner between his office and Westin's garage. "Thought we could have a conversation about New Year's Eve." Dropping the food on the counter, he unbuttoned his coat and pulled the scarf from around his neck.

Westin cocked his head. "What's going on, Landon?" He pulled a stool out and settled on it.

Scotty grimaced. "A lot. And I might need some backup from you." He got seated and started taking food out of the bag. "Remember the meeting I went to about the ball?"

Westin grunted. "Yeah, what about it?" Landon's previous commitment gave Wes time to be alone with Delaney.

Scotty sighed. "The committee is planning a memorial for Joanie." He unwrapped a smash burger. "And they want it to be a surprise for Del."

Westin nearly choked on the waffle fry he'd stuffed into his mouth. "They what?" He chewed and swallowed then reached for the tea Scotty pushed his way. "You agreed to this?" Why else would Landon be here if he hadn't.

Scotty huffed out a breath. "Not much choice. The women already had the whole thing organized and gave me the task of making sure Del gets there." He took a huge bite of his burger.

Westin mulled the idea over. "Joanie didn't want a big deal. Laney honored her wishes." He picked up his sandwich. "This kinda flies in the face of that, doesn't it?" He met Landon's gaze.

Scotty's head bobbed up and down. "Yeah. But they're convinced making the ball a celebration of Joanie's life is a great idea. Something to bring the whole community together and welcome Del back into the fold so to speak." He shrugged. "I mean, I get where they're coming from, and it is a sweet gesture from Joanie's friends, but…" His voice trailed off.

Wes grunted. "It could be super emotional for Laney." Damn.

Scotty nodded. "Yeah. That's why I'm here. To make sure we're prepared for all possible outcomes." He shoveled some fries into his mouth.

Westin's lips quirked. "All right. Consider this our first strategy session for operation auld lang syne." He sobered. "By the way, the only formal thing I own is my uniform. Where can I get suit on short notice?"

Scotty laughed. "I know just the place. Plan on a long lunch tomorrow."

I love writing this trio. The guys are a lot of fun and exploring their new friendship outside of the relationship they share with Delaney is joyful for me.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin