Sunday Snippet: Game Night

The first full week of August kind of flew by. We had a power outage and mobile phone outage on the same night, which made for a long six hours. Also kind of weird since there wasn't a storm or anything that would be a normal reason for the loss.

Very busy week with work projects and September is looking like another busy month. I'm definitely not complaining. I miss having dedicated writing time, but I also squeeze that in whenever I can.

The school year starts next week, which means the husband will be at his new position in the elementary school. He truly wishes he'd had this job thirty years ago. I can't blame him. He drove almost an hour each way for twenty-plus years. The schools in our district are all less than five miles away and the elementary school is three blocks from our house.

Had my daughter home for several days this week and we had a great time catching up. She even had me cut her hair, which turned out really well. Always love it when she asks me to help with stuff like that.

Had a solid viewing week and made it through my whole slate of shows, including my two back-burner ones. Not sure what the upcoming week will bring but hoping to keep on target.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and finished up the first season. Can't wait to start season two. Another one of my favorite episodes is coming up.

Caught another Madame Blanc Mysteries and really enjoyed the twisty turns in this one. This season is shaping up to be a lot of fun. I like Charlie and Simone so it's good to see them again.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise and it's the penultimate episode before the season thirteen finale. So great to have Florence back, even if only for a brief time. Looking forward to the finale.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. This one was a lot of fun, especially having Poirot sneaking into a house and getting caught. And spending a night in jail to boot!

Caught an episode of Elementary and very much enjoyed Sherlock figuring out Alfredo needed some support. The mystery ended up being pretty interesting also.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I remembered. Always fun to see Bruce and Barbara spar, and I loved Terry trusting Bruce to help him.

Lower Decks again charmed and annoyed me. I've come to kind of accept that's how this show is going to be for me. I did really like the teamwork in this one.

Finished up the episode of Peak Practice from last week and even started the new episode. Have to finish it this week.

Finally, Reacher. Man. This show. I truly get the hype around it. So many revelations. Finlay. Yeah, didn't see that one coming. Explains a lot. Roscoe. Badass. Seriously. I'm on the fence with Charlie's admission about Hubbel. I think there's more to the story there. And Reacher having the light-bulb moment with the last-standing professor was excellent. Here's hoping she stays alive. Can't wait to watch the next episode!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Game Night, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Newly retired from the military and first-time parents, Albany and Jiles Wright are spending their first night out without their little one. They've got great friends staying with the baby, they're going to their favorite restaurant, and both love hockey. They should be having a great time. But … while they each put on a brave face, Albany and Jiles take turns checking on their kid behind each other's backs then finally realize he's in great hands and they can actually have a good time.

And a snippety peek…

Jiles stood by the car, waving to Bryce. "See ya later, B-man."

Sharon held Bryce on her hip and used her free hand to help him wave to his parents.

Hawk lifted an arm. "Have fun, you two. Don't do anything Sharon and I wouldn't do." His lips kicked up in a smirk.

Albany laughed. "That gives us plenty of leeway." She popped the door on the passenger side and waved to the couple.

Jiles chuckled and got in, starting the engine. "Ready for Tuesday's on the Market?" They'd put four restaurant names in a hat and drew the casual dining establishment as their choice for dinner.

Albany nodded. "So ready. Can't wait to sink my teeth into one of their burgers." She side-eyed him. "You having one? Or maybe you're gonna eat your weight in wings?" Her mouth twisted in a grin.

Jiles shrugged. "Think I'll go for a burger too. And probably steak fries and slaw. Tuesday's has the best slaw." Creamy and just the right amount of sweet to balance out the tartness of the cabbage.

Albany moaned. "Oh, yeah. Excellent choice." She kept her gaze focused on the road in front of them.

Jiles resisted the urge to check the backseat from the rearview mirror, a habit he developed since they'd had Bryce. Seemed weird not to have him in the car seat. He reached over and clasped Albany's hand. That didn't seem weird.

She squeezed his fingers then let go so he could focus on taking the exit to downtown and then find a spot to park. He chose a lot between the restaurant and the arena and grabbed the ticket. After pulling into the space, he cut the engine.

Albany met him at the front of the vehicle and cupped his face. "A preview for later…" She tilted her chin up and meshed her lips with his.

Jiles sank into the kiss and wrapped his arms around Albany. He loved her so much. And Bryce. Having that little guy changed everything for them … in the best way possible.

Albany eased away and gave him a twisted grin. "Kind of makes you wanna skip dinner and hockey and head back home for the main event, yeah?" Her eyebrows waggled.

Jiles laughed. "Maybe a little. But … we've set our mission parameters. Let's stick to them." He laced their fingers together.

Albany made a low hum in her throat. "Mmm. There you go again … getting all ticky box on me." She shuddered and started dragging him toward the sidewalk.

I'm having fun with this one. It's been a long time since I had my kiddos, but I remember the first time leaving my oldest with someone else. So glad I got to use that for a book!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin