Sunday Snippet: Green-Eyed Monster

It's a drippy, dreary day, which actually doesn't bother me. It's been so dry in Ohio, and the rain might help wash all the allergy-inducing yuck away for a while.

Had a solid work week. I finished up a copy edit and started a new one. I'm wrapping up an extended coaching project and moving into the final stages before sending it out for the next steps. Started a new memoir developmental edit, and I'm excited about working on it with the author. I have a couple of other projects waiting in the wings, but my plate is full for the moment.

Doggo update. I think we're through the hard stuff. Who knew having a congested dog could be so exhausting. It sucks because, unlike when my kiddos didn't feel well, the dog can't verbalize what's making them feel poorly. A lot of trial and error to make sure they're doing okay.

Had an okay viewing week. I got through most of my usual shows with the exception of Lower Decks. I ran out of steam and couldn't get that one in.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the episode. The ending always make me smile with Hugh and Dottie getting engaged and Jack and Phryne drinking wine from grapes … that she crushed with her feet.

Watched another episode of Foyle's War and remembered most of it. I'd actually forgotten the underlying thread of Rex being in love with Andrew and Foyle's supportive reaction to the information. A very good episode.

Finished up season fourteen of Death in Paradise. I'm kind of curious about Patterson's departure. If he's really leaving the show, I'll be disappointed as he's been with it since the beginning. However, a changing of the guard isn't always a bad thing. I have a fun thought about who could possibly replace him and if it pans out, it would be very cool.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I really do like the episodes that don't involve a murder. The bond robbery ended up being a lot of fun. Poor Hastings being seasick and his denial of it was a fun side thread.

Elementary had another solid episode. I'm enjoying Joan's journey of getting back to supportive interpersonal relationships. The scenes with her and Gregson were lovely.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I didn't really remember so I enjoyed watching. I think I'm almost through the second season and I can't really remember if there are more after this one or not.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Green-Eyed Monster, a novella that explores how the grass is greener after a breakup.

Here's the miniblurb:

Dani works undercover sting operations and inadvertently shoots the girlfriend of Neal, one her coworkers. When the green-eyed monster of jealousy rears its head, Dani isn't sure how to help Neal through the trauma, but she'll move whatever stands in the way to make sure he's happy.

And a snippety peek…

Dani shoved the green-eyed monster back in its hole.

She snagged one of his fingers with one of hers. "I don't have any easy answers, but I do understand where you're coming from." She met his gaze. "When you left, I had something of a wake-up call. What we do isn't just difficult." Fighting the urge to glance away, she got right down to the specific point. "It's hard and bloody more often than not. And it means trust is a commodity unless it's freely given." She stopped there, hoping he'd understand.

He gave a nod. "I know. And it's harder to give if you've been burned." He squeezed her finger.

He did get it.

She changed the topic, just a little. "So ... based on everything you've said tonight ... you and Kyra? No happily ever after?" Her heart hurt for him even if she didn't want them together.

His lips curved in a sad smile. "There is no happily ever after. I don't think they actually happen anymore." He shrugged.

Dani traced the back of his hand. "Does Kyra know?"

Neal shook his head. "Not yet. The whole shootout kind of interrupted a gentle letdown." One side of his mouth kicked up.

Dani closed her eyes. "Man, I'm sorry." Truly suck ass timing on everyone's part.

Neal rolled a shoulder. "And I won't do it here. I might be cynical, but I strive to keep the asshole behavior to a minimum."

Dani chuckled. "Except with me." Not that she didn't deserve it sometimes.

Neal turned his palm upward. "Yeah. Probably true."

Dani tilted her head. "Have you ever wondered why?"

Neal huffed out a breath. "I know why. Because no matter what, you'll call me on it."

Dani took the opening that statement provided. "And you tried to call me on it, but I never listened. I always put the job first." She waited a beat. "I'm ready to listen now." She hoped he believed her.

Neal laced their fingers together. "You have suck-ass timing, Dans." He huffed out a breath.

She shrugged this time. "I know. But there's no rush." She got to her feet and let go of his hand. "If you decide you want happy for the moment, you know where to find me…"

This story is coming together in a way I'm very happy with. Dani is a little tricky and I love writing her.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin