Sunday Snippet: Not Quite Ready Weekend

Heh, so far the bumps have not smoothed over in October. But … that could have more to do with the yucky cold I picked up from the husband. It's like I have fuzzy slippers in my head, and I'm not a fan.

Our tire trauma is still ongoing. I now have four tires paid for and the appointment is scheduled for this week. I still have to have my front and rear rotors and pads replaced as soon as possible also. That might end up being a November problem. I do want to get that managed before we start getting snow.

Still having fairly mild weather. I love having an actual fall. I'm hoping we're not having fake fall, and we'll end up with ninety degree days again. But won't be surprised if it happens.

Had a decent work week even with the cold. I'm moving slowly on the evaluation, but the book is pretty interesting. Finished up a copy edit and started a proofread. I'm hoping to finish the proofread later today. I also need to hit my backburner project that I keep putting on hold.

Had a sketchy viewing week. Between the cold and other things going on, I didn't quite make it through my usual line up. I did do a binge watch of Death in Paradise.

Started with Marple and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. Very fun to see the mystery unfold and watch Jane piece everything together. Fun watching experience.

Watched another episode of Britain's Most Scenic Counties. I'm enjoying Cheshire. There are a lot of interesting bits and bobs. While the white cliffs of Dover in Kent definitely draw attention, there seems to be more urban adventures in Cheshire.

Enjoyed an episode of Return to Paradise. I'm very much on the fence with Mac and Glenn's interactions. Watching her calm him down was a lot of fun. Knife-thick tension there. Also really enjoyed getting some insight to Colin's past in this one.

Caught another episode of Poirot and, wow, what an adventure. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing the band get back together. I've missed Hastings, Lemon, and Japp.

Elementary had a terrific episode. Glad to see Sherlock somewhat back to his old self. I loved how much confidence he has in Joan's ability to be a great parent. Also quite liked the interactions between Joan and the pregnant mom. What a great episode.

Started an episode of Young Justice but ran out of steam. I'll finish it up this week. I think I remember this one or at least parts of it.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Not Quite Ready Weekend, a novella that brings a couple together for babysitting duty and gives them an opportunity to explore their attraction.

Here's the miniblurb:

Angie Strickland and Derrick Fields are thrown together when they're called upon to care for their best friends' little one for a three-day weekend. Their biggest challenge is getting a crash course in what it's like to be a parent while dancing around an unacknowledged attraction. By the end of the weekend, Angie and Derrick are exhausted and certain of one thing—they want to be together but they're not quite ready for parenthood.

And a snippet preview…

Derrick Fields frowned when he answered his phone. "Yo, Mark. What's up? Everything okay? You usually text when you want to catch a game on TV." Although there weren't any good ones coming up.

Mark laughed. "Everything's fine. Well … generally speaking. I do have a bit of a situation I could use some help with."

Derrick's brows arched. "Okay … you have my attention." Seriously, Mark never had problems.

Mark huffed out a breath. "Well … I have a work conference this weekend and my folks are in Arizona visiting friends, and Janie's mom and dad are also unavailable this weekend." He paused. "It's a huge favor, but could you stay with Lyds? It'll only be Friday night through Sunday afternoon." He said the last sentence like his life depended on it.

Derrick blinked. "You want me to stay?" Damn, he didn't know the first thing about infants.

Mark didn't hesitate. "Yes. This is my kid we're talking about. I'm not trusting her with just anybody. And Janie won't go unless we have a rock-solid person lined up." He sighed. "I really need her to come with me. I'm due for a promotion and having her there could speed up the process."

Derrick hedged. "I'm not saying I can't, but why me? Aside from being her godfather, I'm not exactly super up on what babies need." He'd die before letting anything happen to Lydia, but what if he caused the anything?

Mark chuckled. "Dude, you have three younger sisters, and I know you used to babysit them." He waited a beat. "All. The. Time."

Derrick snorted. "My guy … they were all out of diapers and feeding themselves by the time I had to keep an eye on them. But … you're right. If I can survive three bratty tweens, I can absolutely manage a tiny baby who can't walk or talk yet." He hoped … maybe. "Yeah, sure. I'll stay with her. Just keep your phone on and be ready for a zillion questions."

Mark gave a relieved sigh. "Thanks, man. If you stop by after work on Friday, I'll give you the rundown. And thank you. Seriously. This is way harder than I thought it would be." He made a garbled choking sound. "We haven't had to leave her for more than a few hours, and I'm not sure who's having a harder time. Janie … or me."

Derrick offered reassurance. "My guess is it's pretty even. But … silver lining. First time is the hardest. And it's only a weekend." Which, yeah, freaked Derrick out but not enough to say no.

He wanted favorite couple to have a worry-free conference.

Mark let another relieved sigh. "I'm going to owe you a solid. A really big one."

Derrick laughed. "Yeah, well, I won't hold you to that. See you Friday."

Mark signed off and Derrick sank down onto the couch.

What the hell had he agreed to do?

This story is in the beginning stages, but I love where I think it will go!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin