Sunday Snippet: Breaking Ice

April is almost over and it doesn't feel like we should be moving into the summer months. Seriously, the weather is still chilly, there's a pandemic making everything seem more lopsided and crazy, and it really just feels like we're still stuck in 2019, right?

Anyway, slower than usual week in television, but I did get several things watched. I started out with finishing up the Roswell, New Mexico episode and it ended up being pretty solid. I really want Maria to know what's going on with everyone. Make that happen soon, dammit.

Caught another episode of The Heart Guy and, seriously, this show is growing on me. I'll have to recommend this one to my brother, another fan of Aussie dramas.

The main reason I didn't get a lot of my regular shows watched is because I got completely sucked into the Battlestar Galactica marathon on Syfy. It was so much fun catching up with cast members and seeing them reminisce about the show. The marathon also made me long for the old days when Syfy used to marathon shows on a daily basis. I miss those days so much. I literally loathe the crap they show during the day now. Ugh.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice, the final one for the first season. A familiar face popped up, the man who plays Brackenried on Murdoch Mysteries. That was fun.

Watched two episodes of Danger Man for some background noise. Both were episodes I didn't remember seeing in my initial viewing of the series.

Also caught another arc of Classic Who. I have one more arc left with Three then will be moving on to the fourth doctor.

Watched another series of Cirque de Soleil shows. The talent the performers have amazes me. And the theatrical costumes and plot also blow me away.

Started the second episode of Picard, but the streamer kept crapping out with error messages. Frustrating as that seems to be happening a lot lately with various platforms. With so many people trying to stream shows, I guess that's to be expected.

Same thing keeps happening with Strike Back. I'm almost finished with the fifth episode, but it's taken my three days to get that far. Very annoying. But patience is a good thing.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Breaking Ice, a sexy short that brings a couple back together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Bailee and Oakes have a lengthy history of breaking each other's heart and leaving a long trail of personal drama everywhere they go. But they finally have a shot at being on the same page after going one on one in a charity sparring match, if they can trust themselves to get it right this time.

And a sneaky peek…

Bailee stood beside the open grave while the cemetery workers covered her mother's casket with dark, loamy earth. "Bye, Mom." The long battle with cancer finally claimed Bette Young.

Moving back and away from her mom's final resting place, Bailee headed for the waiting car. The driver opened the door and quietly closed it once Bailee slid inside. He'd return her to the funeral home where she'd retrieve her vehicle, go home and change then greet her two p.m. client for their hour-long session. After that, Bailee would hit the training facility to meet Wade Blanchett to get ready for their exhibition match.

Her phone pinged just after the driver dropped her off by her SUV. "Bailee Young."

"Hey, Bay. You sure you want to meet this afternoon? We can reschedule for tomorrow." Wade's voice held sympathy and commiseration.

Bailee entered her car and closed the door. "I'm doing what Mom wanted. She asked me to keep on track and not make sweeping changes. She didn't want anything to possibly disrupt the progress we've made." Not even her death.

Geez, Mom. Ask for the world, why don't you?

Wade sighed. "Your mom was something else." He covered the phone and a muffled conversation took place before Wade came back. "Okay, we'll meet at three thirty, but Frankie insists on having you over for dinner afterward. He won't take no for an answer and you know he'll make my life hell if you don't agree."

Bailee's lips curved in her first smile of the day. "We can't have that, can we?" Frankie Falsone pulled Bailee out of obscurity and became her sponsor the cage fights.

He also happened to be Wade's fiancé.

Wade huffed out a breath. "No way. So, you'll come, right? Frankie's gonna make his grandma's lasagna. Said we needed the carbs for the exhibition this weekend."

Bailee's mouth watered. "Tell him I'll be there. I'd never refuse anything Grandma Falsone created." The woman doted on her grandson and she loved the cage fights.

Wade passed her message along and ended the call. Bailee pulled into her driveway and killed the engine. The hard part came next—going into the house she'd shared with her mom the past two years.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open. "Gonna be weird without you here, Mom." She skirted past the sitting room that still had the hospital bed and various medical equipment that a hospice center would pick up later in the week.

Running upstairs, Bailee shed the wine-colored suit and traded it for her training clothes. She scrubbed off the makeup she'd applied earlier and headed down out back outside to the small studio she'd set up in the garage last year when her mom had taken a turn for the worst. Unlocking the door, she gave the space a quick once-over. Neat and tidy with everything in its place, the sanctuary filled Bailee with pride. No longer under the financial burden of her student loans—thanks to Frankie's sponsorship—Bailee now made a dent in the mortgage after her mom refinanced and added Bailee's name to the deed.

A brief shadow clouded her proud moment. "I'm back on track with fighting. My business is booming. But…" She had no one to share her life with.

The stark future saddened her. While her mom's life insurance would cover the funeral and take care of most of her remaining medical bills—and Bailee appreciated not having to worry about either of those—she almost longed for the days of financial disarray. And she'd miss not having Bette any more.

Sighing, she grabbed a cold water from the fridge. "Because the empty hours will give me too much time to think." About the past and how she'd ruthlessly driven Oakes from her life.

She missed him. More than she liked to admit. She didn't want for male companionship but she didn't get close. A few brief relationships that didn't last longer than a month or so.  Usually, she kept to short-term hookups because Oakes held her heart, whether Bailee liked it or not.

And, geez, did she go back and forth on that one. "Same old, same old." Laughing, she set the water on the shelf and moved to the center of the space to begin stretching.

Wade and Frankie both thought she should find a guy, settle down, and start training up and coming fighters. Frankie kept nudging her to retire from singles bouts and help build the mixed duo matches.

She paused in her warm-up. "I'm not opposed to the idea. Just maybe not with Wade." She loved the guy like a brother, but he had a nasty habit of getting stuck on the injured roster.

Mainly because it gave him more downtime with Frankie.

Bailee snorted. "I'm not stupid." Wade loved a good cage fight but, at thirty-five, he'd earned his stripes and deserved to have some rest and relaxation, especially with the wedding set for next month.

A lavish affair where she got to participate as Wade's best person.

The sound of an engine outside interrupted Bailee's train of thought. Glancing at the clock, she nodded. Right on time. Claire Robbins never failed to be punctual. She always wanted the full hour and Bailee admired the woman's work ethic.

Claire approached the door, a huge bouquet of mixed blossoms in her arms when she entered the studio. "I hope you don't mind. I know your mom didn't want a lot of fuss, but these are for you … to brighten what has to be a downer of a day."

Bailee's heart twisted a little when she accepted the flowers. "Thank you. They do make a statement." She carried the bouquet over to the small counter and placed them in the center of the space. "A very nice one." Touched by the gesture, Bailee turned to face Claire wearing a wide grin.

Claire smiled, clearly relieved. "I didn't want to overstep the whole trainer-client relationship, but I'm glad they're okay." She moved to the center of the floor and started her warm-up stretches.

Bailee's gaze went back to the lovely floral display. Today might not end up being as hard as she'd thought. She still had a hard workout with Wade and a lasagna dinner to look forward to. And preparing for the exhibition match would keep her busy for a while … and, hopefully, keep the loneliness at bay.

This story keeps taking twists I'm not expecting and I love it!

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Veritas

November 3, 2019

Hello, November. The temperature dropped significantly, which kind of sucks for my household since we can't get our new furnace until the middle of next week. That said, with some careful placement, space heaters are doing an excellent job of keeping the house comfortable. As long as we don't dip into single digits, we're golden.

Not a bad week for television. I have a heavy workload right now but still squeezed in some decent viewing.

I started out with Riverdale and, wow, what a great episode. I'm still catching up from last season so this episode featured FP's fiftieth. Cole Sprouse and Skeet Ulrich brought their A games. Also loved the linked montage of Archie's king of the mountain battle with Cheryl and Toni's hot session in the speakeasy. The breakup ended up being a lot more painful than I anticipated but excellent work from the women. Reggie and Veronica's falling out also packed a punch. Reggie is very much growing on me as a character. A few random notes… I absolutely hate the entire farm storyline. I also dislike Hiram with the passion of a thousand suns going supernova. Don't see that changing anytime soon.

I finally got to sit and watch Arrow's season finale. I can honestly say the ugly crying didn't stop after the credits rolled. Everyone acted their collective asses off—Stephen and Emily in particular. Stephen, quite frankly, blew me away. Watching him evolve as Oliver over seven seasons has been a true joy. Seriously… I'm going to miss this show so much. My one main disappointment is not getting any scenes with Oliver and Mia. I'd love to see the two actors interact.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murdoch Mysteries. Nice to see George's family tree expand and with such a terrific character (pun intended). I have so much fun watching this show.

Frankie Drake Mysteries also made me smile. I'm still getting used to the new opening and the somewhat different shift in the show's dynamic. That said, it's growing on me and I like the fabulous foursome and their interactions.

Caught a new story arc on Sapphire and Steel. This show is usually background noise for me when I'm working and I have the horrible feeling I'm really missing a lot. I'm going to make an effort to really focus when I start the third assignment.

Watched the beginning of series nine with Classic Who. The daleks returned to be a huge pain, per usual. I always enjoy episodes that feature them.

Should be catching another episode of Midsomer Murders in the very near future.

That's it for this week. Tonight's post is from Veritas, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tillie Cruz has a moment of veritas when she shoots Faxon Jarvis in a friendly fire incident. The realization she wants a life with him may be too late because Faxon has a new relationship and Tillie doesn't want to mess it up. But she may not have to—her bullet may have done the trick.

And a snippety peek…

Tillie leaned into the window of the car. "Thanks for the ride." She pounded her fist lightly on the door then turned and started for the precinct house.

"Hey… can I get your number?"

Tillie closed her eyes and paused. Damn… so close to a clean getaway.

She pivoted and went back to the car, only ducking down this time. "Look, I thought I made it pretty clear and we agreed to scratch each other's itch. Let's leave things there, okay?" She met his gaze, trying like hell to even remember his name.

Max. Right.

Max rolled a shoulder. "Didn't hurt to try. Look me up again if you need another scratching post." He put the car in gear and rolled away from the curb.

Tillie breathed a sigh of relief. Six months out from her break up with Faxon and she still had zero desire to get tangled up with anyone else. The guy du jour thing worked just fine.

No it doesn't.

Tillie yanked the door to the precinct house open and ruthlessly ignored her inner voice. Her pushy inner self could get bent. Tillie would focus on her career and prove Faxon wrong about everything.

Why does it matter if he doesn't anymore?

Tillie tossed her bag into her locker. "Argh. Shut up." Dragging out a fresh shirt, she quickly tugged the one she wore over her head and traded it with the new one.

Jensen Gates poked her hear around the end of the row. "Uh… I didn't say anything." She gave Tillie a raised eyebrow. "Rough night?"

Tillie rolled her eyes. "Depends on how you define rough. The sex was fantastic. The drop off this morning not so much." She sank down on the bench and grabbed her work shoes.

Jensen's lips quirked. "That's the third one this month. Are you sure you're telling them you're only interested in a one-time, mutually satisfying romp?" She braced her shoulders against the opposite row of lockers.

Tillie shook her head. "Always." Shoving her foot inside a closed clog, she reached for the other one. "Maybe I'll see what's available in undercover work right now. I need something different." She smoothed down her pants, pressing against the fabric.

Jensen nodded. "You could also look into some task force openings. I heard there were two spots coming up." She fell into step beside Tillie after they exited the locker room.

Tillie pursed her lips. "Hmm. I like the sound of that. I'll check into it." She parted company with Jensen at the causeway. "Thanks, Jen."

Either area—task force or undercover—would take up time and give her focus. She'd check with her lieutenant to see if he'd put in a good word for her.

You're still trying to fill a Faxon-sized void.

Tillie growled. "Shut. Up."

If she didn't know better, she'd swear her inner voice guffawed.

I like Tillie's inner voice. It's so much fun to write internal conflict, especially when the inner self is snarky and almost always right.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Breaking Ice

The weather in Ohio is truly crazy. We had flooding from rain yesterday and snow today.

Television this week ended up being pretty terrific. The Flash pulled in a bunch of Harrys to help save the day. Legends of Tomorrow had a fun episode with old Hollywood.

Riverdale had an interesting episode with some changing dynamics. I'm still on the fence with Hiram and whether or not I like him. I'm coming down on the not liking side but he gets some interesting snark lines so that pitches him into the fun column.

Arrow remains probably my favorite show. If the team can't be together, I like having two storylines that run along a similar theme. Also very glad John's secret is out in the open. Having Curtis work on a solution is excellent.

Catching up on Gotham today. I'll be glad to see the last of Professor Pyg. It's good to see Bruce again, too. There's never enough Alfred on the screen. LOL

I'm behind on Murdoch Mysteries. Having issues with my laptop and I usually watch via the website on that device. Here's hoping I get it fixed this week.

That's it for television. Tonight's post is from Breaking Ice, a sexy short about a couple who gets a second chance to get things right.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Bailee and Oakes have a long history of breaking each other's heart and leaving a long trail of personal drama everywhere they go. But they finally have a shot at being on the same page after going one on one in a charity sparring match, if they can trust themselves to get it right this time.

And a snippety peek…

Oakes stopped outside his new digs, an apartment provided by the small regional start-up that just launched a new brand of athletic supplements. He grabbed his phone and thumbed through the contacts. Had Bailee's name brought up and almost hit send before he remembered they weren't checking in with each other anymore.

He tossed the phone back to the passenger seat. "Dammit. I gotta stop doing that." He'd lost count of the times he'd almost called her.

Old habits die hard.

How could she be an old habit? Maybe because they'd been doing the relationship dance for the better part of five years. On fire for each other for eight or nine months, in splitsville for six, then back to smokin' hot burn the sheets before plunging once again into cold, lonely nights. On and off. On-off. On. Off.

At one point, they might have had a future. He'd made the climb to the pro circuit, landed some endorsements and sponsors. Started talking with some of the companies about sales work. He had the background and experience. Could've  helped Bailee with her business and her journey to a pro spot.

Except she didn't want his assistance. Fine. He could cheer her on from the sidelines.

Her crazy schedule with too many irons in the fire often got in the way of her chances for victory. "Not to mention making it damned difficult to spend time together." He could live with being low man on the totem pole—he understood her need to prioritize her responsibilities.

What he couldn't do, at least not anymore? Act as her personal punching bag when she lost important bouts. Not when he offered to help. Tried to give her a hand up. Wanted to shoulder some of her burden. Bailee Young wanted no part of riding on Oakes's coattails.

He snorted. "And I can respect that. I truly can."

She wanted to walk her path all alone and he finally got it. Moving several states away should give her all the space she'd ever need. And give him a fresh start in a different area. He welcomed the challenge of a new job. Maybe he'd even throw his hat into the arena here, too.

Focusing on work and attaining a new title would fill the void left by Bailee.

Right?

He exited his vehicle. "Guess I'll find out, won't I?" Reaching in, he picked up his phone and messenger bag.

Breakups suck and sometimes distance is the only thing to give perspective. Bailee and Oakes definitely need some distance.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Breaking Ice

So… Mad Max: Fury Road? Kick ass movie. Seriously, an excellent two hours of viewing pleasure. And I'm from the generation that started the whole Mad Max franchise and this movie blows the original ones out of the water. Enough said.

Let's see… Teen Wolf. Can't really say much. I'm sort of waiting to see what happens. This season isn't holding my interest as much as I'd hoped, but I'll reserve judgment until I've seen more.

But my Friday night lineup is kicking everything into high gear. Defiance rocks. I'm always kind of stunned by how quickly the dynamic changes. Same goes with Killjoys. Only two episodes left before a break and I want more. I have a feeling this show will eat my brain in the off season. Not a bad thing. Dark Matter turned in a pretty decent episode, but I can honestly say I'd like tighter writing. First season world building aside, it would be nice to get a little more information on Two, since we've seen a fair amount on the others.

The Last Ship is a little over halfway through its second season and I can't wait to see how things start getting resolved. This is one of those shows I'm stuck between wanting more and being happy a season is short and sweet, leaving me time to savor the goodness before a new one starts. LOL

Tonight's post is from Breaking Ice, a sexy short where my characters work out some aggression on each other so they can start over.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Bailee and Oakes have a long history of breaking each other's heart and leaving a long trail of personal drama everywhere they go. But they finally have a shot at being on the same page after going one on one in a charity sparring match, if they can trust themselves to get it right this time.

And a snippety preview…

"You don't get it Oakes. And we're through." Bailee Young made a wild gesture, knocking her beer off the table.

The bottle hit the floor and liquid shot out everywhere. Oakes got soaked, his shirt taking the brunt of the spray.

He rose. "Yeah, Bailee, we are. I'm taking the job in DC." He grabbed a handful of napkins, mopping up as much of the mess as he could. "You stay right here in Chicago and wallow in your misery." Turning on his heel, he stalked to the exit and left the bar.

Bailee fought back humiliating tears. She wouldn't cry, hated getting emotional in general and truly abhorred doing so over yet another breakup with Oakes. Their personal drama always heated up after she lost a match and she couldn't take any more turmoil right now. Good riddance to Oakes.

Slapping a twenty on the table, she flagged a server and nodded to the spilled beer. "I'm sorry for the mess…" Glancing up to see a dozen or so set of eyes on her, she continued. "And for creating a big scene." Shaking her head, she started for the door. "Show's over, people. Go back to having fun." Escaping into the cool night air, she leaned against the brick façade, heaving a sigh.

Dammit. Battling with Oakes over stupid shit and breaking up hadn't been her plan for the night. She needed to get a grip. What had they even fought over this time? She couldn't remember. Okay, she could. She'd lost a preliminary bout and would have to work her way back to being in contention for a spot on the pro circuit. Holding an amateur title didn't mean jack if she couldn't make the transition to the big time. Sponsorship would definitely ease her burden.

Between caring for her mother, building a clientele for her personal training business, and trying to pay off her student loans, she barely had time to get ready for the weekly cage matches she needed to win to stay afloat. Something had to give and her relationship with Oakes usually took the hit. No wonder she and Oakes kept doing the on again, off again dance.

Off again. For good this time.

I'm taking the job in DC.

Christ. A stab of guilt hit her hard. Had he mentioned an offer? She didn't remember talking about a possible move, but she'd been treading water lately, barely keeping her head above the surface. He could've said something and she totally blew it off.

No wonder he got frustrated with her.

She pushed away from the building and headed toward the parking lot. She could call him, maybe apologize and...

No. A clean break would be best for both. A long distance relationship wouldn't work. Not for her. And with Oakes gone, she'd have one less plate to keep spinning in the air.

Unlocking her car, she opened the door and slid behind the wheel. She rested her head on the steering wheel, a dull throb creeping along her temples. The urge to throw up nearly overwhelmed her, but she swallowed down the bile and started the vehicle.

A hot shower, some painkillers, and a solid eight would do wonders to improve her outlook. Pulling out into traffic, she headed for home.

And a lonely bed.

Break up scenes are always interesting and I rather enjoyed writing this one.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Breaking Ice

Hello and Happy Easter to those who celebrate.

Gearing up for Walking Dead and watching the Doctor Who special for the third doctor. Also letting my holiday dinner settle while doing both. LOL

Tonight's post is from a work in progress entitled, Breaking Ice. It's still in the planning stages…I have way too many manuscripts in the planning stages…but yeah, I won't complain because words keep flowing. LOL

So, here's the tagline: (Subject to change. LOL)

Bailee and Oakes have a long history of breaking each other's heart and leaving a long trail of personal drama everywhere they go. But they finally have a shot at being on the same page after going one on one in a charity sparring match, if they can trust themselves to get it right this time.

And here's the snippety peek…

Oakes flinched when the nurse put two butterfly bandages over his brow. At least he didn't gasp against the pain when they taped his wrist. His lips quirked. He and Bailee showed the younger kids a thing or two. Even when they couldn't stand each other, they fought well together. It helped Bailee always seemed to know exactly what he planned to do and followed through with something complementary.

He risked a glance in her direction. She hadn't said more than three words since they left the fight cage. 'Are you okay?' didn't give him much to go on, but then again, she rarely provided more than she had to, making him work to draw anything of substance out. Part of the reason she drove him insane most of the time. And the reason they couldn't seem to get past the starting gate.

The nurse grimaced and tossed a couple of ice packs in their direction. Oakes wrinkled his nose when he caught the one headed his way. Dried sweat and cage smell. Not a pleasant aroma.

He shot Bailee a sideways glance. "Man, we're ripe."

Bailee snorted, but didn't disagree. "Yeah, it's pretty potent." She thumped the bag and mashed it between her hands, activating the cold chemicals. "But you know what?" She raised her gaze and met his after gingerly placing the ice pack on her ankle.

Oakes raised a brow and winced. "Ouch. What?" He braced for anything; a scathing retort, a pithy smack down, or maybe, if he got lucky, none of the above.

She grinned. "We kicked ass. So the stench? Totally worth it." Leaning back against the makeshift cot, she heaved a satisfied sigh.

Happy she seemed thrilled, he agreed. "Yep. Worth it." Could they start over…again?

Sliding his glance sideways, he pondered Bailee for a few moments. She'd been as bumped and bruised up as him, but it didn't detract from her peak physical condition. The physical between them never suffered. Everything else…gave them trouble. But when she entered the cage, she'd seemed less manic and more controlled. Oakes found himself letting hope build a little.

Enough to make a bold suggestion. "Wanna give me a bath?" A loaded question, but it would gauge her mood.

Bailee's gaze shot to his and she couldn't look away. Her mouth opened, closed, and then her tongue darted out to lick her bottom lip. A flicker of indecision crossed her face, followed by something indefinable. The indefinable drew him in, kicking the hope up another notch.

She spoke quietly, "Are you sure you wanna go there, Oakes?"

Something in the tone, the finality maybe, filled him with resolution. He'd push as far as she'd let him.

He didn't look away, or even blink. "Yeah, I'm sure. Can you handle that?" He waited a beat. "This time."

Oakes, my man, I think Bailee might just be ready to get it right this time. :D

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin