Sunday Snippet: Dodging Bullets

This is going to be a super busy week. The best part is my daughter is graduating from grad school on Friday. I'm so excited for her. And very proud of her accomplishments!

Our weather did the warm up then plummet back down thing this week. Gorgeous, though. Everything is turning green and blooming. I love those first signs of new growth.

Got a lot finished up with work projects. I think I'm getting closer to having a work-life balance again. I hope so because I have a busy May and June coming up and need to get some things done around my house.

Pretty decent week of viewing. I ended up keeping Dark Winds on the back burner because one of my faves dropped new episodes.

I finished up the run of London Kills. I'm quite happy with where things ended up on the chance there won't be any new episodes. I will say I'm not keen on the other DI so I'm hoping that's not going to be a thing if there is more to this series.

Brokenwood Mysteries is back! Watched the premiere episode and it didn't disappoint. Kind of twisty and turny and a little bit bonkers, which is perfect. Also rather nice to see Mike's house again. It's been missing the last few seasons.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. I'd seen most of this one and liked it. I'm interested in how things with Selwyn's daughter will end up playing out.

Caught another episode of Beyond Paradise. I'm almost finished with the second season and hope the third will be available soon. Really liked the episode. I loved the interactions with Esther and Zoe. And really loved watching Anne deal with the letdown of finding out her new man is married.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. I have vague memories of this one but don't remember enough to know if Blight will end up making a return. My money is on yes.

Finished out the week with an episode of Classic Rugrats and, again, both were new to me. Actually loved the crawl space one. And, weirdly, I really enjoy Taffy.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Dodging Bullets, a novella that explores the family dynamics around a couple that grew up together.

Here's the miniblurb:

Sable and Gage live on the same street and survive their childhood by having each other's backs. When they grow up, they're still looking out for each other, but instead of ducking verbal barbs and flying objects, they're dodging bullets instead.

And a snippety peek…

Sable didn't give Betty the courtesy of waiting for a greeting—she pushed her way inside Betty's house. "What the actual hell do you think you're doing? Are you trying to get Gage killed?" She rolled to a stop in the living room and whirled to face Gage's mom.

Betty sputtered. "Get the fuck out of my house. You can't just shove your way in here and start yelling at me." She planted her hands on her hips and braced her feet.

Sable arched her brows. "Why not? You yell all the time." She folded her arms over her chest. "And you don't get to dictate terms this time. You're goddamned lucky I'm not hauling you in for interfering with the police." By rights, she could arrest Betty.

Betty's eyes went wide. "Garth told you?" Betrayal laced her tone.

Sable rolled her eyes. "Unlike you, he at least listens to reason. He's holding back and waiting at the diner to see if Megan is with the group of women in the warehouse." At least Sable hoped Garth heeded her warning.

Betty frowned. "As a paramedic, Garth has every right to be on scene. They'll need EMS services."

Sable bit back a string of expletives. "Are you serious right now? You have no idea what kind of shape those women will be in, but you've seen what can happen. If she's been hurt—or worse—how's he going to deal with that? Is that what you really want for Garth?" Anger roared through her. "You suck as a parent. Putting one son's career on the line and possibly exposing the other to a nightmare scenario because of your need to trash Gage's life because he's with me." She pinned Betty with a hard stare. "If anything happens to either of them, I’m going to hold you responsible and make sure everyone knows you’re the one who fucked up and put them in harm’s way." And heaven help whoever gave Betty the heads-up.

Betty got a little bitter. "You're just like your mother. You barge in—uninvited—make wild accusations and then threaten me about my boys. Bianca used to think she was better than everyone else, and you're just the same, kicking the shit out of everything because you can." Venom poured from her.

Sable blinked. "Excuse me. You're more like Bianca than I'll ever be. She ruined everything in her life. But look at what you're doing now. Manipulating your boys to satisfy a whim … all because you find me lacking. If that's not kicking the shit out of everything because you can, I don't know what is." The fucking audacity of the woman. "And you know what the truly awful part is? You wouldn't have a relationship with Gage if not for me. I ask him not to skip dinners with you and Garth, because I know what it's like to lose your whole damn family. A mom is still a mom even if they're not the greatest. And it hurts to not have one. So, I encourage him not to cut ties with you." Maybe she should finally rethink that idea.

Betty snorted. "Sounds like you’ve got my boy wrapped." She grimaced and rolled her eyes. "Just like your mom had your dad wound around her finger."

Sable shook her head. "You're so wrong. It's never about bending Gage to my will. It's about what we feel for each other. I love him, and he loves me. I’m sorry that's something you missed out on and didn't get to experience." She paused a moment. "But I'm done being your emotional punching bag. It's been a fucking journey with you, and this is my exit ramp." She met the other woman's gaze again. "I'll never keep Gage from having a relationship with you, but I'm finished trying to make sure he does. From this point forward, that's all on you." Sable kept her head up and strode to the door.

Once she exited the house, she resisted the urge to run like hell to get away from the toxicity of Betty Waterson.

This story is coming together in bits and pieces, but I'm pleased with how it's shaping up.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Your Move

More weird weather this week. And some great news for the daughter. She ended up with three scholarships and two awards for her sophomore year. Amazing!

Solid work week with ongoing edits on two projects. I'm doing some new nonfiction work and I'm enjoying it so much.

Pretty good week of television also. I finished up the second season of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. I'd be happy if they did another run of episodes with this show.

Caught an episode of Cuffs and actually enjoyed it a lot even though the personal lives of the characters are all falling apart.

Watched two episodes of Silent Witness. I'm beginning to really enjoy Jack's tenaciousness. He won't let go when his hunches are biting down hard.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Who. I'd forgotten how the quality of the show suffered so much during Seven's tenure, which isn't a bash on the actors. They do an excellent job considering what they're given to work with.

Finished up Aliens in Alaska and really enjoyed the season. Wouldn't mind if they did more later.

Caught two episodes of Hawkeye and I'm sold. Love the interaction between the characters and enjoy the overarching plot point. Great show.

Finished up the second season of Harrow and I enjoyed it so much. One thing that really hits hard is the fact that Harrow has now murdered two people and as much as I love the character, I kind of want him to suffer some consequences for his actions. We'll see if season three offers any up for him.

Watched the Peak Practice season seven finale. Looks like some big changes for the next season with a new location for the practice. I'm looking forward to seeing where things go.

Started a quirky series with The Laundry Guy. Enjoyed seeing what he uses to bring stained items back to life. I'm definitely going to learn a lot from this show.

Caught an episode of Blue Heelers and enjoyed it. Really feeling the topic of the week vibes during this season, but it's not deal-breaking.

Consumed another MasterClass with Neil deGrasse Tyson and liked learning about the scientific method. As with Nye, Tyson has a way of putting information out there that doesn't make me feel stupid.

Watched another episode of Young Wallander: Killer's Shadow. I'm very invested in this season already and I kind of love where things are going.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. This rewatch definitely lets me find my happy place.

Also caught another episode of Chicago Med and I'm kind of still hating the new head of the ED. We'll see if that continues. I love that Rhodes is actually on to Ava and isn't really being duped … yet.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Your Move, a novella that features a reunion romance that gets off to a shaky start.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reilly Mounts returns to her hometown after an impulsive marriage and a divorce that's turning ugly. Caden Bromley, her high school flame, wants to pick up where they left off, but Reilly needs some time to figure out where he fits in her life … and she has to deal with her soon-to-be ex.

And a snippety peek…

Caden pulled into the alley behind Reilly's house and hopped out of the truck. "Should be okay to store this flooring on the patio." He grabbed four boxes and stacked them neatly close to the house.

Several more trips and he had the hardwood unloaded. He wiped his hands off and decided to surprise Reilly with an invite to a late dinner.

Pulling the back door open, he stopped in his tracks. Nothing prepared him for the sight greeting his eyes.

Reilly in a hot lip-lock … with her ex. Son of a bitch.

Stung, he backed out quickly, quietly closed the door, and stalked to his truck, burning mad. Yanking hard on the door handle, he started the engine and headed out before he even got the door fully closed. His hands white knuckled the steering wheel.

"What the hell was I thinking … getting involved with her again?"

He started for home but, at the last moment, stopped at the yard instead. Anger had adrenaline coursing through him and the barn had a heavy bag he could work out his aggression on.

Stripping off his shirt, he took a few minutes to slip on a pair of gloves. "I'm so stupid." Punch-punch.

He'd stepped back at her request. "But to give her time…" Punch-punch. "Not so she could jump into the arms of Dougie the ex."

He pounded the bag and did his damnedest to not imagine Doug's face on the canvas. He pretty much failed spectacularly, but better to visualize here alone than traumatize three people by losing his cool at Reilly's. He'd also save Cameron the trouble of posting bail by taking frustration out on an inanimate object and focusing the blame inward. He had no one to blame but himself.

Thirty minutes later, sweat dripping off his arms and torso, he finally tossed the gloves aside and walked the perimeter of the barn to cool off a little. He still couldn't get the image of Reilly and her ex out of his mind, but the red haze of anger no longer colored the picture. Heaving a sigh, he grabbed his shirt and headed for the office. A long, hot shower before he went home sounded great at the moment.

Entering the office, he turned on the desk light and nothing else. "Don't need to advertise I'm here late." Normally, he wouldn't care but he didn't want to deal with anyone right now.

He shed his clothes outside the stall and turned the water on. When it warmed, he stepped under the spray and rested his head on the wall. The water would run cold well before his mind went numb, but he'd manage.

"And remember why what-if can get me into trouble."

Caden is not a happy camper and he'll make sure Reilly knows it very soon. But … all is not what it seems, which is always a fun vibe to play with.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Get a Room

Happy 2016 to everyone!

I'm looking forward to a new year filled with reading, writing, and blogging. And, of course, sharing fun commentary about my favorite televisions shows.

Speaking of… I have the Sherlock special on tap to watch in the near future, hopefully tonight. Can't wait to tumble back into the wild world of deduction and keen intelligence. Also caught A Very Murdoch Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed the extra-long episode. Nicely done!

Agent Carter is starting in a few weeks and I'm crazy excited. Also waiting patiently for Arrow and The Flash to return. It's finally getting cold in Ohio and I want some hot shows to kick back and relax with.

Tonight's post is from Get a Room, a sexy short where my main characters are brought back together after a lengthy period of time.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Talon and Haim have a complicated past. When she returns and asks Haim for a favor, they're ready to act on their attraction again… except they keep getting interrupted.

And a snippety peek…

Haim Roosevelt pulled the last box out of the storage space under the stairs. He planned to turn the tiny area into a powder room, the final remodeling project to update the house he'd inherited from his mom. Her passing made the renovation possible—she refused to update the residence for decades.

And the woman never threw anything away.

He'd gone through boxes and crates filled with mementos, photos, books, linens, and trinkets. The attic and garage had so much stuff he'd dragged everything to the rec center at Roosevelt Roost, the family's summer camp, to sort through. Haim's dad started the Roost after Haim turned two and he'd grown up working there on school breaks during the warm months. His mom had run the facility until her death from a brain aneurysm two years ago.

He dragged the box to the sofa in the small sitting area and rifled through it. "Let's see what treasure you left for me this time, Mom." Pulling out four large envelopes, he opened one and discovered a bunch of photos.

He spread them out over the table. "Holy crap, Mom. Why on earth did you save these?" Aside from the fact she saved everything.

Every single image had been taken his senior year and more than half had Talon Lance in them. He had no doubt the other three would be from previous years of high school and Talon would be in the majority of those pictures, too.

He huffed out a breath. "Talon. Talk about a blast from the past." One he'd tried to forget.

Haim had asked Talon to freshman homecoming and they were "the" couple throughout all four years of high school. Everyone, including Haim, thought they'd get married and settle down after college. But plans changed when Haim's dad died during the summer after graduation. Talon went off to the state university and Haim stuck close to home, attending a local trade school where he learned the fine art of demolition, remodeling, and building. He ended up loving everything about all three.

He picked up a snapshot from their senior prom, tracing a finger over Talon's smiling face. "I thought we had something, Talon." And they had… just not a forever something.

Talon loved the city; the energy, the vibe, the freedom it gave her to pursue her dreams. Haim gave her some credit. She'd stuck with him through the first semester, but being four hours away and having a demanding course load took a toll and Talon asked for some breathing room.

Haim had his hands full with his schedule and helping out his mom, so he agreed. He figured they could talk about what to do over the summer when she came back for break.

Except she didn't come back.

She got married instead.

Yeah. Not exactly easy to come back from that, right? LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin