Sunday Snippet: Mistletoe Madness

Welcome to Spooky Season month! I love October even if we're having unseasonably higher temperatures. Fall is such a fickle season in Ohio, but I'm hoping for an actual cooling down before winter snow comes calling.

Super busy work week with little projects, which actually gave me some time to write and organize. I'm hoping to launch a new venture in the next couple of weeks and having that extra time is helping.

Not a bad week for viewing television. The timing of my work projects overlapped a lot this week, so I didn't get to watch as much.

Watched the first of a two-parter Silent Witness. This one is very twisty and I'm afraid Nikki is headed for heartbreak. I love the premise of the case, though.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. The contrast between Richard and Humphrey is fun. Richard was very tight-lipped and refused to be vulnerable. Humphrey is super vulnerable almost from the word go. He's also much more in tune with people in general.

Started season three of Only Murders in the Building. Gotta say, I'm not quite as riveted as I was for the first two seasons, but I love that we get to dive into Oliver's world. We kind of started in Mabel's even if we didn't know that fact at first, and season two brought Charles's past into the picture, literally. It's fun to see Oliver interact with the theater crowd.

Watched another episode of The Batman. Rather enjoyed the take on the puppet master Scarface in this 'verse. And Alfred setting up Bruce's dating profile always makes me chuckle.

Started season six of Classic Rugrats. Introducing Dil with two episodes of how life is different was a good choice. Loved Spike saving the day in his episode.

Caught another episode of VIP. Lots of fun and they nailed the trash TV talk-show vibe of the late nineties / early aughts.

Started another episode of My Life Is Murder and I'm enjoying it. Alexa is a tough nut to crack sometimes and I kind of like that. I do get a little annoyed when she's callous and treats others like they're a waste of her time. Hopefully that smooths out at some point.

And that's pretty much if for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Mistletoe Madness, a holiday novella featuring a trio.

Here's the miniblurb:

After burying her mother right before the holidays, Delaney Nixon comes back home to deal with the estate and decide what to do with her future. Two former beaus offer condolences and help, each hoping the spark might reignite even if they've agreed to leave old feelings alone while getting Delaney through the merry season.

And a snippety peek…

Westin Ames rolled out from under the vintage pickup when the buzzer sounded over his head. "Who's here at this hour?" He'd closed up shop for the day.

Wiping his hands on a grease rag, he went out to the small lobby of his garage and unlocked the door. He did a double take when he opened it. What the hell did Scotty Landon want?

Wes stepped back. "Gotta say, I didn't expect to find you on the doorstep of my garage." They weren't exactly friends, even if Wes used Scotty as his insurance agent.

Then again, Wes had heard the buzz about Joanie Nixon passing, which meant Delaney might be coming home. Scotty probably wanted to tell Westin to fuck off and leave her alone. Wouldn't happen, but he'd hear Scotty out.

Scotty rolled a shoulder. "Got an email from Delaney. She's coming in to settle her mom's estate." He stopped there, saying nothing else.

Westin motioned for Scotty to enter then closed the door. "And what? You're here to give me a news flash or something else?" Like warning Wes off.

He didn't have to be a dick, but he couldn't think of any other reason Landon would be here.

Scotty frowned. "Something else. Thought maybe we could go over and offer Delaney any assistance she might need." He propped a shoulder on the wall.

Wes blinked in surprise. Of course, he should've expected Scotty to go bigger man and act like they wouldn't be rivals. Then again, maybe that's the point. Going together would highlight the glaring differences between the men.

Wes snorted. "Let me guess, you wanna go together to show Delaney she'd be slumming if she hooked up with me again, right?" The chip on his shoulder rarely reared its ugly head, but thoughts of Delaney brought it out of hiding.

Scotty's brows furrowed. "Uh, no, actually. Why would you even go there?"

Westin snorted. "You're fucking with me, right? Mr. College Degree turned the only insurance game in town versus veteran bad-boy biker mechanic?" He shook his head. "What's she gonna see in me?" He often wondered if she wanted the polar opposite of what she had with Landon back then.

Scotty frowned again and pushed away from the wall. "I don't know, Ames. Maybe a guy who served his country then came home and started his own business, giving deep discounts to vets like himself." He shook his head. "She'll see what everyone else sees … someone she can respect." He waited a beat. "If you don't get that, you never really knew her." He folded his arms across his chest. "And you sure as hell don't deserve her."

Westin huffed out a breath. "Dammit. I really wanted to keep not liking you, Scotty." But the guy had never been anything but decent during their interactions.

Scotty's lips twitched. "Sorry I'm not a raging asshole." He sobered. "Look, it's the holiday season. Losing a parent sucks anytime, but it's gotta be worse right now." He shrugged. "I figured we can be there for her. Give her a shoulder if she needs one." He shoved his hands in his pockets.

Wes gave a nod. "Yeah, we can. And we should agree to have a truce or whatever the hell it is when two old boyfriends join forces to help their ex-girlfriend out." Could he sound more like an idiot.

Scotty lifted his chin and thrust his palm forward. "Deal."

Wes cracked a smile and clasped Scotty's palm. "Give me a minute to shut off the lights." He made his way to the garage and flipped the switches.

Scotty opened the door and paused just outside. "What if she's got someone with her? Like a current guy?" He withdrew his keys and popped his door open.

Wes grunted. "If she does, it's too bad for him." He headed for his bike.

Scotty's lips kicked up in grin and he started the car.

Westin shook his head. "Gonna be an interesting night."

I'm loving this story! Scotty and Westin are fun to write, and I can't wait to bring Delaney into the mix.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: A Castle Christmas Carol

Another crazy weather week in Ohio. Warm, chilly, cold, hot. Seriously, I'm not putting anything seasonal away this year … just in case.

Not a bad week of television viewing. I'm almost finished with the Blue Heelers episode I started last week. I like this one. It's got some twisty turns in it.

Watched the Thanksgiving episode of Riverdale and got just a wee bit misty eyed by the end. Anything to do with Fred and his presence on the show makes me happy though. The dinner from hell Cheryl and company hosted will go down as the most creeptastic but ultimately hysterical I've ever watched on television. Betty and Jughead's Charlie Brown Thanksgiving entertained me even if the cat and mouse with Brett and Donna didn't really shed much light on the situation at the prep school. I spent another episode wishing for Hiram to join Cheryl's family in whatever circle of hell will provide the most torture. I seriously hate the character. Time will tell if I can stomach next season with him in it or not. Chances are … not. Which is unfortunate.

Caught three more episodes of Danger Man. I needed a good background noise show and this one works well. I had several graphic images I needed to work on and it's nice to take a small break when needed and watch the action.

Started an episode of Roswell, New Mexico. This is a show where I enjoy the cat and mouse going on. I'm to the point where Maria discovered Rosa and thinks she's completely lost her mind. Really happy to see Cameron back and I hope she's not going to be some kind of double agent working the alien camp for intel to give to Papa Main. I'll be a little pissed if that's the case. Alex might have bitten off more than he can chew regarding his dad. I'll get more into my thoughts on Isabel next week. I kind of miss Kyle and hope he makes an appearance or has screen time in the next episode.

I also began something a little new but also very old. Listening to soundtracks while I work. Bear McCreary's music is awesome to have playing while writing or editing. I blew through the second and third season soundtracks for Battlestar Galactica this week.

Last, but not least, I finished up the Strike Back episode from last week. I had a feeling while writing my reaction in the last post of what would come but didn't want to dive too deeply into it because it hadn't happened yet. Yes, I'm being cryptic but I don't want to spoil anyone … and maybe I'm not quite ready to face the reality of being one character down. All I can say is stellar acting by every single character. Seriously.

The Strike Back: Declassified episode ended up being funny and poignant. Getting the reactions from the actors and hearing how they prepared ended up being a soothing balm after the gut-wrenching episode. Kudos to shows who do the behind the scenes interviews. I really miss that with Roswell, New Mexico this season.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Castle Christmas Carol, a holiday novella that started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Ebony Schrool, the daughter of a toy magnate, is summoned to a meeting at Halliday Castle in the first week of December. She's surprised to find three men—each representing her past, present, and future—all bearing news she doesn't want to hear. Ebony is used to doing things her way, even when her decisions wreak havoc on SchroolRules Toys employee morale. Foley Norton, Patton Gates, and Pearson Beatty have to show Ebony the error of her ways before the holiday season is beyond saving and they're not above using seduction to make their case.

And a snippety peek…

December First

"So … we all agree?"

Foley Norton sat at the head of the ornate table in the huge dining hall of Halliday Castle.

A mysterious place filled with nooks and crannies, tons of furniture, and almost impossible to get to. A single winding road, a questionable bridge across the bay, and a three-mile drive up to the cavernous tunnel that led to the castle courtyard.

His cohorts, Patton Gates and Pearson Beatty, nodded. Each wore the same somewhat bewildered look on their face. And why wouldn't they? Everything in Foley discounted the weird set of circumstances that brought the men to the castle. The others received the same cryptic invitation Foley had.

Pearson voiced Foley's concern. "You know this isn't going to be easy. She's a tough sell on a good day. The woo-woo factor here is going to send her screaming for the green hills behind the castle or the pounding surf below the cliffs in the front." He tapped his pen on the polished wood surface of the table.

Patton rolled a shoulder. "Might be easier than you think." He held up a hand when Foley and Pearson each gave a rude snort. "Listen, she hasn't always been hell in heels with something to prove to her old man." He shoved his chair away from the table and kicked back, his khaki cargo pants completely at odds with the sport coat, starched shirt, and striped tie. "Growing up, she had a fanciful imagination. It's a big reason SchroolRules became the success it is."

Pearson chimed in. "Long time ago, Gates. She's all about besting her dad now. I doubt she even remembers what it's like to dream something up for fun." He tossed the pen on the table. "Speaking from experience, if she can't nail down a projected profit with solid numbers, forget about it." He shot Patton a hard stare. "As you should know."

Patton frowned and rolled his eyes. "I'm only suggesting we take a positive approach. She'll bring enough negativity, what with her parental baggage, as it is." He slid his gaze toward Foley.

Ah, yes. The parentals. Dad and stepmom. Both … okay, one more than the other, at the root of this bizarre intervention-style setup. Although, neither dad nor stepmom had a clue about the forces in play.

Hell, Foley hadn't quite decided until the display fifteen minutes ago if he believed in anything paranormal.

He did now. As did the other two. Kind of hard not to when the castle projected the entire reason the men had been called into action on the huge glazed walls. They had one goal—to save the woman who would be arriving within the next day or two.

And to do it, they'd be invoking the age-old Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.

Foley pushed back from the table and rose from his seat. "We should start preparing." He put his hands on the smooth surface of the oak table. "I have one request…"

Pearson waved a hand. "Yeah, yeah. Don't mention your aunt, the stepwitch. We figured that out already."

Patton gave a nod. "The less said about your relationship the better. You can reveal that connection on your own timetable."

Foley inclined his chin, acknowledging his thanks. "Much appreciated." He lifted his glass of bourbon. "To the education of Ebony Schrool, may she learn the true meaning of the holiday season."

The three clinked glasses and downed their drinks, sealing the pact.

The men had their roles, they had a plan, and none were above using seduction to make their point.

I'm kind of excited to see where this story goes. I love writing holiday stories and adding a little twist here and there will be fun.

That's it for this week. Happy birthday!

Skylin