Sunday Snippet: Game Night

The first full week of August kind of flew by. We had a power outage and mobile phone outage on the same night, which made for a long six hours. Also kind of weird since there wasn't a storm or anything that would be a normal reason for the loss.

Very busy week with work projects and September is looking like another busy month. I'm definitely not complaining. I miss having dedicated writing time, but I also squeeze that in whenever I can.

The school year starts next week, which means the husband will be at his new position in the elementary school. He truly wishes he'd had this job thirty years ago. I can't blame him. He drove almost an hour each way for twenty-plus years. The schools in our district are all less than five miles away and the elementary school is three blocks from our house.

Had my daughter home for several days this week and we had a great time catching up. She even had me cut her hair, which turned out really well. Always love it when she asks me to help with stuff like that.

Had a solid viewing week and made it through my whole slate of shows, including my two back-burner ones. Not sure what the upcoming week will bring but hoping to keep on target.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and finished up the first season. Can't wait to start season two. Another one of my favorite episodes is coming up.

Caught another Madame Blanc Mysteries and really enjoyed the twisty turns in this one. This season is shaping up to be a lot of fun. I like Charlie and Simone so it's good to see them again.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise and it's the penultimate episode before the season thirteen finale. So great to have Florence back, even if only for a brief time. Looking forward to the finale.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. This one was a lot of fun, especially having Poirot sneaking into a house and getting caught. And spending a night in jail to boot!

Caught an episode of Elementary and very much enjoyed Sherlock figuring out Alfredo needed some support. The mystery ended up being pretty interesting also.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I remembered. Always fun to see Bruce and Barbara spar, and I loved Terry trusting Bruce to help him.

Lower Decks again charmed and annoyed me. I've come to kind of accept that's how this show is going to be for me. I did really like the teamwork in this one.

Finished up the episode of Peak Practice from last week and even started the new episode. Have to finish it this week.

Finally, Reacher. Man. This show. I truly get the hype around it. So many revelations. Finlay. Yeah, didn't see that one coming. Explains a lot. Roscoe. Badass. Seriously. I'm on the fence with Charlie's admission about Hubbel. I think there's more to the story there. And Reacher having the light-bulb moment with the last-standing professor was excellent. Here's hoping she stays alive. Can't wait to watch the next episode!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Game Night, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Newly retired from the military and first-time parents, Albany and Jiles Wright are spending their first night out without their little one. They've got great friends staying with the baby, they're going to their favorite restaurant, and both love hockey. They should be having a great time. But … while they each put on a brave face, Albany and Jiles take turns checking on their kid behind each other's backs then finally realize he's in great hands and they can actually have a good time.

And a snippety peek…

Jiles stood by the car, waving to Bryce. "See ya later, B-man."

Sharon held Bryce on her hip and used her free hand to help him wave to his parents.

Hawk lifted an arm. "Have fun, you two. Don't do anything Sharon and I wouldn't do." His lips kicked up in a smirk.

Albany laughed. "That gives us plenty of leeway." She popped the door on the passenger side and waved to the couple.

Jiles chuckled and got in, starting the engine. "Ready for Tuesday's on the Market?" They'd put four restaurant names in a hat and drew the casual dining establishment as their choice for dinner.

Albany nodded. "So ready. Can't wait to sink my teeth into one of their burgers." She side-eyed him. "You having one? Or maybe you're gonna eat your weight in wings?" Her mouth twisted in a grin.

Jiles shrugged. "Think I'll go for a burger too. And probably steak fries and slaw. Tuesday's has the best slaw." Creamy and just the right amount of sweet to balance out the tartness of the cabbage.

Albany moaned. "Oh, yeah. Excellent choice." She kept her gaze focused on the road in front of them.

Jiles resisted the urge to check the backseat from the rearview mirror, a habit he developed since they'd had Bryce. Seemed weird not to have him in the car seat. He reached over and clasped Albany's hand. That didn't seem weird.

She squeezed his fingers then let go so he could focus on taking the exit to downtown and then find a spot to park. He chose a lot between the restaurant and the arena and grabbed the ticket. After pulling into the space, he cut the engine.

Albany met him at the front of the vehicle and cupped his face. "A preview for later…" She tilted her chin up and meshed her lips with his.

Jiles sank into the kiss and wrapped his arms around Albany. He loved her so much. And Bryce. Having that little guy changed everything for them … in the best way possible.

Albany eased away and gave him a twisted grin. "Kind of makes you wanna skip dinner and hockey and head back home for the main event, yeah?" Her eyebrows waggled.

Jiles laughed. "Maybe a little. But … we've set our mission parameters. Let's stick to them." He laced their fingers together.

Albany made a low hum in her throat. "Mmm. There you go again … getting all ticky box on me." She shuddered and started dragging him toward the sidewalk.

I'm having fun with this one. It's been a long time since I had my kiddos, but I remember the first time leaving my oldest with someone else. So glad I got to use that for a book!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Game Night

I should not have made a joke about having snow before Halloween in my last post. Apparently, there's a chance we might have some in the early part of the week. If it happens, it'll probably be a dusting and won't last long, but, geez, I'm not quite ready to drag out my cold-weather clothes yet.

Had a good week with my work projects and made a tiny bit of progress on my future endeavor. I also got some writing time in, which makes me happy. I have some home projects that need attention this week so I might not have as much time to write as I'd like.

Had a decent viewing week and made a full circuit through my usual programs. Caught the first season finale of Ted Lasso and I'm excited to start season two this week.

Watched the second episode of Suspects and enjoyed the twists this one took. I like the cast and characters and the pacing is excellent. Definitely going to continue watching this one.

Finished up series five of Endeavor and loved where things ended up. I'm looking forward to starting series six this week.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and, whew, what a ride. I loved how twisted up everything got before the final act. Considering I'm in season twenty, it's nice to still love this show.

Watched the final part of Classic Who's arc with Leftbridge-Stewart. Thoroughly enjoyed for the most part. Should be starting a new multi-part arc this week.

Started Sci-Fi Science and liked the first episode. I've seen bits and pieces of this show and I'm excited to watch it through from start to finish.

Loved the second episode of Ms. Marvel. I have a feeling this will end up being one of my favorite Marvel shows. The characters are a lot of fun.

Caught the penultimate episode of Only Murders in the Building and, wow, it blew my mind in the best possible way. I can't wait to see the finale this week.

The Umbrella Academy had a great episode. Things are coming together and I'm looking forward to seeing how things play out in the next episode. I did not think Klaus would end up being one of my favorite characters but he totally is. I love him in all his screwed up glory.

Watched the second episode of Star Trek: Discovery in season three. I'm glad to have everyone back together, but it's always nice to see the crew shine under Saru's leadership.

Also caught another episode of Batman: The Animated Series. This one featured the Joker again and it might be sacrilegious but he's my favorite Mark Hamill character of all time.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Game Night, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Newly retired from the military and first-time parents, Albany and Jiles Wright are spending their first night out without their little one. They've got great friends staying with the baby, they're going to their favorite restaurant, and both love hockey. They should be having a great time. But … while they each put on a brave face, Albany and Jiles take turns checking on their kid behind each other's backs then finally realize he's in great hands and they can actually have a good time.

And a snippety peek…

Albany Wright picked her son up and checked his diaper. "Can't drop you off with a messy one." Her heart kicked hard for a moment.

I can do this. Jiles and I need a night out. Bryce will be fine with Hawk and Sharon.

The Hawthorns were perfectly capable of minding a ten-month-old overnight. And it had been a little over a year since Albany had a date night with Jiles.

She snorted. "Besides, not like we haven't gotten into and out of some crazy situations with the Hawthorns." While being deployed and back on base.

Jiles poked his head into Bryce's room. "I put extra diapers in the bag. Also added some of his favorite toys, just in case." His gaze landed on their son.

Albany's lips quirked. "It's overnight, Jiles. Hawk and Sharon have a stash of Bryce's toys at their place already." She put Bryce down on the changing table.

Jiles nudged her out of the way to take over diaper duty. "Right. It's overkill." He slid the clean one on and fixed the onsie. "And I'm in mission-planning mode." Scooping Bryce up, he glanced over his shoulder. "Tell me to stop."

Albany chuckled. "No way." She moved to his side. "You're way too cute and sexy when you're going all ticky-box checking on me." Going up on tiptoe, she brushed her lips over his cheek.

Jiles gave her a heated look. "I'll be ticking off a lot of boxes when we get back from dinner and the hockey match. Just you wait."

Albany smirked. "I'm going to hold you to that." She took Bryce and headed for the living room to get him into his coat.

Jiles followed, grabbing the portable crib. "I'll get this in the car along with the diaper bag." He hoisted the bag over his shoulder, picked up the small duffel with the extras and headed outside.

Albany shook her head. "Daddy's over-prepared, as usual. But we love that about him." Zipping up Bryce's jacket, she shrugged into hers, then put him on her hip.

Once she had him settled and secure in the car seat, she closed the door and had another pang, which she tamped down. She turned to open the front passenger door but bumped into Jiles. He grinned and got the door for her. She smiled and slid inside the car.

He leaned in. "In case I haven't said it enough, I love you." His mouth met hers in a sweet and hot kiss.

Her lips curved. "I love you, too. Date-night starts now."

Jiles shut her door and darted around the front of the car, got in, and slid behind the wheel, his gaze going to the backseat. "Ready, little man? Hawk and Sharon can't wait to spoil you rotten." Reversing out of the drive, he laughed when Bryce started jabbering.

Albany's heart squeezed again. But Jiles had it right. The Hawthorns would absolutely spoil Bryce and have fun doing it.

Everything would be just fine…

I hope this story goes where I'd like it to. Capturing a date night out after having a little one is fun to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin