Sunday Snippet: Getting Schooled

Geez, August has been a brutal month. The last week in particular. Not sure why, but I struggled hard, couldn't stay focused, and generally feel like I didn't get anything accomplished. Bleh.

Weirdly, the weather has been amazing. We need rain in a big way, but the temperatures were mild, which is a blessing. Actually had to break out a jacket and leggings because it got chilly at night.

Work projects are in a weird state of flux. I have a lot on my plate, and I hopped around multiple projects because of the aforementioned struggle to stay focused. I really hope I can get back on task this week.

I didn't get to watch the season two opener of Reacher, but I did make it through most of my regular shows. The first week of September is a chaos monster so I'm not sure if I'll get to make it through my regular slate of shows. Fingers crossed.

I did start the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the rewatch. Always fun when Phryne and company go on trips.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. I liked the mystery and my heart broke for Dom and Jean. But Jean was spot on with telling Dom he might not be ready to be a couple.

Watched the opening to season fourteen Death in Paradise. Still not sure if I'm down with the new guy. He might grow on me, and I do like how Naomi and Darlene hold their own with him.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Very fun to see him solve the mystery while not leaving his apartment. And I do think he quite loves to put Hastings in horribly embarrassing positions.

Caught another episode of Elementary. I really like it when Joan and Sherlock team up to help their extended group. Detective Bell's dilemma being resolved ended up being a lot of fun.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. I didn't fully remember this one, so I enjoyed getting reacquainted with it.

The episode of Lower Decks I watched is hopefully a turning point. Mariner makes me absolutely bonkers, which I'm pretty sure is the whole point. Here's hoping she can dial it back about ten clicks and I can finally settle in and like the character.

I did almost make it through an episode of Peak Practice that I started a couple of weeks ago. Sam is headed for a very bad place, which makes sense since his run is almost finished. Hoping to get the rest of the episode watched this week.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Getting Schooled, a novella that features an enemies-to-lovers flavor.

Here's the miniblurb:

Tamsin and Ike are resident leaders at neighboring summer camps. Tamsin works with upper crust girls and Ike has underprivileged boys. When a grant program director suggests bridging the gap, neither is very excited by the prospect, but once they meet, both get schooled in by how well the kids get along.

And a snippety peek…

"Let me start by thanking both of you for your terrific presentations." The grant director, Allie Mayhew, met Tamsin's gaze then did the same for Ike. "You both put a lot of work into them and because of that … I'd like to offer a suggestion…" She got up and came around the small table she'd been sitting behind and propped her hip on the edge.

Tamsin held back a grimace. A suggestion lacked decisiveness. But Tamsin would listen with an open mind. She could do no less.

Allie folded her hands in front of her. "Why don't I split the funds between both camps?" Her eyebrows arched and a hopeful look crossed her face.

Tamsin bit her tongue to avoid a negative response. She slid Ike a sideways glance. Other than a balled-up fist, he showed no outward sign of thinking this idea sucked.

Tamsin tilted her head to one side. "How do you see your plan working? Will the funds be evenly distributed?" Half would be better than nothing but probably not enough to keep things afloat.

Ike added a query. "And how will the disbursement be handled? Do we submit requisitions or a budget, or will we be free to use the money at our discretion?" He pulled a legal pad out of his bag and flipped to a clean page.

Allie's head wobbled a little. "Well … both are good questions. And the answer is … I don't know yet." She pushed away from the table and walked back and forth. "I literally only thought of this possible solution." She stopped and faced them. "Let's start with pulling a budget together for each camp and assume the funds will be evenly divided between the two." She brightened. "If you can have something to me by the end of the day, I'll make sure to fast-track it on my end. My guess is we'll make a joint account because we can't actually disburse the amount into two separate accounts."

Tamsin stifled a growl of frustration and looked toward Ike. "Can you stick around?" As much as she didn't want to spend more time with Mr. Overgrown Juvenile Delinquent, she'd bite the bullet and get it over with. "Maybe we can hammer out the details and get Allie the information she needs." Not exactly the way Tamsin wanted to spend the rest of the day, but she'd do anything to help the owners.

Ike shrugged. "I'll need to make a quick call, but I can stay." He got his phone and stood, walking to the back of the room.

Tamsin focused on Allie. "We'll work on a budget and get it to you by day's end. Will email be okay?" She opened her laptop and pulled up a spreadsheet.

Allie gave a nod. "That'll be perfect." She leaned forward. "I wish I could do more. And I know this isn't the greatest solution, but hopefully, it'll keep both camps viable for the season."

Tamsin stopped just short of rolling her eyes. "We can definitely hope." Not much else they could do.

Ike returned. "I'm clear all afternoon." He tucked his phone back inside his pocket.

Allie smiled. "Excellent. I'll leave you two to crunch your numbers. Thank you for the amazing presentations." She gathered her purse and phone. "I'll look for your email later today." With a quick wave, she headed for the exit.

Tamsin waited until the door closed before she lobbied her first shot across his bow. "If I didn't promise to do everything I could to save Seneca, I'd be right behind Allie." She huffed out a breath. "But I did promise, and I plan to keep my word." She nodded toward her laptop. "Let's get busy." Not waiting for a response, she sat back down and clicked into her spreadsheet.

Having fun with this one. Ike and Tamsin have major assumptions about each other that aren't true, and the discovery process is a treat!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Getting Schooled

Happy Almost Halloween! Gotta say it's been a week. Several work projects hit at once—which I'm not complaining about—and a couple of disasters decided to show up on my doorstep. It's been a low-bandwidth week for me.

I didn't get a lot of viewing time in, mainly due to the work projects and the distractions form the washing machine going kaput, a trip to the ED for one of my grown kiddos, and having another one out of town and calling to check in several times.

I did get a few things watched. Finished up the Umbrella Academy and, wow, didn't quite expect how things went down. Looking forward to seeing the next episode.

Caught some Classic Rugrats with the Thanksgiving episode. I'd actually forgotten about this one and I'm glad I got to watch it again. I might have to set up a bit of countdown and try to catch all the holiday episodes between now and the solstice.

Watched another Batman: The Animated Series. It's always fun when they have Alfred step out of his comfort zone and this episode definitely makes him stray. That's two in a row and I'm here for it.

Enjoyed an episode of Ted Lasso. I love Roy and Keeley so much. Nate is getting a wee bit annoying. Jamie is … I'm not sure. If he doesn't act like a raging ass, I might be able to stomach seeing him. LOL

Caught another episode of Suspects and loved how it all came together. Some really interesting bits popped and I love the pacing. Great show.

I started another episode of Endeavor but I'll have to finish it when I have higher brain capacity. It has a focus on the space race and I love that.

Watched the second part of Silent Witness and whew, this one ended up being very twisty. Kind of bummed about how it ended but not surprised.

Enjoyed another Classic Who episode. I like the setting for this arc and look forward to the next episode.

Sci Fi Science looked into how to blow up a planet. Had a lot of fun watching this episode. I love so much that fans are featured in each episode.

Started the next episode of Ms. Marvel and love it so far. I'm hoping to finish it up in the near future.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Getting Schooled, a novella that puts the characters in a position where they have to work together to save their summer camps.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tamsin and Ike are resident leaders at neighboring summer camps. Tamsin works with upper crust girls and Ike has underprivileged boys. When a grant program director suggests bridging the gap, neither is very excited by the prospect, but once they meet, both get schooled in by how well the kids get along.

And a snippety peek…

Ike rolled to a stop outside of the main house, cut the engine, and lifted a hand in greeting to Hank Carlson. "Weird. He's not usually waiting on me to arrive." Popping the door, he slid out from behind the wheel.

Hank made his way down the porch steps and Ike's gut churned. Something's not right here. He met the owner at the end of the sidewalk.

Hank didn't mince words. "We've got a problem. A big one."

Ike frowned. "Is something wrong with Joe or Lanie?" Joe didn't usually arrive until the second week, but Lanie worked as Hank's right hand.

Hank shook his head. "No, they're fine. Well, Lanie is. Joe's okay, too, but he won't be working at the camp this year." He nodded toward the house. "Why don't you come in and I'll explain."

Ike followed Hank inside the home. The utilitarian décor, with a few of Lanie's touches, hadn't changed much in the time Ike had known the family. Hank went directly to the office and settled behind his desk. Ike took a chair facing him and stayed quiet, giving the older man time and space to speak his piece.

Hank sighed. "The grant committee contacted me earlier today. They've got a shortfall and it's either us or Seneca this year. That's why Joe isn't working here this summer. He'll be going full-time with the delivery service." He paused and took another deep breath. "Without grant funding, we won't be able to operate. I can't cancel, not with the short notice, but I can't cover expenses for the camp, not without running the risk of losing everything." He shook his head. "I should've prepared better and waited to make the improvements to the—"

Ike cut in. "You didn't know this would happen. Don't blame yourself." He leaned forward. "What can I do to help? When will the committee make a decision?" They'd better do it soon, camp started in two days.

Hank huffed out a breath. "They want to have a meeting with the Wintersons tomorrow morning to decide which camp gets the funds." He leaned back in his chair, his gaze roaming slowly around the room.

Ike didn't like the air of defeat coming from Hank. "Look, why don't you and Lanie focus on getting everything ready, keep things business as usual. I'll do some brainstorming and put together a list of reasons Camp Carlson deserves the funds." He might as well put his education to good use.

Hank brightened up. "You'd do that? And maybe meet with the group?" Hope filled his voice.

Ike gave a nod, even if he flinched on the inside. "I'll do my best." He never enjoyed being a stand-in, but he didn't want to let Hank down.

And he wanted the boys to have a shot at a fun summer.

Hank stood and came around the desk. "I can't thank you enough, Ike. Why don't you take the head cabin? I'll have the other counselors bunk in one of the camper cabins."

Ike got to his feet. "Sounds good. It'll give me some room to spread out a little and get something together." He gave Hank a quick pat on the back. "I'll get started now."

Hank walked Ike to the door and thanked him again. Ike accepted graciously and spent the time unloading his jeep turning ideas over in his mind. He thought about using one of the laptops to put a spreadsheet together, but didn't want to give the impression the Carlsons had money to spare.

Instead, Ike raided the supply closet for some folders, a dry-erase board and markers, and a ream of paper. He worked on a creative display that listed out the benefits of keeping Camp Carlson in business and the drawbacks to forcing them to close. After neatly stacking the files and covering the white board, he yawned and stretched the kinks out of his muscles.

"I hope this is enough."

Exhausted, he crawled into bed and set an early alarm.

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. Ike and Tamsin will learn a lot of new things about their campers and each other.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Getting Schooled

So far, September is off to a decent start. I finished up a few projects this week and look forward to getting back to the great office reorganization.

Kind of a slow week for television. I watched two episodes of Silent Witness. I don't think I've ever seen the first few seasons with Amanda Burton as Sam Ryan. I started watching somewhere in the later seasons.

I also did the usual Ovation mystery marathons. Rather enjoyed Midsomer Murders because they went all the way back to the beginning. Also left wondering why anyone considers The Librarians a mystery show, but I guess it's because they always have to track down the treasures for the library. Not really mysterious in my book, but it doesn't have to be.

I'm hoping to get back on track with finishing up the previous seasons of Roswell, New Mexico and Riverdale. Also need to watch the season finale of The Witcher and the series finale of Strike Back. I've been putting off Strike Back because I really don't want the show to end.

I need to catch up on Wynonna Earp also. I'll probably end up binge watching the whole season.

That's pretty much it for television. Tonight's post is from Getting Schooled, a novella that features one of my favorite secret-fantasy dreams … a summer camp.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tamsin and Ike are resident leaders at neighboring summer camps. Tamsin works with upper crust girls and Ike has underprivileged boys. When a grant program director suggests bridging the gap, neither is very excited by the prospect, but once they meet, both get schooled in by how well the kids get along.

And a snippety peek…

Tamsin barely got inside the counselor's cabin before Olivia Winterson rushed through the door.

"Oh, Tamsin. I'm so glad you're here! We've got a huge emergency." Her face crumpled and tears welled in her eyes.

Tamsin dropped her bag and grasped Olivia's arm, ushering her onto the café chair. "What's going on? Is Pete okay?" Olivia's husband had a mild heart attack three years ago.

Olivia waved her hand. "Oh, yes. Pete's fine. The camp? Not so much." Her lower lip quivered.

Tamsin blinked and sat in the seat across from her boss. "What is it? What can I do to help?" This place meant a lot to Tamsin

The Wintersons meant even more.

Olivia exhaled slowly and pulled herself together. "I just got off the phone with the grant committee. They're experiencing a financial shortfall and have decided to only support one camp this year." She frowned. "And, honestly, if we lose grant funding, we'll have to close. We won't be able to have this year's session or stay in business for future years."

No more Camp Seneca? Tamsin couldn't imagine not coming here anymore. This place had been her home, her true home, for more than a decade.

Tamsin shook her head, her brain already working. "When will they decide?" There had to be a way to secure the grant.

Olivia gave Tamsin a sad smile. "They want to meet tomorrow to decide if it'll be us or Camp Carlson."

Tamsin's lip curled. "Let me guess … they're in the same position." The Wintersons and Ron Carlson, along with his son and daughter, were friendly rivals.

Olivia nodded. "I haven't talked to Ron or Lanie yet, but I'd have to guess they are."

Summer camps in this area tended to run on razor-thin margins. Even though both were surrounded by the second-home set.

Tamsin grasped Olivia's hand. "What can I do to help? You can't cancel this year's program. The girls are due to arrive the day after tomorrow." They could scale back some of the activities and get creative with the menus, maybe ask for donations if the grant committee decided on Carlson instead of Seneca.

Olivia's face brightened. "I had hoped you'd ask. Can you come up with a presentation for tomorrow's meeting? Something to really wow the group?"

Tamsin cringed a little. She'd planned to get started on her research before the girls arrived. But she couldn't refuse Olivia's request.

Squeezing the woman's fingers, Tamsin smiled. "Of course. Let me get the rest of my stuff unloaded and I'll get started." She stood up and started for the door.

Olivia followed, pulling Tamsin into a big bear hug. "Thank you! This means so much to Pete and me." She started toward the big lodge-style house. "I'll let him know what's going on."

Tamsin fought back a wave of uncertainty. She couldn't fail the Wintersons. No matter what, she'd make sure the grant committee chose Camp Seneca for their remaining funds.

An inspired idea hit her. "And I think I know just how to do it."

Tamsin is a fun character to write. She cares deeply and wants to help everyone.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Getting Schooled

April 22, 2018

Whew. What a week. We had prom catastrophes averted and a halfway decent Saturday for the big event. My daughter's dress needed some alterations and my wonderful aunt and my next door neighbor came through like the awesome women they are and got the dress in prom-worthy shape. I'm biased, but my girl looked lovely.

Even with all the crazypants running around, I got a lot of television watched. Finished the second "season" of Vixen and enjoyed the episode. Finished up the first season and started the second of Blindspot. I like the introduction of Jane's family and having more of her background in the mix. Not sure about the addition of the NSA character, but I'll hold off on judgment. Definitely interested in who the new mole in the FBI is. I have a feeling I know who it'll end up being and not sure I like it. LOL

Got an episode of Gotham in and, seriously, season four is kicking so much ass. It's twisty and turny and I love how many levels of crazy there are. I truly hope there's another season of the insanity.

I still have so many mixed feeling about this season of The Flash. I want to love it, I really do, but I'm just not there. We'll see if how things play out in the finale. Maybe it'll have the elusive element I'm looking for to turn things around.

Missed both Black Lightning and Riverdale this week so I'll have to play catch up. I'm looking forward to both.

Arrow rocked. It's nice to get the full backstory of a villain. That said, Felicity and Diggle could use some of that love. We know a few of the things that shaped both characters and that's terrific, but each could use some additional rounding out. Just saying.

Started a new for me series called Ghost Squad. The premiere episode hooked me and I'm definitely interested in catching the full first series. Also started Endeavor and I like it. Nothing beats a good BBC crime drama.

Last but not least, I started Syfy's Krypton. Loved the first episode. Here's hoping the momentum continues and I fall in love with this series!

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Getting Schooled, a novella that features a summer camp setting. This is something I always wanted to do as a kid and never got the chance.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tamsin and Ike are resident leaders at neighboring summer camps. Tamsin works with upper crust girls and Ike has underprivileged boys. When a grant program director suggests bridging the gap, neither is very excited by the prospect, but once they meet, both get schooled in by how well the kids get along.

And a snippety peek…

Ike Kennedy finished loading the new laptops he'd purchased for this year's campers into his Jeep. His mom fussed and fretted over what the neighbors would think when he drove through the resort town where their summer home loomed over the rest of the populace. He'd filled the vehicle full and had two trunks strapped to the luggage rack on top.

Frankly, Ike didn't care. He'd volunteered as a counselor at Camp Carlson for going on eight years, mainly to get away from the stifling confines of the oversized lake house his parents inherited from his dad's side of the family. The closest neighbor couldn't see the Kennedy home unless he happened to be on his boat deck.

Which didn't give him a view of the front drive.

Closing the back of the Jeep, Ike brushed his hands off on his beat-up cargo shorts. "Can't wait to get out of here." He checked over his shoulder, making sure his mother didn't hover by the front windows.

With the coast clear, he jogged to the pool house, the place he considered his sanctuary, and grabbed his satchel, a messenger bag he used on campus. His essential lifeline, the case contained his phone, keys, wallet, and the roster of his campers this year. Ike liked to have an idea of which boys would need some extra support during their six-week stay. Most of the kids came from underprivileged homes and some through the foster care system. Ike kept a close eye on the guys who didn't have the benefit of trust funds and wealthy parents to make life easier for them.

Strolling back to the Jeep, he hopped behind the wheel and started the engine.

On cue, his mom opened the front door and ducked her head out. "You're leaving already? You don't have to be there until after seven tonight."

Ike gave her a wide smile. "I know. Thought I'd get there early and scope out the changes Hank planned to make over the winter." He also wanted to drive by the neighboring camp to see if Tamsin Kane might be back for another year.

Laurie Kennedy frowned. "I'd hoped we might have an early dinner before you left." She exited the house, walking toward his vehicle.

Ike shifted into gear. "Yeah, sorry about that, Mom. Maybe we can do something when I get back before fall?" He took his foot off the brake and rolled forward.

Laurie shook her head and lifted a hand in farewell. Ike gave a sigh of relief. He loved her, but she drove him utterly batshit sometimes. Her idea of an early dinner would be drinks on the wharf followed by a strategically reserved table close to a family with a daughter she wanted him to meet. By the time he extricated himself, he'd be scrambling to make the move-in time for counselors.

Yeah, no thanks.

He could find dates without his mother's help. And he didn't need or want a preapproved match—one designed to either increase their various stock portfolios or the chances of giving Laurie the future grandchildren she so keenly desired.

Driving through town, he grinned. The weight of being Laurie and Frank Kennedy's wonder child diminished and the mantle of being the coolest camp counselor ever settled over him. He loved the kids and more than two-thirds were returning for their second year.

Every one of them had some kind of hardship they faced and coming to camp helped expose the boys to things they'd never have a chance to do otherwise. Being a part of the process gave Ike some much-needed grounding in his life. Especially since his Grandpa Ivan had passed five years ago.

The elder Kennedy taught Ike rock-solid values, lit the fire of his thirst for knowledge, and provided balance, showing him the benefit of taking time to have fun and enjoy life while working hard for his fellow man. The old man also set up a trust fund for Ike to pursue his altruistic leanings, but not before the age of thirty. Until then, Ike planned to continue his education and figure out what he really wanted to do with his future.

He left the outskirts of town and drove along the northern edge of the lake. Camp Carlson sat about an hour north of Rockshore. Far enough from the resort town to make it an inconvenience for his mom to drop in yet close enough to the largest city for kids to be brought in for six weeks.

Ike chuckled. "Kind of perfect for me."

He slowed down when he drove past the neighboring camp for girls. Sure enough, a splash of red peeked through the woods. Grinning, Ike gave a slow nod of satisfaction.

He'd enjoyed watching her scramble during last summer's prank week. And she'd been a good sport, too.

Ike shook his head. "Can't say I'd have been as accommodating if the tables were turned."

He sobered. Which they might be. She'd had a whole year to plot revenge.

Lifting a shoulder, he sped up to drive the last few miles to Carlson. "Show me what you've got, Tamsi. I'll be ready."

Not sure if my outline is going to stay on task with this story, but I'm having fun with Ike and Tamsin.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Getting Schooled

A quick break from discussing television to talk about the crazy weather in Ohio. Okay, make that the weird weather everywhere. If you're experiencing it, let me know. LOL

Finally watched The Abominable Bride and thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the back and forth and I'll leave it there so I don't spoil anything. But I'm looking forward to seeing a new season, whenever that might be.

Excited to have my shows return but also so busy I'm struggling to keep the dates straight. LOL Nothing like having a ton work to plow through. J I did catch the winter premiere of Teen Wolf and I'm glad to have that bit of crazy to look forward to each week, especially with a familiar face returning.

Tonight's post is from Getting Schooled, a novella where my main characters end up having to work together after they've already squared off against each other.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tamsin and Ike are resident leaders at neighboring summer camps. Tamsin works with upper crust girls and Ike has underprivileged boys. When a grant program director suggests bridging the gap, neither is very excited by the prospect, but once they meet, both get schooled by how well the kids get along.

And a snippety peek…

Tamsin Kane zipped up her suitcase and added it to the other one sitting beside her front door. She closed the blinds and checked to make sure she'd unplugged everything in the studio apartment she'd be away from for two months. Gathering up her keys and her purse, she took one last glance around before she opened the heavy oak and dragged her cases outside.

Locking up behind her, she huffed out a laugh. "I can't believe I'm excited to head for camp." At twenty-three, she shouldn't be so thrilled to spend most of her summer with a bunch of tween girls who had being posh down to an art form but still lacked maturity.

Tamsin hoped she earned enough this summer to replenish her bank account, especially after the expense check she'd just written. Last year, the generous tips her girls' parents provided covered the rent for Tamsin's little home and allowed her to pursue a graduate degree. And she'd had so much fun last summer while getting a different kind of education, one where a smart ass girl from the wrong side of town garnered the respect of a group of tweens and used her new connections to open doors for her future.

After loading her stuff into her car, she slid behind the wheel and started the engine. With a quick grin, she backed out of the parking space and headed for the expressway. A two hour drive would put her close to her destination. Of course, she'd pass the neighboring camp for boys and when she did, she'd try not to grit her teeth. The only black cloud over her experience last year, the lead counselor made life miserable for Tamsin when they had joint sessions, especially during prank week. Ike Kennedy might have looks any guy would kill for, but his underprivileged boys behaved better than their leader. Then again, Tamsin had been so focused on the networking opportunities she could build, she hadn't prepared for something like Ike to invade her headspace.

A slow smile twisted her lips. She wouldn't make the same mistake this summer. No way.

Ike didn't know a thing about Tamsin, but she'd happily give him the cliff notes version of how not to screw with her. She hadn't grown up, fighting to get into a position where she didn't have to struggle to get ahead for nothing.

Ike Kennedy better get ready to bring it.

Tamsin laughed and exited onto the freeway. "Hope you're ready, Ike. Because I know I am."

Ike won't be ready at all for what happens next. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Getting Schooled

March 9, 2014

Whew. Crazy weather week of back and forth between frigid temps and snow and a lovely little warm-up that didn't last very long. LOL At least I had good television to watch.

As predicted, Arrow's episode fifteen, The Promise, proved to be seriously bad ass. I almost think they crammed too much into the hour—I would have loved to see a little more detail. I'm just not quite down with Slade being so uber-pissed at Oliver over Shado's death. Yes, I'm aware the Mirakuru IS the reason he's not particularly rational. But Ivo's manipulation seemed a little conveniently heavy-handed. Of course, Oliver's guilt doesn't help so there's that. LOL I'm also really interested to see if the rumor mill speculation about who Felicity's father is proves correct.

Bitten is still eating my brain. Seriously, the final episodes of the season should be mega-uncomfortable for the characters. And if Daniel Santos doesn't die a horrible death like he did in the books, I'm gonna lose my mind. J

Only one episode of Banshee left and I'm actively praying Rabbit gets his due. Then I'll probably have to wait for next season to see what the fallout will be from Proctor, but I can deal. Something to look forward to. J

Tonight's post is from Getting Schooled, a novella where my characters get schooled by their tween-aged campers. Fun times!

Here's the tagline:

Tamsin and Ike are resident leaders at neighboring summer camps. Tamsin works with upper crust girls and Ike has underprivileged boys. When a grant program director suggests bridging the gap, neither is very excited by the prospect, but once they meet, both get schooled in by how well the kids get along.

And a snippety peek…

Ike spun around and snarled. "Up yours."

Tamsin lifted a brow. "Really? Do you have any idea how juvenile that sounds?" Her lips twitched, but she didn't laugh.

Ike sighed. "I spend my day with twelve-year-olds. Can't help it if they rub off on me." He gathered up the folder he'd put together for the grant director.

Tamsin snorted. "I don't know any twelve-year-old who still says 'up yours'." She neatly stacked the flash drives she'd used for her presentation.

He narrowed his eyes. "Probably because you're spending a lot of time teaching them to say 'fuck you'." The insult rolled off his lips before he could stop it.

She blinked. "Wow. Harsh." She sank down onto one of the brightly painted, wooden folding chairs.

Contrite, Ike apologized. "Yeah, sorry. You seem to bring out the mean in me." A terrible excuse for being an asshole, but Tamsin's stunt with director pissed him off.

She definitely took advantage of all the privilege at her fingertips. He chose to keep things simple and opted for a dry erase board and the file. He'd donated new laptops to the camp, paid for out of his pocket, so his boys could gain some experience working with graphics and gaming programs. Her girls had more interest in the latest make-up and fashion trends than learning valuable skills and Tamsin encouraged them by staging a big end of summer soiree, complete with a runway show and 'virgin' cocktail party. What pre-teen needed to learn how to walk a catwalk and make small talk over non-alcoholic mixed drinks?

Ike has preconceived notions about Tamsin. He's going to be very surprised when Tamsin reveals where she comes from. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin