Sunday Snippet: Liar's Lament

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, father figures, mentors, and fur dads out there. And if this is a hard day, please find peace where you can.

It's so mild in Ohio right now and I'll take the comfortable temperatures. We're supposed to have a soggy week, but the rain is welcome. Hopefully without flooding.

Busy work week with multiple projects crossing my desk. I have a potential new project with a new author starting possibly soon. Finished up a proofread and got that one invoiced. Continued work on a memoir developmental edit, pulling several files together into a single document. Also finished a copy edit and returned it for review. Started a new one that's on the long side, close to one hundred thousand words. A jammed week ahead.

Had a pretty good viewing week. I made it through my regular stable of shows and started one of my back-burner ones. I didn't end up making it all the way through but I'll finish it up this week. I hope.

Started with a Foyle's War behind the scenes interview with one of the guest stars. Very interesting.

Watched another episode of Tales from Irish Castles. Truly a fun series to watch. So many castles in Ireland.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and kind of loved the bit of a cliffhanger. I also kind of like how Mervin is settling in with the other officers. Very cool to see the new sarge completely supported by the commissioner also.

Also enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Very interesting case with an unexpected ending. So many colorful characters.

Elementary ended up being a little mind-blowing. I'm really interested in how the whole Shinwell situation will be resolved.

Caught another episode of Young Justice and I'm rather enjoying seeing how the team is coming together.

Also watched another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and I'm really amazed by how much I love this show. Started out being pretty iffy on whether I'd like it or not and I'm totally in if I haven't mentioned it before.

Started an episode of Peak Practice and made it about halfway through. There's a lot going on in this one and I didn't want to miss anything. I'll finish up this week. Maybe.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Liar's Lament, a novella that features a second chance at romance for a couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

Harper Scrytch kicks Rhett Barrison to the curb and runs like hell to avoid a romantic entanglement. Four years later she arrives back in town to make amends only to discover Rhett has moved on … unless he hasn't.

And a snippety peek…

Rhett just stepped out of the shower after spending the morning checking the foundation of an elegant little cottage just off campus when his phone started blaring.

Still dripping, he made a mad dash for the device in the bedroom. "Barrison." He put the speaker on and started drying off.

"Rhett … Lily Blythe. Do you have a minute?"

Rhett grabbed a pair of jeans and started dressing. "Sure, everything okay with the Carlyle house?" He'd put new windows in for one of Lily's clients.

Lily chuckled. "Of course, you charmed the pants off Melissa and Frank. I'm calling for a different reason…" Her tone changed, lowered, and grew serious.

Rhett paused with his pants halfway up his thighs. "Um, okay." He yanked the jeans up and sat on the edge of the bed. "What's going on?" He gave Lily his full focus, grasping his phone and bringing it closer.

Lily didn't pull her punches. "Harper's back."

After he'd spoken of her the other day with his mom? What are the odds?

The room went cold and his vision blurred. "What? You mean she's visiting you or something?" He blinked to clear the gray from his eyes and willed the roar in his ears to dissipate.

Harper. Emotions crashed through him. Disbelief, longing, and yeah, okay … anger.

He'd built a life. A good one. His family's business of restoring and reclaiming homes and buildings blossomed after he'd graduated with an engineering degree. He didn't want anything to wreck his calm and peace.

Lily kept her tone neutral. "No, Rhett. We just closed on the old bank building downtown. Harper's back. To stay. For good." A note of apology entered her voice.

Rhett went numb. "You're sure?" Calm and peace were quickly roiling into a major storm.

Lily's laugh held no humor. "Very. She bought the space outright. No mortgage." She waited a beat. "I thought you'd want to know … if only because she asked where she could find you."

Oh, hell no.

Rhett sucked in a harsh breath. "And you told her where?" Damn. Not what he needed right now.

Lily rushed out an answer. "No, I gave her the office address then remembered it lists your personal number when you're not there."

Rhett's phone picked that exact moment to blip with another incoming call. Shit. An unrecognized number flashed on the screen. But he didn't doubt who tried to call.

He ended the conversation with Lily, letting the other call go to voice mail.

He scrubbed a hand over his face. "Holy shit." He finished dressing then listened to Harper's message.

The sound of her voice took him back. Memories flooded his mind. The one woman he'd never forget. Returned. For what?

"You probably don't want to see me, but I'd appreciate if you'd give me some time."

Right. He'd wanted to give her a lifetime—but she'd stomped all over that. Still … memory lane started winding along in his head again.

He cut the stroll short. "Nope. No way." He'd meet with Harper—if only to satisfy morbid curiosity.

What could she possibly want from him? Certainly not to pick up where they left off. That would be too weird … even for Harper.

His gut rolled. He shouldn't be reacting this way. They were over and done. For a long time.

Yet … one tiny thread dangled. Like a plot point that didn't reach its conclusion. Seeing her might be the only way to snip that tether and close the chapter for good.

But … he'd need some kind of backup plan to keep his feelings—good and bad—for Harper at bay.

Grabbing his phone, he clicked on a frequently called number. "Dani? I have a seriously large favor to ask."

I'm enjoying this one. Harper and Rhett have some things to work through and Rhett isn't going to make it easy.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Liar's Lament

With January coming to a close, the first month of the year is in the books. Oddly, I have a good feeling about 2021. I hope I'm right and the year is terrific for everyone.

Ended up with a full slate of work projects this week and I welcomed them with open arms. But they kept me pretty busy so I didn't get a lot of television watched.

I did finish up the second part of the racing episode of Silent Witness. Ended up being very twisty and turny.

I caught a full arc of Classic Who and I'm about halfway through the thirteenth series. I think I like the previous season better than this one so far.

Started a new Queens of Mystery episode and I'm still enjoying this series. I hope they end up doing another one. It's a lot of fun.

As always, I caught the usual mysteries on Ovation and some additional classic episodes of Perry Mason.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Liar's Lament, a novella that explores two characters who reunite after five years when one decides to face their demons.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Harper Scrytch kicks Rhett Barrison to the curb and runs like hell to avoid a romantic entanglement. Four years later she arrives back in town to make amends only to discover Rhett has moved on … unless he hasn't.

And a snippety peek…

Sarah Barrison picked up the plates and carried them to the sink. "Why don't you bring that nice girl you've been dating next time?" She kept her tone casual.

But Rhett saw right through his mother. She did this at least once a month during their one-on-one dinners when his dad had rotary club. She liked to fuss, especially since he remained the lone unattached sibling.

He snorted. "Nice try, Mom. I told you Dani and I work better as friends." He'd tried but the long-term idea didn't last long.

The sexual spark hadn't really dimmed though. They had a nice friends-with-benefits thing going, which suited them just fine. Not that he'd share that information with his mom.

Sarah came back to the table. "You've said that about everyone since"—she lowered her voice—"she who won't be named." Her delivery bordered on dramatic.

Rhett rolled his eyes. "Only by you. And it was four years ago. I think the statute of limitations has been met." Or should have been anyway.

Sarah frowned. "Not if you can't move on." She sat back and crossed her arms over her chest.

Rhett sighed. "Mom, I'm fine. I'm not in big hurry to settle down. Why are you in such a rush?" He had siblings who had perfectly wonderful relationships.

Sarah gave a motherly sniff. "I want my boy happy." She slid him a teasing glance. "And more grandkids wouldn't hurt." Her eyebrows waggled.

Ah, he should have known. "You mean seven isn't enough?"

His two sisters had three rugrats apiece. And his brother and his partner Mark had one. Why did Rhett have to contribute?

Sarah gave a small shrug. "Of course, it is. And your brother is thinking about another one. It depends on whether Mark gets the promotion at the hardware store." She put her hand on his forearm. "You deserve what your dad and I have. What your siblings have found. That's all." Giving his arm a squeeze, she got up and went to the sink to rinse the dishes.

Rhett thought he had found the forever kind of love—with Harper. She'd checked off every one of the traits he wanted in the person he'd spend his life with. But he didn't check hers. Obviously.

His mom meant well, but until he found someone that made him feel what Harper had, Rhett wouldn't settle. And he wouldn't rush anything. Not even to please Sarah Barrison.

He pushed away from the table and helped load the dishwasher. "I'll let you know as some as I discover the right one, Mom." Closing the washer, he gave Sarah a one-armed hug. "And I'll make sure to bring her by when it happens." He reached for his jacket hanging on the peg rack beside the back door.

Sarah wiped her hands. "Until then, I need to stop bugging you, right?" Her eyebrow quirked upward with humor.

Rhett gave her quick grin. "Yeah, something like that." He lifted his hand then opened the door. "Love you, Mom."

She repeated the sentiment and let him take his leave. One outside, Rhett fished out his phone and called Dani for a hookup.

This one went is directions I didn't expect and I love when that happens.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Liar's Lament

Well, it's homecoming weekend and our football team won the game last night, which is an amazing feat. They came from behind and pulled out the win. The weather took a cool turn and the group we hosted for the pre-festivities had a lovely evening to take pictures.

Had a super-busy week leading up the big group activity, but I did get some solid viewing in. I'm working through Luke Cage and I like the newest season but I'm a little disappointed in pushing the anger angle. I'm hoping it ends up being worth the character assassination. Looking forward to the second season of Iron Fist.

Caught the third episode of Driven, Passionflix's first limited series. I'm really enjoying this one. So far, everything they've released is pretty terrific. Can't wait for the holiday offering this year.

The Last Ship's second episode kicked some serious butt. I hang on the edge of my seat each week to see what happens next. The hour flies by too. Why can't time move that fast when I'm stuck waiting somewhere? LOL

Also got another episode of Peter Gunn's first season out of the way, along with several episodes of Classic Who. Watched the second episode of Penny Dreadful and, holy crap, there's some crazy stuff going on in this show. I love it.

Caught episode five of Wynonna Earp. This show improves with every new twist. Not sure how I feel about Mamma Earp, but I'm in for the ride. Also watched an episode of The Dresden Files. Someday I need to read the books this series was based on.

Caught the next to last episode of Canal Road. As I predicted in something like episode two or three, my money is on the lawyer for setting everything in motion and getting rid of Spencer's family. We'll see if I'm right with the final episode.

I watched the DVD of Hairspray and really liked it. This is a movie I didn't catch the first time around and I had fun watching.

The rest of the week, I filled in with the usual marathons of Murder, She Wrote and In the Heat of the Night. I'm pretty sure I've almost made my way through both series with only a few hit or miss episodes being left to watch.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Liar's Lament, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt of writing a story that involves a lie.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Harper Scrytch kicks Rhett Barrison to the curb and runs like hell to avoid a romantic entanglement. Four years later she arrives back in town to make amends only to discover Rhett has moved on… unless he hasn't.

And a snippety peek…

Harper walked the tree-lined street convinced she'd done the right thing. Lying is the right thing? Okay, maybe not that part. That part? Girl, the whole thing is a lie.

She didn't have a great opportunity waiting in the wings. In fact, her offers were nonexistent. But the need to run, break free, and see what the world looked like beat a staccato message in her brain. Go! Go, now! Go!

Harper let herself into the apartment she shared with another photography student. "Lily? You home?" No response.

A little relieved, Harper gathered her suitcase and overnight bag along with her laptop and camera case. The rest of her stuff had been packed up last night before she went to Rhett's. She left the keys on the kitchen counter. Lily would be moving out the following week.

Harper didn't mind leaving without fanfare. She and Lily pretty much shared photography in common and little else. Not that either tried all that hard to make inroads. Harper rarely let people in—with the exception of Rhett.

"And you didn't let him all the way in."

A childhood of revolving stepparents and lovers du jour between her mom and dad, not to mention being shuffled back and forth when shit went sideways colored her world view in dark, moody tones. "I don't want to end up like them." What chance did she have at real, honest-to-goodness true love?

Not much of one.

Harper loaded her car and slid behind the wheel. Her phone rang and Mommy Dearest appeared on the caller ID. Great.

She hit answer. "Mom, hey, can I call you back? I'm driving right now." Another lie… hopefully, her nose wouldn't start growing.

Abigail Spencer-Scrytch-Wilson-Monroe-Wilson—geez, Mom—Scarpetti snorted. "No, you're not."

God, how did she always know?

Harper started the engine. "Okay, but I'm getting ready to and I've got a long drive ahead of me." She put the car in gear. "So, again I ask, can I call you back?" Please-please-please?

Abigail sighed. "Fine. But don't forget this time. I've got news to share." Her voice all but bounced with glee.

Harper's stomach took a sick twist. "Please just tell me who the new stepdad is or when I'm getting a new one." She couldn't deal with wedding news… not after breaking up with Rhett.

Abigail tsked. "I'm not getting married. And you're clearly not in a positive state of mind right now." Her tone took on a concerned edge.

Duh. She'd just walked away from the possible love of her life. At the very least, her boyfriend. But she'd never share that kind of information with her mother.

She fibbed… again. "Sorry, Mom. Like I said. Long drive. I'm in combat mode right now." Her fingers swiped over her nose, just to check for growth.

Abigail relented. "Fine, fine. I'll let you go. Call me soon, though, okay?"

Harper eased off the brake and started backing out of her parking space. "Will do, Mom. Bye." She ended the call and nudged the guilt aside.

Pulling out of the parking lot, she eased into traffic, driving away from her now former apartment. She'd call her mom when she stopped for the night, wherever that ended up being. Then… she'd check in with her dad. And, finally, she'd figure out what the hell she should do with her life. One that wouldn't include Rhett Barrison.

Fighting back tears, she merged onto the interstate.

I'm pleased with how the planning went for this story. I love how everything comes together. Here's hoping I can get it finished up soon.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Liar's Lament

YAY! The Last Ship premieres tonight and I’m very excited! In other television news, it's definitely summer and I've only got two active shows going until later this evening.

Wynonna Earp is crazy good. I need to watch this week's episode, but last week's twist caught me off guard. In a totally great way.

Orphan Black's lead-in to the finale proved excellent as always. Rachel continues to grate on my nerves, but kudos to her for playing Evie Cho and outmaneuvering her with such brutal precision. And, of course, the surprise at the end made the episode kick ass awesome.

I started a rewatch of Babylon 5 and Strike Back. I know, opposite ends of the spectrum but both are terrific shows. I need to find something else to watch after these. Any suggestions… let me know.

Tonight's post is from Liar's Lament, a novella built around the prompt of writing a story that involves a lie.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Harper Scrytch kicks Rhett Barrison to the curb and runs like hell to avoid a romantic entanglement. Four years later she arrives back in town to make amends only to discover Rhett has moved on… unless he hasn't.

And a snippety peek…

Dani wrapped an arm around Rhett. "She seemed to buy the couple act." She took a long swallow of her beer. "You sure you want to play it this way?"

Rhett glanced down. "For now. Yes." He cut through the crowd of people, making a hole for Dani to follow through. "I don't even want to think about getting tangled back up with Harper Scrytch. The woman leaves a trail of blood wherever she goes." He placed his beer on the table.

Dani clicked her tongue against her teeth. "I don't know, Rhett. I get why you're wary, I do, but she doesn't strike me as stupid. She'll figure out we're not together sooner or later." She stepped away and took a seat.

Rhett lifted a shoulder. "Yeah, she will. But she'll twist herself for a couple of days first." He could use the time to wrap his head around her return.

Thank the universe for Dani. When he'd called, asking for a huge favor, she didn't hesitate to agree. A lot could be said for ending things on good terms—something Harper might want to think about.

He settled onto the chair across from Dani. "I'll take the extra time to decide how to handle her return." His lips quirked. "Not like I can up and sail out of town like she did." Picking his beer up, he took a long swallow.

Dani covered his hand with hers. "Looks like you’re the one tied up in knots. It might be simpler to hear her out and see why she came back." Pushing her bottle toward him, she got up to brush a kiss over his temple. "Call me if you feel like talking about it." She angled around the table and made her way to the exit.

Rhett shook his head. If only he and Dani didn't work better as friends. She had her head on straight and didn't flit off to unknown parts when something freaked her out. But Harper plied every string Rhett had, playing him like a maestro. He had to admit he did the same with her.

He drained his beer and reached into his pocket, pulling the five out. Tracing his fingers over the bill, he contemplated his next move. Dani's advice to hear Harper out made sense, but his gut roiled with tension.

Or maybe anticipation. Sometimes he couldn't tell the difference when it concerned Harper.

Sitting the five on the table, he got up, leaving the remaining bottle on the table and making his way to the door. If he planned to face Harper, he needed a clear head.

And about two more days to come to terms with the fact he still and always would love her.

I'm kind of excited to see where Rhett and Harper take me. And considering they're keeping secrets and not being honest with each other, the journey should be a lot of fun.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Liar's Lament

June 1, 2014

Wow, survived something of a long week. Just now catching up on Orphan Black and again, this show eats my brain. I'm about halfway through this week's episode and I'm sitting on the edge of my seat as I type this. LOL

Tonight's post is from Liar's Lament, a novella where my heroine comes home to find things aren't quite as easy as she'd hoped.

Here's the tagline:

Harper Scrytch kicks Rhett Barrison to the curb and runs like hell to avoid a romantic entanglement. Four years later she arrives back in town to make amends only to discover Rhett has moved on… or has he?

And a snippety peek…

Harper wanted to put her fist through the mirror behind the bar. She didn't because she'd brought the situation on herself. Rhett had moved beyond her now and she got what she deserved—watching him have a roaring good time with his new love, Dani. And just her luck, he broke away from the game, heading for the bar.

She swiveled around on the stool. "Gee, Rhett, you've got an interesting way of working up a thirst." She added a smirk.

Rhett shot her a sideways glance. "You got a problem with how I spend my downtime with my girlfriend?" He stopped short of spitting the words out, barely.

Harper lifted a shoulder. "No, just making an observation." A rude one, maybe, but at least she didn't hit anything.

Rhett snorted. "Whatever, Harper." He held up two fingers for Joe, the bartender.

She had a momentary blip of guilt. Getting up in Rhett's face did no one any good. Except maybe Joe. The guy might as well sell tickets to the patrons of the bar. Everyone tried hard to look like they weren't hanging on every tiny nuance between her and Rhett, but most failed miserably.

Harper forced her rigid posture into a relaxed state and pasted on a quirky smile. "God, tell me to shut up and go back to having fun." She waved at Joe, indicating she'd pick up the tab for Rhett. "I'm such a downer tonight."

The tension in Rhett's shoulders eased and he huffed out a breath. He also managed to keep his mouth shut and not say anything before he grabbed the bottles with one hand and turned to leave.

Harper grabbed his bicep. "Seriously, Rhett. It's good to see you loosen up and have a good time. I'm happy for you." She let go of his arm. "Don't think otherwise." She jerked her head towards the skeet ball machines. "Go… and have a game on me." She pressed a five dollar bill into his free hand. "I'm gonna call it a night." She slid off the barstool and started for the exit.

Before she left, Harper glanced over her shoulder to find Rhett gazing after her, a thoughtful look on his face. Dani moved to stand by his side, snagging one of the beers from his hand, breaking the moment.

Harper walked out into the cool night air, a buzz disappointment hovering in her head. She could pay all the lip service in the world and never be happy for Rhett, even though Dani seemed like a perfectly nice woman. Harper couldn't fault Rhett for moving the hell on, not when she'd pretty much pushed him to do it. Sometimes the 'what if' idea ate at her. Especially when he'd been so ready to settle down and make a stab at something. Goddamn her fight or flight reaction.

Now, she had no desire to run and every wish to have a second chance. Too bad she got her shit together a little too late.

One of my favorite tropes is having couples work their way back to each other. Harper has some groundwork to lay out, and Rhett has to let her back in.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin