Sunday Snippet: Open Shelter

Well, it's kind of fitting that my last blog post for 2023 is on the actual last day of the year. I'm taking that as a good vibe to carry into 2024.

Had a semidecent week. Finished up a couple of things that needed attention and started to get my website updated after a very long dry spell. I'm also very close to launching the new endeavor I've been working on for several months.

Did pretty much a full run-through of my usual slate of shows. I have a whole lineup of holiday stuff I want to watch also. I know it's weird to wait until after the holiday is over but I've been very Scrinch-like the past couple of weeks, mainly because of the yucky cold.

Started out with My Life Is Murder and enjoyed the episode. I will say I still get a little put off by how prickly Alexa can be. I'm sure that's by design, but it annoys me.

Agatha Raisin kind of crushed me a little. I love Agatha and James and having them kind of end things breaks my heart. But I do love they ended on a soft goodbye instead of a harsh one. Looking forward to the next episode.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and I'm kind of surprised how things played out. Did not expect the new guy to have such a dark secret. I love that he exposed it himself. Can't wait to see how this ends.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise and it's one I'd seen before. Meeting Humph's dad explains so much. I love how this episode played out. Looking forward to starting Beyond Paradise to see if there's more of Humph's family.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Loved diving into Joan's previous life a little. I'm very intrigued by her and having glimpses into her former profession is always fun.

Finally continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. This episode had some great moments even if it ended up being heavier on the cylon lore. Hoping to catch another episode in the near future. Also need to backtrack a little and watch the webisodes and movie.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. I actually remembered this one because Alfred ended up being a lot of fun. I love it when he steps out of his comfort zone into his former life.

Caught an episode of Classic Rugrats. I have vague memories of this one, especially Angelica trying to be silent. In all fairness, she got robbed for once.

Watched another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I have one more left for the first season. So far, I'm enjoying it, but I'm glad I have season two ready to go because I have feeling the first is going to end on a cliffhanger.

Finished up my episode of VIP from last week and started a new one. I forgot I didn't get all the way through the episode because I remembered how it ended.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Open Shelter, a novella that brings childhood friends together as a couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

Jay Hestwick meets Weslee Noss at the open shelter his mom operates and sees through her sarcastic rogue front to the scared kid underneath and decides to be her new best friend. Fifteen years later, Jay runs the program and Weslee comes home, ready to assist, but she doesn't realize she's bringing a dangerous menace out of hiding now that she's back.

And a snippety peek…

Weslee gazed at the curved lane leading to the Hestwick family estate after Jay keyed in the entry code to open the gate.

She arched her brows. "You upgraded the guard shack?" She shouldn't be surprised.

It had been seven years since she'd been to the property, way back in her sophomore year of high school.

Jay shook his head. "I didn't. The estate manager did. They wanted the update to accommodate two to three workers when they host events in the main house." He slid glance her way. "Wanna see the place?"

Her lips quirked. "Yeah, let's drive by. I haven't been since your mom's funeral." And she'd stayed pretty much in the large kitchen, her favorite place in the home.

When younger, she'd expected something like a huge mansion the first time Nora insisted on bringing Weslee home with her. But the estate actually consisted of four homes, a stable, a large garage, a gardener's shed, and several outbuildings. The main house did impress, with three stories and a grand double staircase leading to the second floor.

Weslee angled toward Jay. "So, you're only using the place as a venue for events?" A terrific idea, actually.

Jay grunted. "Yeah. Meetings, weddings, galas. I literally have nothing to do with it. With the exception of providing the Hestwick name." He made a slow pass through the circular drive then headed for the small lane that led to the modern wood and glass structure on the lake.

Weslee grinned. "You're still in the art house." Her heart warmed a little and some of her nerves settled.

When she'd first seen the building hugging the shore of the small lake, she told Nora it looked like a museum of modern art and architecture. But the inside oozed warmth with clean lines and earthy hues. Both fit Jay's personality to a tee.

Jay laughed. "I've been there since I turned sixteen, with the exception of when Mom got sick. It's home." His gaze went to the rearview mirror. "More than the main house ever was."

Weslee nodded. "It suits you. The cottage is too stuffy for you, and the A-frame is too far from the main house." She loved both.

The stone cottage had a quaint and charming interior with overstuffed furniture and lots of woven tapestries. Her personal favorite had to be the A-frame. Rustic and quiet, it sat nestled into a copse of tall pines that didn't deter the natural light flooding in through the windows.

Jay pulled to a stop under the carport and turned to face her. "You're sure? About staying tonight?" His head angled to one side, and he gave her a questioning look.

Weslee lifted her chin. "I'm sure. I'll get started on furnishing the apartment tomorrow." Her lips curved. "Which means I might be taking a half day if you'll drop me off in the morning."

Jay chuckled. "You can have the whole day. As a matter of fact, you can go through the outbuildings to see if there's anything you can use there. Get a jumpstart and all." He popped his door open and dashed around to get hers.

Weslee slid out of the car and leaned up to press her lips against his. "Thank you. You're making this so easy for me."

Jay hugged her to his side. "If I go overboard, let me know." He led her up the walkway to the side door. "But I want you to be settled and happy."

Weslee followed him into the house. "Trust me when I say I'm easy to please." Okay, not always, but Jay never let her down.

And now she had to make sure she didn't let him down either … the only reason she had a tickle of nervous tension about spending the night with him.

But she wanted more than the kiss they shared earlier. She needed to see where things could go with him. He'd been her dream man for a long time, and he'd given her the time and space to figure out exactly what she wanted.

Jay shut the door and paused, blowing out a huff of air. "I'm suddenly at a bit of a loss. Like I said, I didn't think much beyond kissing you earlier." He raked a hand through his hair. "Not sure what to do now that we're here."

Weslee had all kinds of ideas. "Well, let's maybe start with this…" Wrapping her arms around his neck, she meshed her lips with his.

I'm having fun figuring out where this story is going. Jay and Weslee are an interesting couple to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Open Shelter

Had a family wedding this weekend and it ended up being terrific weather, kind of warm but the venue had air conditioning and it cooled off in the evening and the mosquitoes weren't awful.

Had another weird mix of a week. Got a lot of writing done and several new projects on the horizon I prepped for. Not a bad week for television either.

Started out with a new episode of Blue Heelers. Didn't quite finish it up yet, but I'm over halfway through.

Watched another episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I'm still enjoying this one. I'm a little on the fence with Zelda but I'm kind of invested in finding out what happened to Sabrina's parents. And Harvey's dad is a total ass.

Caught the second class on graphic design in the Master Class series I started. This one focused on typography and ended up being pretty interesting and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Started the Ready Room episodes for Picard. I enjoyed Wil Wheaton's mix of insider knowledge and uber-fan vibe. Looking forward to more of these.

Watched another Passionflix holiday Quickie. The Package ended up being another fun elevator setting. I'm a fan of being trapped with nowhere to go and having to deal with a bad day.

Caught another episode of Chicago Med. I'm really happy I'm finally able to watch this series from the beginning. A heartbreaker of an episode but happy at the end.

Watched the series two finale of No Offence. This ended up being a really terrific season. I'll look forward to starting series three this week.

Also started the first part of a Silent Witness two-parter. I vaguely remember this one and the next episode marks the end of series ten. We'll be getting into the seasons I've watched before.

Caught the final episode arc for season fifteen of Classic Who. Leela stayed behind on Gallifrey so I'm assuming there'll be a new companion when I start sixteen this week.

Started the second season of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. The first episode opened with a deep dive into Nazi secrets surrounding unidentified flying objects. I've seen quite a few of those clips on another program but it's interesting to see how different experts interpret things.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show with Milton Berle and Rich Little as the guest stars. Lots of fun to have the comedians interact with the muppets.

Also started a new episode of The Hardy Boys. I had a long conversation with my brother about the show, which he recommended. I enjoy the intrigue and clues and I love how the brothers interact with each other and their friends.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Open Shelter, a novella that gives long-time friends a chance to pursue something more.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jay Hestwick meets Weslee Noss at the open shelter his mom operates and sees through her sarcastic rogue front to the scared kid underneath and decides to be her new best friend. Fifteen years later, Jay runs the program and Weslee comes home, ready to assist, but she doesn't realize she's bringing a dangerous menace out of hiding now that she's back.

And a snippety peek…

Jay studied Weslee while she unpacked her satchel. "Big Bertha's happy to have you back." The woman insisted on cooking them dinner then ordered them back to Weslee's office while she got to work.

Weslee glanced up. "I missed her. There's something about the combination of grandmotherly warmth mixed with the drill sergeant vibe I've never been able to find anywhere else but here." She chuckled.

Jay nodded, understanding exactly what Weslee meant. "When she considers you one of her own, she's not bashful about making it known." Bertha wore a lot of hats for a lot of people.

Weslee put some files in the desk then settled behind it. "You and she are all I have now. And I'm glad I've got both of you." She smiled. "Should we tell her she doesn't need to matchmake?"

Jay shook his head. "And ruin her fun? Nah. Let's give her tonight." He'd be reluctant to admit Bertha's dinner idea took some of the pressure he'd put on himself off.

He wanted Weslee's first night back to be amazing.

But he didn't quite know what his next step should be.

She tilted her head to one side. "What are you worried about?"

He blinked. "How did you know I'm concerned about something?"

She arched a brow. "Master's degree, remember?" She got serious. "And I've known you forever even though I've been gone for a while."

Jay didn't want to downplay anything. "Thinking about later … after dinner." He shifted in his seat, his confidence from earlier a little off.

Her lips curved in a half-smile. "As in your place or mine?" She got up and came around the front of the desk.

Jay huffed out a breath. "Pretty much." He leaned back in the comfortable chair. "I mean being on the same page is terrific, but I didn't really think past letting you know I'm interested." He met her gaze. "Kind of pathetic, right?"

Weslee pushed away from the desk. "Not at all." She moved to sit on his lap. "In fact, it's one of the things I love about you. You're confident without being arrogant." Her lips brushed over his forehead. "A lot of men with your background can't pull that off. They're assholes because they didn't have your mom or Big Bertha in their life." She rested her head against his. "I, for one, am glad, because between the three of you, I had a safe zone when my mom went off the rails and I eventually learned how to function with normal people."

Jay's arms went around her. "I'll never forget the day you arrived here." She'd been sarcastic, snarky, and used swear words in every sentence.

At the age of eight.

Weslee groaned. "God, we were a mess. My mom's … boyfriend … dumped us at the front door, peeled rubber, and never looked back." She shook her head. "And thus a pattern was established."

Jay rubbed her back. "You went through a lot. My mom took to you right away." The same way he had.

And she'd seen what he did under the surface of the rogue daughter—a scared little girl who'd never admit her fear and would fiercely protect herself and her mother.

Weslee chuckled. "She was horrified I knew how to swear better than most sailors." She eased back. "I'm so sorry you lost her."

His heart gave a twist. "Me too. But her legacy lives on here."

Weslee lifted her chin. "And in you."

Jay nodded. He'd taken over at the shelter two years before her death and hoped to continue improving on her passion project. Adding Weslee to the staff definitely counted.

"Hey. You two gonna come out and break bread with me or what?" Bertha poked her head inside the office.

Weslee laughed and scooted off his lap. "Wouldn't miss it. Whatever you made smells wonderful."

Bertha basked under the praise. "Stroganoff and fresh bread. And a salad from the extra produce our veggie guy dropped off." She turned and started for the kitchen.

Jay got up and fell into step beside Weslee.

She put her arm around his waist. "Let's make it your place … mine's not livable yet. I have zero furniture."

Jay grinned. "My place it is."

I'm excited about this one. I love friends to lovers, especially when there's not a secret crush—although those are fun too.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Open Shelter

Whoo boy… winter arrived with an icy drizzle followed by some major snow. I'm very glad I have no place I need to be that involves travel. Ugh.

Another slower week for television. I had a project that needed some solid focus and I used music as my background noise for less distraction. Oddly enough, it was a New Year's Eve playlist. LOL I also had some outside things going on; lunch with my daughter and cousin and a lengthy concussion assessment for my middle kid. Okay, he's not really a kid anymore since he just turned twenty, but he needed to have someone with him while they did the tests and I'm glad I was there. Turns out he's probably had a concussion for at least a couple of years. Epic fail on my parental duties there.

I did catch the finale of Strike Back. Kind of liked the way it ended but I'm used to a little more closure. I'm definitely looking forward to the new season in the next week or so.

Watched an episode of Chicago Fire and—thank whatever rules the universe—the stupid deputy commissioner appears to be out. Who knows for how long, but man, I hate that storyline. Also saddened that Severied lost his dad. Really thrilled Benny came through in the end though.

Caught an episode of Luke Cage. Actually kind of liked watching several relationships implode. Almost to the end of the season then, sadly, won't have any new to look forward to. I'm so excited for Punisher's second season but I'm hitting up Iron Fist and Dare Devil first.

I watched some behind the scenes stuff from Passionflix. If you're not a subscriber, check it out if you love books made into movies. Had time to finish up the web planet arc of Classic Who also.

I finished out the week with an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. This show continues to make me happy and hasn't fallen back on repeating storylines yet. After twelve years. That's amazing.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Open Shelter, a novella that started with a prompt of having the main character meets at an early age, like eight years old, and develop the story based on that meeting.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jay Hestwick meets Weslee Noss at the open shelter his mom operates and sees through her sarcastic rogue front to the scared kid underneath and decides to be her new best friend. Fifteen years later, Jay runs the program and Weslee comes home, ready to assist, but she doesn't realize she's bringing a dangerous menace out of hiding now that she's back.

And a snippety peek…

Weslee stared out the window in her new office. "Used to be the crying room." Her laugh slipped out before she could stop it.

Jay's mom, Nora, used to send mothers with infants or toddlers who had turned on the waterworks to this space until they got things under control. The shelter could be scary and the cheery yellow room with the big window and lots of toys helped ease the transition.

"Looks different now, doesn't it?" Jay's voice cut through her memories.

She turned and smiled. "You went all out, didn't you?" Soothing green replaced the sunny shade of yellow but one corner still had a grouping of toys stashed neatly in a large unit of cubbies. Those would come in handy when she had to meet with parents in need.

Jay entered and looked around. "It was ready for an update and you needed space." He jerked his thumb toward the corridor. "We moved the family area down two doors. It's a little more out of the way, not as close to the loud kitchen area, and the window overlooks the playground." He put his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. "Big Bertha sends her love. And she wants to see you when you're settled."

Her lips curved. The kiss stretched between them and she could play it off or dig in and discover how deep his feelings went. Because hers… well, she didn't have a clue but she wanted to find out.

Moving to stand in front of him, she glanced over her shoulder. "I'm pretty much set. I mean you basically thought of everything I'd need or want and set it up." Her gaze met his. "Why?" She asked about more than the office décor… would Jay pick up on that?

He kept his eyes on her. "I want you to stay and be happy here." His tone held a much deeper meaning.

Weslee grasped his hips and moved closer. "So, the kiss…" Her tongue swiped over her lower lip. "Can be part of that?"

Jay tilted his head, his mouth hovering over hers. "If you want it to be. No pressure, but all possibilities are open." He waited, staying within easy reach.

Weslee tilted her chin and meshed her lips with his. She poured her answer into the embrace, slipping her tongue against his. She'd been out of his life for a long time. Five years. Coming back, she didn't know what to expect but the welcome ended up being more than she'd hoped for.

Easing away before things got out of hand, she rested her forehead on his chest. "Please tell me you're not involved with anyone right now." Jay didn't do the player thing, at least he hadn't when she'd left.

He shook his head. "Not for over a year now." He tilted her chin up. "And it wasn't serious."

His reply made her happy. No wounded lover in the background hoping for a second chance. She kept things casual during school, only going out with guys who understood she focused on her studies as a priority.

Stepping back, she grabbed his hand. "Same. Although I always did the friend with benefits thing. A relationship would've taken time I didn't have." And, frankly, no one held her interest enough to pursue more.

Jay laced their fingers together. "I meant it when I said all possibilities are open. We can do the friends with benefits if you want."

She cracked a smile. "Jay, we're more than friends. We always have been." And with school out of the way, they could figure out exactly what they were together.

He wrapped an arm around her. "Was hoping you'd say that." He started out the door, leading her with him. "Let's go see Bertha."

Weslee gladly went along with him. She couldn't wait to see the tiny dynamo again.

I love where this one is going and the rediscovery between Jay and Weslee. It won't all be sunny skies, especially when the past comes calling.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Open Shelter

Well… it's kind of fitting the finale for The Last Ship is on the anniversary of 9/11. I have no doubt the end of season three will blow my mind. The previous episode has so much packed into it. Chandler knows what's happening on US soil. And it's not what he expected. The Greens were FINALLY reunited. If Blonde Ambition tries to do anything to their kid, I'm going to reach through the television and bitch slap her. Just saying. Pretty sure she'll focus on Chandler's family instead. Which means I'll still want to bitch slap her. LOL

I missed the double header of Dark Matter so I'll be playing catch up this week. I hope. I've got a crazy schedule through the end of the month so who knows.

No time to work on recaps of Killjoys season one. Maybe next week. I did get to watch a few episodes of Strike Back and should finish out season two soon. Might have to add recaps for this one to my list also. There's so much to love.

That's it for now. Should have few new shows to chat about soon.

Tonight's post is from Open Shelter, a novella that got a start with the prompt of a character meeting the other character when one was eight years old. I love childhood friends becoming more later in life.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jay Hestwick meets Weslee Noss at the open shelter his mom operates and sees through her sarcastic rogue front to the scared kid underneath and decides to be her new best friend. Fifteen years later, Jay runs the program and Weslee comes home, ready to assist, but she doesn't realize she's bringing a dangerous menace out of hiding now that she's back.

And a snippety peek…

She looked better than ever. Her clothes gave her a willowy appearance, but the garments hid a toned and fit body ready to rumble if necessary. Weslee could always handle herself in almost any situation. Hell, she'd saved his ass a time or two.

Her bemused gaze met his. "Yeah, it's good to be back. I missed you, too." She glanced around the kitchen and relaxed when she realized they were alone. "I hope you don't greet all your long, lost friends with a hot kiss." Her lips curved in a smirk.

Jay snorted. "Most of my long, lost friends are dudes, so, no. There isn't any lip action going on with them." He pointed toward the connecting corridor that led to the office area. "Your name's on the door if you'd like to start getting settled. I'll finish up with Ralph and check in before we get lunch started." Brushing his lips over her temple, he turned and pushed through the café doors.

He didn't want to read too much into her response, but the way she accepted the kiss and her teasing banter kicked his libido into high gear. Weslee didn't make any promises when she agreed to become his head of social programs and he wouldn't expect more. Yet he wouldn't regret planting a hot one on her if for no other reason than to let her know he'd be open to whatever she wanted.

Ralph quirked an eyebrow when Jay returned. "That's a fine looking woman, Jay. Where've you been hiding her?" He slapped the clipboard on top of the produce boxes.

Jay lifted a shoulder. "Upstate at the university. She just finished her masters in social welfare." He grabbed the pen attached to the board and scrawled his signature on the document.

Ralph let out a low whistle. "Wow. I'm impressed. She seems young to be finished with grad school." He tucked the delivery receipt under his arm and pulled the dolly out from under the cases.

Jay grinned. "Weslee writes her own rules. When they said it would take six years to complete her program, she decided she'd do it in five." He laughed. "And she did."

Ralph chuckled. "Sounds like a go-getter. Exactly what you need around here." He started toward the entrance. "Want me to stop back after I've made my rounds? See if I have anything left?"

Jay nodded. "You know I won't turn down produce at a reduced rate." Ralph's boss would rather have cash in his hand than inventory he couldn't sell.

Ralph gave a thumbs up and exited the shelter.

Jay directed two of his volunteers to put the fruit and vegetables away, keeping a box of potatoes and apples off to the side. He had two more helpers start peeling and slicing to make mashed potatoes and applesauce.

A warm hand on his shoulder drew his attention. "That Weslee Noss come back to the fold, Jay?" Big Bertha Sanderson squeezed her fingers into his skin.

Her name belied her stature, compact and tiny, but her heart and voice earned the moniker. Big Bertha started helping at the shelter when Jay's mom ran the place. She stuck around when Jay took over and he'd be lost without her. She kept order in the kitchen and knew every trick to stretching their supplies. Big Bertha also shared her knowledge with many of the shelter inhabitants.

Jay wrapped an arm around her small frame. "Yeah, Bertha. Weslee's home."

Big Bertha quirked an eyebrow. "For good this time?"

Jay hedged his bets. "I hope so, Bertha. She's got her name on an office."

Bertha inclined her chin. "'Bout damned time our girl came home."

Jay couldn't agree more.

I'm hoping to find time to get moving on this one. The sages are starting to cooperate.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Open Shelter

Another long week, but at least some great TV to ease the stress. Currently watching The Last Ship, which continues to keep me entertained. The new season of Doctor Who starts in a few weeks and my fingers are crossed. Really not sure I'm going to like Twelve.

Getting ready to start season two of La Femme Nikita, probably when I completely fell in love with the show. I'm also still loving Defiance and can't wait to see where the season ends.

New and pics from Comic Con made my week. The casts from Orphan Black, Sons of Anarchy, and Arrow were super awesome and shared tons of stuff. I so enjoy it when the actors love what they do and give lots to their fans.

Tonight's post is from Open Shelter, a novella where my main characters have a long history and finally have a chance to become more… if their past doesn't come back to haunt them.

Here's the tagline:

Jay Hestwick meets Weslee Noss at the open shelter his mom operates and sees through her sarcastic rogue front to the scared kid underneath and decides to be her new best friend. Fifteen years later, Jay runs the program and Weslee comes home, ready to assist, but she doesn't realize she's bringing a dangerous menace out of hiding now that she's back.

And a snippety peek…

Weslee paused inside the doors of the Shoreline Open Shelter, letting memories shuffle through her mind. The place still looked the same, but with numerous improvements—better windows, decent lighting, and light, airy colors on the walls filled with painted murals. No doubt Jay encouraged the artwork and he probably provided the supplies to shelter inhabitants. He put so much of his time and funds into the place.

Her gaze scanned the alterations made over the past fifteen years. He'd put in a full-size kitchen with institutional equipment. Accordion partitions could keep the sleeping area separate from the main hall, something she would have welcomed as a child.  She moved further into the area and caught sight of Jay, deep in discussion with a food supplier.

He managed to make jeans and a T-shirt look great with an athletic jacket that hugged his form but didn't constrict his movement. Five years hadn't altered his appearance much, his short, cropped hair still stuck out in different directions—no product necessary to achieve the look—and her fingers itched to muss the strands further.

Maybe later, after he settled with the vendors and got lunch out of the way.

He glanced up and caught her staring, but a huge smile spread across his face. He held up a hand to interrupt the supplier and made a beeline across the floor to scoop her up in his arms and twirl her around.

She laughed and hugged him. "Put me down, you moron. No one will believe I'm your new head of social programs if you don't."

He settled her on the floor. "Did you catch an earlier flight?" Grasping her hand he turned and headed toward the kitchen area. "Why didn't you call? I'd have met you at the airport."

She shook her head. Same Jay. Always going Mach II with his hair on fire. Some things really never changed.

He nodded in the direction of the vendor. "Ralph, give me five. Be right back."

Weslee bobbed her head, acknowledging the supplier with a quick smile.

Jay dragged her through the café doors and had her backed up against the wall before they even swung closed. His mouth crashed over hers and she melted into the kiss, thrilled with the welcome.

Jay eased away, cupping her face with his hands. "I'm glad you're home, Wes. I've missed you."

This one has some suspense which is very fun to write. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin