Sunday Snippet: Hot Water

I had a jam-packed week of setting up a new PC and transferring files while trying to also stay on top of my work projects. In all honesty, I can't complain about the process. Of course, things went wrong because that's how it always goes. I didn't have the right cable to connect my monitor to the tower, but I found one in my stash of never-throw-away-this-type-of-thing pile of stuff I keep for that sole purpose. And once I figured out how to configure the network, transferring files has gone pretty smooth. I have a couple of final things to work out but I can take some time to do that stuff.

Didn't watch a lot of television because I needed to focus and my desk had several variations before I got the final layout figured out.

I did finish out season three of Batman: The Animated Series. I'm happy I got it done before the great wipeout from all existence. The episodes to complete the series were "Judgment Day," which I loved, "Beware the Creeper," which I also kind of enjoyed, and "Mad Love," which seems like a weird episode to end on because it's all about the Joker and Harley, but it's actually a terrific endcap for the series, because it's also about the role Batman plays in that relationship.

I also started a Battlestar Galactica rewatch with one of my best friends. We're doing weekly viewings and we've started with the miniseries. There were so many little things I'd forgotten and a lot of iconic stuff I definitely remembered. This show had such an impact on me and I'm kind of excited and terrified to travel on the journey again. LOL

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hot Water, a novella where the characters bond over not having enough hot water at the summer camp they work for.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Demi Strange and Nathan Jordan work together at a summer camp, things get heated. The campers use up the water ration, leaving Demi to borrow Nathan's shower and it lands her in more than hot water.

And a snippety peek…

Nathan joined Demi at her table in the dining hall. "Okay if I sit?" He didn't wait for an answer, settling across from her.

She glanced up, smiled briefly, and went back to her salad.

Nathan tucked in to the cottage cheese. "Have you decided what you're going to do after college?" He gave her his full attention because he wanted her to know he enjoyed her conversation.

Demi shrugged. "I have a solid idea of what I want to do, but I'm keeping options open." She finished the pasta in the bowl on her plate. "Carol mentioned you have several interviews this summer." She asked him about the jobs he'd applied for and how the interview process worked for him.

Nate happily explained, but also returned the focus back to her several times. By the time he'd finished eating, he couldn't believe almost forty-five minutes had passed.

Scooping up his tray along with hers, he arched a brow. "I'm not making you late for anything, am I?" He didn't check the schedule before he hit the mess hall.

Demi shook her head. "It's Mitzi's turn to get the girls through the evening bathroom ritual." She walked with him to stow the trays by the washing station. "Hopefully, she'll get them settled with their daily thirty minutes of screen time by the time I get there."

Nathan held the door open and fell into step beside Demi. "Mind if I walk you to the dorm?"

She tilted her head and gave him a flirty smile. "Not at all." She paused a moment. "Am I sensing an effort being made here?"

Nate answered honestly. "Yes. A genuine one. I really like you and I hate how my playboy rep is biting me on the ass because I'd really like a shot with you." They turned down the path leading to the girls' cabins.

Demi laughed. "Gotta admit, I didn't think you had it in you." She stopped at the gravel walkway.

Nate leaned in close to her. "I want to kiss you. Is that okay?"

She gave a startled nod, and he cupped her chin for a quick, hard lip-lock.

Easing back, he inclined his head. "That's to show I'm serious. I hope you'll give me a chance to prove I've turned over a new leaf."

Demi blinked. "Uh, okay. I'm willing to see where things go."

Nate couldn't ask for more. He lifted a hand in farewell and strolled back toward the main camp.

I love how much Nathan wants to prove he's changed and isn't going to be a player anymore and how startled Demi is.

 

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: Hot Water

Crap. It's December. I'm not even close to being holiday-ready. Then again, it's been a really weird year. Update from last week. The youngest is negative for Covid. She's home and having fun with the dogs. The middle kiddo? Well, he ended up back in the emergency department again. The acid reducer seems to be working, but we've discovered he's got kidney stones. There might be more going on but we won't know until he follows up with a urologist. All I know is he's tired of feeling like crap. Fingers crossed we get whatever is up with him figured out.

Kind of a slow week in television. I watched several more episodes of Silent Witness. I'm almost finished with season seven. I'll start eight this upcoming week and then I'll be at the place I originally started watching the series.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and got about halfway through. I'll finish it up this week.

Also plan to watch Gabriel's Inferno part three and some holiday quickies from Passionflix this week. Looking forward to diving into those!

Tonight's post is from Hot Water, a novella where my main characters bond over the lack of hot water.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Demi Strange and Nathan Jordan work together at a summer camp, things get heated. The campers use up the water ration, leaving Demi to borrow Nathan's shower and it lands her in more than hot water.

And a snippety peek…

Demi hated the shower situation. She finished rinsing off under an icy deluge.

"Damned tweens and their brilliant minds."

She never got to the shower stalls in time to grab a hot one because the girls figured out they could each get one extra minute of rationed time if they kept her busy and took their turns one after the other. After toweling off, hoping to create some heated friction, she dressed quickly and grabbed her kit. Her third cold shower of the week left her teeth chattering and she counted herself ready to do something she'd never done before—maim her campers. All ten of them.

"Little demons."

Okay, not so little. Most were in the ten to twelve age group. And every one of the girls got along, something almost unheard of in her three years' experience. She wouldn't ruin their fun at her expense … yet. She needed to play their game and beat them. No more distractions.

She exited the building and bumped into Nathan.

With a grunt, he steadied her then narrowed his eyes. "You're shivering and you have goose bumps." His gaze showed concern. "You didn't get a hot shower, did you?"

She shrugged. "It's the chilly weather. Very unseasonable this summer." She backed away, trying not to choke of the falsehood even though the temperatures had been in the high sixties the past week.

Nathan trotted to catch up with her. "Look, you can use my shower anytime. No strings attached. I mean it." He paused at the juncture leading to the boys' side of the camp.

She gave him a brief smile but kept walking. "Thanks."

She'd started to thaw out, both from the icy water and around Nathan. She really did appreciate the offer. A small shiver went through her. She might have to take him up on the use of his cabin.

Entering the girls' dorm, she shook her head. "But I'm not ready to cave just yet."

Way too much temptation she might not be able to resist.

Demi definitely won't be able to keep resisting Nathan's offer … or him.

 

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: Hot Water

Whew. Crazy-busy week. I spent much of the past seven days brainstorming a new business idea with one of my closest friends. We're close to making a decision about moving forward or not. I'll keep everyone posted.

Not a bad week for television. Got in more Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Decent episodes but I'm always thrown by Batman not being Kevin Conroy. Ah, well. That's how it goes.

Got a couple episodes of Constantine in. I'll have one more to watch to finish up the season. Also caught the first episode of Lexx. I remember the original run but didn't get to watch everything from start to finish. Looking forward to seeing the entire story.

Watched another episode of The Coroner. It fits in well with my other mystery shows. Got two episodes of Midsomer Murders and Endeavor in. I'm caught up as far as I can be with Endeavor. Have to wait for season five to become available for binge-watching.

Watched a Hallmark movie, The Art of Us. I had the pleasure of editing the wonderful book from Tule Publishing. The movie turned out really well.

Caught my military shows with one episode each. Band of Brothers and Strike Back. Also followed up with an episode of Chicago Fire.

Sense 8 had another terrific episode. I'm always blown away with the seamlessness of the cluster interactions. I can't wait to watch more of this show. Started The Dresden Files with the first episode. I enjoyed this show when it originally aired. I'm up to episode seven of Canal Road and the twisty turns keep on coming. I'm very invested in seeing how the show plays out with regards to Spencer's wife's death.

I started a classic series in black and white called Medic. There are only twelve episodes available on the app, but I'll see how the second one is before deciding to continue or not.

Finally started the second season of The Sarah Conner Chronicles. I so wish there had been more of this show. Things really jelled in season two.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Hot Water, a novella that started with a prompt and took a wild-hair turn into something completely different.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Demi Strange and Nathan Jordan work together at a summer camp, things get heated. The campers use up the water ration, leaving Demi to borrow Nathan's shower and it lands her in more than hot water.

And a snippety peek…

Nate shook off the odd feeling of being brushed aside. Had he offended Demi?

He got up. "Nah. I've offered everyone a chance to use the cabin." Gathering up his paperwork, he filed it in the cabinet and went to meet the kitchen staff to discuss how they could help with the water situation.

He found Carol filling a huge stock pot with water.

She held up a hand. "Don't even bother. I'm filling the pots with cold water and I'll keep them on the stove on a low boil." She lifted the heavy pot with ease and carried it to the range. "Not like I haven't done this before." Her lips spread in a wide smile. "Glad Butch and Linda converted the stove to electric five years ago."

His first summer at the camp. "Such a big deal at the time." But a good decision.

Carol turned the burner on. "You were just a babe way back then." She laughed, obviously enjoying being able to rib him.

Nate shrugged. "Right out of high school with my first job away from home." Man, had he been green.

Carol flashed a smile. "And you loved every moment of being here." She started filling another pot.

Nate nodded. "I did. Still do." Except… he'd be graduating with his master's degree after the fall semester.

Which begged the question… what to do next?

Carol voiced the exact thought. "What're your plans? I'm assuming you won't be here next year." She handed him the pot when he held out a hand and started filling another one.

Nathan put the water on the stove and turned the burner on. "I'm interviewing for a few spots over the summer, the jobs contingent on graduation." He needed something full-time, otherwise, he'd love to return to the camp.

How much longer did Demi have for her degree?

Why the hell did he care?

Because she intrigued him. Her seeming lack of interest piqued his curiosity. In a very good way.

He still had the question in his mind when the counselors and campers gathered around the fire for spooky stories and gooey s'mores. A tailor-made opportunity presented itself when Mitzi got up to get more marshmallows, leaving the space beside Demi open. Nate took the spot, determined to find out more about the beautiful woman.

She quirked an eyebrow when he settled beside her. "Nate." She didn't say more and went back to watching the flames flicker and dance.

He nudged her with his shoulder. "How did the girls take the news?" Might as well open with a common thread.

Demi snorted. "As well as any preteen that loves to primp and pamper themselves would." She laughed. "So not completely well."

He chuckled. "Bart said the guys grumbled and complained, but decided to make a competition out of who gets done the fastest and still manages to get clean."

Demi wrinkled her nose. "And who determines the level of cleanliness?"

Nate shook his head. "I have no idea, but no doubt Bart will get stuck with the task." Nate definitely would not.

Demi only smiled and turned her attention back to the fire. Nathan frowned. What did he have to do to hold her attention?

He asked the question on his mind all day. "So, how much longer do you have to finish your degree?" Crappy transition, but maybe school would open her up.

Demi glanced in his direction, narrowing her gaze a little. "I'm starting my final year this fall. Why?" Her gaze clouded a little like she couldn't believe he'd want to know.

The idea didn't sit well with him. He never treated his counselors like they didn't matter. But she had wariness almost oozing from her pores. Because of him? The notion bothered him. A lot.

He folded his hands in his lap to avoid the urge to get closer to her. "Mainly curious. Your major is…" Aw, hell, why couldn't he remember? "Something with communications?" Geez, I'm an idiot.

Demi rolled her eyes. "Nate, really, you don't have to pretend to be interested. I'm an English major with a minor in communications." She turned her attention back to the fire.

Dammit. He actually wanted to know. And he'd remembered the communications part.

He tried again. "I'm not pretending. Why would you think I am?" He had a guess and could kick himself for it.

She sighed. "Look, I know how this usually goes. You pick someone or someones and lavish your attention on them, inviting them to your cabin for a hot fling that ends by the time our final paycheck clears for the season." Angling toward him a little, she met his gaze. "Let me be blunt. You're extremely attractive, but your role as the director—with your own private cabin—doesn't really interest me. Your previous liaisons kind of speak for themselves as to how this summer would play out." She got up and smoothed her shorts down. "I guess I should thank you for considering me but I'd rather not be in contention for the annual summer bed-partner spot." Turning away, she clapped her hands. "Girls, let's start getting things cleaned up."

Nate blew out a harsh breath. "Geez, she pretty much called it straight down the middle." Except he'd already decided to avoid the whole revolving bed status quo this year. "Figures I find someone that genuinely interests me and I screw up my chances before I even get out of the gate."

Which served him right. The irony kind of smacked him in the face and he laughed. Shot down in flames with scorched-earth precision, he had his work cut out for him.

And he planned to prove Demi wrong; show her his past didn't define his future.

Starting first thing tomorrow.

Heh. Nate got hoisted by his own petard. I love having him at a disadvantage.

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: Hot Water

Happy Easter to those who observe and celebrate. We're having some lovely weather in Ohio, which might only last twenty-four hours because—hello!—it's Ohio. LOL I'm still battling the flu… apparently I got the full two-week version. Yay, me.

That said, I did enjoy my week of new shows on television. The Walking Dead followed up the Carol / Maggie excellence with another terrific episode. I'm still not all that excited for Negan to show up, but eh, we'll see what happens when he does.

Gotham took a turn I didn't expect and I'm definitely interested in where things go from here. Nygma is one crafty, creepy dude. The Magicians continues to keep me intrigued. I truly love the dynamic between Penny and Quentin. The Lost Girl finale had me sobbing… again. I'm going to miss that show so much. Bitten twisted the spikes in a little deeper, but I loved the spin with making Rachel the one with powers instead of Rocco. Awesome to see Paige again.

The Flash made a reveal I didn't expect until the end of the season, so kudos for keeping me on my toes. Arrow took a turn I didn't exactly like, but I'm in for the long haul with Oliver and company. Looking forward to a new Legends episode this week.

Agents of SHIELD keeps getting better and better. I'm excited for the Most Wanted spin off. I love those characters.

The finale for Murdoch Mysteries proved excellent. I can't believe they keep coming up with great stuff after almost ten years. Here's to another terrific season whenever it premieres.

And that's the television update for this week.

Tonight's post is from Hot Water, a novella based on the prompt "Shower, visiting quarters or room, tiny towel". How can this one not be fun? LOL

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Demi Strange and Nathan Jordan work together at a summer camp, things get heated. The campers use up the water ration, leaving Demi to borrow Nathan's shower and it lands her in more than hot water.

And a snippety peek…

"As of today, we're instituting a time restriction for showers."

Demi Strange groaned, expecting the news but less than thrilled to hear the actual decision. Too many of the campers for the summer program were using an overabundance of hot water, which made costs rise and the minimal profit earned fall. For a group of tweens and teens, the need to take long, hot showers kind of amazed Demi. When she'd come to Camp Canawatchee during her summer breaks over ten years ago, a quick dousing to wash her hair and shave her legs sufficed. These kids treated bath time like a spa day.

Nathan Jordan, the head counselor and acting director, lifted his hands to muffle the complaints. "Look, it's not that bad. We're going to start with five minutes and if we get things under control, we'll increase the time." He glanced in Demi's direction and flashed a smile.

She ignored the little kick in her pulse rate and voiced a concern. "What about shaving?" Even she would have trouble getting finished in five minutes.

He frowned. "Most of the boys aren't shaving yet, but if they are, they can use the sink."

Demi rolled her eyes. "Well, most of the girls are and it's not fair to make them try to stand on one leg to get the job done. Not to mention, it's a liability if anyone happens to have balance issues." She shot the other female counselor a look. "Mitzi? Do you agree?"

Mitzi gave an emphatic nod. "Absolutely. Not asking for special treatment here, but ten minutes would be better."

Nathan heaved a sigh. "Fine. Girls get ten. But that's it." He moved around the table, handing out a notice to put up in the cabins. "We're installing timers and the hot water gets shut off when the limit is reached."

One of the male counselors, Frank, laughed. "I'll bet it only takes finishing one cold shower for everyone to fall in line."

Nathan lifted a shoulder. "They can have as much time as they want with cold water." His lips curved in a grin. "But I doubt anyone will take us up on that offer."

Demi took her notices and filed them in her organizer. She could already hear the outbursts she'd get from the girls. Nathan adjourned their meeting and wished everyone luck. Staying behind when the others left, Demi jotted a few ideas down to appease the monster attitudes she expected.

Nathan pulled out a chair and settled in next to her. "Sorry for the inconvenience this is going to cause everyone." He whipped out his ready smile.

Demi loved the way his lips curved and the corners crinkled when he grinned. But she fought the thrill of her imagination and calmed her racing heart. Carefully putting her pen into the slot of her organizer, she shut the book and gave him her full attention. Probably not her best move because she couldn't deny a serious attraction for the man. And she didn't want it to be a "thing".

She had more sense than that, right?

Who else thinks Demi's sense is going out the window on this one? LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin