Sunday Snippet: Wind It Up

So, I'm pretty much caught up on the holiday shopping and just in time. We adopted another doggo this week and I ended up with a mild case of the flu. So far, a multi-symptom medication is taking care of the flu and the puppy is chewing her way through anything she can sink her teeth into. We're working on the little shredder to help break her of tearing into everything.

Slow week for television, but I did watch a Classic Who arc. I think I have one left of season nine.

Caught two more episodes of Gargoyles. I had a great conversation with my oldest about the shows we watched together when he was little. Some great memories shared of how much fun we had.

Started Mr. 365, a Passionflix original, but stopped it about halfway through because I'm behind on everything and I wanted to catch Dirty Sexy Saint, the holiday movie for this year. I'll finish up Mr. 365 soon.

I'm in the middle of Dirty Sexy Saint and, so far, love it. I'm so glad I got a founding member's subscription to Passionflix.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Wind It Up, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Garner Mason enlists in the military and leaves Rae Manilow behind—breaking her heart. Rae meets Sheriff Felix Reynolds and falls hard, settling down with him in his mountain cabin. When Garner rolls into town intent on making amends with Rae, she's trapped between two men she deeply loves and can't see a way out of her predicament.

And a snippety peek…

Garner eased Rae to the bed and peeled off her clothes. He stripped her with slow deliberation, memorizing every curve bared to his gaze. If he could, he'd get on bended knee and ask her to wait… but she deserved so much better than him.

His slow perusal brought a gorgeous flush to her skin. "You're so beautiful, Rae." He shed his shirt and jeans, crawling up beside her.

She palmed his erection. "You're the first person who ever made me feel like I am." Her lips grazed along his shoulder.

You're the first person…

He'd been her first for pretty much everything.

Date

Kiss

Boyfriend

Lover

And he'd never forget any of those.

But she'd been the first person to ever look past the wrong side of the tracks he came from. The first to think he could be better than his history. The first to give him a chance to be the man he wanted to be.

The first to love him unconditionally.

He cupped her face in his hands. "I'll love you forever, Rae. Please know that." His lips caught hers and his tongue slipped past her teeth.

She responded with quiet passion, moaning low in her throat. He settled between her thighs, nudging up against her entrance. Breaking the kiss, he waited until she met his gaze before thrusting forward, sliding deep inside her.

Her chin lifted and her eyes darkened but she didn't look away. Her legs wrapped around his waist and her hips rose, meeting his groin. Garner sucked in a harsh breath. Her silky heat surrounded him and he wanted to stay buried within her for a lifetime.

But he didn't have a lifetime… only small window of moments to fill up on and take with him on the road. The ticking clock counting down to their farewell spurred him onward. He pumped his hips, rained kisses over her skin, and caressed every valley and plane he could reach with his tongue.

Only when Rae gasped and shuddered under him did he finally give in and follow along behind her. His release stormed through his body and he collapsed, easing to the side and gathering her in his arms. She snuggled up against him, placing her head on his chest.

Garner brushed his lips over her temple. "Sleep or another round?" His hand palmed her butt.

Rae's lips curved. "Are you kidding? Another round as soon as you're ready."

Damn, he loved her.

This is one of my favorite combinations, mixing a reunion romance with a new one. I love the possibilities when two people have to put what's best for another ahead of their own egos.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Weathering the Storm

December 15, 2019

There's nothing quite like hitting the third week of December and realizing less than half my holiday shopping is complete. I need about five more hours each day to get everything finished up. Something tells me I'm not going to see that extra time.

Had a decent week of television viewing. Caught an episode of Riverdale and, wow, I'm seriously impressed with how the relationship with Betty and Alice is being portrayed. I'm on the fence with the Hal stuff. Was completely thrilled I didn't have any Hiram to deal with and loved the father / son stuff between FP and Jughead and Archie and Fred. It's so bittersweet to watch Luke Perry's scenes.

Caught another arc of Sapphire and Steel. I should be getting ready to start the third season next week.

Watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. Really not sure what to make of the neighbor interaction. My gut says the wife is probably some type of murderer. We'll see if I'm proven right. I have a vague idea of who I think she'll end up taking out if she is.

Also watch an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries. Enjoyed seeing a family member added to the fold. Loved Nora's mama bear protection instincts.

Also caught another episode of Midsomer Murders. Very happy this has another season coming up.

That's pretty much it for television this week. I also dived deep into the holiday music on a couple of days. Tonight's post is from Weathering the Storm, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gabby Carns and Tim Appleby live in a remote, mountainous region. When the weather report warns of massive snow fall, the couple prepares for the coming blizzard. But instead of being fearful, they're looking forward to the alone time—nothing brings out the steamy romance like a plunge in the temperature.

And a snippety peek…

Gabby checked her list, adding a few items. "Might as well grab some popcorn while I'm out anyway." Tim had an old-fashioned fireplace popper in his workroom.

She made up a couple of peanut butter and banana sandwiches, wrinkling her nose. Tim loved them, but she'd rather have peanut butter and apple, preferably grilled on the stove.

Grabbing her list, she bundled up and went outside, standing on the porch to watch Tim for a few moments. She loved the controlled strength he used to swing the ax, splitting the wood into manageable logs. The same he used to make her body sing under his fingertips.

She stepped out into the yard. "I'm ready to head out. Need me to get anything?" Tightening her scarf, she shivered when the chilly wind hit her from the side.

Tim glanced up then put the ax into a piece of wood. "Let me grab the empty fuel cans." He ducked around the side of the cabin and returned with two ten-gallon canisters.

Skin brushed against skin when he handed them over, shooting a thrill through Gabby.

Tim dropped a kiss on her nose. "Drive safe." He went back to the woodpile and grabbed the ax again. "I want you home in one piece."

She gave him a waggle-fingered wave and stowed the containers in the back of the truck.

The first small flurries drifted down when she slid behind the wheel of the SUV.

She lifted her gaze to the sky as she drove down the drive to the road. "Something wicked this way comes." Angry gray clouds filled the wintry slate blue sky.

Pulling out onto the gravel-topped road, she tuned to the local weather station and cranked up the volume. The earlier report repeated, warning of heavy snowfall. The temperature outside hadn't dropped much, but the biting gusts of wind preceding the storm rocked the vehicle. She bumped the fan on the heater up a notch.

Gabby shook her head. "Gonna be crazy in town." Thankfully, she didn't need much and had an early start.

I love the idea of spending time during bad weather in a cozy cabin. Gabby and Tim are fun to explore the ideas with.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Voices Carry

I wish I could say it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but it's so not. LOL I'm hoping I can add some holiday cheer to the casa sometime this week. I think I'm going to make 2020 my year to finally purge a ton of stuff we no longer need or use.

Didn't have a great week of television, but did get a few things watched. We got a Disney + account through our wireless carrier so I did start a rewatch of the Gargoyles series. I have so many fond memories of this show when my oldest was little.

I finished the Gilmore Girls marathon and had some pretty intense feels. I watched sporadically when it originally aired, mainly because I had three youngish kiddos at the time. I really love the vibe of this show, even when I wanted to strangle the characters sometimes.

Caught another episode of Midsomer Murders and also realized series twenty isn't the last one. Yay!!

Caught a full story arc of Sapphire and Steel along with a full arc of Classic Who. I'd forgotten how much I truly disliked the Master way back when.

I finished out the week with The Trouble with Mistletoe, a Passionflix original. If you're not a member, consider signing up. I love the service!

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Voices Carry, a novella that started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Summer Blaine is a struggling artist who always listens to Detective Fitch Falconer's tales of triumphs and woes when he drops by the diner she works in to make ends meet. When she gets a chance to display her art, she invites Fitch to the gallery to see her true passion. Unfortunately, a ghost from her past tries to get in the way and it's up to Fitch to find out who wants her dead.

And a snippety peek…

I feel like I've passed a test of some kind.

Fitch followed Summer down the long hallway and stopped outside her door. Her artistic flair showed in the bold color choice and decorative border surrounding the jambs.

Summer smiled and pushed the shiny red wood open to reveal her inner sanctum.

Fitch crossed the threshold and whistled. "Whew. This is like entering a different dimension." She had serious talent.

Summer ducked her head a little. "It's a lot, but I love it." Her gaze met his, almost shyly.

Fitch took a moment to appreciate the invitation into her personal space. His gut told him she didn't share this level of intimacy with many people—except with her artwork. Having a glimpse of this side to her meant something.

Fitch soaked up the atmosphere she'd created. "It's amazing." She'd taken color to new levels, creating a cohesive environment that had easily distinguishable spaces with touches of personality stamped in each one.

Summer entered the kitchen area. "I have dark roast and hazelnut. Which do you prefer?" She moved the single unit coffeemaker to the edge of the counter and sent him a quick glance over her shoulder.

Fitch stepped up to the island with barstools lining one end. "Hazelnut. Love the aroma." He loved her efficiency of movement, picturing her with a paintbrush in her hand and a canvas before her. "Laura's excited about the opening. I'll bet she loves the title you decided on." As an opener… playing it safe sounded like the best option.

Summer set the brewed coffee in front of him. "She does. She likes the fact it came from our conversations even more." She started another cup. "I think she's got her matchmaking cap on." A sly look came his way.

He sputtered on his first sip. "Uh… why do you think so?" He hoped like hell Laura didn't suggest Summer ask him to the opening.

Summer laughed. "Because, when we met, she said something along the lines of 'no wonder he turned down a date with my assistant.'" Her cup ready, she joined him at the bar.

Fitch groaned. "Ugh, she didn't." But, of course, she had.

Summer's lips twitched. "Yeah, she kinda did." She sobered. "But I'm glad in a way because I didn't know if inviting you to go with me would be stepping on anyone's toes." Her eyebrow quirked upward.

Fitch shook his head. "Um, no. Much to Laura's dismay." He put his cards on the table. "I haven't been ready to settle down, mainly because I'm a terrible bet for anything normal." With the exception of stopping in to the diner, he didn't have a regular schedule.

Summer took a long sip of coffee then set the mug down. "Normal's overrated. Routine can be good, but a lot can be said for changing things up on a frequent basis." She leaned her forearms on the bar. "Is that what I am to you?"

I'm excited about this story. Summer and Fitch are going to navigate a few twists and turns and it's fun to write their journey.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Violating Space

Whew! Welcome to December. I had a crazy week of trying to find a working stove… okay, a stove with a working oven. It's funny. We get a new furnace and literally two days later, our oven takes a flying leap. The good news is, I didn't have to cook for the US Thanksgiving and we found a new stove.

Television took a back seat to both work and shopping for kitchen appliances. I did get the Murdoch Mysteries episode finished up and enjoyed it a lot.

I also caught a binge-watch of the Green Hornet. I love the vibe of that show. The movie vibe? Not so much.

Then… I fell down the Gilmore Girls rabbit hole and got sucked into a marathon that's still going on. I'd forgotten how much I really liked this show… even when the characters sometimes drove me bonkers.

I will say it's a great show to watch when insomnia strikes. And, man, the insomnia has been a right pain in my ass this past week. Actually, it's been longer than the week, but it really kicked in on Monday and hasn't backed off yet.

That's pretty much it for the mundane real-life stuff this week. Tonight's post is from Violating Space, a sexy short that started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reese Claymore has it bad for Eric Matthews but they work in the same department and can't really get together. Doesn't mean Reese can't express her interest—to the point of driving Eric a little insane over it. He decides to prove a point and invades her personal space, but his plan goes awry when he can't resist acting on his crazy impulse.

And a snippety peek…

Reese unlocked her door and left a trail of clothes from her living room to the bathroom and on into her bedroom. "God… it feels so good to be out of my work getup." Not that she didn't love to dress up.

But a lot could be said for a pair of really comfortable yoga pants, a tank top, and flip-flops.

She heated up a premade dinner and settled in to binge watch the latest must-see series on her favorite streaming channel. A quiet night in ended up being her normal routine, even if she often gave the impression of being a club-going diva.

Flipping through the options on her screen, she chuckled. "Wonder what Eric thinks I do in the evenings." Probably not at all what he envisioned.

Geez, the man took up a lot of space in her head. And why not? He worked hard, didn't make outrageous demands, and had a brain that never stopped.

She found the show she wanted and started the episode. "Why do I find intelligence so damn hot?" Not that Eric didn't have good looks to back everything else up.

Boy, oh, boy did he have some looks. He dressed to impress in suits that she'd swear he had tailored, or at the very least had altered to fit well. They showed off a prime physique—broad shoulders, nipped in waist, and sculpted butt. His ties were fun but not garish. And his choice in foot wear rarely missed.

Stuffing a forkful of pasta into her mouth, she shook her head. "I'd pay to see what he looks like in something athletic." Maybe she should check out the gym on the fourth floor.

She snorted. Right. Tempting fate wouldn't be a good idea.

Which annoyed her to no end. The unwritten rule, stressed by the human resources people, of not getting involved with anyone in the office sucked big ones. In all honesty, Reese got it. Hell, her sophomore year of college, she'd been burned by a coworker at the coffee shop she had a part-time job in. Six months of hot sex and fun times but when it ended, because he had a girl back home, he'd made sure to have a chat with the manager about how much he needed the job when the new semester started and how uncomfortable it would be to work with a former hookup.

Reese rolled her eyes. "Like I didn't need a job too. And I didn't fuck up orders, clock out early, and show up late all the time either." Not that her work ethic mattered.

She didn't get called back.

Pausing the show, she got up, rinsed her dishes, and poured a glass of wine. "I'm stupid to even think about Eric as anything other than a coworker." But he starred in her fantasy dreams anyway.

And not as a possible hookup either.

He had top bill as a potential love interest.

I'm so screwed.

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. I love workplace romances and Eric and Reese are fun people.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Vin's Valentine (An Organic Nature Short)

Hard to believe November is almost over. I think the whole furnace fiasco made the month seem a lot shorter than it actually was. That and my workload hasn't decreased… not that I'm complaining.

Had a somewhat slower week with television. I stuck mainly to marathons during the day. I did get some old-school Midsomer Murders watched along with several episodes of JAG.

I watched another episode of Riverdale and, man, Edgar is super creepy. Also, I still dislike Hiram with the passion of a thousand suns. I actually loved the whole shakedown of the gargoyles. The filming of that scene had me glued to the screen.

Other than that, I'm halfway through an episode of Murdoch Mysteries and really hoping they're not going to have Julia and William break up over the doctor who has the hots for her. I'd be very disappointed.

I also had a run of Classic Who episodes on Pluto TV. Nice to have that on in the background when I'm getting the dishes done or folding clothes.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Vin's Valentine, a sexy Organic Nature short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After Eppie revealed her kinkier side to Vin, their trust and bond is deeper and better than ever. But there's someone else who knows how Eppie likes to play and he's hell-bent on worming his way back into her life.

And a snippety peek…

Vin Derbish turned into Organic Nature's driveway and narrowed his gaze. "Who's driving an expensive import around here?" He slowed when the driver barreled toward him, peering to get a look at them.

The lane had plenty of room but Vin swerved a little to avoid a collision. "Shit driver, whoever the hell it is." He caught a view of the guy when he sped past. "Huh…" He braked and confirmed his suspicion in the rearview mirror.

The license plate of the BMW read NASHONE.

Vin rolled forward again. "What's Eppie ex doing in town?" He pulled into his usual spot close to the house, got out, and headed around to her studio. "Hey, Ep? That was Jordan Nash, right?" Vin didn't deal with Nash directly, but he'd worked on several of his projects.

Eppie rolled her eyes. "None other. He dropped in, spewed his usual bullshit, and I sent him packing." She put another crate under the worktable. "I can't believe he made the effort to find me then drive out here. Why the hell would he?" She grimaced and glanced away.

Vin frowned but didn't comment. They didn't speak of Nash often, especially since he'd cleaned Eppie's bank account out and she hated the fact he'd played her for a fool. Vin's experience with Sheri bordered on something similar with the exception of Sheri not hiding the fact she liked Vin's monetary achievements.

Eppie shook her head then shot Vin a heated glance. She started toward him, her fingers undoing the buttons of the flannel shirt she wore. After shrugging it off, she untucked the waffle-knit thermal shirt from her jeans.

Vin didn't move, waiting to see what she did next. A trickle of concern moved through him. Did Nash stir up old feelings of uncertainty in her?

Eppie grabbed hold of his heavy jacket and pushed him against the wall. "You're a little overdressed." She pushed the garment from his shoulders.

Vin shook his arms free but gave Eppie full rein. She lifted her chin, slanting her mouth against his. Her kiss went off-the-chart hot in under two seconds. Vin grasped her hips but held back. An underlying hint of desperation in her lips threw up a red flag.

When she popped the button of his jeans, he gently halted her progress. "Eppie… Are you with me or Nash right now?" He'd gladly drop trou and have sex with her anytime, but not if she had her ex on her mind.

Eppie blinked. "What? Why would you think—"

Vin gave her a pointed look. "It's a fair question." One that deserved an answer.

Even if she didn't want to face it.

These two… I love writing Eppie and Vin. The challenge of having an established couple work their way through everyday relationship hurdles is something I enjoy.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Vicarious Living

I have a new furnace! It's shiny and pretty and takes up a lot less space than our old one did. And it's amazing how nice and toasty the house is again. Here's hoping the much-improved energy efficiency pays off too.

My workload is still crazypants. Trying to get prepped for having the equipment going in and out of our house didn't leave me a lot of time the past week. I also have a goal of seriously getting rid of a bunch of stuff that's been collecting in odd, random places for the past two decades.

I did get some television watched, starting with another episode of Midsomer Murders. I think I might have found the show I'll be replacing Midsomer with, but I have made a final decision yet.

Caught a few more episodes of Sapphire and Steel and watched a full arc of Classic Who. Sapphire and Steel is actually pretty interesting with a different style.

Watched a Halloween episode of Murdoch Mysteries, which ended up being pretty fun. I love it when William has to deal with people and things he doesn't feel comfortable with. Pretty cool variation on the theme song also.

Also caught another episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries. I really do like this show and the friendship between Frankie, Trudy, Flo, and Mary. My favorite season is still the first one, but if this is going to be a long-haul show, I'm down with the changes to the style.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Vicarious Living, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sometimes adversity can be overcome and living vicariously through fantasy proves to be a good thing. Lola Humes and Wright Wesslop discover a mutual way to cope when they meet at their group counseling sessions. They're not supposed to interact outside the anonymous therapy gatherings, but neither is very good at following the rules.

And a snippety peek…

What the hell am I doing?

Lola didn't share information about her past. Yet she'd blabbed a lot to a hot stranger. Wright Wesslop could prove to be disruptive to her life. She lived for change, but she also like to control when it occurred.

Three weeks of meetings and the man pretty much had her whole story. Then again, she had his too, but he'd only just finished the twelve-steps. She'd completed her right out of high school.

Wright nudged her shoulder. "What's going through that brain of yours?" He warmed up her coffee.

Lola chuckled. "Honestly, something trivial. I was thinking about how varied our reasons for drinking are." Losing a sibling, if she had one, would be a damned good reason to drown sorrows.

And Wright had done exactly that when his brother died.

His lips kicked up in a smile. "The reasons all lead to the same place for us." He glanced out at the remaining group of members. "Here. Trying to stay on this side of sober."

Lola nodded. "Fair point. And I'm glad no one really gets judgmental about how different our stories are." Her teenage angst didn't rate that high as a good reason—at least not in her newly written book—but at the time, she would've taken any excuse to blot out the hot and cold, back and forth, up and down parenting style her mother adhered to. Not that her mom didn't try, but she truly didn't get Lola, which meant they didn't see each other often.

Wright ducked his head. "I appreciate the lack of judging too but sometimes I don't understand why being sober means adhering to rigid rules for some people." He lowered his voice. "I need a little danger in my life… it just doesn't have to be in the form of alcohol."

Lola blinked. Holy shit. Finally… someone understood. The freedom she found in throwing caution to the wind—minus liquid courage—helped her try new things while maintaining control. Being sober didn't mean being boring.

Lola set her cup on the table. "Would you like to grab some decent coffee? There's a little shop across town on Fifth that serves a terrific no-frills dark roast with a choice of pastry." She paused a moment, then sweetened the invite. "The danishes melt in your mouth."

Wright cocked his head to one side. "I'm up on Fifteenth. What's the name of the shop?" He placed his half-filled cup beside hers.

Lola tucked the knowledge of where he lived away for a moment. "Danko's. It's pretty much dead center between Ivy and Chestnut." And she lived two blocks up from Chestnut on Maple.

Weird… they lived in pretty much the same neighborhood.

Wright gave a nod. "I know the place but I've never been. Sounds like tonight is a good time to go." He gave her a wide smile.

Lola flashed a grin. "Meet you there?" When he nodded, she gave a small wave and headed for the exit.

Danger looks damn good in the form of Wright Wesslop.

I'm taking this one slowly and trying to make sure I hit the right beats.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: A Very Awkward Evening

Whew. This week flew right by. We're still waiting on our new furnace, which I should have by my next post. My workload is bananas right now and I didn't get a chance to watch much television due to deadlines. It's also been a busy week with my daughter's golf banquet and awards ceremony and state band competition.

I started a new episode of Blue Heelers but stopped midway through so I need to finish it up this week.

I started out with Midsomer Murders and watched the first episode of the final series. The new coroner is kind of fun and recognizable from a Doctor Who episode, at least that's where I remember her from.

I'm limping through the Riverdale musical episode "Big Fun". I keep stopping the action because I don't want to miss anything. I can honestly say I'm impressed with the way this episode is put together. I love how many of the group is involved in the musical. The only thing I'm not a fan of is how much screen time Eleanor is sucking up. I realize there's a reason for it but she's right up there with Hiram in the characters I love to hate department. I do think I'll have time to finish up later tonight or early tomorrow. Then it's off to the new season of Arrow, where I'll probably weep through every episode.

I caught a few holiday movies in the background during the workday and also ended up catching a bunch of Blue Bloods episodes.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Very Awkward Evening, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Vi Palona's rock star mom wants a sit down meeting with Garwin Noth's academic parents, which Vi keeps putting off because her mother, Mina, has no edit button. When Mina crashes a birthday dinner, Vi figures her mom can't do much damage… but five minutes into the evening she learns how wrong she is.

And a snippety peek…

Vi opened the door and almost groaned.

Her mother flung her arms wide and shimmied her hips. "Surprise! I told you I wanted to drop in. Here I am." She nudged past Vi and entered the foyer.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Of all the nights for her mom to call Vi's bluff… she picked this one. Why now?

Vi grabbed Mina's arm and pulled her aside. "Mom, this isn't a good time. Gar's parents are over to celebrate his birthday." And

Mina cocked her head and blinked in confusion. "I thought you said they were on some weekend retreat."

Vi lifted a shoulder, quickly covering her cover story. "They canceled to spend the evening with Gar." White lies never hurt anyone, right?

Mina waved her hand. "No matter. I've been wanting to meet the people who spawned the glorious hunk you're shacked up with." She leaned in and lowered her voice. "I'll bet they're gorgeous." She added an eyebrow waggle for effect.

Vi closed her eyes and sighed. "Seriously, Mina?" Did she always have to be so damned superficial?

Mina frowned. "You only call me Mina when you're angry. What did I do this time?" She crossed her arms over her chest.

Vi shook her head. "Never mind, Mom. We're getting ready to sit down for dinner. You might as well join us."

Mina strutted into the living room. "Happy birthday, Gar! Since I didn't know it was your birthday, I'm giving you the only gift I have right now… myself." She spun in a small circle then whipped out the rock and roll horns, bending her middle and ring fingers into the palms of her hands. "So… this is the couple who still has a little something-something going on post-divorce. Go you two." She thrust her hand forward. "I'm Mina, Vi's mom."

Lance colored up to a ruddy shade of red but clasped Mina's palm. "Lance Noth and Garwin's mother, Janice." He cocked his head to one side. "You're the lead singer for the Damn Banshees, aren't you?"

Mina flashed a grin. "In the flesh. I'm so glad I get to meet you two." She shot Vi an arched eyebrow look. "My daughter thought you'd be out of town this weekend. I'm happy you're not, even though you probably would've ditched the seminar and stayed in your room the whole time."

Janice blinked then recoiled a little. Why wouldn't she? Who the hell wanted a running commentary from someone who knew fuck-all about them? And vice versa. And, of course, it highlighted the fact Vi lied about Lance and Janice taking a weekend retreat.

Vi broke in quickly. "Dinner's on. We can all get seated." She started for the table in the corner, dragging a side chair to make room for Mina. "I hope you guys don't mind my mother joining us." And maybe ruining the entire evening.

I love this story and writing Mina brings me so much joy. It's a fun dynamic to create a character with no filter or edit button.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin