Sunday Snippet: Holly's Masquerade

Our fall-like weatherremained with us … to the point we had record lows. I have to laugh a little becauseit's like a yoyo swinging up and down with record temperatures in bothdirections. It's nuts.

Had a very solidwork week. Possible new projects that I'm excited about and finishing up a bigone, which feels really good.

Not a bad week forviewing television. I didn't make it through two times like last week but had almosta full rotation of the shows I normally watch.

Enjoyed another AgathaRaisin episode. I'm settling in with this cast of characters and I love thevillage vibe. Looking forward to more episodes.

Started a new SilentWitness two-parter and I'm really interested in where this one goes andwhat's going on at the Lyle. The second half should be terrific.

Caught the finalefor season two of Death in Paradise. I'm a little sad because the seasonthree opener is obviously the loss of one of the main characters. But I'm excitedto start in with a new character.

Watched another FantasyIsland episode and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm also happy to report Roarkand Javier seem to be on better footing and the angst factor did not get ampedto ten or above. A pleasant surprise. The whole deal with Ruby should beinteresting to watch unfold. Not sure how I want things to go there.

Enjoyed anotherepisode of The Batman. This one featured Firefly and I kind of loved theBruce and Alfred banter in this episode.

Caught another episodeof Classic Rugrats and loved it. One part had the babies journeying tothe basement ala Indiana Jones style. The second one had the full set of McNultysfor a birthday party. So much fun.

Started another episodeof VIP but didn't make it all the way through. Too many interruptions tofinish, but I hope to get the rest watched today.

That's pretty muchit for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Holly's Masquerade,a Specter Station novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

Roman Holly can't believe how smoothly the transition tohis new base of operations on Specter Station is going, but he has Isis Tango,his uber-efficient admin, to thank. She moves halfway across the galaxy to stayby his side and he's not quite sure why. But Isis will reveal her reason at theholiday masquerade, and it will blow Roman's mind.

And a sneaky peek…

Isis closed one fileand opened the next. "Nothing liked being mired in last-minute fixesbefore Roman gets here." She scanned through the checklist for themasquerade, ticked several boxes, added notes, and forwarded copies to JunaNewberry, Maddox Specter, and Roman.

Leaning back, Isis tooka breath then exhaled slowly. Finally, a minute to breathe. "And reflect alittle." What am I doing?"Moving to a station half a galaxy away because I'm stupid in love with myboss … not the best use of decision-making skills, Ise."

Then again, she lovedan adventure, especially when it came with a challenge. Holly Galactic Group provideda wide range of activities and trials for her to dive into. Problem-solvingcame easily to her … for other people.

She frowned. "Solvingmy Roman problem? Yeah, I suck at that." Why can't I use my extensive skill set to not be in love with him?

The universe wouldnever know.

She straightened. "Andneither will Roman." Geez, wouldn't he love to have that conversation?

Geez, Ise, why now? You'vebeen with him almost seven years.And her brain picked now to figure out she loved him.

She shook her head. "Okay,the three-week window of alone time had a lot to do with that."

Coming ahead to getthings set up and ready gave her ample opportunity to examine the reason sheagreed to the move. Which also gave her time to take stock and look at what shewanted for the future. She wanted Roman Holly.

Wait … three weeks.That meant…

"Fuck! Roman'sarriving today." Glancing at the time, she cursed again. "Check that.Roman's already here." She scrambled out of her chair, smoothed her hairand clothes and took off at close to a dead run toward the lobby.

She arrived at the bankof tubes just in time for the doors to ping open, revealing Roman and Mattox.

She caught her breath,quickly composing herself before flashing a wide smile. "Hello, I wascoming down to greet you. Sorry to have missed your arrival." She steppedto the side, her gaze drinking in the sight of Roman—tall, blond, and made towear a suit to perfection.

The men exited theconveyance and Roman did a full-circle turn in the lobby area. His head noddedin approval at his first sight of the new headquarters.

Nervous and not surewhy, Isis got down to business. "Maddox, I forwarded the final details forthe masquerade, you'll let me know if there are any changes?" After Maddoxlifted his chin, Isis waved her arm toward the office suite. "Welcome toHolly Galactic Group's new base of operations. Everything is ready, includingthe link-up to our former office. The file transfers are scheduled to begin atany time." She stopped talking when the men exchanged a quick look.

Damn,I'm babbling.Mortification warred with embarrassment and she kind of wished the floor wouldopen up and swallow her.

She blew out a breath."I'll let you two head in. You've probably got some catching up todo." She started to reach for the tube button, thinking to make a quickescape to regroup and calm down.

Roman shook his head."Please, come inside with me. I took the liberty of ordering some food andit's on the way up now. Maddox is heading to wherever Juna is." A slysmirk crossed his face.

Maddox returned thegesture with one of his own.

Isis smiled when Maddoxmade a hasty retreat back inside the tube after lifting a hand in farewell.Roman huffed out a breath and shook his head, then laughed before headinginside the office space. Isis enjoyed the exchange. It's going to be goodfor Roman to be around his friend on a regular basis. She followed Romaninto the suite of offices, still a bit unsettled over missing his arrival. Shemight need to start seriously thinking about what she wanted for her future.

And whether Roman wouldbe part of her plans or not.

I have a lot oflove for this one. Roman and Isis are a joy to write. The whole Specter Stationgroup is fun to be with.

 

That's it for thisweek. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye