Sunday Snippet: Make the Call

Geez. I can't believeJanuary is almost over. It's been a month. Hell, it's been a year and we're onlythrough the first month. Heh.

Had a crazy-busywork week and I'm so thrilled! Several new projects are in my calendar and I'mmoving full steam ahead on my new venture. Truly hoping I'll have it ready tolaunch in the next few weeks.

Solid week ofviewing. Didn't quite make it through my full list of shows, but the new workprojects are taking priority and I'm totally okay with that.

Started with MyLife Is Murder. So much fun to see Renee O'Connor acting with Lucy Lawlessagain. A great episode.

Enjoyed another AgathaRaisin episode. Nice to have James back even though I have a feeling hewon't be a permanent fixture. The episode ended on a cliffhanger so I'm lookingforward to picking back up this week.

Watched the firstof a two-part Silent Witness. The tension building in this episode endedup being excellent. I'm a bit disappointed in Nikki's story thread. The studentseriously screamed creepy stalker from the first moment he popped up on screen.I have a very sneaking suspicion he did something and if true, I really want a majorrepercussion. I'm also hoping like hell Jack's family isn't going to be smallerby the end of the next episode.

Caught another episodeof Death in Paradise and had seen bits and pieces of this one. So glad Igot to watch the whole thing. I like getting backstory for the island cast.

Enjoyed an episodeof Elementary. Kind of loved Sherlock sort of being there for Watson atthe end. The dynamic between the two characters is fun to watch. Getting aglimpse of Jane's backstory is also nice. Makes me wonder about the lawyer guythough. I'm not a fan of fast and loose storytelling.

Started season twoof The Batman. I remember being so disappointed they changed the themesong. I do rather like the introduction of Batgirl.

Watched anotherepisode of Classic Rugrats. Loved this the first time it aired andthoroughly enjoyed again. So much fun.

Starting my viewingschedule over again. The Secret Life of Amy Benson, VIP, and BattlestarGalactica will hopefully get a watch this week. I also need to pick back upwith Peak Practice in the near future.

That's pretty muchit for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Make the Call,a novella that puts a former couple back on track to a reunion.

Here's theminiblurb:

Gia Pimm has everything she wants, but a reminder fromher mother—that Gia will always suffer when good things happen—makes her walkaway from Nolan Curry. But when she needs antibiotics, she swallows her prideand makes a call to the man who has them—Nolan.

And a sneaky peek…

After finishing his call to theship, Nolan turned at the sound of someone entering the yurt much sooner thanexpected. "That was a lot—" He broke off when the colony leader gavehim a brief smile.

Lila lifted her chin. "Will Ibe seeing transfer paperwork for one of my best protégés?" She noddedtoward the couch and followed Nolan over to sit.

Nolan winced. "Er, yes. And Ishould've talked with you before calling up top to get the processstarted." He shrugged and kept his mouth shut, unwilling to dig a deeperhole.

Lila sighed. "This isn't acomplete surprise. Gia hasn't been happy down here, even if she's been an assetto the committee. Her experience on both sides of the fence gives her a uniqueperspective to work from." Leaning forward, Lila rested her elbows on herknees. "So, I have to ask if you're sure about letting her reenlist."She pinned him with her gaze.

Nolan didn't blink or waver. "I'msure. Always have been. Gia's the one you should probably ask about beingcertain." His words lacked heat, but the undercurrent couldn't be missed.

Lila tilted her head, studying hima moment. "Do you know why she cut ties and ran?" She straightenedand settled back against the cushions. "Have you ever wondered what she'safraid of?"

Nolan's head jerked back."Gia?" He snorted. "Pretty sure she has no fear. Have you everseen her in action?" Gia held her own better than most men.

Lila's lips curved. "I have,yes. But I'm not talking about being a soldier or even a leader down here. I'mreferring to her past." She sobered. "I'm not breaking a confidenceor anything. My question stems from watching her with you on the way here thenobserving her with Rand down here. Mr. Simpson is what I call a safe bet. Hemakes no demands on Gia, and he definitely doesn't challenge her status quo.Instead, he takes passive aggressive action by doing the exact opposite of whathe should." Lila met Nolan's gaze. "That's why he's in medical. Andit's why she's finally ready to face the truth. They're not meant to betogether."

Nolan narrowed his eyes. "Thenwhy?" He stopped and shook his head. "Actually, never mind. I think Iget the point you're trying to make." Pausing a moment, he turned herwords over before continuing. "To answer your original question, no. Ican't say I've given thought to what she might be afraid of." But he wouldbe now.

Lila nodded. "I kind offigured. That's why I wanted a few moments with you. I don't care about theproper protocols for Gia returning to the military. But I do care abouther." She gave him a sheepish smile. "And you, too. The protectionyou provide by staying in orbit is paramount to our success with this project. Iwant you and Gia to be happy together."

Nolan lifted his chin. "Iappreciate the insight you've given me. It's probably way past time for Gia andme to have a heart-to-heart conversation." He tamped down theembarrassment of not ever doing so before.

Lila arched her brows. "Iassume you won't be dipping into the population for your endless supply offemale companionship anymore?" Her lips twitched … just a little.

Nolan flushed hotly, but herefused to squirm under her scrutiny. What happened between consenting adults shouldn'tconcern Lila. And he made sure anyone who came to visit had a clear definitionbefore they set foot on his ship.

He shrugged. "After Gia left, Iswore off getting entangled with anyone else." He focused back on Lila."With her coming back, my time will be spent working on our relationship."

Lila grinned and patted his hand."I'm very happy to hear that."

I love writingcouples who find their way back to each other. Nolan and Gia have a journey totake and they're finally heading in the right direction.

 

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

ML Skye