Sunday Snippet: Sibling Rivalry

What an end to themonth. Our weather has been wet and drippy for most of the week. Notcomplaining because we needed the rain. Of course, the dreary stuff hits theweek of our county fair, which is my husband's favorite time of year. Thenagain, a little water falling from the sky won't deter him from going orenjoying himself.

Work finally sloweddown a little and I had some time to catch my breath. I have a new copy editand proofread combo I'm working on and should have a new project starting thisweek. I'm also expecting more on the developmental edit I've been working on.And … a project I had a hand in is finally uploaded for proof … after almostfour and half years of rewrites and revisions. I'm so excited!!

Had several reallygreat conversations with my daughter this week. I love hearing her ideas ofwhat she wants from the future. This young woman has a good head on hershoulders and I'm so proud of her. Graduate school is opening her mind and eyesand I'm excited to see what she does.

Not a bad week ofviewing. The time to catch my breath also gave me a bit of freedom to catch upon my slate of shows. I made almost a full round this week!

Caught twobehind-the-scenes vignettes for Signora Volpe. I always enjoy seeing andhearing how things work and what the actors think about their show.

Watched an episodeof Death in Paradise and enjoyed it. This is one I hadn't seen before,and I loved the way the mystery played out.

Started a newseason of Silent Witness. Very interesting premise and I'm looking forwardto the conclusion next week. I'll be starting Beyond Paradise after I finishthe new season.

Enjoyed an episodeof Elementary. It's interesting to watch Sherlock serve as an AA sponsor.And I really like Watson kind of stepping out on her own to solve a cold case.

Finished up thesecond part of the season four premier of The Batman. Kind of forgot Batgirldidn't really feature in these opening episodes. I think she makes a returnlater in the season.

Also caught anepisode of Classic Rugrats. I only remembered one of the vignettes, so Ienjoyed seeing the other two.

And that's prettymuch it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Sibling Rivalry,a novella that brings a couple together after they have a less than stellarbeginning.

Here's theminiblurb:

When Fayne Cartier falls for his brother's flightinstructor, Rumor Child, he has no idea how difficult dating will end up beingwhen his brother shows signs of not having the chops to qualify. Rumor won'tcut him from her class thinking the sibling rivalry may be just what theyounger Cartier needs.

And a sneaky peek…

Fayne blinked at thevision walking toward him. "I knew she'd rock civilian clothes." Frankly,even in uniform, she blew him away.But tonight, she'd gonefor some kind of casual glamour. She'd paired a form-fitting T-shirt with a flowingcardigan that fell to her knees. Her pants were made from something soft andhugged her curves. A pair of suede booties with a slight heel and some understatedjewelry completed the outfit. She gave him atentative smile when he stood to pull her chair out. "You clean upnice." Her gaze showed keen appreciation.His crisp button-downand dark-twilled pants had been a last-minute decision, but he'd wanted to makeit clear he wanted to spend time with her as more than his brother'sinstructor.Glad he'd put someeffort into his attire, he leaned down. "And you look amazing." Hesettled back in his seat and smiled when the server immediately brought menusto the table.Neither needed time todecide. Rumor ordered the baked steak dinner and Fayne went with his favorite chickendumplings. Once they had their drink order, he opened the conversation withquestions about time in flight school and they compared notes about theirinstructors. She mentioned using his stats, along with his dad's, as a goal toachieve. He regaled her with stories of trying not to live in his old man'sshadow.He carefully avoidedmentioning his brother. He didn't want anything to ruin the evening.Halfway through themeal, Rumor finally said something. "Are we really going to ignore the bigspecter in the room?" Her head tilted to one side in question.Fayne lifted ashoulder. "I don't want to risk screwing this up." But she had apoint.Rumor smiled. "Gonnabe hard to pursue something if we can't talk shop. If you're superuncomfortable with the idea, we'll have to skirt the issue."Fayne hedged a little."I'm not uncomfortable. I'd love to know how Renner is doing." Orpossibly not doing.Rumor quirked a brow."Even if he proves you wrong?"Fayne chuckled."Definitely. But my gut is screaming Renner isn't cut out forflying." He waited a beat. "So … how's he doing so far?" Hedidn't know if he really wanted the answer.Rumor's lips twitched. "Holdinghis own." She sobered. "But like you said, he won't face a true testuntil we get past the basics. He's absorbed everything he knows to datepractically by osmosis. That will only take him so far."Fayne couldn't faultthe logic she used. "And if I'm right?" Would she accept defeat withas much grace as she'd handled everything else?Rumor patted his hand."You're getting a little ahead of things here. Let's cross that bridgewhen we get to it. Until then, my mind stays open." She brushed her thumbover his skin "The question is … can you leave it alone and let him passor fail on his own?" She'd very nicely turned his question back on to him.Fayne took a moment toconsider his answer. "I'm willing to try." And he would stick to thatpromise.Rumor flashed a grin."Then you and I are off to a solid start."

Having some funwith this one. Rumor loves a good verbal sparring session and Fayne likes awoman who gives as good as she gets.

 

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

ML Skye