Sunday Snippet: Nothing Special

Getting a latestart to my day because my sleep schedule is out of whack. This has affected mygreat cleanout project, and I'm still determined to get back on track and atleast do small things each day. Stay tuned!

On a differentnote, I did get about ten pounds of ground beef cooked and in the freezer. Alsogot three bags of grapes cleaned and in the fridge. So, the cleanout projecttook a back burner, but I did get other things done.

Work is still busywith new projects coming in and I'm enjoying the variety of things I have rightnow. I've also been able to do some catchup on my own stuff. I've been strivingfor better balance between my editing work and my writing.

Had a solid viewingweek and made a full round of my regular shows and my two back burner shows. I'llbe starting a new one this week, I think. Looking forward to picking up with a newseason of something.

Started the weekwith Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the episode and gettingsome Dr. Mac backstory.

Think I finished upthe first season of Art Detectives. I really enjoyed this show and hopeto see another season. They left enough seeds to pick up if they get one.

Caught another episodeof Death in Paradise and ended up really loving the mystery. Not astandard path and the twists were good.

Enjoyed anotherepisode of Poirot. It's one I'd seen most of before and I remembered mostof the plot. Good episode.

Watched an episodeof Elementary. Gotta say I love Joan being totally unafraid of the elderHolmes. Their interactions were very fun. And her getting the goods on himrocked the entire episode.

Caught an episodeof Batman Beyond. It's one I remembered but forgot about. Does that makesense. Great episode too.

Enjoyed an episodeof Lower Decks. This show is kind of wonky but usually adorable. Just enoughtongue in cheek to keep things interesting and fresh.

Watched the openingof Peak Practice season eleven. Sam is on a precarious journey, and Ithink his exit is set up nicely. Not really sure about Will and Kate. I'm notreally interested in them becoming the new Andrew and whatever his partner'sname is.

Also caught anotherepisode of Reacher. Man. This show. If I ever find the time, I want todo a deep dive and dig into some of the themes and tropes I love.

And that's it for thelife update this week. Tonight's post is from Nothing Special, a novellawhere the characters edge closer to something that is special.

Here's theminiblurb:

Masha Tuck and Ryce Reynoldson work tirelessly around thewinter solstice to help provide a meaningful celebration to their fae andnon-fae neighbors. Masha uncovers the perfect gift for Ryce—just a book,nothing special—but if she gives it to him, it'll add depth to their weirdrelationship and she's not sure she's ready for them to be a thing.

And a preview snippet…

While Ryce stood gazing out thewindow in the kitchen, Masha gathered the plates and carried them to the sink. "Whatare you looking at?" She stood beside him.He cocked his head and leanedforward a little, trying to get a better look outside. "Making sure theworld didn't implode." He slid his gaze sideways. "It didn't." Heused a deadpan tone, but his eyes were filled with humor.She laughed. "Okay. I deservedthat." She lifted her chin. "So … what's next in the grand having amoment deal?" Enjoying the evening, she threw the question out there.Ryce's eyebrows arched. "Winein front of the fire?" He nodded toward a full-bodied semisweet redsitting on his counter."Uh…" She hesitated.Because she'd love to chill out andrelax but the weather could turn nasty. Which meant they'd be needed.He paused while reaching for thebottle. "Unless you have plans?" He started to withdraw his hand.She snorted. "As if. I'm moreworried about the weather. If it rains and the temperature drops like it'ssupposed to, we might have an icy mess to deal with." Then again, whendidn't they have some kind of chaos on their hands. "You know what? Ignorethat last comment. There's always something, right?"He grunted. "Too true."He retrieved the wine and grabbed two stemless glasses.She followed him into the livingroom where he had a fire banked already. He added a log and poked at theglowing embers. After they got settled, he poured the heady liquid and handedher a glass. Easing back against the cushions,he angled toward her. "You didn't comment on dessert…" Masha flashed a small smile."I honestly don't have words. It reminded me so much of when my gram usedto make it. One of the good moments I try to hold on to." She met hisgaze. "Thank you for that trip down memory lane." She waited a beatbefore softly adding, "Almost as lovely as the brooch." Sliding itout of her pocket, she fingered the jewelry.Ryce swallowed a sip of his wine."I'm glad you like it. There were two. The moonstone and a quartz."He set his glass on the table.Masha circled the crystal with herthumb. "What made you pick the moonstone?" A perfect option … she hadan affinity for the faceted colors of the gem.Ryce's lips quirked. "Itsymbolizes growth and balance. I don't know anyone as measured as you are. Youseem to be everywhere at once yet you don't make anyone feel rushed."Masha basked a little. "Ithelps that you're always there." She drew her lower lip between her teeth."And I feel like I'm back on wobbly ground again." But the ideadidn't unsettle her the way she expected it to.Ryce chuckled. "It's good tobe appreciated … even when it's for having a strong back or hot sex."Masha sheepishly shrugged. "It'shonestly more than that, which is the part I don't know what to do with."

Masha and Ryce areweighed down by their work and constantly pulled in a lot of differentdirections. Writing this scene ended up being a lot of fun.

 

That's it for thisweek.

Cheers!

Skye