Sunday Snippet: Yanking the Pipe

Well, July kind of blew right by. It's been a busy month with a lot going on and that always makes the days seem to speed along.

Had a decent week finishing up a work project and making some solid headway on a couple of my personal projects. This is on top of having one kid in NYC and another that landed in the ED then got admitted to the hospital for three days and two nights. Thankfully, he's doing okay.

Actually got a lot of viewing completed also. I'm currently watching The Force Awakens. It's kind of a rewatch, but I haven't seen the whole movie from start to finish … ever. I've always come in at weird random places so I've seen the whole thing, but not in chronological order. I'm strange that way.

Also caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. This one had a very interesting twisty mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Watched the second half of Silent Witness and kind of loved where it ended up going. I like the way the two-part episodes are playing out right now.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Who. Ace keeps growing on me. I love her as the companion for the Doctor. There's way less screaming, which is a bonus.

Caught another episode of Most Terrifying Places in America. This one focused on ghostly encounters and I enjoyed it.

Watched another episode of Moon Knight. Honestly, I kind of love this show. It's a little campy, which keeps the darker aspect of the storyline in check. It works for me and I love it.

Ended up enjoying another episode of The Hardy Boys. There are a lot of twists and turns this season and some have worked better than others. Joe truly annoyed the crap out of me but I think they might pull all that together by the end of the season.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice. I ended up enjoying the less soap-operaish storyline this week.

Enjoyed another MasterClass lesson with Roxane Gay. This week she talked about revisions, editing, and proofreading. I love that phase of writing and I loved what she had to say about her methods. She's also not a big fan of the phrase kill your darlings. I've never liked that one and it's nice to have someone like Roxane say she doesn't either.

Watched another episode of The Babysitter's Club. I'm honestly so disappointed there won't be another season of this show. It's really coming together in this second season.

Caught an episode of The Ready Room. This one featured Shazad Latif and I completely enjoyed the interview. He had some great insight.

Enjoyed the second episode of Driven. Tawny can die in a fire and that would make me really happy. Not sure I like the dude or, well, possibly dudette following Riley. Becks makes me very happy. I love this series so much.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med. I'm so surprised Will kind of shut Natalie down. Not that it wasn't deserved, but I was surprised nonetheless. Glad to see Maggie might not lose Ben. I'm seriously not sure what the hell is going on with April. Should be in for some interesting future episodes.

Caught another episode of Batman: The Animated Series. This is probably my all-time favorite animated show ever. I'm happy I'm rewatching again.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yanking the Pipe, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sammie Shields and Firth Fairmountain have fun yanking the pipe—pulling anonymous pranks—until one of their fellow soldiers gets injured. Their commanding officer gives them a choice—transfer to a marine unit to learn discipline or get busted down a rank. Sammie opts for demotion, but Firth chooses the alternate and finds a new mission, which Sammie struggles to accept.

And a sneaky peek…

Firth reported to Gunnery Sergeant Glenn Marxon. "Transfer papers, Gunny." He kept his back straight and his head high.

Marxon gave grunt. "Didn't think you had the stones. Figured you demote down to lieutenant." He initialed the orders and stuffed them into his file.

Firth held his stance. "I think the transfer will do me good. And I expect you to put me through my paces." He actually wanted to be so tired by the end of the day he couldn't think.

The gunny scoffed. "I don't want someone who can't be a team player." He jabbed a finger in Firth's shoulder. "And it's obvious you're not."

Firth point-blank made a commitment. "Not yet. But I can be." He met Marxon's gaze. "My rank will be checked at the door. I made a choice. To come and learn." The words settled in his mind and strengthened his resolve. "It's not about guilt or trying to prove my dad wrong." The decision started that way, but Firth craved something different and new.

Not that he'd ever give up flying, but a different path couldn't hurt for a while.

Glenn studied Firth for several long moments. "You're wrong about that. Guilt is riding your ass and you'll always have something to prove to your old man." He relaxed his stance. "But if you can pull your weight and show you can have the unit's back for one week, we'll be golden and I'll follow your orders as captain of this regiment for however long it lasts." Marxon stepped up toe-to-toe with Firth. "But if you fuck me or anyone else over, or if you try any of that yanking the pipe shit, the commander won't have a body to bury." His tone didn't indicate anything less than seriousness.

Firth held the gunny's gaze several moments before giving a terse nod. "Your point's made." He put his eyes straight ahead. "Will there be anything else, Gunny?"

Marxon grunted an approval. "We do daily calisthenics at 0500. Don't be late."

Firth lifted his chin. "0500. I'll be here." He turned to head for the exit.

Marxon caught up with him. "Study this. It's our unofficial playbook. If you come prepared, you'll have a better shot at a smooth transition." He handed over a thick binder.

Firth tucked it under his arm and left the room. This wouldn't be an easy ride, but the injured crewman bothered him. He'd take the wake-up call and strive to do things right.

Even if he had to go it alone with no Sammie in sight.

I honestly love writing this story. Firth and Sammie have some personal issues to work through and having them on opposite sides is fun to write.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yank the Chain

Whew. What a day. But I had a great week. I'm getting ready to start a very exciting new project and moving along on another one. I also got to spend three days with one of my friends at a gorgeous Airbnb not far from where I live.

Actually stayed pretty much caught up on my regular viewing schedule—watching ahead a little definitely helped.

Started a new Classic Who arc and kind of enjoyed the storyline. Looking forward to seeing what happens this week.

Watched another episode of Most Terrifying Places in America. This one had Devil's Playground as the title and it kind of fit based on the anecdotes.

Caught the second episode of Moon Knight and enjoyed it. I like the series so far and look forward to another episode.

Enjoyed another episode of Harrow. I have two episodes left and I'm pretty interested in seeing how they play out. I loved the mention of the two big bads from the earlier seasons. I'm glad someone finally kind of connected those dots.

Watched another episode of Blue Heelers and things took a turn I didn't expect, which is always fun. Looking forward to the next episode.

Completed another MasterClass with Roxane Gay. She focused on research this time and, again, I got some good ideas from her lesson.

Caught another episode of The Babysitter's Club. I like the new girls and I love how much growth Christy showed. Actually, all the girls showed some growth and it's terrific to see.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. Oddly, they were very Angelica-centric which I didn't remember.

Watched an episode of Chicago Med and enjoyed it, even if it ended up being a little soap-operaish. I did like the way the storylines played out.

Finished up the opening epsiodes of Batman: the Animated Series. Looking forward to really diving back into this series.

Started season three of Driven, a Passionflix original series. Terrific premiere episode. I'm excited to see where things go from this point.

Also caught another episode of The Snoopy Show. This one had a great mix of the characters and each vignette had great humor.

That's pretty much it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Yank the Chain, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When pilot Riley Wang refuses to cave in and sleep with an arrogant major, she ends up in hack a week before graduation from flight school. Moss Mordecai bails her out, but keeps her from going after her superior officer. If Riley wants back on the roster, she needs a plan and spending more time in the brig isn't a good one.

And a sneaky peek…

Moss adjusted the volume on the hand-held unit. "Stay on task, Riley. Don't let him throw you." He witnessed everything from a good angle via the camera she had attached to her uniform and the small unit above the window over the door.

His blood boiled when Cabella confirmed he'd revoked her privilege. What an asshole.

Riley kept her cool and walked through everything as planned. "Look, I apologize. I should respect the rank." She stood at ease, but had her hands folded behind her back.

Moss snorted. "Even if you can't respect the man." But … as predicted, Cabella puffed out his chest and grunted an agreement.

Riley moved ahead with the script. "And I want to be clear. I'll be back on the roster if I agree to sleep with you?" She made it a question, hopefully to get a verbal confirmation.

Cabella gave her a leering look. "I'll consider reinstating you, yes." He used a smug tone.

Riley shook her head. "Not good enough." She'd prepared for a sneaky maneuver. "Here's my suggestion. We arrange a date of time for our assignation, but I want to see my name on the schedule for the day after." She lifted her chin. "If it's not there, I won't show."

Moss leaned forward, intent on the small screen in his hands.

The major's lips thinned to a flat line, but he gave a nod. "Fine. But we're not going to drag this out. I'm free after 1900. I expect you at my quarters by 1915." He folded his arms over his chest, indicating he wouldn't budge on the timing.

Riley balked. "Then I expect to find my name on the roster no later than 1600. If it's not there, I'm not meeting with you." She didn't flinch and she didn't look away from Cabella.

Moss smirked. "Way to go, Riley. Nail that bastard down." He fist-pumped the air.

Cabella gave her an oily smile. "It'll be there." He reached out, grasped her shoulder, and moved her close. "Time to seal our little bargain." His face moved forward and he clamped his mouth over hers.

Moss almost dropped the hand-held. "Oh, fuck, no." He barely restrained from barreling out of the arms locker and into the briefing room.

He couldn't blow Riley's cover. No matter how much he wanted to punch the colonel in the face.

I love how this story is coming together. Riley and Moss make a great team and they're so much fun to write.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: XO on the Warpath

Kind of a weird week in flux. I keep getting a lot of stuff done but more things get added to the plate. Not complaining, the timing is just odd.

Had a solid week of viewing. I'm kind of jammed schedule-wise this upcoming week so I'm hoping to stay on my semi-normal schedule by watching ahead a little.

Got to watch two episodes of The Snoopy Show. This season seems a little less seasonal and I'm okay with that.

Started the new season of The Brokenwood Mysteries. As usual, an excellent premiere episode. Familiar faces with the secondary characters, which I completely love.

Finished up the second half of a two-part Silent Witness and started a new episode. This season is off to a roaring start with good episodes.

Watched the final episode of a Classic Who arc and should be starting a new multipart one this week. Hoping the daleks are gone for a bit.

Caught another episode of Most Terrifying Places in America. This one focused on cursed towns and ended up being more interesting than I anticipated.

I started Moon Knight and thoroughly enjoyed the first episode. My brother highly recommended the series and I'm excited to talk about it with him.

Watched an episode of The Hardy Boys and the danger is amping up. My one complaint for this season would be how the Fenton storyline is playing out. I'm also very iffy on the whole Joe plot points. I'm hoping there's a good explanation for why he's being a little butt.

Enjoyed an episode of Peak Practice. I have a feeling the next episode might have a lingering issue left over from this one.

Caught another MasterClass lesson with Roxane Gay. She talked about her writing tools and I got several good ideas from her.

Got the first episode The Babysitter's Club season two in and enjoyed it. This is a charming show and I'm sorry there's not going to be another season after this one.

Watched an episode of The Ready Room. The interview with Sonequa Martin-Green ended up being so terrific.

Enjoyed an episode of Chicago Med. I'm kind of wondering what's going on with April. I think the writers sell her short and that makes me sad because I love her character.

Finished up Tangled, a Passionflix original. I'll be starting season three of Driven this week and I'm looking forward to it.

I've started a rewatch of Batman: the Animated Series. I'll probably be doing a bunch of DC Comics shows, specifically Titans and Doom Patrol, in the near future. Again, my brother highly recommended so I'm giving them a whirl. But I have to start with my all-time fave, which is Batman: TAS.

Started a new-to-me series with the Agatha Christie Hour. The first episode ended up being enjoyable so I'll continue on. Looking forward to another episode.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from XO on the Warpath, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Garrick Mellark, executive officer of the Methone, is on the warpath. His crew is bucking orders and he's not going to deal with it anymore. Shay Vamper gets elected to soothe the snarly XO into his usual jovial self, which shouldn't be hard considering she's his current flame.

And a sneaky peek…

Shay rolled her eyes at the riotous explosion of disbelief. "Way to go, Garrick. Drop a bomb and don't stick around for the fallout." Not that she blamed him.

He'd been on a short fuse with good reason. Being down an executive officer, followed by everything that could go wrong doing so, created nothing but a massive shit show. And Garrick didn't have an extra buffer to head off the nonsense and inconsequential stuff.

She got to her feet and propped her butt on the back of a seat. The huddle of pilots started spreading out but no one looked ready to leave. She had so many better things to do … yet she also needed to keep her ears open.

Mark Hender got up on the dais. "We need to do something. This is bullshit."

Another pilot, Analise Tor, zeroed in on Shay. "Check that. Shay should do something." She planted her hands on her hips. "She's got the inside track with the XO."

Shay arched her brows. "You did not just suggest I use my relationship with the XO to curry favor for you guys." She straightened and walked to the edge of the center row. "You'll notice he didn't say anything about giving me a free pass." Why the hell would he?

Mark made a rude noise. "You can't sit the fence on this one. Not if you're not getting special treatment." He paced back and forth. "You gotta pick a side, Shay."

She crossed her arms over her chest. "First, I don't take orders from you. Second, take a step back and make an effort to see with the XO is coming from." She pinned Mark with a hard glare. "Stupid mistakes have been made. And the CAG isn't here to cover your ass."

Analise waved a hand. "Yeah, yeah. We're still calling you up and out. You're the only one who might hold a chance in hell of getting him to back off."

Shay narrowed her eyes. "What about holding ourselves accountable? Can any of you say you're under the same kind of stress and pressure the XO is under right now?" No one answered … because they weren't. "It's not gonna get better until the new CAG arrives. Maybe we need to slow down and make sure we're checking off all the boxes instead of bitching about shit all the time. We're grown-ups not toddlers." She shot Mark a nasty look. "Not that anyone would know by your behavior sometimes."

His cheeks turned red. "Fine, but no one can ever be completely on top of everything. Can't you do something to get the XO off the warpath?"

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room.

Shay heaved a sigh. "I'll think about it." She started for the exit but turned around. "Do any of you remember what it's like to get zero sleep for days?" Her gaze scanned each individual one by one. "Because I haven't had a good night's rest in a full month." No one had. "And the XO? Hasn't had more than an hour or two in the last three days. Think about why that is before you start making demands for intervention."

Several heads bowed in shame and more than a few feet shuffled back and forth to escape her scrutiny. Good. Exactly what she'd hoped for.

Leaving the briefing room, she headed for quarters to figure out how to approach Garrick. Because the squadrons weren't wrong. A zero tolerance policy sounded great on paper but throwing anyone who screwed up in the brig would wreak more havoc than descending to the inner circle of hell.

I love this story! Shay and Garrick are a lot of fun to write and putting them on kind of opposite sides is a great way to challenge my skills.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Xanthic Flu

Crazy week with projects finishing up and new ones starting. I love the variety of editing work I have right now.

Pretty decent week of television. I got caught up and back on my regular schedule for the most part. I have a few new recommendations and I have to decide if I'm going to work those shows into my weekly viewing calendar.

To start things off this week, I caught an episode of The Ready Room with a recap of season two, episode nine. This was such a great one. I always love when the interviewee is a huge fan of the franchise.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. I'm a little disgusted by Nat's storyline even if I'm thrilled to bits that she kicked Philip to the curb. I'm so glad Maggie finally told the others what's going on with her. Nice to see Noah kind of stepping up and growing in his role as a resident. I love this show.

Enjoyed an episode of The Snoopy Show. I kind of like it when they let Snoopy act like a dog and enjoy things like head scratches. So much fun.

Caught the bonus episode of Signora Volpe with behind the scenes cast interviews. I'm hoping there will be another season of this show because I really love the characters.

Watched a well-done first-parter of Silent Witness. This arc is very twisty and turny. I have a solid idea of who the killer is and why they're trying to set up Nicki. Can't wait to find out if I'm right.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Who. Ace is rather fun and I like how she handled the betrayal. This is another episode kind of set in the fifties and that always interests me because it was such a thing in the late seventies and early eighties.

Started season three (because there is no season two) of Most Terrifying Places in America. This one focused on haunted road trips and I liked the change in the format. I'll finish the series out before starting something new.

Finished the first season of The Mandalorian. I truly loved it! Now I have to decide if I'm going to dive right into the next season or start a new show and wait until it's closer to season three. Stay tuned.

Caught an episode of Harrow and, whoo boy, the walls are closing in. James is a big, fat liar—about everything. Nichols is completely in the know and it kind of breaks my heart because Harrow needs friends and he might have burned a bridge here. I still completely dislike the boss person even though they tried to soften her up by giving her a kid. Sorry, not buying it.

Watched an episode of Blue Heelers and loved it. A very young Sullivan Stapleton guest starred and the storyline rocked. Good stuff.

Enjoyed another MasterClass with Roxane Gay. She discussed the writing process in this lesson and I took away some good information.

Also caught two more episodes of Classic Rugrats and took another trip down memory lane. This show played such a huge role in my kids' childhoods. Makes me happy to reminisce.

That's pretty much it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Xanthic Flu, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Rowan Buel and Fuller Beckett are competitive by nature, but when they contract the Xanthic flu—a nasty virus that turns the skin yellow—at the same time, it takes their game of one-ups-manship to the extreme. Isolated and quarantined together, the duo learns working together can actually be fun.

And a sneaky peek…

Back in quarters after visiting the infirmary, Rowan wrinkled her nose. "Ugh. This stuff smells like ass." The goopy concoction didn't go on easy either.

Fuller arched a brow. "I'm not even gonna ask why you think that." He grimaced. "But, yeah, it smells rank." A growl sounded when a glob plopped onto the floor after he tried to smear it on his back.

Rowan took his container. "Geez, let me." She scooped out a handful of the stuff and swiped it over the bites marring his torso. "It's a good thing Ambrose gave us three days light duty. No one, and I mean no one, is gonna want to be anywhere near us with this stuff on." She hesitated a moment, trying to decide if she should get the ones on his ass then figured why not.

Her fingers dipped under his waistband and she quickly massaged the goop over the bumps.

Fuller's head jerked up but he gave a nod. "Thanks." He took the container. "Want me to return the favor?"

She lifted her chin. "If you don't mind. The ones on my back are itching like crazy." She lifted her shirt and bent over a little.

Fuller rubbed the ointment over the raised welts and the stingy, scratchy feeling dissipated. She didn't think twice and lowered her shorts, exposing the red dots. Her face flamed briefly but she got over it. Not like Fuller had never seen her back end before.

He huffed out a breath. "Gotta say, not exactly the way I ever imagined touching your ass." He smoothed the salve over her bites.

Rowan blinked, putting her shorts back in order. "You imagined getting your hands on my butt?"

Fuller gave her a long look. "Rowan, there's not a man with a pulse on this ship that hasn't." He waited a beat. "More than a few women, too."

She shook her head and laughed. "Good to know." Putting the lid back on the container, she paused and met his gaze. "Holy crap. Do you feel that?"

Fuller frowned. "Feel what?" He shrugged into a T-shirt.

Rowan grinned. "Exactly. This stuff is stinky but it works. I'm in pure bliss over here." Not a single spot itched anymore.

Fuller's head bobbed up and down. "Damn, you're right." He fist-pumped the air then sobered. "I wonder how long it'll last."

Rowan snorted. "Who cares? Doc said to use as needed and the welts should go away in two to three days." She tucked the jar of ointment into her locker. "As long as he doesn't run out of the ingredients, we're golden." A wave of lethargy hit her hard and she yawned.

Fuller grunted. "Yeah, I'm wiped out, too." He crawled up into his bunk.

She admired the view of his ass and thighs, red bumps and all. Crossing to her berth, she sat on the edge. The beginning of a headache thrummed along her temples and she thought about heading back to the infirmary to get some painkillers. Another yawn escaped and she slumped sideways instead, drawing her legs up onto the mattress.

Fuller propped his head on his hand. "Did Ambrose say if the goop is supposed to make us tired? I can barely keep my eyes open." He yawned this time.

Rowan shrugged. "I stopped listening after he said it would stop the itching." She'd been a little distracted by Fuller tracing a circle around the welt on his knee, trying so hard not to scratch at it.

He rolled his eyes. "Doesn't matter, I guess. After today's experience, we could use the shut eye." He flopped back and threw his arm over his face.

Rowan fluffed up her pillow and barely remembered putting her head down before she drifted off to sleep.

There's nothing like the calm before the storm … and a whole different storm is coming for these two.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: X-Ray Tango

Wow. June flew by in a wild blur. Half the year is gone and I'm kind of wondering where it went. July and August are going to be fairly busy with some time off in each month that I'm not quite ready for but probably need to recharge.

Didn't get as much television watched this week. I struggled to get through a new-to-me show and probably won't finish it.

I watched an episode of The Snoopy Show and finished the first season. All in all, an enjoyable watch. I'll start the second season this week.

The show I struggled with is Resort to Murder. I think because it got a somewhat slow start and the pacing is slower than I like. I might revisit this one at a later date.

Watched another episode of Silent Witness and liked where it ended up. The story took a somewhat expected twist and I loved it.

Caught another episode of Classic Who. The daleks are up to their usual insane plots and I kind of like Ace as the new companion.

Finished the first season of Most Terrifying Places in America. Oddly, the next season is three and I can't find a second season … so there's that weird twist.

Almost finished with the first season of The Mandalorian. This show makes me happy. I haven't decided if I'm going to go right into the second season or if I'll wait until the third one is ready to launch. Stay tuned.

Caught another episode of The Hardy Boys and enjoyed it a lot. Things are getting very twisty and turny and I'm here for it. Looking forward to the next episode.

Thought I finished the first season of The Babysitter's Club, but I have two more episodes to watch. I started episode nine and look forward to seeing what Camp Moosehead has in store for the group.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from X-Ray Tango, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Kellan Gates and Josh Robertson do not get along, constantly vying for top position in their squadron. But when they're transferred to another ship, Josh is targeted by a former nemesis that uses program X-ray Tango to keep Josh in check, which fires up Kellan—no one is allowed to give Josh a hard way to go except her.

And a sneaky peek…

Kellan entered quarters to find a memo packet addressed to her on the table. "Wonder what this is?" She broke the seal and slid the missive out, her gaze quickly scanning the text.

 

Lieutenant Kellan Gates, you've been selected to be part of a two-person contingent to undergo a temporary assigned duty on the Achilles battlecruiser as part of an interunit exercise to aid and assist pilots from becoming complacent. See attached file for date and time for briefing and the second member of the team.

 

She flipped the page over and read the name of the other person. "Oh, hell, no." She took off to find her fellow pilot. "He'll be even less happy than I am."

Josh. Of course. Who else would they send but the top two?

She found him in the rec area and slapped the paper on the table. "Have you seen this?" She plopped down on the chair across from him.

Josh gave a nod. "I have. And I put some feelers out to find out what type of crew the Achilles has." His shoulder lifted. "Haven't heard anything back yet."

She folded her arms across her chest. "Tell me you're not happy about this."

He shook his head. "I'm not. We've got too much going on right now. Transferring to a different ship to avoid complacency? Who has time to be complacent when we're running drills, flying patrols, or engaging with the enemy?" He made a disgusted sound.

Kellan relaxed a little. Who knew she'd find common ground with Josh and end up on the same side for once? Actually felt pretty good.

A chair screeched across the floor and Brian Spatz, one of the engineers, sat down with them.

He leaned forward. "Heard you're asking for the down low on the Achilles. I've got a buddy who served on her until four months ago. What do you want to know?"

Since Josh made the move, Kellan bit her tongue to keep from peppering Brian with a million questions.

Josh lifted his chin. "The general attitude and vibe would be a good start. Then, if you've got any dirt on the pilots and command staff, fill us in." He rested his forearms on the table and motioned for Kellan to huddle up.

She scooted her chair closer and listened carefully to Brian's rundown. The good news? The Achilles had a solid reputation for being friendly and filled with a top-notch crew. The bad news? The pilots could be prima donnas. Kellan grimaced. She loved a good rivalry but hated fierce competitiveness.

Brian lowered his voice. "And watch the CAG. He's got a rep for being a massive dick. Word is he plays favorites and puts his little pets in charge of the squadrons and gives them plum assignments."

Kellan rolled her eyes. "What's his name?" She'd be referring to him as Captain Asshole in her head.

Spatz frowned. "Hm. Something like two last names. Barnhill or maybe Bradford."

Josh grunted. "Bradford. Taylor Bradford."

The name sounded familiar but she couldn't place it.

Brian gave a nod. "Yeah, that's it. Sounds like a real charmer." He shoved his chair back. "Hope that helps."

Kellan gave him a thumbs-up. "Thanks, Spatz. Keep the lights on for us, yeah?"

His lips quirked. "Always do. We'll shine 'em extra bright when you two come back." He lifted a hand in farewell and ambled away.

Kellan directed her attention to Josh. "Wanna tell me what put the nasty look on your face?"

I love a good rivalry that turns into something more and Kellan has no idea how soon she'll see Josh in a very different light.

 

That's all for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye