Sunday Snippet: Haven't We Met Like This

Wow, August kind of flew by. I'm always amazed how fast the week slips away, which probably means I need to go outside and get some grounding time in. I'm going to blink, and it'll be the holiday season. Just saying. Maybe I'll moon watch this week with the blue supermoon happening.

Had a busy work week. I'm finishing up an extended project and working on a new manuscript copy edit. Also gearing up for a new developmental edit and a new manuscript assessment in September. Looking forward to working on new books in these two series.

Had a decent week of viewing television. I still haven't watched the final episode of Peak Practice season nine. I needed good vibes this week and didn't want anything to bum my mojo.

I actually caught two episodes of Suspects. I finished out the first season and started season two. The second season is four episodes but they're both two-parters. Looking forward to seeing what happens. I'm a bit bummed that I can't watch all five seasons of this show … unless they become available on the streamer I'm currently using.

Finished the first season of Cannes Confidential. My choice for the big bad was correct and that makes me happy. I'm so hoping there will be a second season of this show.

Caught the second half of Silent Witness's two-parter. Ended up enjoying the twists this one took. A great cast of guest stars really added to the storyline.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. This show makes me happy, which might seem weird because it's always about a murder. The cast is amazing and that's why I love it.

I'm on the fence with Fantasy Island. I enjoyed the episode but I'm not here for having angst solely for the sake of having angst. No thanks. We'll see how the season ends.

Finally continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. "Sacrifices" ended up being such an interesting episode even if it shortchanged a couple of characters. One of the critiques I have about this show is not digging into the storylines when they should have. The previously on Battlestar Galactica does a lot of heavy lifting in seasons two through four and it's not necessarily a good thing.

Watched another episode of The Batman. This one introduced Penguin and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. Aunt Miriam made another appearance as did the McNulty's.

Restarted the Agatha Christie Hour and enjoyed the episode. I have one episode left in this series and then I'll have to decide if I want to dive into another Christie series or find something new.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Haven't We Met Like This, a novella that brings a couple together after being casual friends with benefits for an extended period.

Here's the miniblurb:

Reese meets Hallie, his brother's flight school roommate, when he bails her out of hack. Seven years later, they meet under similar circumstances on his father's ship.

And a sneaky peek…

Hallie stood beside the ramp of the transport ship, waiting on her last passenger.

"Hallie Todd. If I'd known you were flying me to my dad's retirement gala, I'd have made an effort to be on time."

Alec Hennessey caught her up and hauled her into a hug.

She squeezed him hard. "And you still would've been late." She laughed. "It's good to see you, Alec." She glanced behind him. "Where's your better half?"

Alec stepped inside the transport. "On bedrest. She's due in two weeks." He grinned then sobered. "Which means my workload is double right now."

Damn, seven years brought a lot of change. Alec had failed his finals for flight, but he excelled at code breaking. Happily married to his sweet cryptologist, they were expecting their first child. Hallie hadn't realized quite how soon.

Hallie nodded to the copilot seat. "Might as well have a front-row view." The other two dignitaries aboard flashed grateful smiles.

Transport ships weren't designed for comfort.

Alec took his seat and fastened the harness.

Hallie radioed the Bartholomew. "Bartholomew, transpo five-six-niner will be outbound and docking in twenty-three minutes." She nodded to the landing signal officer and waited for checkers green.

Alec put a headset on just in time to catch the response.

"Transpo five-six-niner, you're clear for landing in bay seventeen. A reminder you're to report directly to the brig after passengers have cleared the hangar."

Alec slid her a sideways glance, his mouth hanging open.

Hallie launched the ship and headed out into the black.

Alec, per usual, couldn't help himself. "What did you do this time?" He'd flipped to internal comms so they wouldn't be overheard.

Hallie's lips quirked. "I got into a heated argument with the XO and called him a superior dickhead." She huffed out a breath. "Earned a three-day rip for insubordination." The man pushed her buttons on the regular and she hated the idea of serving under him without the elder Hennessey acting as a buffer.

And, thankfully, she wouldn't have to.

Alec narrowed his eyes. "Then what are you doing flying transpos?"

Hallie chuckled. "Apparently your dad is a big deal. The ceremony has so many arriving guests and dignitaries, I had a two-hour window to help get them all on board." She made a banking sweep away from Gibraltar base and headed for the ship.

Alec grunted. "He does have a lot of friends in high places." He settled back.

Hallie chatted with Alec, fighting the urge to ask about Reese. He and the old man rarely saw eye to eye, and she wondered if Reese would show up for the ceremony. It had been two years since she'd seen him—they had a very casual relationship, both focused on their careers—and she didn't ask when they'd spoken a month ago. She'd had other things on her mind during that call.

Alec volunteered the information, mentioning a photo op with their dad. "Someone dug up an old snapshot of the three of us standing in front of a falcon." His lips twisted. "They all realize I don't have my wings, but they want to repeat the staging for the old man's retirement." He perked up. "At least I'll stand out in my spiffy dress uniform." He did a chair waggle.

Hallie laughed. "That you will. I mean, was there ever a doubt? They broke the mold when they made you, Alec." And she wouldn't have him any other way.

The rest of the flight got her caught up with his life. Alec and Jenvie had names picked out. They were moving into a new housing unit on the base. And Jenvie made it clear Alec would not be getting their kid addicted to fudgy brownie cakes.

By the time they landed, Hallie's sides hurt from laughing. She'd needed the reprieve. Alec could be a pain in the ass, but he always brightened her day.

Hallie exited the transport and grabbed Alec's shoulder. "Say hi to Reese for me." She hugged Alec and headed back to the brig.

Less than eighteen hours and she'd be free and clear. And never have to deal with the XO, Colonel Dickhead, again.

This story is finally coming together and I'm excited to get it finished up.

 

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

ML Skye