Sunday Snippet: Holly's Masquerade

Our fall-like weather remained with us … to the point we had record lows. I have to laugh a little because it's like a yoyo swinging up and down with record temperatures in both directions. It's nuts.

Had a very solid work week. Possible new projects that I'm excited about and finishing up a big one, which feels really good.

Not a bad week for viewing television. I didn't make it through two times like last week but had almost a full rotation of the shows I normally watch.

Enjoyed another Agatha Raisin episode. I'm settling in with this cast of characters and I love the village vibe. Looking forward to more episodes.

Started a new Silent Witness two-parter and I'm really interested in where this one goes and what's going on at the Lyle. The second half should be terrific.

Caught the finale for season two of Death in Paradise. I'm a little sad because the season three opener is obviously the loss of one of the main characters. But I'm excited to start in with a new character.

Watched another Fantasy Island episode and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm also happy to report Roark and Javier seem to be on better footing and the angst factor did not get amped to ten or above. A pleasant surprise. The whole deal with Ruby should be interesting to watch unfold. Not sure how I want things to go there.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. This one featured Firefly and I kind of loved the Bruce and Alfred banter in this episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats and loved it. One part had the babies journeying to the basement ala Indiana Jones style. The second one had the full set of McNultys for a birthday party. So much fun.

Started another episode of VIP but didn't make it all the way through. Too many interruptions to finish, but I hope to get the rest watched today.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Holly's Masquerade, a Specter Station novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

Roman Holly can't believe how smoothly the transition to his new base of operations on Specter Station is going, but he has Isis Tango, his uber-efficient admin, to thank. She moves halfway across the galaxy to stay by his side and he's not quite sure why. But Isis will reveal her reason at the holiday masquerade, and it will blow Roman's mind.

And a sneaky peek…

Isis closed one file and opened the next. "Nothing liked being mired in last-minute fixes before Roman gets here." She scanned through the checklist for the masquerade, ticked several boxes, added notes, and forwarded copies to Juna Newberry, Maddox Specter, and Roman.

Leaning back, Isis took a breath then exhaled slowly. Finally, a minute to breathe. "And reflect a little." What am I doing? "Moving to a station half a galaxy away because I'm stupid in love with my boss … not the best use of decision-making skills, Ise."

Then again, she loved an adventure, especially when it came with a challenge. Holly Galactic Group provided a wide range of activities and trials for her to dive into. Problem-solving came easily to her … for other people.

She frowned. "Solving my Roman problem? Yeah, I suck at that." Why can't I use my extensive skill set to not be in love with him?

The universe would never know.

She straightened. "And neither will Roman." Geez, wouldn't he love to have that conversation?

Geez, Ise, why now? You've been with him almost seven years. And her brain picked now to figure out she loved him.

She shook her head. "Okay, the three-week window of alone time had a lot to do with that."

Coming ahead to get things set up and ready gave her ample opportunity to examine the reason she agreed to the move. Which also gave her time to take stock and look at what she wanted for the future. She wanted Roman Holly.

Wait … three weeks. That meant…

"Fuck! Roman's arriving today." Glancing at the time, she cursed again. "Check that. Roman's already here." She scrambled out of her chair, smoothed her hair and clothes and took off at close to a dead run toward the lobby.

She arrived at the bank of tubes just in time for the doors to ping open, revealing Roman and Mattox.

She caught her breath, quickly composing herself before flashing a wide smile. "Hello, I was coming down to greet you. Sorry to have missed your arrival." She stepped to the side, her gaze drinking in the sight of Roman—tall, blond, and made to wear a suit to perfection.

The men exited the conveyance and Roman did a full-circle turn in the lobby area. His head nodded in approval at his first sight of the new headquarters.

Nervous and not sure why, Isis got down to business. "Maddox, I forwarded the final details for the masquerade, you'll let me know if there are any changes?" After Maddox lifted his chin, Isis waved her arm toward the office suite. "Welcome to Holly Galactic Group's new base of operations. Everything is ready, including the link-up to our former office. The file transfers are scheduled to begin at any time." She stopped talking when the men exchanged a quick look.

Damn, I'm babbling. Mortification warred with embarrassment and she kind of wished the floor would open up and swallow her.

She blew out a breath. "I'll let you two head in. You've probably got some catching up to do." She started to reach for the tube button, thinking to make a quick escape to regroup and calm down.

Roman shook his head. "Please, come inside with me. I took the liberty of ordering some food and it's on the way up now. Maddox is heading to wherever Juna is." A sly smirk crossed his face.

Maddox returned the gesture with one of his own.

Isis smiled when Maddox made a hasty retreat back inside the tube after lifting a hand in farewell. Roman huffed out a breath and shook his head, then laughed before heading inside the office space. Isis enjoyed the exchange. It's going to be good for Roman to be around his friend on a regular basis. She followed Roman into the suite of offices, still a bit unsettled over missing his arrival. She might need to start seriously thinking about what she wanted for her future.

And whether Roman would be part of her plans or not.

I have a lot of love for this one. Roman and Isis are a joy to write. The whole Specter Station group is fun to be with.

 

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

ML Skye