Sunday Snippet: Boxing Day

Happy Solstice season! I did start to get in the spirit last week and I'm kind of feeling better about things in general. We're very low-key for holiday celebrations anyway. The good news is because I finally got some shopping done, I had to do a cleanout of my space, which is a very good thing. Got those urges started again and I also did more clearing and decluttering in other areas. Yay!

Ohio is still trying to figure out what it wants to do with the weather. We got a little more snow and a bunch of rain then plummeting temps. Thankfully, we also had a ton of wind before the drop, so we didn't have icy conditions. Whew!

Had a decent work week. I finished up some last-minute changes on a proofread, completed a copy edit, and had a client meeting over Zoom. I'm getting into some deep edits on the memoir and getting ready to start a new proofread and developmental edit over the holiday break.

I had an okay viewing week. I didn't make it through the bulk of my shows, but I'm kind of needing a brief break. I'm changing things up a little for the holiday season.

I did start over with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the rewatch. There aren't many episodes left before I'll be moving on to a new show.

I also got a partial episode of Foyle's War in. Since this season's episodes run a little longer, I might break them up into two parts. The Americans have finally arrived in England and it's going about as good as can be expected … which isn't great.

I started a new season of Silent Witness and part one ended up being very interesting. I really wish we got a little more info on where the other characters ended up going. Jack's niece in particular. The new head of the Lylle is kind of different and I like that. And it's always good to see Sean Pertwee show up in any show.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed the intrigue. Also fun to see super young actors that have gone on to starring roles in their own series. In a weird twist of fate, the actor playing Japp had a guest starring role in the episode of Foyle's War.

Also did a minimarathon of the holiday episodes of Death in Paradise. Both featured Neville. I might dive back into the new inspector's episode this week.

I also plan to watch Madame Blanc's holiday special this week. Stay tuned for more on that one.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Boxing Day, a sexy short about big changes.

Here's the miniblurb:

Aeryn Gray packs up the personal belongings of Nash Nitali and spies a pair of boxing gloves. The sight takes her back through their weird brand of courtship, and she takes some time to reminisce about the end of their long, tangled affair.

And a sneaky peek…

Nash paced the corridor in sickbay. "I can't believe we were eating dinner together two hours ago and now Joe's fighting for his life." He met the ship doctor's gaze. "I mean, he got knocked down when we were sparring, but Joe got up and seemed just fine. What happened?" And how did it take three hours?

The doc explained about the aneurysm. "Look, Captain. They can occur at any time, and I have to stress this … the boxing match didn't cause it." He typed in orders for the next shift.

But Nash blamed himself. "You can't know for sure." He raked a hand through his hair, angry at everything.

Doctor Barnes gave Nash a hard glance. "Actually, I can. Joe doesn't have a brain bleed. The aneurysm didn't rupture because he took an uppercut to his chin." He pulled the curtain and motioned for Nash to walk with him. "This isn't your fault … there's no one to blame here. He's lucky it happened when someone was there. That's not always the case and the outcome is rarely good when it happens that way." He paused and held up a hand when a nurse flagged him down.

Nash shook his head. Lucky? Lying in a coma with less than stellar odds of recovering? Yeah, no. Not lucky.

Barnes picked up where he left off. "Joe's situation, having you and Lieutenant Gray there to seek immediate medical attention, gives him better odds." He frowned. "But I'm not gonna lie. He's in bad shape but stable for now. If that changes, I'll let you know." His tone had dismissal threaded through it.

Nash got it. The man had other patients that needed attention.

He lifted his chin. "Right. I'll be on the reserve hangar deck. If that changes, I'll leave word." Exiting the infirmary, he started toward the reserve deck.

With no recollection of getting there, he hopped up on one of the low walls surrounding a maintenance pit. He didn't care what Barnes said. Too much of a coincidence that Joe landed in the medical unit after a hard round of sparring.

At least they had a fun dinner. Mainly because of Aeryn. She listened to their old stories with fresh ears … and made the old man laugh with a few of hers. Joe had tears streaming from his eyes over her getting stuck in the cockpit during flight school due to a deck hand using spray adhesive instead of cleanser.

What if he died?

Nash didn't want to accept that possibility. "What will I do without him?" He'd been the closest thing to a dad Nash had.

A quiet voice asked, "Where, exactly, do you think he's going?"

The structure of this story is mainly flashbacks, which not everyone is a fan of … but it really works well for Aeryn and Nash's story.

 

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

ML Skye

 

Sunday Snippet: Boxing Day

Whew. This week flew right by. We're still waiting on our new furnace, which I should have by my next post. My workload is bananas right now and I didn't get a chance to watch much television due to deadlines. It's also been a busy week with my daughter's golf banquet and awards ceremony and state band competition.

I started a new episode of Blue Heelers but stopped midway through so I need to finish it up this week.

I started out with Midsomer Murders and watched the first episode of the final series. The new coroner is kind of fun and recognizable from a Doctor Who episode, at least that's where I remember her from.

I'm limping through the Riverdale musical episode "Big Fun". I keep stopping the action because I don't want to miss anything. I can honestly say I'm impressed with the way this episode is put together. I love how many of the group is involved in the musical. The only thing I'm not a fan of is how much screen time Eleanor is sucking up. I realize there's a reason for it but she's right up there with Hiram in the characters I love to hate department. I do think I'll have time to finish up later tonight or early tomorrow. Then it's off to the new season of Arrow, where I'll probably weep through every episode.

I caught a few holiday movies in the background during the workday and also ended up catching a bunch of Blue Bloods episodes.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Boxing Day, a sexy short that started with a writing community prompt that suggested creating a story that seems to go in one direction but ends up not being what readers will think it is. I love challenges like that.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Aeryn Gray packs up the personal belongings of Nash Nitali and spies a pair of boxing gloves. The sight takes her back through their weird brand of courtship and she takes some time to reminisce about their long, tangled affair.

And a sneaky peek…

Aeryn chuckled and pulled her hand out of the glove. "Not the best start but, man, did it set the tone for everything that followed." The ebb and flow of their relationship had an up and down pattern that rarely stayed smooth.

Or got boring.

Pushing the gloves inside the box, she picked up a wrist band, running her fingers over the engraved name, Joseph Malone. "Geez. I can't believe he kept this." Nash's mentor and pretty much the only father figure he'd had.

Joe taught Nash everything he knew about boxing and Aeryn got to see both in action. Nash went toe-to-toe with the old man… until he didn't.

Joe stopped moving, putting his gloved hands on his hips. "Quit pulling your punches, Nash. What the hell?" He jabbed Nash in the shoulder.

Nash opened his mouth but Joe gave him the stink eye.

Nash's shoulders slumped. "I'm not really pulling them, just taking it a little easier than usual."

Aeryn winced. Way to go, Nash. That'll go over well.

Joe growled. "Do I look like I need you to go easy?" His eyebrow arched, daring Nash to say otherwise.

Nash's head snapped up. "Didn't say you did. Maybe I'm going easier because I've had a tough week."

Aeryn rolled her eyes. While true, Malone wouldn't consider it a valid excuse.

Joe punched Nash's bicep. "Get your damn head in the bout or get out of the ring." He got into a fighting stance.

Nash blew out a hard breath and bent his elbows, matching Joe's crouch. "Fine. Let's go." He started shuffling his feet and moving into a wide arc.

Nash did as requested and got his head into the match. Two rounds later, he landed a jab that sent the old man down, knocking him out. Aeryn had the smelling salts ready and Joe jerked, coming to with a grin on his face.

He sat up. "'Bout damn time you beat me." He stuck out a hand and Nash helped him stand. "Nice round, Nasher." He slapped Nash's back with his glove.

Nash lifted his chin. "You okay?" To his credit, he didn't show overt concern.

Malone laughed and shot Aeryn a sideways glance. "He asks if I'm okay. How do I look, lieutenant?" He swiped at the sweat dotting his forehead.

Aeryn snorted. "You look like an old man with a solid need to keep his young protégé in check." Her lips curved in a smirk.

Joe guffawed. "Damn, Nash. You weren't kidding about that smart mouth of hers." He tossed a glove off and thrust his hand forward. "I like you, lieutenant. You're all right."

Aeryn clasped his palm and gave him a firm shake. "A high compliment, sir. It's nice to meet you." She settled back down on the bench to wait for the guys to get a shower.

Nash owed her dinner since he'd won the bout.

And she had a hankering for steak.

I enjoy trying new things and playing with the mood of a story. Not everyone is a fan of flashback tales, but this one begged for a small twist on that trope.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Boxing Day

Ahhh, The Last Ship makes me so very happy. And none of my favorites ended up dead in the last episode so there's that, too. I won't hold out too much hope for a death free episode tonight. Best to be prepared, right?

Killjoys came back with a bang. Gotta say I'm super happy to see it back on my screen. Here's hoping the whole season is as terrific as the premiere.

Dark Matter… eh, I was a little disappointed in the opener. That said, there are some interesting developments, especially given the ending. I'll reserve judgment before deciding if season two is a bust.

The finale for Wynonna Earp rocked. Fingers are still crossed for a second season. Some great seed were planted for future threads and I hope Syfy gives this show a chance.

Babylon 5 rewatch continues. I'm almost through the first season and so many little things I missed on the other viewings are popping up. I love when that happens.

Strike Back is also entertaining me with the same things happening. I catch small things I missed when I watched the first time.

That's it for TV this week. Hope everyone enjoys the fireworks shows if they like that kind of thing. Me? I'm happy watching them on what else… television. J

Tonight's post is from Boxing Day, a sexy short with lots of reflection of happy moments.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Aeryn Gray packs up the personal belongings of Nash Nitali and spies a pair of boxing gloves. The sight takes her back through their weird brand of courtship and she takes some time to reminisce about their long, tangled affair.

And a sneaky peek…

Nash Natali scrambled out of the training ring. Shit. He rarely lost track of time, especially when he had an early briefing. Damn. Way to get off on the absolute worst footing possible with his new pilot. One he desperately needed.

Even if she had a smart mouth to go along with her hot temper.

And even hotter body. The woman filled out her gym gear in all the right places.

Inappropriate, Nash. Get your head out of your ass and off her curves. Focus on making amends for the dick move.

He chased his lieutenant down. "Gray! Hold up." Catching up to her, he apologized. "I'm sorry I missed our briefing. I don't make a habit of blowing off my new pilots." He flashed a smile. "I've been waiting for your arrival with great anticipation for two weeks."

Her lips curved, a polite gesture. "Yeah, well, you could've fooled me." She folded her arms over her chest.

Nash tried a different approach. "Look, we can head to my office right now." He remembered his sweaty state. "Or, if you'd rather, I can grab a quick shower and meet you in ten."

Aeryn eyed him with a sideways glance. "Why not head back to the gym and you can brief me while I get a workout in?" Her gaze challenged him to refuse.

He didn't argue. "Not exactly SOP, but since you're cutting me some slack here, I'm all for the idea." Turning, he headed back toward the gym area.

She followed and grabbed a pair of sparring gloves. "I'll apologize for butting in earlier. I should have realized you were training a rookie." Stuffing her hands in the gloves, she tightened the straps with her teeth.

Nash quirked a grin. "You definitely don't hold back, do you?" He slipped a pair of gloves on also.

Aeryn gave him a sheepish smile. "Not usually, no. I speak my mind but have no problem being told to keep my thoughts to myself." She turned and started a quick jab session with the speed ball. "Doesn't always work, but I do my best to comply." A quick side eye showed the humor in her gaze.

He liked her. She'd fit in well with her shoot from the hip style.

Nash took a spot at the neighboring machine. "Can't ask for more, especially since you've given me fair warning." He settled into a steady rhythm, enjoying the camaraderie. "For the record, feel free to call me on my bullshit whenever necessary." He snorted. "Missing a briefing is definitely bullshit."

Aeryn barked out a laugh. "You know what, Sir? You and I are going to get along just fine."

He couldn't agree more. And spent the next thirty minutes giving his new pilot the lowdown on her new post.

I love this little short story. Here's hoping I can finish it up soon and launch it into the bookverse. :D

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Boxing Day

My week in TV started with an intense episode of Walking Dead and kept amping up from there with Arrow and Bitten. I kind of wish I had a Chris Hardwick type to decompress with after watching the latter two also. LOL Seriously, the season finales may break my brain. And the glimpses we're getting of Orphan Black have me impatiently waiting for April 19.

Tonight's post is from Boxing Day, a short story with something of an interesting spin on the narration.

Here's the tagline:

Aeryn Gray packs up the personal belongings of Nash Nitali and spies a pair of boxing gloves. The sight takes her back through their weird brand of courtship and she takes some time to reminisce about their long, tangled affair.

And a sneaky peek…

Aeryn grabbed the last of the stuff from Nash's locker. A can of shaving cream, some crumpled up newspaper, and a pair of boxing gloves. Seemed weird to box up his life, throwing bits and pieces into random containers. She snagged the gloves, lifting them to her nose, inhaling the scent of leather, newspaper, and Nash.

She slid her hand inside the leather, a tingle of awareness shooting through her. "Geez, how stupid to get turned on by a boxing glove."

Then again, so many of their big moments happened before, during, or after Nash put on the gloves. Snapshots played out in her head, starting at the beginning when she got her first glimpse of Nash, in the ring on Sigma base. God, the man looked hot throwing punches and jabs, his feet moving lightly over the surface, a quick shuffle-slide motion. Aeryn sank down onto Nash's bunk, letting the memory make her smile.

She sobered. "Not the best first impression I've ever made." More like the worst.

To be fair, Nash played a big part in her crappy attitude that day. She'd entered the gym, intent on working out some aggression. Her commanding officer missed their scheduled briefing at 0600 to go over her transfer from Theta. Aeryn hated early morning meetings and having her CO blow her off started her day on a sour note.

She never got her workout in. Instead, her attention focused on the sparring match in the ring. One combatant had a T-shirt on and the other—who turned out to be Nash—went shirtless. She slowly made her way over, quickly picking up on several mistakes the bare-skinned man kept making over and over.

Standing ringside, she shouted. "You're telegraphing your next move. Keep your eyes forward and focused on your opponent's face."

Nash shot her a quick glance and suffered a left hook for his trouble.

Aeryn shrugged and propped her elbows on the raised surface. She watched several more moments, shaking her head at the stupid mistakes Nash kept making. He might look incredible with defined, sinewy muscles flexing and bulging with each jab, but he obviously didn't know shit about boxing. He dropped his guard and caught a hard uppercut.

Aeryn slapped her hand on the floor of the ring. "Oh my God! You're dropping your guard. Are you stupid? Or do you just like pain?"

Nash held up a gloved hand, stopping the match, then turned and faced her. "No, I'm not stupid, and no, I don't like pain." Using his teeth to unfasten his glove, he flung it off. "We're training, learning how to look for weak spots. Can't find them if they're not there, right?" He removed the other glove. "Now it's my turn. Who the hell are you? You've gotta be new because no one else would ever be obnoxious enough to interrupt one of my sparring matches."

Aeryn flushed, her face heating. "Just transferred in from Theta." Maybe she'd jumped the gun by offering her opinion, but being called rude stung. "Aeryn Gray, Lieutenant."

Nash blinked and jerked his head. "Aeryn Gray?" He tilted his head to the side. "You're my new pilot?" His quickly scanned the wall, glancing at the clock. "Wait. What time is it?"

The pieces clicked in her brain and a wave of anger smacked her in the face. "0700. I waited half an hour for our briefing." She lifted a shoulder. "I guess you had better things to do." Turning, she started for the exit. "Can't say it's been nice meeting you." She waited a beat. "Sir."

Gathering her gear, she shoved the hatch open and left the gym, a bitter aftertaste lingering from her not so stellar introduction to Nash Natali.

Her new commanding officer.

I always have fun writing horrible first impressions. Makes figuring out how the story unfolds from there more interesting. J

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

ML Skye