Sunday Snippet: Gut Punch Feeling

It's so weird to be almost halfway through the month already. Time is weird. Last week felt like it dragged on forever but also had a lot of stuff jammed into it.

Weather ended up being crazy with a tornado warning that thankfully went north and east of us but did touch down in several places in our county. We've got more volatile weather headed our way this week. Maybe. It makes me bonkers how not accurate the weather reports are now.

Work projects ended up being a little exhausting this week. I had a project that should have been simple but spiraled into a bit of a mess. We finally got that one all figured out, I think. I finished up a copy edit and started a new one. And I got to dive into a new nonfiction book project that I'm excited about.

On a small side note, I've been feeling the pull to get my side project launched and ready to go. To that end, I'm working on some Halloween shorts that I hope to have ready to go in October. Fingers crossed!

Had an okay viewing week. I did make it through my regular list of shows and did more binge watching of Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise.

Thoroughly enjoyed an episode of Marple. There were so many twists and turns but I loved the ride.

Caught another episode of Britain's Most Scenic Counties and continued the exploration of Kent, which I'm enjoying a lot.

Watched the finale for Beyond Paradise season four. So happy with everything. My frustration with Anne turned out to be for naught. She really kicked everything on its side. So glad Smith is not going to be around anymore. Truly loathed that guy. Thrilled to bits that Esther and Archie are giving things a go and that Kelby has a sweetheart. I cried when Zoey left on her adventure, but I loved her maps bringing Esther and Archie together.

The Orient Express episode of Poirot hit weird for me. Such a stellar cast but things felt a little off and I'm honestly not sure how I feel about the ending, which is quite probably by design. I think visually filmed plays out differently than the visual that reading creates. I don't know.

Elementary had another interesting episode and I'm wondering how the escalation is going to go with Sherlock's meeting guy. Very glad the captain and Detective Bell are aware of what's going on with Sherlock's concussion situation.

Caught an episode of Young Justice that I vaguely remember watching during the show's run on television. With so much going on with three different story points, I actually enjoyed the action.

Watched another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and, once again, thoroughly enjoyed the antics of the crew. A lot of fun seeing them confront past issues on Starbase 80.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Gut-Punch Feeling, a novella that brings a couple back together after they parted ways.

Here's the miniblurb:

Evie Roth, a soldier explorer, keeps her promises. But when a sinister plot threatens those she loves, especially Parr Romanoff, she'll break a vow she made long ago … to herself.

And a sneaky peek…

Parr had no idea how long Evie cried. He didn't care. Not until she shifted against him and wiped her face on her sleeve.

He loosened his grip on her. "Are you good?" He didn't have to explain what he meant.

Part of the shorthand they developed a long time ago. Something he'd put aside for … well, reasons.

Evie gave a nod. "Yeah. For the moment." She slid away from him and slowly got to her feet.

Parr followed her, standing upright. "You need some rack time. You're off shift until you get a solid eight." He hoped she wouldn't argue.

Evie dragged in a deep breath. "Walk with me?" Her gaze met his, her eyes still watery but filled with questions.

Which he couldn't answer right now. For the moment, he wanted to be there for a friend who'd been handed a steaming pile on a plate. Anything else … would be figured out later.

Parr lifted his chin. "Be happy to. Let's go." He fell into step beside her and ran interference with hard looks and facial expressions.

No one bothered her on the way. She stopped by the head and splashed cold water on her face, sticking her mouth up to the tap and gulping the cool water.

Parr shook his head and grabbed a cup from the cabinet and filled it. "Take this with you." He filled another one then held the door open for her.

She made the short trip to quarters and found her berth. After placing her glass on the shelf, she slid beneath the blanket and propped up her pillows. Then she heaved a weary sigh.

Parr set the cup he carried beside the other one then sat on the edge of her mattress. "Look, I know this isn't going to help, but Steven wasn't the enemy. He didn't know what he was until the very end." When he tried to take Evie against her will.

She shrugged. "Neither did I but knowing that doesn't change the facts." Her voice grew stronger. "And while my brain understands and comprehends, my heart is taking longer to catch up…" Her eyes focused in on Parr. "Not because I loved Steven. It's more because I should've guessed. I mean he never got hurt or had injuries. But I didn't see what stood right in front of me." Her gaze dropped. "Because I was too distracted by … well … everything."

Parr grunted. "And by everything you mean us and how we always go sideways instead of straight ahead."

Her lips curved. "Yeah, pretty much." She exhaled on another sigh. "But us going sideways all the time foiled their plan and that I'm absolutely okay with."

Parr didn't ask the questions spinning in his brain. She had enough to deal with right now. But he definitely had a health curiosity.

Parr reached out and clasped her hand in his. "Get some rest, Evie. You can unpack the baggage later." He squeezed her fingers then scooted back to stand up.

Evie grasped his arm, tugging him forward. "Thank you. I mean it. Thank you for being here." Her hand twisted in his shirt, pulling him closer and her mouth slanted against his.

The kiss lasted longer than it should have … but she caught him so off guard he couldn't do anything else but respond. At least until she suddenly broke away and quickly turned onto her side facing the bulkhead.

Parr blinked and got to his feet. He didn't quite know what to think but he wouldn't read too much into Evie's action. He figured they'd just gone sideways again but with a twist this time.

This one takes a few twists and turns and I'm having a lot of fun writing them.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Gut Punch Feeling

Whew! Busy week, which I love. My youngest kidlet got engaged last weekend and we've been riding that wave of excitement this week.

Finished up one work project and got another new one. It's a mystery and I love those! Also plugging along with an ongoing LitRPG manuscript that's also a sci-fi/fantasy mash-up. I love the series!

Had an okay week of television viewing. I didn't get through as much as I thought I would but I'm cool with that.

I finished up the episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I've got two episodes left and I'm bracing for impact because I know what's coming.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and I'm happy to say I figured out the real culprit. It took some really twisty turns and I'm pretty sure there might have been a dangling plot thread but, honestly, a great episode.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm almost finished with the first season, and it's been terrific seeing the series in chronological order. Can't wait to start the next season.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Epiphanies." I'd forgotten how much this episode set up for the following seasons. And I'm always blown away by how incredibly good James Callis is in the role of Baltar.

I also caught another episode of Fantasy Island. Really enjoyed this one. I'm very, very cautiously optimistic with the Javier and Elena storyline. I'm going to be so disappointed if it ends up being trashed for the sake of angst.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Gut-Punch Feeling, a novella that reunites a couple and puts them up against some stacked odds not in their favor.

Here's the miniblurb:

Evie Roth, a soldier explorer, keeps her promises. But when a sinister plot threatens those she loves, especially Parr Romanoff, she'll break a vow she made long ago … to herself.

And a sneaky peek…

Evie Roth closed her rucksack and hefted it over her shoulder. "What did you expect, Parr? We're graduating. It's time to go our separate ways." She tilted her head to one side. "How did you think we'd manage once we got our assignments?"

Parr Romanoff folded his arms over his chest. "The same way everyone else in the military does it."

Evie snorted. "Ah, right. I get to follow you around from base to base without a second thought to what I want from my career." She shook her head. "I don't think so. I have a plan and I'm sticking to it." Unlike her mother, who could've made rank if she hadn't succumbed to Evan Roth's charms and then mustered out to crawl into a bottle of liquor.

Parr sighed. "No one's saying you have to follow me, Evie. We can do what's best for each of our careers." He started moving toward her.

Evie held up a hand. "Uh-uh. Stay right where you are." It wouldn't take much to sway her into sticking around.

Continuing to have the best sex ever tempted her far more than she'd ever admit.

Parr stopped, planting his hands on his hips. "See … you know we're good together. You're afraid to commit."

Damn right. Parr didn't fit into her five-year plan to move up the ranks and find her niche. If either lived that long. With a looming war, no guarantees were handed out.

And he didn't have to be difficult. "No, we've got a war to fight and being in a relationship takes a backseat to everything else." She turned and started for the door again. "Better to end things now, focus on what needs doing, and remember good times."

And there were a lot of great memories she'd stored away. Most of them involving steaming up sheets, furniture, and sometimes any available flat surface. A shiver of awareness tried to rear its head. Evie tamped it down along with any regrets. She had to stay on task.

Parr called out before she exited the room. "I'll see you around, Evie. It's a small universe when there's a war brewing. Our paths will cross again."

She didn't acknowledge his statement, walking out and not looking back. They probably would bump into each other, but time and distance for a while would change their perspective. She refused to let anything stand in her way.

Not even love.

Evie is going to find out she should never bet against love, especially when there's a war brewing.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Gut Punch Feeling

September 6, 2020

Hello, September. The great office reorganization is coming along. If all goes well, I might have the bulk of the work complete by the end of the year. I'm very happy with how everything is going so far.

Not a bad week for television. I finished up the Danger Man episodes that were available. Not sure what I'll start on to replace this one yet.

Caught an episode of Picard and enjoyed it. I'm not quite sure what to make of the guy who's captaining the ship yet. I rather liked getting a little more Ravi backstory.

Watched two more episodes of Peak Practice. I'm getting to the end of the second season and, so far, still enjoying the episodes.

Finished Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. I'd really love to have another season of this show. I feel like the final episode had everyone coming into their own as characters. Maybe we'll get lucky.

Caught another arc of Classic Who. I think I might be ready to start the next season or I'm getting close.

That's it for this week. Tonight's post is from Gut-Punch Feeling, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Evie Roth, a soldier explorer, keeps her promises. But when a sinister plot threatens those she loves, especially Parr Romanoff, she'll break a vow she made long ago … to herself.

And a sneaky peek…

Evie woke up and everything that happened rushed back at her.

Groaning, she flung an arm over her head. "What the hell was I thinking … kissing Parr like that?" She rolled out of her rack and snagged her shower kit.

Parr had someone. A good woman. One Evie would probably like a lot if she didn't have what Evie wanted.

Entering the head, she shook off the jealous thought. "I need to take the high road and let him he happy." He'd tried to do the same for her.

And look where she ended up. Nursing a bruised ego, a crushed spirit, and a really hard knock to her confidence. Rinsing off, she steeled her spine. Nope. That was yesterday.

Today, she had a new journey. "Time to get started." Drying off and getting into a uniform, she exited the head and put her kit away.

The chow line moved quickly and she wolfed down her usual breakfast of scrambled eggs, a bowl of fruit, and two cups of coffee. "A solid eight hours, a hot shower, and grub. Might as well face my biggest obstacle." Meaning Parr.

She could and would be the soldier he needed her to be. Nothing more and definitely nothing less. No more games.

Making her way to the command station, she sucked in a breath and ducked through a doorway when she spied Carol leaving the hub. Pushing down a flash of hurt, Evie waited until the intelligence officer caught up with her aide then turned down the next corridor. Eventually, Evie would be able to make nice, but not today.

Heading into the command area, she quickly found Parr, sitting at his desk. He glanced up when she knocked on the door to the office. Putting an open file aside, he waved her in.

She skipped the preliminaries. "Where did you want me on the duty roster?" She injected as much enthusiasm as possible into her tone.

Parr's eyebrows arched. "Do you want a few days? You've earned some downtime to regroup." He narrowed his eyes, studying her.

She'd love a few days, if she could spend them with him. She finally wanted the life he offered a long time ago. A little too late. And she couldn't be around Parr and Carol right now, even if she wished them the best.

She shook her head. "No, I'd like to stay busy." Preferably out in the field, but she didn't share that thought.

Parr angled his head, gazing in her direction for several long moments. Questions burned, she had no doubt, but he thankfully didn't ask any.

Grabbing a weathered satchel, he set it on the edge of his desk. "If you're up for it, you could head out to the perimeter and get the battle reports." He met her gaze.

Evie flashed a big smile. "Sounds like a plan. I'll get packed up and head out within the hour." She reached for the satchel.

Parr's hand snagged hers. "Are you sure, Evie?" Tenderness lurked in his eyes. "You're allowed to grieve what you lost." He let go, giving her some space.

Evie hooked the satchel over her shoulder. "I'm sure, Parr. Getting back to work, getting out there, will help me do just that." She turned and waved over her shoulder.

Because she would be grieving … but not for losing Steven.

I'm all over the place with this story but it's finally starting to come together. This couple is a challenge but very fun to write.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Gut-Punch Feeling

Well, my youngest attended our local prom last night and she looked so beautiful. I'm always amazed I had a hand in creating my kids. They're good people. J

Gotham returns Monday! I'm pretty excited for the final half of this season. Also looking forward to having my CW shows back with new episodes. And the summer TV fare isn't looking too bad either.

My work schedule is jammed and I love it! I like to stay busy, even when it cuts into my writing time. I could live with about four more hours each day, but I'm getting a lot better at managing personal with professional.

Tonight's post is from Gut-Punch Feeling, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt of "one character is revealed to be an enemy after they're rescued by a main protagonist". I love scenarios featuring a betrayal of some sort.

Here's the tagline:

Evie Roth, a soldier explorer, keeps her promises. But when a sinister plot threatens those she loves, especially Parr Romanoff, she'll break a vow she made long ago… to herself.

And a sneaky peek…

Evie resisted the urge to rub the phantom pain again. "I just can't understand why you'd want anything reproductive from me. I'm such a screw up." Hell, she could show him the documentation of her many mistakes.

Cavelle tilted his head to the side. "Ah, but your pattern for self-destructive tendencies is part of the reason we chose you. Your emotions run deep." He shrugged. "We needed to test our theory."

Evie narrowed her eyes. "Go on, fill me in. What was the working theory?"

Cavelle leaned forward. "Personal connection. We don't have those among our race. We took your ovary to create life with someone you cared for." He met her gaze. "Loved."

Lifting a brow, she casually asked. "And did it work?" She bit back the bile rising in her throat. Plenty of time later to expel the rage building inside her.

Cavelle's shoulders slumped. "It didn't, no."

Relief flooded her and a victorious vibe followed.

Evie snorted. "Guess you overestimated my feelings for Steven, didn't you." She had what she needed now.

Cavelle realized he'd lost the advantage. "You loved him. We know you did." But he couldn't deny or take back the information.

She started for the exit. "Apparently that's not enough." And they were so mistaken. Parr always held her heart, whether she'd known it or not. "Or… you're wrong."

Cavelle didn't accept total defeat. "But you came back for him."

Evie paused, her hand on the doorknob. "Yeah, I did." But not because I love him. "I made a promise to return… so I did." She glanced back over her shoulder. "Something we lowly humans do… keep our word. I said I'd get everyone off that planet and I did. End of story." She exited, head held high.

She managed to keep her composure until she hit the first juncture. Leaning back against the wall, she gave free rein to the emotions slamming into her. Sliding down, her butt hit the floor and she bent forward, resting her forehead on her knees.

She'd bested Cavelle, but at a price. All illusion stripped away, Evie owned her love for Parr. Steven worked as a pleasant substitute but didn't touch her soul the way Parr did—and always had—which made her as bad as the simulates, maybe worse. At least they had an excuse for their behavior, all in the programming, but she had no defense for playacting at being in love with Steven.

Heaving a sigh, her head snapped up when footsteps approached.

Parr rounded the corner and stopped short, hovering in position for a second before relaxing his stance and slowly making his way toward her.

He dropped down beside her and draped an arm around her shoulder. "Evie…"

She shook her head. "It figures you'd show up. Is this the moment where you tear me apart and tell me what a failure I am."

He huffed out a harsh breath. "I can if you want me to, but that wasn't the plan."

She angled her head around and met his gaze. "Then what? Why are you here?"

He leaned in close, nudging her head. "Just wanted to say, nice work. That's all."

She opened her mouth. Closed it. What could she possibly say? She never expected kindness and his praise disarmed her, stripped her bare, and she didn't know how to respond. Her shoulders slumped, then shook, and tears flowed freely down her cheeks. Parr gathered her close, cupping the nape of her neck to rest her head on his shoulder.

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Let it out, Evie." His hand smoothed her hair. "Purge the past and let everything go."

She truly didn't deserve his support, but if possible, she loved him even more than five minutes ago.

I'm very fond of Evie and Parr. Their story is coming together in ways I didn't expect.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Gut Punch Feeling

Greetings!

I'm coming off something of a stress and drama filled work week. I have a seasonal job at a local golf course and we're down to two people since we're winding down to our October 31 'official' close. When one of those two people has to take time off… it sucks hairy ones—especially when they wait until the day before to say anything. Just saying.

Moving on to fun stuff. Let's see, Lost Girl will air its final season sometime soon. I'll be sad to see the show end. Haven returns with Evil Audrey. I refuse to call her by whatever name she ended up with when she went inside the barn and returned. I'm also pretty excited for Flash to debut. Anything that has ties to Arrow can't miss in my book.

That's it for TV this week.

Tonight's post is from Gut Punch Feeling, a working title for a short story / novella where my main character gets to face her issues head on to save the one she loves.

Here's the tagline:

Evie Roth, a soldier explorer, keeps her promises. But when a sinister plot threatens those she loves, especially Parr Romanoff, she'll break a vow she made long ago… to herself.

And a sneaky peek…

Evie resisted the urge to rub the phantom pain again. "I just can't understand why you'd want anything reproductive from me. I'm such a screw up." Hell, she could show him the documentation of her many mistakes.

Cavelle tilted his head to the side. "Ah, but your pattern for self-destructive tendencies is part of the reason we chose you. Your emotions run deep." He shrugged. "We needed to test our theory."

Evie narrowed her eyes. "Go on, fill me in. What was the working theory?"

Cavelle leaned forward. "Personal connection. We don't have those among our race. We took your ovary to create life with someone you cared for." He met her gaze. "Loved."

Lifting a brow, she casually asked. "And did it work?" She bit back the bile rising in her throat. Plenty of time later to expel the rage building inside her.

Cavelle's shoulders slumped. "It didn't, no."

Relief flooded her and a victorious vibe followed.

Evie snorted. "Guess you overestimated my feelings for Steven, didn't you." She had what she needed now.

Cavelle realized he'd lost the advantage. "You loved him. We know you did." But he couldn't deny or take back the information.

She started for the exit. "Apparently that's not enough." And they were so mistaken. Parr always held her heart, whether she'd known it or not. "Or… you're wrong."

Cavelle didn't accept total defeat. "But you came back for him."

Evie paused, her hand on the doorknob. "Yeah, I did." But not because I love him. "I made a promise to return… so I did." She glanced back over her shoulder. "Something we lowly humans do… keep our word. I said I'd get everyone off that planet and I did. End of story." She exited, head held high.

She managed to keep her composure until she hit the first juncture. Leaning back against the wall, she gave free rein to the emotions slamming into her. Sliding down, her butt hit the floor and she bent forward, resting her forehead on her knees.

She'd bested Cavelle, but at a price. All illusion stripped away, Evie owned her love for Parr. Steven worked as a pleasant substitute, but didn't touch her soul the way Parr did—and always had—which made her as bad as the Simulates, maybe worse. At least they had an excuse for their behavior, all in the programming, but she had no defense for playacting at being in love with Steven.

Heaving a sigh her head snapped up when footsteps approached.

Parr rounded the corner and stopped short, hovering in position for a second before relaxing his stance and slowly making his way toward her.

He dropped down beside her and draped an arm around her shoulder. "Evie…"

She shook her head. "It figures you'd show up. Is this the moment where tear me apart and tell me what a failure I am."

He huffed out a harsh breath. "I can if you want me to, but that wasn't the plan."

She angled her hear around and met his gaze. "Then what? Why are you here?"

He leaned in close, nudging her head. "Just wanted to say, nice work. That's all."

She opened her mouth. Closed it. What could she possibly say? She never expected kindness and his praise disarmed her, stripped her bare, and she didn't know how to respond. Her shoulders slumped, then shook, and tears flowed freely down her cheeks. Parr gathered her close, cupping the nape of her neck to rest her head on his shoulder.

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Let it out, Evie." His hand smoothed her hair. "Purge the past and let everything go."

She truly didn't deserve his support, but if possible, she loved him even more than five minutes ago.

Evie is a treat to write. And Parr makes me swoon, just a little.

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

ML Skye