Sunday Snippet: It's Always the Same Show

Wow, September flew by. Now that we're into fall the days always seem to go faster, probably because they're shorter and the activities tend to be jam-packed. I love the fall season so I hope I remember to take time to enjoy it.

As usual, the week got stuffed full of last-minute projects, but I did get some good viewing in. I caught The Last Ship on Monday because my brain needed time to recover from homecoming. LOL An excellent episode by the way.

I binge-watched classic Hawaii Five-0 most of the day on Sunday and it helped soothe my garbled mind. Caught another episode of Midsomer Murders and I'm almost through the season. I think I still have about seven more to watch.

Got in another episode of Babylon 5 along with The Sarah Conner Chronicles. To keep with the sci-fi theme, I also watched episodes of Birds of Prey and Lexx. Rounded the week out with Pensacola Wings of Gold and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

Caught an all-day marathon of The Garage Sale Mysteries, too.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from It's Always the Same Show, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "tune in".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lanie Beck and Titus Berkley are tasked with whipping a new class of cadet mages into shape for the Academy of light. The biggest problem they face is never agreeing on how to make it happen. The cadets quickly learn to tune in and enjoy the show.

And a preview snippet…

Lanie Beck whispered the beginning of the incantation to start the last phase of the final exam when Titus Berkley, her partner for the project interrupted her. "Keep it together, Lanie. Don't screw this up."

A brief flash of anger singed her concentration. "Shush. I've got this." The line of flame Titus had created separated into small batches and she directed them into a box formation.

Titus used a spell to raise the dancing fireballs high in the exam room. Lanie loved to watch him wield magick. He had so much control and it showed in the way his muscles bunched and flexed with each physical movement. She had a tendency to show off with some flair and add a little drama to the stages. Titus called her out, his low-key approach favored by the directors. He enjoyed her theatrics, but not for the academy finals.

The flames reached the domed ceiling and Lanie began the incantation for the finale. Titus stepped up behind her, a lot closer than usual. She flubbed the last phrase and instead of a swirling ring of fireballs, the air sizzled and popped with raining flames.

Everyone ducked for cover but a quick suppression spell put the fire out before anyone or anything got damaged. Titus grabbed her shoulder and turned her toward the table of mages, the one grading their performance.

He nodded to the directors. "We'll take our retest from the beginning of the last phase." The mages gave their blessing.

Lanie flushed hotly, embarrassed and a little pissed off at Titus. He'd thrown her off by changing his position for the last set.

He stepped up and leaned in. "That's our one mistake. Try not to screw up again." He began the series of spell-castings.

Lanie muttered, "Then stick to your mark, dammit." She took over when he created the dancing line of flame again.

The final phase went off without a hitch. She got it right the second time. But the fact she messed up pissed her off because Titus pushed her buttons just because he could.

She shrugged off the anger and pasted a smile on her face when Titus clasped her hand and walked to the center of the exam room.

He kept his voice low. "We definitely passed. You did great on the retake." His fingers squeezed hers.

The praise made her day. They did work well together. The attraction and chemistry they shared almost guaranteed they would. Opposites in almost everything, they had an interesting balance that created excellent results.

Lanie's lips curved in a small smile. "I did great only because you set me off and you know it." She angled her head to meet his gaze. "The big question is why?"

I love writing the dynamic between Lanie and Titus. The back and forth they have is a treat, especially when Titus messes up in a big way.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye