Sunday Snippet: Physical Therapy

Welcome June! Seriously, I feel like I'm still floating around back in March. The months are flying by right now.

Had a weird week of struggling to focus and I couldn't tell you why I ended up being so distracted. That drives me insane.

Decent viewing week. I only went through one round of my usual streaming services again and I'm actually kind of okay with that. Sometimes I need a bit of a break and can use the quiet time.

I did get another episode of The Snoopy Show watched and enjoyed it. I like to think the whole Peanuts gang has a special place in the hearts of GenX. At least it does for me.

I finished up Loch Ness and actually quite enjoyed the series. The twists and turns ended up panning out better than I'd hoped. Definitely glad I watched this one.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and loved the twistiness of this two-parter. I also love that there wasn't a shiny bow on the end. Good stuff.

Started a new arc of Classic Who and I'm kind of interested in how this one plays out. Again, I notice how much Mel ends up screaming. It's a thing.

Watched another episode of Most Terrifying Places in America. At some point, I'd love to see a series where the ghosts and ghouls are actually friendly and helpful. That said, I love seeing the interviews with people who experienced the creepy creatures. Pure gold.

Enjoyed another episode of The Mandalorian. I love the pacing and the little bits of information that turn up and reveal themselves. Good stuff.

Caught another episode of The Hardy Boys. Gotta say Joe is beginning to annoy me but I'm hoping there's a reason he's being such a prat. Fenton's storyline is getting interesting and I love that the grown-ups get some random fleshing out.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed the storylines. It feels like some groundwork is being laid for future seasons and I'm liking that.

Finished up a MasterClass series with Neil deGrasse Tyson. While it wasn't as in depth as I thought it would be, I did get a lot of his lessons. Not sure what I'll start next, but I'm leaning toward Roxane Gay's series.

Caught another The Babysitter's Club and thoroughly enjoyed. I'm glad they're adding another sitter to the club and I really like how they're featuring the members.

Watched another episode of the Ready Room and liked the interview with James Frain. I like his character and it's nice to get some insight into the complicated relationships he has with his family.

Started season five of Chicago Med and I'm sad to say good-bye to Connor. I do love how they sent him off, especially the farewells he had with Goodwin and his mentor. The Will and Nat storyline is one I'm a little on the fence with. I'm really not down with the interloper making conflict, but I'll reserve judgment. Maggie is breaking my heart.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Physical Therapy, a novella that has an injured paranormal sports star falling for her therapist who is a huge fan.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Flint Hollywell, a talented physical therapist, loves nothing more than watching arena ball player Tappen Bligh work her magic on the playing field. But when a career ending injury sidelines Tappen, Flint is determined to get her back on the grass where she thrives on the action.

And a preview snippet…

"Here comes the winning score."

Tappen maneuvered into position for her signature combo—a flying leap where she levitated with the ball before spiraling down to land within inches of the goalkeeper, usually scoring a double. She made it to the corkscrew portion of her play when something went horribly wrong. A shock of magick hit her—absolutely illegal during game time—and Tappen catapulted into the stands, colliding with the opposing team's fans.

"Son of a bitch!"

The ball went airborne and Tappen reached up to retrieve it for the save, but the spectators grabbed hold and piled on top of her.

She struggled under the weight of a dozen people. "Shit. This is insane." The shrill blare of the whistle should've stopped the onslaught.

Instead, the fans let loose with violent punches, kicks, and blows. Tappen fought back, striving to get upright or in the air. Her knee buckled and twisted from a particularly vicious wrenching. Tappen hissed against the pain shooting up her thigh then winced when another foot found her midsection.

Her teammates rushed forward, knocking several Dogs out of the way. Gilda had a hand in this bit of mayhem. Tappen would bet her next salary bump on that fact.

Trying to focus on getting out from under the frenzied opposing side, Tappen got in a few good licks of her own. But … she didn't stand a chance against at least twelve human battering rams. And her crew had their hands full on the field with their attempts to get to Tappen.

She couldn't wait any longer and finally took retaliatory action.

She cast a blowback spell. "Make a circle and spread it wide. Swing the windmill; let no one hide." She barely uttered the words before her head connected with the concrete bleachers.

Stars swam behind her eyelids, but the incantation worked, clearing the area. Tappen slowly got to her feet and blinked to clear her vision, but the haziness didn't dissipate.

A loud roar echoed in her ears. "Damn. Not good." Everything went gray and dark.

To the collective gasp of the home team fans, she tumbled forward and lost consciousness.

I'm making steady progress on this one. I love writing the magickal aspects and Tappen will appreciate Flint's ability in the very near future.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye