Sunday Snippet: Ringside Seats

We've had the most insane weather this week. Three days in the high sixties and low seventies then a thirty degree drop on Friday with rain, rain, rain, followed by another dip in temperature and snow in an area not far from where I live. I predict a lot of people will end up with upper respiratory issues in the near future.

Had a very busy week with work projects. The two I've been working on are both wrapping up and we're down to the final tweaks and polishing. I've thoroughly enjoyed both and I'm looking forward to a small break to get some additional things accomplished around the house.

I didn't watch much of anything this week, mainly because I needed the quiet focus again. I did get most of the way through Resisting Roots and I started Enola Holmes 2. I have so much love for this movie!

I also got an episode of Star Trek: Discovery in. I'm thrilled everyone is back together and I love the changing dynamic of the characters. Looking forward to seeing more of this season.

I'll hopefully be back to a partially normal viewing schedule in the next week. I also found a streaming service that has a classic television network I've been missing for the past three or so years. I'll be giving that a whirl soon.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Ringside Seats, a novella where the characters work out some differences in a cage match with a magickal-skills battle.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An unclaimed attraction leads to some aggressive score settling in the apprentice's ring, when Vita Morj and Keb Pennyson are challenged to see who'd win in a magical bout. It may end up a draw, because neither opponent plans to give quarter.

And a preview snippet…

Within five minutes of being seated at the dining table, Vita pulled out all the manners her grandmother tried to teach her.

She endured questions and sour looks from Keb's parents. Where are you from? Who are your parents? How did you meet our son?

She got the immediate vibe Keb made a habit out of bringing girls his parents would hate to dinner.

She discovered the truth of that thought a moment later.

Keb's mother, Gia, rudely questioned her son. "Why are you always bringing girls who grow up on the wrong side of town to our home?"

Keb rolled a shoulder but didn't deny his habit of bringing girls his parents wouldn't like to the house.

After several more snide comments from Gia about how Vita looked—vintage—and the inappropriate choice of dinner companion, she sighed, putting on a show of major disappointment.

Keb shot back. "I do this so you know I don't plan to settle for anyone that would get your seal of approval. Nor will I be getting married anytime soon."

Gia waved her hand. "That's all well and good, but girls like Vita don't belong here." Her nose went straight up in the air.

Keb's dad, Norse, added his take. "Yes, Gia. But girls like Vita know the drill. Always willing to keep things smooth and easy and not kick up a big fuss." He went back to spooning soup between his lips.

Girls like Vita.

Norse had definitely defined the exact expectation Keb had for her … a little too late.

Gia rolled her eyes. "Of course, girls like Vita are easy. They're brought up to be accommodating in all ways, especially when they grow up on the wrong side of town." She bared her teeth in Vita's direction.

Vita, with as much grace as she could muster, decided to put all of them in their place. Gia and Norse for being horrible shit-hosts. And Keb for instigating the entire debacle, knowing full well how his parents would react. All without cluing Vita in.

Holding back her anger, hurt, and the betrayal of what could have been, she set aside her napkin. "I might be from the wrong side of town but at least I've always remembered the lessons I learned from my grandmother about manners and common decency. You all could use a refresher course."

A long moment of silence followed Vita's statement then the room erupted into chaos. Keb's parents directed their displeasure to their son, who fired back with angry words about being tired of their bullshit. They spewed venom-filled accusations and insults at each other.

Vita got up and escaped the room. She found the butler, Mathers, hovering next to the heavy oak doors with the next course of food. His eyes darted between her and the shouting family members.

She calmly lifted her chin. "My apologies, Mathers, but I think I'll need my coat. Things didn't quite go as I'm sure they were planned." Her stomach rumbled at the scent of whatever lurked under the dome-covered plates.

Mathers gave her a look of sharp approval. "I'll get that for you right away, miss. Won't take more than a moment." He grasped her elbow and escorted her to the front door and retrieved her jacket, helping her put it on.

She gave him a tremulous smile. "Thank you. Please tell whoever cooked the meal that it smells wonderful." Another growl sounded in her midsection.

Mathers held up a finger and dashed to the kitchen, returning with a carton of food. "Compliments of the cook." He handed the food over. "Shall I call you a cab?"

Barely keeping it together, Vita shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, but no, thank you." His kind gesture with the meal had tears pricking behind her eyelids.

He opened the door and held it for her. "Have a pleasant evening, miss."

Vita nodded and left the house. She waited until she made it past the gate before letting the tears flow. Being treated with respect by the butler had been the highlight of the evening and the crushing disappointment of her stupidity weighed heavily on her shoulders.

"Why did I think for one moment Keb Pennyson actually wanted anything to do with me?"

I love, love, love how this story is coming together. There's more to Vita than where she grew up and eventually Keb and his snooty parents will discover how much.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye