Sunday Snippet: Various Reasons

Still chugging along on various work projects, but I'm at the in-between stages on a few. I like having some free time to focus on writing.

Not a bad week for viewing television. I had to create a workaround for one of the shows I watch, but I'm happy I managed to remember how to set things up.

Caught another episode of Fantasy Island and, wow, I love the unexpected surprise. I'm cautiously optimistic the reveal won't trash things between Elena and Rafael. I'm not holding my breath though. One of the writers is known to mess things up to ramp up the angst factor.

Watched another episode of Strangest Things. I'm always interested in the ancient things they review, but I'm also fascinated by the crazy contraptions featured.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. The puns and play on words are always fun. One of the greatest things about this show is the appeal to all age groups.

I finally finished the Passionflix original, Resisting Roots. I ended up really liking this one. It's not quite as steamy as some of the other movies, but I'm okay with that.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Enjoyed this one. Very glad Dom is back in good form.

Watched another episode of Cannes Confidential. I love this show! Camille and Harry are fun, and the underlying, sinister vibe is present but also subtle. Such a great show.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. This week we did a double header of "Resurrection Ship Part One and Two". The next few episodes are solid, but the show stumbles a little leading up to the season two finale. Too many threads that needed some loving care got dropped.

I also started another episode of Peak Practice and need to finish that one up later tonight.

That's it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Various Reasons, a novella that explores whether it matters if the timing is perfect to make a commitment.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Paloma and Cedric keep putting off thinking or talking about the future—they've got a fae war on their hands, but after a particularly ugly skirmish, Paloma decides it's time to open the topic for discussion. Cedric is so shocked, he's not quite sure he believes her, but once Paloma gets through the list of various reasons, he's close to getting on board.

And a preview snippet…

Cedric made his way to the private bath in the office of the old subway terminal. "Not like Paloma to give up bragging time." He tugged his shirt off, wincing at the putrid aroma then stripped off his jeans and bagged them up to destroy.

Turning the water on, he stepped under the blast of welcome heat against his aching body. Unwinding from the battle, he finally gave his concern free rein. Paloma had been a little off tonight. Maybe she got injured and didn't want to tell him.

He paused after grabbing a washcloth. "Or maybe she's ready to call it quits." His gut churned at the thought.

But … he'd dragged her into the fray. She'd been happy going about her daily grind and never using her gifts. She'd followed him to the league when he'd pointed out they needed people to hold the line after the blood scribe died without a successor.

Realistically, the league edged ever closer to putting a hierarchy in place. At a snail-crawl pace. Paloma had been patient, sticking by his side and having his back. For five years. How much longer would she be willing to wait?

He couldn't lose her. Not now. He created a long list of various reasons he needed her to stick around.

Soaping up his washcloth, he started at the top of his head. "First and foremost … can't imagine life without her." She'd become a part of him … the best part.

Sloshing the terrycloth over his shoulders, he added two more items. "She's smart and funny, an incredible combination." Brains and humor could be such a turn-on.

He added more soap and started on his torso. "She keeps me sane on bad days and on good days, she brings the crazy fun times." No one got him like she did.

She understood the drive to keep the peace. Her sense of fair play kept her in the battle when others would've walked a long time ago. And her innate talent elevated everyone in the cause.

He loved being with her. Loved everything she brought to their relationship. Loved…

Pausing mid-scrub, he blinked. "I love her." More than his own life.

He wanted forever with her.

Shaking his head, he finished and rinsed off. "Forever could end tomorrow." Especially if Paloma walked.

He'd have to convince her what a terrible idea that would be.

Drying off, he found some clean clothes and fought the unsettled coil of tension in his stomach. He skipped writing up a report on their actions and went searching for a few important things to take up top. Halfway out the door, he turned back and dug through the desk drawer for one last item … a lighter, as promised.

Adding it to the small box, he headed for the door. "Time to make an impression."

This story is coming along nicely. Cedric keeps nudging me to go in a direction I didn't think I would, and I'm having fun seeing what he's trying to reveal.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye