Sunday Snippet: Nothing Special

Getting a late start to my day because my sleep schedule is out of whack. This has affected my great cleanout project, and I'm still determined to get back on track and at least do small things each day. Stay tuned!

On a different note, I did get about ten pounds of ground beef cooked and in the freezer. Also got three bags of grapes cleaned and in the fridge. So, the cleanout project took a back burner, but I did get other things done.

Work is still busy with new projects coming in and I'm enjoying the variety of things I have right now. I've also been able to do some catchup on my own stuff. I've been striving for better balance between my editing work and my writing.

Had a solid viewing week and made a full round of my regular shows and my two back burner shows. I'll be starting a new one this week, I think. Looking forward to picking up with a new season of something.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the episode and getting some Dr. Mac backstory.

Think I finished up the first season of Art Detectives. I really enjoyed this show and hope to see another season. They left enough seeds to pick up if they get one.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and ended up really loving the mystery. Not a standard path and the twists were good.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. It's one I'd seen most of before and I remembered most of the plot. Good episode.

Watched an episode of Elementary. Gotta say I love Joan being totally unafraid of the elder Holmes. Their interactions were very fun. And her getting the goods on him rocked the entire episode.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I remembered but forgot about. Does that make sense. Great episode too.

Enjoyed an episode of Lower Decks. This show is kind of wonky but usually adorable. Just enough tongue in cheek to keep things interesting and fresh.

Watched the opening of Peak Practice season eleven. Sam is on a precarious journey, and I think his exit is set up nicely. Not really sure about Will and Kate. I'm not really interested in them becoming the new Andrew and whatever his partner's name is.

Also caught another episode of Reacher. Man. This show. If I ever find the time, I want to do a deep dive and dig into some of the themes and tropes I love.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Nothing Special, a novella where the characters edge closer to something that is special.

Here's the miniblurb:

Masha Tuck and Ryce Reynoldson work tirelessly around the winter solstice to help provide a meaningful celebration to their fae and non-fae neighbors. Masha uncovers the perfect gift for Ryce—just a book, nothing special—but if she gives it to him, it'll add depth to their weird relationship and she's not sure she's ready for them to be a thing.

And a preview snippet…

While Ryce stood gazing out the window in the kitchen, Masha gathered the plates and carried them to the sink. "What are you looking at?" She stood beside him.

He cocked his head and leaned forward a little, trying to get a better look outside. "Making sure the world didn't implode." He slid his gaze sideways. "It didn't." He used a deadpan tone, but his eyes were filled with humor.

She laughed. "Okay. I deserved that." She lifted her chin. "So … what's next in the grand having a moment deal?" Enjoying the evening, she threw the question out there.

Ryce's eyebrows arched. "Wine in front of the fire?" He nodded toward a full-bodied semisweet red sitting on his counter.

"Uh…" She hesitated.

Because she'd love to chill out and relax but the weather could turn nasty. Which meant they'd be needed.

He paused while reaching for the bottle. "Unless you have plans?" He started to withdraw his hand.

She snorted. "As if. I'm more worried about the weather. If it rains and the temperature drops like it's supposed to, we might have an icy mess to deal with." Then again, when didn't they have some kind of chaos on their hands. "You know what? Ignore that last comment. There's always something, right?"

He grunted. "Too true." He retrieved the wine and grabbed two stemless glasses.

She followed him into the living room where he had a fire banked already. He added a log and poked at the glowing embers. After they got settled, he poured the heady liquid and handed her a glass.

Easing back against the cushions, he angled toward her. "You didn't comment on dessert…"

Masha flashed a small smile. "I honestly don't have words. It reminded me so much of when my gram used to make it. One of the good moments I try to hold on to." She met his gaze. "Thank you for that trip down memory lane." She waited a beat before softly adding, "Almost as lovely as the brooch." Sliding it out of her pocket, she fingered the jewelry.

Ryce swallowed a sip of his wine. "I'm glad you like it. There were two. The moonstone and a quartz." He set his glass on the table.

Masha circled the crystal with her thumb. "What made you pick the moonstone?" A perfect option … she had an affinity for the faceted colors of the gem.

Ryce's lips quirked. "It symbolizes growth and balance. I don't know anyone as measured as you are. You seem to be everywhere at once yet you don't make anyone feel rushed."

Masha basked a little. "It helps that you're always there." She drew her lower lip between her teeth. "And I feel like I'm back on wobbly ground again." But the idea didn't unsettle her the way she expected it to.

Ryce chuckled. "It's good to be appreciated … even when it's for having a strong back or hot sex."

Masha sheepishly shrugged. "It's honestly more than that, which is the part I don't know what to do with."

Masha and Ryce are weighed down by their work and constantly pulled in a lot of different directions. Writing this scene ended up being a lot of fun.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye