Sunday Snippet: Shit Happens

Kind of a long week and I'm glad it's over. There's something nice about starting a new week with a clean slate. Even if projects linger from one week to the next or challenges still need to be met.

We've got wild weather in Ohio again. Muggy and hot until a storm rolls through then it's lovely for a day until it gets muggy and hot again. The humidity is not fun.

Had a solid work week. One of the projects I thought was finished ended up having more revisions. At this point, the author is wordsmithing and really should leave things alone. That said, it's her last book and giving some grace can't hurt. I'm hoping to finish up a proofread on a science book this week and start a new project about a family history. I also have a developmental edit to get back to and copy edit to finish up. The copy edit is a holiday book and I'm so happy to have one of those to edit.

Had a pretty decent viewing week. I made it through my regular slate of shows, which actually made me happy. It was a busy week, and I ended up being kind of drained.

Started the week by finishing up an episode of Foyle's War. I do believe I have only the bonus episodes left.

Started a new series about Irish castles and thoroughly enjoyed the first episode. So much history I don't know, and I love learning new things.

Caught another episode of Silent Witness. The move to Birmingham seems to be resetting the series with a lot of darker content. I'm actually interested to see how this plays out.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed one of the better known classics with "Death on the Nile."

Elementary kind of blew my mind. Not sure how I feel about the whole Shinwell thing. It's going to prove interesting to discover Joan's reaction.

Enjoyed an episode of Young Justice. So far, I like the unfolding of the first season. The pacing is pretty good and the reveals are well-earned.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and really loved the interactions. I honestly didn't know if I'd find my groove with this show, but I did!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Shit Happens, a sexy short where the characters have to work through past trauma to get their act together.

Here's the miniblurb:

Nyla White, an up-and-coming paranormal cage fighter, has buttloads of potential but her 'Sh*t happens' attitude prevents her from attaining the top spot. Erik Stevens, her trainer, pushes her to use her emotions to own her talent, which Nyla is hesitant to do—because she's got strong feelings for Erik.

And a preview snippet…

You've got to talk to me…

Her shoulders slumped. "I can't, Erik." She spun away, shaking off the excess energy.

He followed her. "Why? There's gotta be a reason for shutting me out. Not letting anyone in." His frustration came through loud and clear.

As always.

She paused, waging an internal battle with herself over what to tell him. "You know I lost everything, right?" She slowly turned to face him.

He nodded. "I do."

She paced back and forth. "I can't lose this. I won't." She needed one thing no one could take away from her.

The championship and prestige that went with it would be her singular achievement. Something earned and hers to keep. Just once, she wanted things to go her way.

Erik shook his head. "That doesn't explain—" Confusion marred his features.

She cut him off. "You're the why. I can't let anyone in for the same reason I shut you out." Her voice lowered. "Because you'll see—everything—if I open up." The admission cost her some pride, but she couldn't hold the way she felt in any longer.

Or deal with his constant pushing.

Erik's mouth dropped open, then snapped shut. "Oh."

Nyla threw her hands up. "Yes, oh. Do you get it now?" She definitely couldn't work with him anymore.

Erik gave a jerky nod. "Yeah, I get it." He turned away. "And I'm sorry. I should have seen it."

Nyla's gut twisted into knots. "No, you shouldn't have. And you wouldn't have if I didn't open my big fat mouth." She crossed the floor and grabbed her jacket.

She had to get out. Get away. Keep a shred of dignity.

Shrugging into the coat, she managed a calm tone. "I'll grab my gear and find a new trainer." Heading for the door, she refused to get teary eyed and blubbery over him.

Seriously happy with how this story is coming together. Both characters have some trauma they have to deal with and some hurdles to get over.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye