Sunday Snippet: Ringside Seats

Ugh. So many small irritants combined to make the week rather challenging. Car problems, house problems, and too many things hitting at once. I'll get through it all, but I'm stressing out, which isn't fun.

The great news is we didn't lose power even with the wild back and forth temperatures. I have a feeling April won't be much better than March when it comes to stabilizing the weather patterns. If only the world could figure out what's causing all the bizarre weather. Yes, that's sarcasm. The world knows what the problem is.

Got a lot of work completed over the week. I have four main projects on my schedule and I'm plugging away at all of them. Finishing up two but have two more waiting in the wings. I also have a couple of backburner projects that I'll be dipping into again.

Had a semi-decent viewing week. Two of my projects involve some tedious cleanup and it's nice to have something on in the background to keep things interesting. I made it through most of my usual shows.

I started with Foyle's War and enjoyed the episode. Kind of sad to see his female counterpart moved to the sidelines again. Lovely to see Sam help her husband get elected as an MP.

Caught another episode of Return to Paradise. I remembered most of this one and enjoyed seeing some familiar faces from other shows I've watched set in Australia.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Really fun to see a couple of very young costars in this one. Also thoroughly enjoyed the mystery.

Elementary had a great episode. I didn't quite make it all the way through because I got distracted, but I enjoyed it.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I'm about two episodes from the end of the series and I need to decide what I'll be watching next. Maybe a Justice League series.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and very much enjoyed watching Boimler lose his mind. Very fun!

I also had a chance to use my library membership to watch a Stevie Nicks concert via the Kanopy app. I'm going to work hard to make sure I'm taking advantage of everything my local libraries offer. The concert was so good!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Ringside Seats, a novella where a couple battles it out in paranormal cage fight during finals week.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Keb had enough of sparring with his mom and dad.

He heaved a sigh and scooted away from the battle. "Vita, since my parents are being insufferable, why don't we have dinner in town?" He turned toward her spot at the table and blinked. "Where the hell did she go?" How did I miss her leaving?

Mathers rolled the dinner cart inside the room. "The young lady left … about ten minutes ago." He started serving the food with a bland expression.

Keb cursed and left the dining room. He grabbed his coat and checked for his keys. He had to catch up with Vita.

His mother darted after him. "Where do you think you're going?" Her voice rose to a shrill peak.

Keb didn't break stride before yanking the door open. "It's a long walk back to town and, since we're in the academy, we're still under restriction. She can't use a teleport to get home." He left both parents sputtering.

Shocked and surprised by the turn of events, he slid behind the wheel of his car and spun out exiting the drive.

He shook his head. "I can't believe she left." Shame washed over him. "First time a date has walked out on me." He kind of admired her for doing it.

He caught up with her halfway down the and rolled his window down. "You don't have to walk. I'll take you back." He slowed to a crawl.

She snorted and continued walking. "Not. A. Chance." She kept her gaze straight ahead, not even bothering to glance in his direction.

His eyes widened. "You're refusing to go with me? It's a long way back, and you're not dressed for a hike." A fissure of guilt twisted in his gut.

She paused and gave him a hard look. "No. Apparently, I dressed for your rebellion." She clicked her tongue against her teeth. "To be perfectly clear, I'm not here for that kind of bullshit. No one uses me and gets away with it." She blinked watery eyes, turned, and started walking again.

As far as scathing setdowns went, she unloaded with both barrels. She also kicked serious ass. Respect for her went up another notch.

He threw the car in park and hopped out, running to catch up with her. "Look, you're right. And I apologize." He grasped her shoulder.

Vita rolled her eyes. "Too little, too late, Keb." She started forward again but stopped and faced him. "Out of curiosity … how did you see this ending? After you fucked with your parents? We'd what? Leave together, have dinner somewhere else, and you'd offer some consolation sex?" Her voice caught and she swallowed hard.

He flushed because she'd literally called his planned evening.

She tsked. "That's really too bad. If you'd been honest and hadn't pretended you were interested in me, I might have enjoyed being part of your little show." Her lips twisted in a sad smile. "As for the rest of your planned evening … it's definitely your loss. Because I would've rocked your world." She shook her head. "You'll never know how much now." She met his gaze. "It's sad, too. I should've known better. I mean, what could someone like you possibly see in me?" She inhaled deeply. "But I really liked you, so I fell hook, line, and sinker." A

Keb reached out. "Shit. Let me make it up to you. I pulled a dick move, and you got hurt in the crossfire." He cupped her face with one hand, swiping his thumb over an errant teardrop.

Vita jerked away from him. "Your dick move is barely a blip on my radar, and I'll be fine. You have no idea how strong I've had to be my whole life." She arched her brows. "But you? You have to live with the consequences … which means you'll be on my bad side from now on." A dark shadow entered her gaze. "And that's not going to be fun for you." She took off, casting an invisibility cloak so he couldn't follow her.

Keb returned home with the sinking knowledge he'd underestimated Vita Morj in the worst possible way…

And with the absolute certainty he'd just blown something that could have been terrific.

I have so much love for this story. Vita has some scathing sass and Keb definitely lands on the wrong side of her, which makes this a lot of fun to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

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

Sunday Snippet: Ringside Seats

January 5, 2020

Hello 2020! I'm quite thrilled to have a clean new year to take out for a spin. We have a new puppy named Maggie Mae and she's a sweetie. Her big sister Annabelle needed a companion and so far they're settling in together very well. I'd totally forgotten how much energy puppies have. Yeesh.

Had a limited week of television viewing but got a few shows watched. I caught a full arc of Classic Who and also watched quite a bit of the Doctor Who marathon on BBC America. Sadly, I missed almost all of the episodes from last season.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. I had a long hiatus mainly because I've been catching up on laundry and had so much to fold I couldn't do it in my laundry room.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles. Also had another great conversation with my oldest about watching this show when he was a little one.

Caught the prom night episode of Riverdale and, again, enjoyed the hell out of it. This show is so incredibly batshit I can't not have fun while watching.

Also watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I'm so on the fence about where they're going with William and Julia. To date, this show has never let me down so I'm hoping that won't be the case here.

Finally, I started an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries. This is another show that rarely lets me down and I'm having a good time watching this episode.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Ringside Seats, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An unclaimed attraction leads to some aggressive flirting 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…

Vita Morj draped the strap of her messenger bag over her shoulder. "Finally finished with finals." The mage academy wouldn't get another thought from her for a full month.

Which meant she had to budget her funds even more, but the break would be worth it. Too bad the financial aid stipend her grandmother secured didn't extend during the semester downtime.

"Vita! Hold up a moment." The deep, resonating voice came from behind her.

Vita paused, her breath catching in her throat. What could Keb Pennyson possibly have to say to her? Not like they even came close to existing in the same circles. He had blue blood running through his veins and while her pedigree topped his… a grand total of three people had access to that information.

Turning, she slid her gaze in his direction. "Keb. Need my notes or something?" He'd snuck into class during one of the instructor's spell lessons.

He flashed his megawatt grin. "Nah. I have a guy for that." He leaned in close, crowding her personal space. "What are you doing tonight? Can you see your way to having dinner with me at my family's estate?" He braced on arm on the wall behind her, creating an intimate cocoon.

Vita's eyes widened. "Uh… dinner? Well… sure, I guess so." Color her shocked, because Keb had cool and aloof down to a fine art.

But his invitation, issued with a warm tone, thrilled her to her toes. And he got her name right, which also surprised her. He normally referred to people he didn't run around with by the first initial of their name, followed by incorrect versions. Visa, Vila, Veela…

She bit back a huge smile, not wanting to show how much having her secret fantasy guy ask her out excited her. "Should I just show up? Or will you be picking me up? Oh, what time?"  She stumbled over the words but, holy shit, Keb Pennyson. "And, um, does your family dress for dinner?" That could be problematic.

He gave her a quirky smile. "Yeah, the folks like a formal affair, but you don't need anything special. Just wear a dress and you'll be fine." He backed away. "I'll pick you up in the quad… around seven? Dinner's at seven thirty." He raised an eyebrow.

Vita gave a nod. "Okay, seven PM in the quad. I'll be ready." She started a mental list because she didn't own a dress.

Surely the vintage thrift shop would have something appropriate? And she'd have to use the last of her grocery allowance to buy something.

Then again… worth it.

She had a date with Keb Pennyson.

Vita all but floated out of Banner Hall before heading for her dorm.

I so love writing this one. Keb is getting ready to learn a valuable lesson at Vita's hand and he's going to stumble and fall a few times.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Ringside Seats

If February in Ohio can be an angsty monster, March is its drama queen sibling. The wind is doing some wicked crazy things lately.

I'm kind of looking forward to The Walking Dead tonight. Of course, whether I watch the entire episode depends on if Negan makes an appearance. I really, really don't like him eating up screen time. No offense to the actor. He's terrific.

The Flash had another great episode. Dueling Harrisons is fun to watch. I'm truly wondering if Iris has a future on this show. I love the actress so I hope she does. That said, the CW isn't afraid to kill off favorites, so, yeah, there's that.

Arrow had another great episode. I had a sneaky suspicion about Adrian, especially after he mentioned Oliver stole his girlfriend back in the day. Season five is kind of up and down but the threads merge in ways I'm not usually expecting and I like that.

Riverdale is still holding my attention. I'm a little iffy on the jumbled up feeling I get, like there's not really a solid through-line, but I'm more than willing to hang in there and see where everything goes. I chuckle at their previously ons… I know a show that used to slip stuff that didn't make it onscreen into the previously ons… just saying.

Finished up season two of Daredevil and loved how everything came together. Looking forward to more with Matt, Foggy, and Karen. Started Jessica Jones and hit just over the halfway mark. It's not quite as great as Daredevil, in my viewer opinion, but I'm enjoying the acting and the characters. Okay, I'm not really excited about Hogarth, but eh, whatever.

And that's it in television this week. Tonight's post is from Ringside Seats, a novella that got a boost from the writing community prompt of "sparring". I love how many different directions that could go in, but I chose a mix of verbal and physical.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An unclaimed attraction leads to some aggressive flirting 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…

Bashal cocked his head to one side. "What is it with you two? You're constantly sniping at each other." He blinked and frowned.

Vita snorted. "Oh, Bash, my friend. You do not wanna go there." She sent a sweet sneer in Keb's direction.

He'd had enough. Enough of her biting sarcasm and constant push-push-push on every button he had. Time to call her out.

He got up and made his way to the table. "You know what, Bash, I think you do wanna go there." He gave Vita a pointed glare before directing his attention back to Bash. "What do think Vita and I should do to solve our issues?"

Bash's mouth dropped open. "Are you kidding?" He rubbed his hands together, barely containing his glee. "I know exactly what you two need." A slow smile spread across his face. "A mage on mage cage battle."

Vita shook her head. "No way. Not gonna happen." She folded her arms over her chest and kicked her feet out.

Keb quirked a brow. "Why not?" He decided to push a button of hers. "Afraid you can't last in the cage with me?" That should get her riled up.

Vita growled. "You know that's not why." She straightened and leaned forward. "And you're not exactly in a position to piss off the old folks." Her gaze flicked toward the head precept.

Okay, she had a point. He walked a very fine line between his family's influence and what the elder board would let him get away with. The old folks didn't approve of cage matches, but they usually turned a blind eye. He shot a glance toward Bashal, whose gaze pinged back and forth from Vita to Keb.

As much of a pain as Bash could be, he'd come up with the perfect solution to settle things between Keb and Vita. Keb would take his chances with landing on the wrong side of things. Vita probably had more to lose, especially since the incident that landed her on probation.

Keb lifted a shoulder. "I think maybe you're the one who should be concerned." He pinned her with a smug look. "I've always got a fallback plan."

Vita's fists clenched and her breath hissed out between her teeth. "You're such an ass." She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled then relaxed her gripped fingers. "You're also on." Rising, she nodded to Bash. "Set it up and let me know when." Casting one last, scathing look toward Keb, she turned on her heel and strode out of the room.

Bash sat in stunned silence, a first from what Keb could recall.

Bash recovered and glanced up. "So… you want I should make the arrangements?"

Keb's lips twitched. "You heard the lady. Get it done." He left the younger mage to figure out how to pull off the impossible and went in search of a quiet place to think and plan.

Keb had his insurmountable task to figure out—namely how to survive in a battle with a woman he'd much rather see tangled in his sheets than flinging magic barbs in his direction.

But he'd blown that chance to hell.

Keb has a lot to make up for and getting in the ring with Vita might give him the chance to clear the air.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Ringside Seats

October 5, 2014

Greetings!

Ugh. I got a few days off and decided to get a nasty cold. LOL Nothing like mixing sinus meds with everything else. :D

This week in TV is almost a bust. I don't think I've watched anything in real time, with the exception of Sons of Anarchy. No comment from me, but my big wish from a few weeks ago still holds true AND I'm pretty sure Jax is fighting a war from within. We'll find out if I'm on the right track soon. J

Arrow premiers this week and hopefully I'll be home to watch it live. I can't wait. And this time next week should see The Walking Dead gracing my screen again. YAY!

Tonight's post is from Ringside Seats, a short story where expending magical energy is like foreplay for my main characters.

Here's the tagline:

An unclaimed attraction leads to some aggressive flirting 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…

Vita raised her hands and drew on the energy in the ring. A small fireball formed and grew, then split into three parts. Each piece floated outward, spinning and growing larger. When they hovered in the center of the ring, she flung her arms wide to unleash each one on Keb.

He easily dodged the orbs of flame and sent a power ball of water shots to rain down atop her head. The stinging orbs drenched her face and shoulders and Vita retaliated by flicking her wrist and sweeping Keb off his feet to land face first in the smoldering ash from her earlier missiles. That should take him a moment to recover.

But he surprises her, flipping his body over and waving a hand. Lightning zapped down from the rafters and she got a jolt when it hit the water pooled at her feet. Damn the man. She needed to bring out the big guns. Taking a moment to regroup, she shook off the tingly sensation and gathered up as much energy as she could muster then pushed outward. Keb went flying, smashing into the protective mesh surrounding the confines of the arena.

She didn't pause, following up with a water trick of her own, dousing him each time he tried to stand. He whirled in a crouched position and flung out a hand, knocking her back with a burst of energy. She landed on her ass with a hard thud then scrambled to get up before he could make another move.

Keb lifted a brow when he stood and faced her. "Had enough?"

She smirked and flexed her fingers. "No way.

Gotta say… magical bouts are really fun to write. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye