It’s time for Tuesday Tales, May 9, 2023, where we use word and picture prompts in the stories we’re writing. I am working on a cozy mystery. Today’s word prompt is stone. Peri has arrived at the hotel in Glisten, Georgia. When you finish reading my snippet, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
“Mm, cinnamon,” I remarked, breathing in wafts of a tantalizing aroma.
Dovie nodded. “I think I mentioned what a good baker she is.” She called out, “Luella, you here?”
A short, middle-aged woman with frizzy hair of a nondescript color stuck her head out of the kitchen door. She had moist eyes, as if they floated in water. Her face showed no emotion. “Jack still kicking?” she asked.
I sucked in a breath.
“Yes, of course,” Dovie answered sharply. “Luella, this is Jack’s goddaughter, Peri Nash. She is here as her godfather’s right hand on the renovation project. As you have been told, this hotel was once her family home.”
Luella moved fully into the hallway, peering at me. In her floury hands she bore a huge cookie stone topped with mounds of spoon-dipped batter.
I tried for a smile. “Very nice to meet you, Luella.”
She blinked twice. “Very nice.” Her expression remained bland.
Dovie’s tone took on a note of authority. “Luella, we’ll join you in the kitchen after we look around a little. Maybe you can brew a fresh pot of coffee, or would you prefer iced tea, Peri?”
“Coffee, please.”
“Keep your brassiere fastened. These cinnamon crinkles are going in first.” Luella pivoted and re-entered the kitchen.
Dovie led me down the hall toward another ground floor bedroom, shaking her head. “I suppose I should have warned you about Luella. I don’t mean to sound unkind, but she is lacking in people skills. She has a real knack for spewing out exactly what pops into her head. Jack says she means no harm, but she tends to turn some people off. All the more reason for her to stay in the kitchen.”
The whirring sound of a vacuum increased in volume as we approached the room. Dovie opened the door, and a petite thirtyish woman swished a medium-sized upright back and forth on the floor. She wore cut off jean shorts that set off tanned legs. A flowered blouse was tied under her breasts, and hot pink flip flops matched her pedicure. She looked up at us with large, startled blue eyes. Golden curls peeked out from a kerchief. She flipped off a switch and straightened. A smile deepened her dimples. “Mrs. Douglas! I didn’t expect you back today.” Her contralto voice had a honeyed tone. “I was going over this room one more time to make sure it twinkles.” She transferred her gaze to me.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the snippet inspired by the word prompt stone.
If you haven’t done so already, check out the other excerpts at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2023 Flossie Benton Rogers
Great to meet the inhabitants here, an unusual bunch of women tending to the house and bakery. You’re building such a rich story. I’m loving it
Now that you mention it, they do seem an unusual bunch. I’m glad you’re loving the story. Thanks for stopping by!
A lively description of Luella. I’d like to meet her, and great description of the crinkles.
Luella is a corker lol. Thanks for stopping by!
Wonderful snippet!
Thanks!
LOL Love the description of Luella, especially the bland face and saying whatever comes to mind. Sadly, that’s the way Mom is now. Nothing phases her, but the stories she tells. Great scene.
Aww, that is heartbreaking about your Mom. Thanks so much for your insight.
Yup, definitely lacking in people skills! I love the descriptions of the people they are meeting. Great job!