Another December, another birthday for this Sagittarian with Libra ascendant and Taurus moon. Family and friends made it a wonderful celebration! Welcome to Tuesday Tales, powered by a small group of authors, where word and picture prompts inspire passages in the books we’re writing. Today’s word prompt is meet. My snippet is from a cozy mystery set in fictional Glisten, Georgia. When you finish reading, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
Robin replied immediately. “X4 but am in Bill’s mind-numbing staff mtg. Shld be done in 30. Can meet u then. Where?”
I told her the Sidecar and returned the phone to my pocket. Another chilly gust ruffled my hair, sending wispy tendrils into my eyes. I tried tucking them behind my ears, but it was like lassoing cotton candy. If only I had taken my car instead of “making a statement” to Tea Thyme’s resident spirits. Why was I allowing them to be the boss of me anyway? I wasn’t, really, I told myself. Still, they were rattling me. Why had they teamed up with the murdered woman to clamor for me to find the truth? There was no connection that I knew of, aside from location.
A polite beep from the road made me turn my head. A familiar low-riding beige car had slowed and now crawled beside me. Its window descended. “The day is too blustery to enjoy a walk. Allow me to give you a ride?” It was Vance Wardlow, his chivalrous, sunlit smile intact.
I returned his smile. “Where are you heading?”
“To the Sidecar for a Reuben on rye. But I’m perfectly willing to detour. Where are you bound?”
A chuckle escaped me. “To the Sidecar for a glass of the mulled wine I keep seeing advertised. Robin is coming after her staff meeting. A Reuben?” I glanced at my watch. “I had no idea it was past lunchtime. The morning got away from me.”
He had stopped the car, and now reached over to open the door. “Hop in. Never scoff at fate. Great minds should stick together.”
I slid onto the plush leather seat and fastened the seatbelt around me, keeping my purse in my lap. Tasteful, melodious music purred from the car stereo. Vance fed gas.
“Any update about Mr. Douglas?” He gave me a quick sideways glance, his look one of concern.
I shook my head.
Within ten minutes he had pulled into a parking place in front of the tavern, and we were seated at a table with our drinks, my mulled wine and, for him, a glass of dark beer with a three-inch head.
The wine was a rich aubergine color. The artistic presentation included floating blackberries, a cinnamon stick, and a twirl of orange peel. Swirls of vapor lured my taste buds. I took a warming sip.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word meet. 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
Love it. Another great scene with excellent descriptions. Love the comment about the tendrils of hair and lassoing cotton candy and the part about the ghosts not being the boss of her. Wonderful job.
Thanks for sharing your insights. Much appreciated, Susanne!
Never scoff at fate, indeed!! And this is such an awesome line: I tried tucking them behind my ears, but it was like lassoing cotton candy. Love it!! Jillian
My hair is worse than hers– it flies when I remove a knit cap, which happens a lot in chilly weather.
I won’t wear them since I have thin, fine hair and they make a horrible mess of me.
Short but sweet. I love the metaphor of cotton candy. Your usual flair with words conjured up the perfect image! And I love hot mulled wine. In fact I have some in the fridge. Think I’ll heat up a bit for a refresher this afternoon. Thanks for the idea. Love this and I’m dying to know who Vance is and how he fits into the story.
Vance was one of the group that visited Dovie at Tea Thyme before she left.
That drink sounds delicious. Even though she was looking to escape them, I can’t wait to see what the spirits have to say. Great job!
Maybe they’ll have some information.