It’s time for Tuesday Tales, April 11, 2023, where we use word and picture prompts in the stories we’re writing. I am working on a cozy mystery. Today’s picture prompt is of an autumn display. We are still back in an earlier portion of the story, when Peri returns to Georgia due to her godfather’s medical condition. When you finish reading my snippet, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
On the way to my car, we passed a festive autumn display, one I hadn’t noticed when arriving. Dovie said, “I rented a motel room here in Blairsville. There’s too much unsettled at the hotel in Glisten, what with the tearing out and renovations. I just don’t want to deal with it right now.” She eyed me. “You are very welcome to go there, though, Peri. It would be rightful.”
I racked my brain to discern her meaning. “What hotel?”
She gave a little moan. “Oh, Jack was so excited about it. I hoped he had called you and didn’t tell me.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “Okay. He bought Tea Thyme and the old Augustus Hotel.”
My voice trickled out small and thin. “Where my family lived when I was little?”
“Yes.” She patted my hand, and we separated to climb into the car.
I got in and closed the driver’s door. “B-but why?”
“It was falling to ruin, and he wanted to save it. He had an idea his cousin Luella could work in the Tea Thyme kitchen, but the deal was mainly for your sake. He explained to me how emotionally attached you were to that place when you were a kid. He had big plans for it.” She rubbed her forehead. “I don’t know all the details of what was in his mind. Anyway, pray God he’ll wake up any moment and explain everything himself.”
I was speechless. Jack had bought Tea Thyme and the hotel—mainly for my sake. I started the car.
She was going on. “I’ll get a room for you tonight, and then tomorrow we can sort out whether you want to stay at the Augustus instead.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet inspired by the picture of an autumn display.Thanks for stopping by. 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
Interesting scene. “My voice trickled out small and thin.” Love this but I’m not sure she’s thrilled about Jack’s effort on her behalf. Well done.
I know. She seems a little done in. Thanks so much, Susanne!
That was quite the bombshell for her, LOL.
Great snippet, Flossie!
Right??! Thanks, Mae, and hope work is easing some for you so that you have breathing room.
Love the line about her voice trickling out. Yes, she doesn’t seem thrilled that Jack bought it for her. Hmm. Something’s brewing there. I need to know what. Great story, Flossie.
There does seem to be some kind of emotion underneath. Thanks, Jean!
Wow. That was a surprise for her for sure. Wondering how she feels about that. The way you wrote it is well done and makes us curious! Jillian
I’m so glad the snippet made you curious, Jillian. Thanks for commenting!
Now, that’s a new surprise thrown in. She seems even more surprised – and not all that happy about it. Hmmmmmm, me thinks there’s more going on here than we know about yet.
Great snippet!
Could be, Trisha. Thank you, friend!
Wow. What an incredibly thoughtful gesture. Great job!
Yes, it was!