Welcome to Tuesday Tales, powered by a small group of authors, where word prompts inspire passages in the books we’re writing. Today’s word is greasy. You may remember a previous version of this scene. Sections of the book are being edited and revised, including the initial gathering that introduced the various ringleaders in this cozy mystery set in fictional Glisten, Georgia. When you finish reading, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
The festival was under discussion, but then, after a hiatus, someone sighed and mentioned how shocked they were about Jack. Someone else said what a pity it was. It was clear they were stuck on the subject. I really couldn’t blame them. His accident had been so out of the blue that naturally it would be on everyone’s mind and a main topic of conversation. Dovie handled it well, brushing off most of it while sipping tea and periodically checking her phone.
It was then that we got a surprise. Kitty Varner sashayed into the room.
Heads popped up, and eyes widened. Kitty had replaced her working shorts with a pair of black jeans and tank, topped by a fuzzy pink sweater. Her blonde curls bounced as she made a beeline for Dulcy’s son, Monroe, eliciting a raised eyebrow from Vonna Lacy, who had walked over from the Square with him and was sitting between him and Coach Skip.
Monroe’s Adam’s apple bobbled as he swallowed. He managed a greasy half grin and rose awkwardly to pull out a chair for Kitty.
Naomi Upshaw’s face showed a scowl of displeasure. “Miss Varner?”
“Kitty?” Dovie said, blinking and looking perplexed.
“I received a text inviting me to the meeting,” Kitty explained cheerfully, situating herself in the chair beside Monroe.
After a moment Monroe said, “I asked Kitty to join us. She is helping fill in some gaps I’ve encountered helping Mother with her chairwoman duties, specifically cleanup.”
Everyone with eyes, which was all of us, was taking in Monroe, the soft and feminine Vonna to his right and Kitty on his left who was gazing at him with a “cat with the cream” smile. Coach Skip, to Vonna’s right, had reddened. There must be quite a story in the making here. The crowd hummed, everyone murmuring among themselves.
Robin and I exchanged quick glances. She hissed under her breath, “Holy Moses.”
“Cleanup you say?” Naomi Upshaw’s question demanded an answer.
Monroe continued in a stilted manner. All attempts at humor had vanished. “Kitty kindly offered Twinkle Cleaning for the Monday after the festival. I didn’t have a chance to fill you in, Mother,” he said to Dulcy. “Anyhow, I thought she should attend today to see what’s what.”
Dulcy blinked as if confused. “Very well.”
Naomi Upshaw’s scowl had not receded. She gave a narrow-eyed look to Kitty but miraculously kept her words to herself.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word greasy. 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 @ 2024 Flossie Benton Rogers
You’re doing a great job. Love the reactions to Kitty. Excellent editing.
Thank you, Susanne!
Kitty is a troublemaker, I can tell. 🙂 Love how you described her outfit. I can “see” her. And Love how you used the word prompt! Jillian
She does seem to be an instigator. Thanks, Jillian:)
Stirring the pot. I have people like that in my life, sadly.
Whoa – the tension! I love the reaction from everyone when Kitty walked in. And what is going on with her and Monroe? Great job!
They have a colorful past it seems.
Soooo, I’m wondering exactly what Monroe has in mind when he invites Kitty to the gathering?? She seems to be up to no good. Poor Vonna. Love the intrigue you’re building in this story. Great job!
Glad you can feel the intrigue– thank you!