Tuesday Tales 2024-10-8 Skin

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 skin. 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.

I took time to swallow. “No, no peanuts in these,” I assured her. “They’re cinnamon Snickerdoodles. Luella makes a variety of old-fashioned cookies, including peanut butter crunchies, but not this time. The Snickerdoodle is peanut free.” 

“Very well.” She nodded approvingly but maintained an air of superiority. “One can’t be too careful. We certainly don’t wish anyone to be poisoned.”

Having skinned me alive, she marched off and resumed her seat.

I took a deep breath and asked the crowd. “Could I get a show of hands as to tea and coffee preferences? How many for tea?” I counted. “Coffee?”

“Coffee will do me, unless Bon Bon brought us a flask of her primo rye?” The man in the school sweatshirt winked at the striking woman on the settee.

Bon Bon shook her head, appearing vaguely amused. “Afraid not, Skip.”

His joke received some chuckles, some eyerolls, and a harsh glance from Naomi Upshaw.

“You and your rye,” a gaily dressed woman with bright red hair commented, beaming. “If she had brought rye, my Goldies would have descended upon us en masse with the makings of Old Fashioneds.”

I had no clue who she was or who the Goldies were, but everyone laughed. I did know what Old Fashioneds were because I remembered my grandfather drinking that type of cocktail. I headed back to the kitchen.

Robin and I soon returned and began passing out the tea and coffee. When I handed Dulcy Tolliver her tea, she placed the cup and saucer combo on the table, enfolded my hand in both of hers, and pulled me close. She said softly, “I’m so sorry about Jack, dear. My husband George would have been as well, God rest his soul.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Tolliver, I was sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I know Jack was devastated.”

“Thank you for your thoughtful note.” She gave a little shaky breath. “Although it has been six months, it’s still a difficult time. Your godfather sent flowers from someplace in Mexico when he heard about George’s death. Since his return to Glisten, he has been very kind to my son and me. He and George were dear friends. Take care, dear, and let me know if I can help you in any way.”

I thanked her, grateful to have an ally among the crowd.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word skin. 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