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 push. 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.
“Don’t worry about a thing,” Vance told me. “The scavenger hunt is new this year and the brainchild of the Business Alliance. I can’t take credit.” He chuckled. “Sandra has been pushing the idea for months now.” He grinned at his table mate, Sandra Parton, who was stuck in my head as Miss Vintage Pencil Dress.
Her thin lips spread into a warm smile.
“Sandra and I will be available to you 24/7,” he told me, “to answer any questions or help in any way as you prepare. We know you have a lot on your plate right now with Jack’s condition. We’re excited to have you partner with us.”
“Absolutely,” she echoed his sentiment. “I’ve seen quite successful scavenger hunts, and ours will be a hit, too.” I appreciated her sincere, energetic manner.
“Thank you. I’m sure I’ll take both of you up on your offer, as all this is new to me. Sandra, you’re a business owner, I take it?”
“Yes.” She handed me a card.
Vance popped out a card, as well. “The Business Alliance doesn’t have an office per se. We meet among our business locations, but when I’m not engaged in Alliance business, you can usually find me at Wardlow Motors.”
The group reverted to quiet murmuring and enjoying the refreshments. After a bit, Vonna Lacy rose, caught my eye as she moved gracefully toward the hallway door, and mouthed a question, “Ladies room?”
I nodded, smiling, relieved that the mashed together lips were almost back to normal, and she continued on her way.
Naomi Upshaw asked if anyone else had anything to ask or impart about the festival. People looked at each other blankly. I handed knight errant Vance the cookie platter, and he passed it around for refills. We poured more tea and coffee as well. More murmurings and quiet conversations sprang up here and there. Seeing Dovie’s gray complexion, I was beginning to wonder how long the guests would stay.
It was then that Bon Bon Jarvis rose and made her way to our table. She leaned over and said in a quiet, throaty voice, “I have to leave and wanted to thank you for meeting with us today. I recently moved back to Glisten—just in time to contribute a whiskey tasting to the Fall Pumpkin Festival.”
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word push. 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
Excellent scene.
Thanks!
Gotta say Bon Bon Jarvis is still my all time favorite character name! So many interesting characters in this story. Glad Vonna is loosening up a little. At least I hope she is. Looking forward to the next installment. Great writing!
I love her name, too!
Love these parts: “Miss Vintage Pencil Dress, Knight errant, and mashed together lips were almost back to normal.” So descriptive and well done! Jillian
Thank you so much, Jillian! Glad you like.
I so enjoyed reading this snippet! I love the names you’ve picked for your characters. Excellently written, as usual!
Names can be fun, can’t they? Thanks, Trisha.
Love the way the energy in this meeting is described. I feel like I am there with them and can see them all in conversation. Great job!
Thanks for “feeling” the group energy!