What better way to christen April than a plethora of free reads from gifted writers? 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 quick. 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.
“No, she shouldn’t,” Roy retorted, wiping cream from his chin with napkins. “Matters would be even more complicated.”
Robin curled a lip at him. “I only meant that she would have heard details about the Pumpkin Fest. Or do you already know the plans, Vicky?”
Vicky finished spooning ice into all our glasses, leaned back and entwined her fingers. A quick, impish expression adorned her face. “Let me explain,” she said. And then she did, in the drollest way possible. She hadn’t been at the Tea Thyme meeting because—she held up a finger– number one, she wasn’t an officer of any of the groups represented; two fingers–number two, she was too busy helping her mom help Glisten’s teen girls gussy up their Homecoming outfits; and—three waving digits–number three, preparations for the science fair thankfully conflicted with the meeting time.
Robin laughed. “Sounds to me like you’re inventing excuses.”
Vicky nodded, waggling her eyebrows.
“How are Wyatt and Cael?” I asked. “Gosh Wyatt must be in middle school by now.’
“First year of high school,” Roy said,
“Cael’s in middle school,” Vicky added. She fluttered a hand. “But about that meeting,” she asked, curiosity seeping into her tone. “How did it go with her Royal Highness Upshaw and Countess Tolliver together on the committee?”
I laughed at the epithets. “They seemed to do fine.”
Robin put in, “It was some of the others that showed their behind.”
I was curious now. “Why? I thought the two were great friends.” I looked from one to the other. “Not so?”
Robin shrugged.
Vicky considered for a moment. “I like to dissect people and things. I’ll put it this way. When thinking of Glisten society, who comes to mind?”
“Naomi Upshaw, of course,” Robin blurted, and I nodded in agreement.
“Leaving Dulcy Tolliver as perpetual Second Banana. There may be a little resentment there. I’ve noticed they rarely serve together.”
Roy gave an exaggerated eyeroll. “Small towns.” Grinning at Vicky, he said, “And my wife needs to stop dissecting the townspeople. Now about the scavenger hunt finale at Tea Thyme, Peri, how do you see that going?”
I shared my preliminary thoughts for verifying a person had visited all the designated spots, as well as providing refreshments for everyone finishing the hunt. “I want everyone completing to receive a special prize from Tea Thyme, but I don’t know what that will be yet.”
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word quick. 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
Great post. Second banana. Love it and the nicknames. Sounds like those two bear watching.
Heh heh, gotto love bananas.
Those nicknames are priceless! Small town drama indeed, LOL.
Good one, Flossie!
Thank you, Mae! Hope your new book is selling like hot cakes!
Aww, thanks 🙂
A scavenger hunt? Perfect background for mischief and mayhem! Love those nicknames and if they always got along in the past, how come they’re not getting along now??
Glad you like the nicknames!
Loving the conversation. And the names she gave the others at the meetings. I feel some drama may be coming with those two. Jillian
It just may! Thank you, Jillian
Love the background on Naomi and Dulcy. Something seems fishy between them. And the list of excuses is awesome! Great job!
Hmm, makes me suspicious, too.