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 busy. 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.
Vance peered out the window. “Ah, here he comes now. Skip and Vonna Lacy are with him.”
I joined those who turned to glance out the window at the newcomers arriving. Outside, a busy Brady Price had also stopped to watch. After a moment he slapped his gloves onto the ground and strode away from the three newcomers ambling into the parking lot from Sparrow Trail. My brow furrowed, as I wondered what had gotten him het up.
Vance pushed open the door. “Come on in, everybody,” he called jovially.
Tea Thyme was crowded with strangers. A nerve began to pulse in my temple. My lord, I’d never get all the names and faces straight, even if someone did finally make introductions. Robin was snapping pictures and furiously thumbing information into her phone, however. If luck was with me, she’d note everyone present.
“That walk along the trail is longer than it used to be,” joked a man in a grey sweatshirt that said COACH and the name of the local high school. He had a good head start on a paunch. Following him was a shapely young woman with soft brown hair and a dimple in her chin, Vonna Lacy, I presumed. She wore a form hugging sweater dress. A lovely scarf in vibrant autumn colors encircled her neckline.
“Thanks, Skip.” Vonna Lacy’s thin, reedy voice didn’t match the overall impression of soft femininity. She stopped and gazed around at the others, her eyes briefly resting on this person and that. There were muttered greetings, but no one acted especially enthused.
“Sorry if we’re a bit late.” Skip explained to the crowd. “We walked over to enjoy the crisp air,” Naomi Upshaw huffed, seeming a bit put out.
Trailing Vonna Lacy was a well-built, rangy man wearing a sweater vest over a dress shirt and tie. He looked about the same age as the other two, somewhere in his mid to late thirties. He gazed around distractedly and finally greeted Dulcy Tolliver as “Mother.”
“Monroe.” She beamed at him. “I’m glad you’re here, son. I know you wanted to express your concern and thank Mrs. Douglas for Jack’s generosity to this year’s festival.”
“I certainly do.” He came to himself and assumed a sincere expression toward Dovie. “We are shocked and saddened by the accident, Mrs. Douglas, and grateful to your husband for his support.”
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word busy. 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. Love the bits of backstory to each character’s description.
As usual, great character descriptions. Nice to see Tea Thyme have some customers, hustle and bustle. Great job.