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 orange. 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.
“Thank you. Please call me Dovie. How kind of all of you to make this effort. Most of you must know Robin Gilmore of the Glisten Trumpet newspaper, and some of you may remember Jack’s goddaughter, Peri Nash. She will oversee the upgrade project on the inn until Jack recovers. She’ll also be your festival contact.”
I glanced around, doing my best to smile confidently.
Robin spoke up, glancing at Dulcy Tolliver and then Naomi Upshaw. “I hope you don’t mind. I’m taking notes and snapping pix for the Trumpet.”
When neither lady immediately replied, Vance Barlow jumped in. “A great idea. The festival can use the publicity.”
After a moment in which several others nodded agreeably but said nothing, Dovie spoke up. “I appreciate everyone being here. I’m afraid I don’t know all of you well enough to make the appropriate introductions.”
Vance stepped forward gallantly. “Allow me.” He proceeded to gesture and pronounce the names of the Tea Thyme guests.
My brain had already registered Vance, Naomi Upshaw, Dulcy Tolliver, her son Monroe—newly arrived, Vonna Lacy—newly arrived, Bon Bon Jarvis, and Sandra “something” in the vintage pencil dress. Other than that, things were a blur. Nevertheless, I acknowledged each person, feeling a bit foolish, as the names flew in one ear and out the other. Finally, Vance was done. I said, “Very nice to meet all of you. We’d be pleased if you’d take tea with us. Dovie, please relax and chat. I’ll see to refreshments.”
Robin stuffed her phone into a pocket and moved to accompany me. As we left the room, I heard Naomi Upshaw zeroing into the heart of the matter with a further inquiry into any known details about Jack’s condition.
Moments later, I left Robin in the kitchen heating water and returned to the tearoom with a fresh supply of snickerdoodles. Luella had added festive orange sprinkles. “Jack’s cousin baked these lovely cookies this morning. I hope you like cinnamon. Please help yourselves.” I extended the platter to Vance, who took the hint and played waiter.
“Young woman!”
I blinked, turned, and realized that Naomi Upshaw, the de facto leader of this group and Glisten’s most illustrious matriarch, had risen from her seat and now towered over me. She eyed me impatiently. “Didn’t you hear me, dear? I asked if any of the cookies have peanuts. So many folks are allergic, don’t you know.” She gestured emphatically with an imperious sweep of her arm.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word orange. 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
As one allergic to peanuts and tree nuts, I appreciate her question, but she doesn’t have to be so nasty about it. I usually take someone aside and ask quietly or skip the treats. Great scene. You’re edits are bringing them all to life so well.
She does have a point and I believe that type of cookie does have peanuts, but – give me a break – there are nice ways to go about asking, too. She deserves to be smacked! I love the way you blend all the different personalities to form an almost tangible picture of Glisten.
Wow. She’s a little snippy. Granted it’s a valid question (gluten sensitive here). But she could have handled it with more grace. Love this! Great job!
The nut lady could be a bit kinder but we all know we need a villain! LOL! Love the idea of orange sprinkles on snickerdoodles. Jillian