Welcome to Tuesday Tales, a weekly blog featuring authors posting excerpts from works in progress based on word and picture prompts. Keep in mind that the snippets are unedited. I’m pleased you stopped by today. This week’s word prompt is bite. Today’s scene is from an early chapter of the story, soon after Peri arrives back in Glisten. Enjoy the other talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
I awoke and stretched, stiff from the long drive. After plugging in the coffeepot, I sat on the edge of the bed, wondering whether to head for the shower or dive back under the covers. Since my mama hadn’t birthed any yellow bellies, I opted for the former and padded to the bathroom with my cup of Death Wish X. I had brought it with me of course. The motel’s coffee was a bland sounding Toasty Breakfast. The shower proved steaming and effective, though the heat was of short duration.
I dried off, slipping on a robe and wrapping my damp hair in a towel, and poured a second cup. I cracked open the door to see what the day looked like. The morning air had a bite. I grinned. It made a nice change from Jax. Dressing took only moments, but my unruly hair was its usual pain. I dealt with it as best I could, sleeking it and adding a clip to the back.
Castor Realty was only a few blocks away. Walking would give me a chance to see how the town had changed over the years.
It hadn’t changed much. The antique homes were still there, although several were businesses now.
Moments later, Sandra Castor Deeson came from behind her desk to bestow a welcoming hug. We had been friends back in fifth grade, reconnected a few years ago, and kept in touch now and then, mostly long-distance.
“Peridot Augusta Nash!” Her smile and flashing brown eyes warmed me.
“You remember my full name?”
“Didn’t we hear Mrs. Puckett enunciate it ten times a day, and loudly?”
“Oh, I had almost forgotten that!”
“You haven’t changed, Peri. Still as pretty as ever with that strawberry blonde hair.”
“You either. You still look like the beautiful girl in that mystery we used to watch.”
A pleased sigh escaped her lips. “Oh, yes–Lyris. How I wanted to be her!”
“Well, you married the handsome cop, right? How is Roy?”
“He’s fine. In line for Sargeant.” She swallowed. “Peri, I wonder…do you know…Gage is back. I invited him to have lunch with you, me, and Roy.”
All the blood in my body pooled into silence. “No, I—I can’t do that.”
Her expression softened. “It’s been five years. I know it’s not my place, but don’t you think it’s time to let it go?”
My jaw tightened, holding back venom. “Don’t push it, and don’t push me!”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word prompt bite. Thanks for stopping by. Read the other amazing excerpts at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2020 Flossie Benton Rogers
Okay, so now I need to know who Gage is! Well done.
Thank you for the interest and comment, Susanne! You will find out who Gage is:)
OOOOH, I love it. The history with Gage will be interesting to see. AND I love the name of the coffee. Reunion of two friends is also nice. Jillian
I’m so glad you love it, Jillian! Hopefully she has a good crew around.
I love how the emotion changed so quickly at the announcement that Gage was joining them. It made me feel just how strongly she didn’t want to see him. Now, who is Gage? Great job!
His mention certainly spoiled the good mood. Thank you, Tricia!
As usual the description is fantastic and I’m excited to find out more about Gage
I hope you will like Gage as much as I do, Cathy.
AARRRGH! CLIFFHANGER! Now I need to know what she’s talking about. You create the most divine cliffhangers ever. Well done.
Thanks so much, Jean. I do like it when they can happen.