Tuesday Tales is a weekly blog featuring diverse authors who post excerpts from their works in progress based on word and picture prompts. We’re a book hungry troop that enjoys reading as much as you do. Today our prompt is the word bar and another lovely picture. I hope you’ll forgive my different “take” on it, but after all, I do write paranormal heh heh. Please visit the other fabulous authors at Tuesday Tales.
Please please please let her sisters be spying out the window. She sighed in satisfaction. Being seen with Gavin would elevate her cachet quotient a notch or two.
He glanced down at her, a hint of mischief in his expression. “What’s got you in such a good mood?”
“Oh, it’s all the Christmas decorations around town. I love the sparkle.”
His responding grin flooded her heart with more warmth. What could be better? Strolling down the sidewalk beside Gavin, window shopping weeks before the hordes descended. The bright decorations and the charming man beside her spun a lovely, shimmering web.
A flash of worry replaced his smile. Nearly stumbling, she clutched at his arm to steady her footing. Maybe heels weren’t her best option. “Don’t you think it’s beautiful?”
He patted her hand. “Yes, on the surface it most certainly is. You’re a most enthusiastic young woman, Ivy. I don’t know when I’ve met someone with such exuberance for the season.”
She clamped her lips together. That was a sly dig at her age, or their age difference rather, or maybe alligators spun honey.
“Of course, turning a blind eye to reality…”
Oh hell, here it comes.
“—can get you killed faster than anything else. Bar none.”
She halted, letting go of his arm. “What are you talking about? This is my hometown. We’re among a perfectly harmless and peaceful row of shops. Why the Grinch mode?”
“Have you forgotten why I’m here?”
She had actually, caught up in her holiday fantasy. “N-no. But what could be wrong here?”
“Do you really want to know?”
“Of course I do. Not that I believe you for a minute.”
Tugging her arm he led her closer to the nearest window, the loveliest of all. The showpiece was a stunning tree twinkling with lights and trim. Gold and silver ornaments and curios looked vintage and expensive. Adorning the tables were stout red candles she knew smelled of cinnamon buns and marshmallows roasting by the fire. “It’s lush, tasteful, and has a Victorian vibe. Mrs. Jenkins spent all last week on it. I love it.”
“Look closer. Bottom right. Use your soft eyes as I showed you.”
She stared in the window and allowed her vision to relax. Objects and colors blended. A monstrous profile congealed amid the finery, giving off an impression of taut anger and seething ill will. A demon. She gasped and jumped back.
“That’s enough.” Gavin turned her away from the scene. “You don’t want to catch its attention.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word bar and the picture of a Christmas window. Thanks for stopping by. Please visit the other fabulous authors at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
This is my day for new expressions! “maybe alligators spun honey” isn’t one I’ve heard before. Those last two paragraphs certainly changed the mood. Well done.
Hahaha, thanks, Susanne.
Wow what a twist! I want to read this book!
I’m glad you liked the twist, Cathy.
Oh, what a masterful change in the scene mood! Taking the readers from the display of a beautiful decoration to the…. demon!
Ooh, I’m happy you liked the switcharoo. Thanks, Carmen.
Great snippet and loved that switch!
Glad you liked the switch, Vicki.
Ohhhhh! Great scene. I love that holiday picture and how you put your paranormal spin on it. Excellent and unique way to use the word prompt too.
I’m so glad you liked the scene and use of bar. Thank you, Trisha.
loved the alligator reference. AND what a great visual of the room!
I’m glad you liked the alligator bit, Jillian. Thank you!