Welcome to Tuesday Tales, a weekly blog featuring diverse authors posting excerpts from their works in progress based on word and picture prompts. We’re a book hungry bunch that enjoys reading as much as you do. This week our word prompt is pale. My excerpt is from a paranormal fantasy in which a goddess occasionally inhabits the body of an archaeological assistant. Please read the excerpts of the other authors at Tuesday Tales.
Zeth clapped his shoulder, steering him away from Prue. “Come on, man, put your eyes back in their sockets and grab a booth before this joint fills up.”
Previously Simon would have bristled at such jocular familiarity from anyone, much less a slickster looking like he’d stepped out of GQ. After riding shotgun in the wheels from sports car heaven, though, he couldn’t muster much irritation for its owner. Once you’ve drooled over a man’s rims and leather seats, you’d look fairly silly taking offense at his good humored desire for a drink. “What about Prue?”
“I’ll get my cousin.”
He found a booth and thrust in his size elevens. The noise level popped. People were starting to pile in and, getting a sinking feeling, he checked around for a sign. Yes, oh my God, there it was–late night karaoke. Hopefully he’d have time to gulp down a couple of shots before it started.
Zeth had one arm around Prue, leading her over. They seemed to be in heated conversation.
Simon offered her a seat, but she slid onto the couch opposite and ran a pink tipped finger around the bottom of her martini glass. Zeth shoved in beside her and selected a roasted peanut from the huge complimentary bucket.
She bristled, elbowing her cousin in the ribs. “Don’t hem me in.”
“Good lord.” Zeth moved an inch toward the edge, cracked open a nut, and chewed.
Her tone was scathing. “Don’t you ever get weary of playing spear carrier?”
Somewhat bewildered, Simon signaled for a waiter.
Zeth eyed Simon as if to let him in on a secret. “Family joke. She means something like an extra, a messenger, or__”
She spat out the words. “Flunky.”
“Red shirt.” Zeth continued with aplomb.
Simon filled the moment with an uncomfortable chuckle. “You mean the guys who always get killed in Star Trek?”
“Yes, she thinks I’m part of the background now.” His eyes bored into her. “You should know, cuz, I intend to be last on stage.”
Simon couldn’t contain his curiosity. “Were you two raised together? You act more like siblings or a bickering couple than cousins.”
Prue’s cheeks were flushed. She swallowed the remainder of her martini and then turned her attention to him. “My cousin is a pale wraith of his former self, let me tell you.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word pale. Thanks for stopping by. Return to Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
Intriguing. I think there’s more to being a spear carrier than being a flunky! Looking forward to more.
We may see more about spear carriers later, Susanne!
Loved it! Great line about the guys on Star Trek. Also got a chuckle about drooling over a man’s rims and leather seat. A very snappy and entertaining snippet!
Hahaha, I’m so glad you caught that, Mae! I couldn’t resist.
I really want to know about Zeth and Prue’s relationship. There is a whole lot more going on here than they’re letting on. I am so intrigued! Great job!
I’m glad you’re intrigued, Tricia. Thanks so much!
Great banter. As always, I love your snippet! And the use of the prompt is excellent. Jillian
I’m glad you like their banter and the use of pale. Love that word! Thanks, Jillian.
Great snippet as always!
Thank you!
Great dialogue!! They do sound like sibs or a couple. Well done, Flossie. Your writing shines, as always.
I’m glad the dialogue came across okay. Thank you, Jean!
I was going to tell you how muched I loved the word slickster, sports car heaven then decided it’s easier to say I loved it all.
That’s wonderful, Cathy, and so nice of you. I’m especially tickled you like slickster. Thank you!