FRIDAY STIR FRY - On Saturday

I don't know what to write. That seems to be a pattern with me lately. Thus this blog is a day late - actually several weeks late. So, since I have no clue what to write about - I'm just going to give you an excerpt from my current WIP - Coming Home. Hope you like it.

“Ron,” Jennifer's voice trembled in her ears. “It’s good to see you.” She squeezed the lie out between her teeth as she slung her bag over her shoulder. “I heard somebody bought the Satellite. I didn’t realize it was you.”

“Yep, signed the papers about three months ago.” His smile faded. “Sorry to hear about your mom, Jenny.”

“Thanks.”  Jennifer realized she was going to have to get used to hearing that sentiment for the next few days.

Ron held the motel office door open and motioned her in. “I've got big plans for this place. Of course there is still got a lot of work to do. You'll be happy to know I started by replacing the mattresses.”

"That's reassuring." She felt a sour taste in her mouth. Heat flooded her cheeks as she remembered the last time she was here ... prom night … with Ron, on a lumpy, broken down mattress. Did he mean to reference that night or was it an innocent comment?

He cleared his throat and she noticed a blush cross his cheeks matching her discomfort. “Do you know how long you’re staying.”

“Not really." She shrugged. "As few days as possible but, this is my first time dealing with anything like this, so who knows?"

Ron reached for her hand, then pulled back. "Wow. Is that what I think it is?"

Jennifer fidgeted with the lose ring wishing she'd taken it off before coming to town. "Yes." Her voice sounded faint and far away.

“So where is the lucky guy?" Ron craned his neck to look around her out the windows.

"He had some business to finish up. He should be here in a day or two."

“Must be a rich man to afford something that big and shiny. Looks like you did okay for yourself in the big city."

Something in the tone of his voice made her gut clench. “I did okay for myself by working hard, not by gold digging if that's what you're insinuating.”

Ron cleared his throat. “Sorry. I guess that came out wrong. How about we start over and I'll try to keep my foot out of my mouth." He handed her a pen and registration card. "Welcome to the Satellite Motel. I hope you'll enjoy your stay."

Start over. There's no starting over when somebody you trust hurts you. Jennifer grabbed the pen, scribbled her information down and reached for her wallet. She felt the need to get away from him before things got any weirder.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - A Sample

I thought today I would share an excerpt from my current work. It's a contemporary romance titled Coming Home. I'm about half way done with the first draft. I would love to know what you think in the comments!

Jennifer headed back to the Satellite. She needed to call work and explain she would be gone a few more days than she had planned on.  When she pulled in front of her room, she saw Ron working on the courtyard. His shirt was off and sweat slipped down his chest. Jennifer tried not to stare. She caught herself licking her lips. Get a grip.

“You have a couple of messages,” Ron yelled at her. "I taped them to your door."

"Thanks." She grabbed the messages and with shaking hands unlocked her door. She threw the notes on the table and pulled the blinds back to look at Ron. His muscles rippled under the fading sunlight. Madam Lucinda's words came flooding back. "There is another in your life from the past you should consider."

Jennifer wasn't about to take him back but she realized she had been rather rough on him since she came here. Maybe it was time to let bygones be bygones. She poured a glass of water and left her room.

"Kind of hot out here for late fall." Jennifer lifted the glass of water toward Ron.

He ran his hand over his forehead to wipe the sweat. "Yeah, it is. Thanks." His fingers brushed hers as he took the glass. A shiver ran through her.  

"So what are you doing?" Jennifer looked around the area.

"Well, originally this was a court yard with nice shade trees, chairs and a small play area for kids. The weeds have taken over and the ice storm last year took out most of the trees. I'm trying to restore it as best I can. That's one of our plans."

"Plans?"

"Yeah, me and Susie's husband. We want to make the Route 66 landmarks in town as close to original as possible."

Jennifer felt a drip of sweat come off her forehead. Was it the actual heat of the day or something else? "No pool?"

"That was not a staple at most of the roadside motels during that time. It wasn't until the sixties and Holiday Inn starting putting mom and pops out of business that some tried to bring people in with pools. Plus I really don't want to fool with the maintenance and insurance."

Silence fell between them as he took another gulp of water.

"Thanks, that was just what I needed." Ron handed the glass back to her.

"It's my way of apologizing."

"For what?"

"Oh, you know, the cold shoulder I've given you since coming back to town." Jennifer shielded her eyes with her hand from the sinking afternoon sun. "It was, you know, a shock seeing you after all these years, I guess." She sounded like an idiot the way she stammered.

Ron leaned on his shovel. "It's okay. I understand completely. It was a shock for me as well, but maybe in a better way."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you were coming here for a sad occasion, with a lot on your mind. I only had one thing on my mind … seeing you again."

"Ron …"

He held up a hand to stop her. "I better get back to work while it's still daylight. Thanks again for the water." With that dismissal, he turned his back to her and started digging again.

                                                              ***

I really hope to get this finished soon and in print. I have a Pinterest board up for it if you want to check it out. https://www.pinterest.com/wandaspage/coming-home/