Chapter Two
The End. The two most amazing words in the English language when an author finishes a book. Willa felt amazing when she typed those two words five days ahead of her editor’s deadline. Penny was going to be so excited. She opened her email and sent the file over. It had been days since she had been online. Trapped in her writer’s cave, ignoring social media and the real world so she could delve into fantasy and create a world she knew her fans would adore. Her eyes scanned the subject lines of her emails. Only one caught her attention.
URGENT: READ NOW (That means you, Willa!) The message was from Penny. She clicked on it and was surprised it was only one sentence.
You’re the guest of honor at your birthday party this weekend so call this number to find a hot date. “Subtle, Pen, subtle,” she told the empty air around her.
She didn’t need a date to her birthday party because she wasn’t going. She told the publishing house she didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. She was never a fan of birthdays, hers in particular, not since her father went out to get her a present and never returned. She was seven then, and it was a hard lesson. As an adult, she just didn’t want the fuss. Willa was happy being an introvert, hiding from the world and telling her stories, living vicariously through her characters. It meant she didn’t get hurt.
She started typing her reply. Thank you, but as I told you, Pen, I won’t be going. She hit send, and then decided it was a good time to hit up social media. She let her fan club know she’d finished the final draft of her upcoming book and it was off to edits. She asked them to post their favorite mystery idea and hinted it might just wind up in the next book. Of course, she’d give acknowledgments to the person that made the suggestion she chose. Immediately after she posted, her computer started dinging with responses. She loved her fans. They were amazing.
After responding to a few of their comments, she hopped onto her graphic arts software and began making teasers for the upcoming book release. It was a lot of work, but she enjoyed it. Her cell phone rang, startling her from her concentration. She picked up on the third ring, knowing who it was. It was always Penny.
“What’s up, Pen?” Willa hit the speaker button so she could continue working on the graphics. Multitasking was an important part of the business.
“You have to go.”
“No, I don’t have to do anything.”
“The head of the publishing house insisted on this party. He wants to show his appreciation for all the great stories you’ve created.” Penny sounded like she was towing the company line, but she was first and foremost her friend.
“I get that, but I’m planning on starting the next book. I have a feeling I’ll be knee deep in plotting.” Willa tried multiple special effects on the graphic she was working on. None of them really sang to her.
“You’re already days ahead of schedule. You can take one night off.” Penny’s voice sounded irritated. “Seriously, Will, you need to come to this one!”
Willa rolled her eyes. “It’s not just one night. If I commit to this I have to go shopping for a dress and shoes. Nothing ever fits after I finish a story.” She was sure it was because of all the chocolate she munched on as she worked through the pages to keep her energy level up, not to mention the sweet dessert coffees she ingested, multiples in a day, just to get through the long nights. Her waistline always extended a few inches that last month, adding curves to her already curvy body.
“I’ll go with you.”
“Is it really that important?” Willa sighed.
“Yes!” Penny practically screamed into the phone.
No matter how caught up she got, something always came along to put her behind. It was like she was in a constant state of hurry up and wait, and always behind. It wasn’t a comfortable state to be in. “Fine.”
Penny squealed into the phone, and Willa was thankful it wasn’t against her ear. “Yay! Now call that number and get yourself a date.” She hung up.
Yeah, like that was happening. She didn’t need a date. She’d make an appearance at the party, and then head back home to get some work done.
.
Sneak Peek of Phoenix and a Dash of Sass (Sassy Ever After Kindle World) by Jami Brumfield
Chapter One
DURING HER RESEARCH OF BLUE Creek, she had found it interesting how well the human and supernatural entities mixed in the small town. Her experience with her own species was not so kind. Humans knew the paranormal was real, but in her home town, they feared what they didn’t understand. They attacked those that were different. It wasn’t uncommon to hear about a new hate crime every week. It forced her to hide in the shadows, because she was different. Her psychic ability made her not only human, but something more, something different, and her human DNA made her not supernatural. She straddled the fence between both worlds, and in this case, being on the fence was a bad thing.
She’d been bullied to the point that she left school after her parents died. She took her GED and never looked back. After years of battling the demons in her own head, she promised she’d never let someone break her down and keep her from living again. She learned to fight so she could protect herself. Her training in the martial arts was extensive, and came in handy on her mission. It was something she’d never give up. She built herself up, and made herself strong, made herself a force to be reckoned with, and thanks to her father’s dying wish, Tessa made sure she was a force for good.
When she discovered what Josie and Joshua Parker did with magical items that were a threat to people, she knew she’d found her calling. Thankfully, so did the Parkers.
“We’re here.” The heavy-set cab driver named Michael put the car in park, got out, and pulled her suitcases out of the trunk while Tessa grabbed cash from her wallet. She handed him the fare and a generous tip. He tilted his grey hat in thanks and headed on down the road. She turned and examined the Bed and Breakfast where she had a reservation, the Crimson Skye. A shiver ran through her. It looked decent enough, but there was an odd energy around the place. The ominous vibe was probably due to the fact that she knew the place was run by vampires.
She took a deep breath, and headed up the cobbled walkway to a flight of wooden steps that led to a patio that ran the length of the Victorian-style house. The rustic feel of the place matched the smell of pine and cedar that circulated in the air from the brisk breeze. Her fingers paused momentarily before using the angry looking, snake-shaped door knocker.
The large door creaked open, and a young maid answered. “Hello, may I help you?”
“Yes, I’m Tessa Grant, and I have a reservation.”
The petite brunette nodded, curtsying with a smile as she invited Tessa inside.
It was like stepping back in time as she crossed the threshold. One of the reasons this bed and breakfast spoke to her so strongly was the antiques that came across in the online photos. Antiques were her business, and she couldn’t wait to check the décor out and discover hidden treasures.
“My name is Lila, and I’ll be here during the day. The Barons manage the place in the evenings.” She handed Tessa a key. “I just finished cleaning your room. Follow me and we’ll get you settled in.”
Tessa followed Lila doing her best to keep from drooling on the furniture. The place was amazing. Her room was just as elegant. The floor was hardwood, like the rest of the house, and soft, plush white rugs adorned the major walking areas. The bedroom set was a tarnished metal design that had been well maintained, and had seen many years. The walls were adorned with matching sconces, old wallpaper, and aged paintings. It was the perfect blend of modern and old age.
“I’m going to make some lunch. Will you join me once you get settled in?” Lila asked as she headed toward the door.
“Yes, thank you,” Tessa answered, preoccupied with the furnishings. Her fingers ran over the leather-bound books that were artistically placed on the desk.
Lila’s smile reached her dark eyes. “Great. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Tessa pulled out her cell phone and called Josie before she got too engrossed in her room. “Hey, girlfriend, I’m here.”
“Safe and sound?” Josie’s voice came over the phone, strong and intense. That was exactly how Tessa would describe her friend and colleague.
“Yep, and I just checked into the Crimson Skye.”
“I bet you’re just loving the place.” She sounded as excited as Tessa. “Have you met the vampires yet?”
“Absolutely. It is amazing. And nope, not yet. They don’t come out until night.”
“Just remember why you’re there. It isn’t to go antique shopping,” Josie chuckled.
“Right. I have a meeting scheduled for later this evening. With any luck, I’ll be home in a day or so, and I can help you tackle that wedding list.” Tessa’s fingers ran across the spine of the ancient book she’d brought on this journey. She was itching to delve into it and its secrets, but first she needed to complete this job.
“It is rarely ever that easy, girlfriend. Be careful.”
“I will be. See you soon.” Tessa hung up the phone and headed to the kitchen. With any luck, she’d acquire the stone amulet in a day or two and head home…after she checked out the antiques at the Crimson and met the vampire owners. Curiosity had a habit of getting the best of her sometimes.