Saturday, October 22, 2011

Sweet Saturday Sample




Welcome! Here's a view of Mount Olympus in Athens, from world-work.net. Today I have another scene from my novella, Aegean Intrigue:



"I’m grateful for the dig opportunity. It’s the perfect excuse for leaving Athens." She frowned. "Of course, I will need to replace the income from the restaurant, unless you need another cook besides Dimitri." She turned her beautiful brown eyes toward him, and his heart melted at the hopefulness in them.

Alex cleared his throat, forcing himself to concentrate on the conversation. "With such a small crew, he shouldn't need an assistant," he explained.

Her face fell and the first seeds of doubt took root in Alex’s mind. If she was as guilty as Zotis claimed, why would she be so anxious for menial work? Wouldn’t she have been compensated for prior heists? Besides, she was the daughter of a world-famous scientist and a Hollywood actress. Surely she didn’t have to provide for herself? Something wasn’t right.

"Perhaps I can suggest something for now." Glancing to confirm he had her attention, he continued. "I'm sure the professor knows what he's doing as far as the actual dig, but he seems to be a bit unsure about electronic communication. Several of his reports need to be turned in online, and I know he would appreciate your help. There has also been interest in keeping a blog, so students elsewhere can see what we’re doing. You would, of course, be compensated for your time."

The glow lighting her face made Alex’s heart soar. He would have promised her anything to keep it there. But he quickly dampened his eagerness. He could not, would not, take on the responsibility for someone else’s happiness. It led only to heartbreak. He forced himself to remember the pain of that last betrayal. He looked away, only half-listening to Francie express her gratitude and promise to do her best.

It was going to be a long summer. If he had any sense at all, he would leave her now and go back to his office. Instead he heard himself ask, "Have you eaten lunch yet?"



Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out excerpts from other great authors at Sweet Saturday Samples.

8 comments:

  1. You're writing is beautiful, Patricia! A long summer indeed and love how he does exactly what he told himself not to :)

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  2. Lots of conflicts and questions here - I'll be back :D

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  3. This is turning into a wonderful story

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  4. I sense a gigantic misunderstanding in the wind. Good work, Patricia!

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  5. A wonderful portrayal of Alex's inner conflict. "She turned her beautiful brown eyes toward him, and his heart melted at the hopefulness in them." I love it! Great sample, Patricia!

    Gwendolyn from "The Way of Impressions"

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  6. I'm enthralled by the archaeology connection in this story. Lots of opportunities for mayhem! I'm looking forward to more.

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  7. I agree with Gwen - that line is an awesome reflection of Alex's inner conflict. Great sample, great story!

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  8. Love your writing style, lots of unanswered questions here.

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