Fiction

Happy Wednesday! It’s been a busy week. My publisher released another anthology on Friday, and my wonderful colleagues and I have stories in it. Not only that, the talented Adrian J. Smith also released a new book, Memoir in the Making, which I will be showcasing on Friday—be sure to check back in for that.

Meanwhile, I’ve started the first of several Top Secret projects. I’m itching to share, but I can’t because of spoilers for things other people haven’t read. It’s exciting, though. I’ve never written anything as quickly as this one, and it looks like my first draft will be done by the end of the month. It would be sooner, but I have another deadline to meet and have to put it on hold for a bit.

On to this week’s WIPpet. Last week, a somewhat sloshed Nate and Trevor were getting cozy on New Year’s. But what pair of single (or sort-of-single) guys are going to sit home alone in Boston on New Year’s Eve? There’s too much fun to be had. Nate’s convinced Trevor to go see their roommates play at a gay bar on Boylston St. For some background for those who haven’t been in Boston: First Night (New Year’s Eve) is HUGE; Boylston is home to a lot of gay night life; and riding public transportation during busy times is hell on earth. I had to research the exact route these guys would have taken. Anyway, here’s where the first domino falls in Trevor’s series of misfortunes.

WIPmath: 6 paragraphs for 5/6.

They rode the packed T, squashed between the other revelers on their way into the heart of the city for First Night, then the even more packed Red Line to Boylston. The club was several blocks from the station, tucked between a couple of other buildings, with a line out the door. Trevor had only been to a club once before, the last time Nate dragged him out. He’d been as uncomfortable then as he was now. Reminding himself that at least Mack and Jamie were there somewhere, he wrapped his arms around himself and stomped his feet to keep warm.

Eventually they were inside, and Trevor was hit by how crowded it was, even so early. It was more like a bar than one of the newer clubs, and Trevor heard the thrum of the music over the buzz of talking and laughter. First Night celebrations were in full swing, and the whole inside was decked out for the occasion. He was surprised to see such a mix of people and range of ages. The Creepy Crullers were already playing; the better-known bands weren’t scheduled until after midnight. Nate and Trevor wriggled through the throng to the bar.

It only took three minutes for someone to make a move on Nate. Trevor wasn’t surprised; Nate’s height was intimidating, but he was good-looking and outgoing. He turned to Trevor to ask permission with his eyes, and Trevor nodded. He turned back to the bar and picked up his soda, hoping he could just blend into the scenery until Nate got back or it was time to leave. After being jostled from behind one too many times, he faced out into the crowd and took to watching people come in.

Trevor remembered what Nate had said, and he considered whether there was anyone who interested him, at least for a dance or two. It couldn’t hurt to relax, and Nate was right that he wasn’t expected to do anything he didn’t want to—or at least, anyone who treated him that way probably wasn’t worth his time. After a while, Trevor gave up. He simply wasn’t cut out for making connections with strangers, and he felt out of place. Just as he was about to find some corner to hide in, two men walked in, and his attention was immediately on them. It might have been because their interaction resembled his and Nate’s so strongly that they caught his eye.

The taller one, who had hair and skin almost the same shade of light brown, was shoving on the other one, who looked as though he wanted to be just about anywhere else at that moment. Trevor choked back a laugh. The shorter man, dark-skinned and slender with wire-framed glasses, allowed himself to be propelled toward the bar. Trevor averted his gaze just as they maneuvered up next to him. He heard the taller one order a couple of drinks, and he kept an eye on them in his peripheral vision. They were both Trevor’s idea of attractive, especially the smaller one.

His night might not turn out so bad after all.

Like what you read? Try out the other WIPpets here, and add your own if you’re inclined. Post a bit of your current work, connect it to the date, and share with us. Thanks to K. L. Schwengel for setting us up. Happy reading and writing!

Happy Wednesday! I’m so excited because on Friday, my publisher has a new anthology out and I, along with some of my favorite fellow writers, have a story in it. I have two guest posts this week and three next week, so stay tuned to read what other authors have to say about participating in the collection.

Other than that, my big news is that I finished the draft of Anthem. It’s still a WIP since it needs my usual three rounds of edits, but it’s done! I’ve already started a new project. I’m now sold on the idea of outlining. The new project is moving much faster than I anticipated as a result, and I have about 10k done (I had the first couple chapters done already from before but left it to write Anthem).

Since it’s still my primary WIP, I’m sticking with Anthem for now. I’m back to Trevor’s POV because the rest of Andre’s chapter was all spoilers. Trevor is feeling down and settling in for a dull New Year’s Eve without friend or lover. The band name here was my dear husband’s suggestion. I liked it, so it stuck.

WIPmath: 4 + 29 = 33 + one bonus = 34 sentences.

Mack and Jamie’s band, the Creepy Crullers—who even knew what that name meant—were playing a New Year’s Eve gig. They’d left hours earlier. Nate had also taken off. One of his castmates from his latest opera was having a party, and although Nate had offered to bring him along, Trevor had declined. Instead, he was sitting alone in the apartment, trying not to dwell on the fight he’d had with Marlie after Christmas which had resulted in her not calling him since. He could have gone into the city for First Night festivities, but it wasn’t a lot of fun alone, and he wasn’t in the mood. Even moping was too much effort.

Trevor flipped on the television, ordered takeout, and popped the top off a beer, settling in to watch whatever mindless thing he could find. Nate surprised him by breezing in around ten. Trevor sat up from his half-doze on the couch. He’d had one too many beers, and he felt slightly sloshy when he propped himself up. By Nate’s unsteady gait, he wasn’t in much better a position.

“Have fun?” Trevor asked, yawning.

“Was okay.” Nate’s words slurred a little. He held up a bottle of champagne. “Brought this home, though.”

Trevor groaned. “I’ve had plenty.” He waved his hand at the beer bottles littered on the floor around the coffee table, and he nearly knocked over the mostly full one still sitting there.

“Me too,” Nate agreed. He stepped further into the room and plopped down next to Trevor, slinging his arm over Trevor’s shoulders. “Why are you home alone?”

“Didn’t feel like going anywhere.” Trevor asked, shifting so he was angled toward Nate.

“You still thinking about Marlie?” Nate’s eyes crinkled and he furrowed his brow. “Geez. What did you guys fight about this time?”

Trevor grunted. “I’m not even sure. Her parents are pissed that I haven’t asked her to marry me yet. Why’d you leave the party so early?”

Nate dropped his arm and stretched so his six-foot-two-inch frame was sprawled over most of the couch. “Asshole who came with someone caught his date hitting on me, tried to punch me. It got ugly.”

And there you have it. If you liked this, feel free to jump in and add your own. Just post a bit of your work in progress, tie it to the date, and link up here. Don’t forget to read the other entries. Many thanks to K. L. Schwengel for giving us room to roam. Happy reading and writing!