Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Skin Deep. Chapter Two: In an Instant

Welcome back to our latest Progressive Story Project. This project is a collaboration by a number of bloggers to craft a piece of fiction. We don't talk about our contributions, we just, one by one, take a turn with the story. Building on what other writers have submitted allows us to add our own piece of the story but based on what's already been written. It's a challenge, but a lot of fun. 

Progressive Story Project, one piece of fiction written by a group of bloggers, each contributing to but not controlling the story | Presented by www.BakingInATornado.com | #blogging #collaboration #MyGraphics



Last week I published Secrets, Chapter One of Skin Deep. Be sure you read it before moving on to today's post, written by another group of talented bloggers. 


Skin Deep, a Progressive Story Project. One piece of fiction written by multiple bloggers | Presented by BakingInATornado.com | #fiction #writers


Skin Deep
Chapter Two: In an Instant

Kimberly of When I Grow Up:

Isabelle smiled shyly. His charm and good looks were having an effect on her, just as they did five and a half years earlier. She knew she had to pull herself together.

"So what brought you here?" she asked. "And why are you here now? She knew no one else was in the office, except of course for Frank. Marguerite, the owner of the firm, sometimes stayed as late as 8 o'clock when they had a big deadline, but this was a slow week and it was Wednesday, when Marguerite had a standing dinner date with her grandmother that she never skipped.

"I was just walking past and saw lights on. I was curious about the dedication of the employees. I thoroughly check out every business I am considering before making an offer. I want to know what I am getting."

This sounded a bit strange, but Isabelle didn't feel like challenging him.

"How about you let me take you to dinner?" Jack continued. "I'd love to hear about your life today. Or - do you have to get home to your family?"

"Yes. No. Yes," Isabelle stammered. "I mean no, I don't have to rush home. Catherine is with my mom."

"And her father . . ."

"No, um, well, he's not part of our life."

"Okay, it's settled. I'll call for my car. Italian or seafood?" He had his phone out and sent a text. Before Isabelle knew it, he had his hand on her back and she was being swept into his waiting Mercedes.

His phone rang. "I'm sorry, I have to take this, but I'll make it quick." She just nodded, wondering what she got herself into. "Yes, Chris, what's the problem? Sure, yes, just like the other acquisition. No, not the Palmer deal, the Abalone. Yes, thanks Chris. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Are you going to be my boss, then?" Isabelle asked. She was sure that Marguerite would never sell, but it could be fun to play along.

"Not yet," Jack replied. "There have been a few glitches with my most recent deal, but Chris is working them out. I'm all yours for the rest of the night."

Isabelle felt a tingle go up her spine. What exactly was she doing here? She didn't really know this man all those years ago, she certainly didn't know anything substantial about him now. His business deals had a ring of familiarity though. She had bartended at a place called Abalone and the owner of her last firm had been Palmer. They had once been rather intimate. She smiled at the memory. What could dinner hurt?


Dawn of Cognitive Script:

What could dinner hurt indeed? Oh my . . . picking up her shoes she slipped silently out of the room. Just as she touched the doorknob in the entryway, Jack spoke. "Leaving so soon?"

Her breath caught in her throat. Damn, he had a way of doing that to her. "Umm I need to get home, shower and get to work"

"Isabelle it's only 5 am, do you go in this early on any other morning?"

She turned to look at him. Oh gosh, those eyes, that smile, mentally shaking her head she said "yes, yes I do. I'm a dedicated employee and my clients are important. I do everything in my power to be sure that their trust in me and our firm is not in vain."

He smiled and gave a chuckle. "Well the, don't let me keep you. Unless you want me to."

The air became hot, it was hard to breath, she coughed. What was going on? Her eyes were burning, her vision was blurred. She felt herself falling in slow motion, she heard Jack calling to her, then she felt the blast that took the air out of the room and her lungs.

The sirens were deafening, everything about her was on fire, she could barely breath, she couldn't see. What was going on? What had happened? Where was she?

"Miss, try not to move, okay? We are flying to the trauma burn center in Houston. You're going to be just fine. Can you tell me your name?" Tom the emergency response team member said to her, but she was out before he finished.



~~~~~~~ Click here to read chapter three, In Control. But before you go, check out today's recipe ~~~~~~~ 


Simple Crockpot Risotto, a full flavor side dish. Arborio rice slow cooked in broth and wine. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #crockpot #slowcooker
Simple Crockpot Risotto




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Simple Crockpot Risotto
                                                                          ©www.BakingInATornado.com


Ingredients:
1 cup dry white wine
32 oz chicken broth
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 TBSP butter
2 TBSP olive oil
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 cups arborio rice
1/3 cup grated parmesan
1 TBSP chopped fresh parsley



Directions:
*Spray your crockpot with nonstick spray. Add the wine, chicken broth, mushrooms, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook on high for one hour.
*Melt butter with the olive oil over med heat in a skillet. Add the onion. Cook and stir until onion starts to soften. Add the rice. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add to the crockpot, change heat to low.
*Cook for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring every half hour. Rice is done when it's soft and has absorbed all of the liquid.
*Mix in the parmesan. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

12 comments:

  1. The risoto looks yummy...must try that...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you do. Be really careful, there's a thin line between done and mushy, but getting it right is worth it!

      Delete
  2. Steamy risotto and a steamy story!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I’m loving this. Waiting patiently for part three. Okay I lied. Not a patient person but I know I have to wait ... it’s it time yet???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, I feel the same way about sharing it. Can't wait!
      Thank you for adding your voice to this story.

      Delete
  4. Dawn's installment is going to be a tough one to follow. Can't wait to see how the next author at bat handles the challenge. But at least the slow cooker rice didn't catch on fire - I've pinned the recipe for this winter. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Dawn definitely keeps us on our toes, but we're up to the challenge. See you next week for chapter three.

      Delete
  5. Seriously, can't wait to know what happens next:)
    Risotto recipe is as hit as the story.
    Please guys keep them coming. All the very Best.

    xx
    Epsita
    www.thepositivewindow.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can't wait to share the next two chapters over the next few weeks.

      Delete

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