Romance Writers’ Weekly #lovechatwrite

This week we have been asked to write a short fan fiction using the words pumpkin spice, ghost, and costume so here goes: I frowned as I peered in the mirror through the two small holes I’d cut in the white sheet that draped over my entire body. Did I look like a ghost or just a 70 year old lady under a sheet? Probably the latter. I hadn’t been to a costume party on Halloween in years, but my friends Megan and Tom had insisted I come to theirs. I even climbed up into my attic and opened an old, dusty box marked COSTUMES. There was my sexy cat, sexy devil, and sexy witch costumes from my 20’s and 30’s. Nope, I wouldn’t be wearing any of them, so I went with a sheet. At least no one would know me under my ridiculous getup. I walked into the party, intending to say hi to Megan and make my escape as quickly as possible. I walked over to a table in far corner of the room and poured a cup of punch. “Boo!” The deep voice behind me almost caused me to spill the red liquid down my white sheet. I turned to see a man dressed in a costume almost identical to mine. “Last minute idea?” he asked. I laughed. “Yep. You, too?” “Me? I wear this every year.” We both laughed. I didn’t recognize his voice. “Well. I’m just here because Megan insisted.” “Yeah. Tom did the same with me.” Throughout my feeble attempt to mingle and make casual conversations, I always ended up back in his company. He was pleasant and seemed to be a kindred spirit not only in the way we were dressed. After an hour passed, and I’d made sure that Megan knew I’d made and appearance, I seized my chance and quietly floated out the front door. I was almost to my car when I heard the door open and shut behind me. Had Megan discovered my departure and come to drag me back inside? “You didn’t say goodbye,” the deep voice rang out. “Do you like pumpkin spice?” It seemed like a strange question, but I turned, “Yes, doesn’t everyone?” “Good. Would you like to meet me at Starbucks in the morning? I’ll buy you a latte.” I hesitated. I had no idea who was under that sheet and for that matter, he didn’t know who I was either. I should say no, but what the heck? “Sure, how about 8:00.?” “8:00 it is, see you then.” I started to get in my car. Wait. “How will I know you?” I hoped he would take off his sheet. “I’ll be the tall guy with silver hair, not wearing a sheet. You?” I laughed. “I won’t be wearing one either.” I smiled as I drove away. This would be interesting. If he ghosted me it would be a good story, if not, who knew, maybe next year, he’d come as my Prince Charming.

Now hop on over to Leslie Hachtel’s blog to read her story at https://lesliehachtelwriter.wordpress.com and check out her time travel novel, Come Back to Me.

I love Autumn

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Fall is my favorite time of year. Changing leaves, cooler temperatures, football, the beginning of holiday season with Halloween and then Thanksgiving, and pumpkin spice (we can’t forget pumpkin spice), these are all things that make me love this time of year. I’ve lived in many different parts of the country during my life, and although Autumn presents itself somewhat differently in different regions, it’s still the best.

This is my first Autumn in East Texas. It’s warmer here than in my last home of Colorado. No frost yet. But it has cooled off from the constant stream of 90 degrees plus. It was 44 a couple of mornings ago! We’re in a drought this year, not much rain. Leaves are just starting to turn. The stifling humidity from the summer for the most part seems to be gone. Flowers are going strong in my yard in many vibrant colors. My lettuce and carrots are thriving. And there’s football. No major college football here, but high school football is huge. Really huge. And the festivals, each weekend is another festival or two. Looking forward to Yamboree this weekend. Who wouldn’t love a sweet potato festival complete with a barn dance?

I’ve spent a small fortune on pumpkin spice drinks, one of my favorite. My Halloween lights are up, and shine brightly in my yard each evening. It’s also the time of year when all of a sudden the days get shorter. Time to snuggle up on the couch in the evenings, and watch a new season of my favorite shows. Or even better snuggle up and find romance by reading my Peakview Series set in beautiful Peakview, Colorado where everyone has a chance at love. I’m busy working on book 8, Colorado Autumn Sunrise.

I hope you all enjoy Autumn as much as I do, if not, don’t fret, winter will be here soon.

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