Another Free Ficlet Inside
+ lots of free book sales
Today is my dad’s birthday.
We were having a conversation the other day, and I mentioned I’d had some very good months sales-wise lately. In fact, this is one of the better years I’ve had in a very long time. Sure, it’s coffee money, but it’s not nothing. My obsession with writing isn’t something he’s ever really understood. Fiction in general isn’t something he’s ever really understood. When I told him how many books I’ve released (close to 30, I think), he was shocked.
Me: What do you think I was doing typing all the time, or when I was at my writing group?
Dad: I didn’t know you had that many!!
Given the speed at which I’ve been writing at the past few years, I don’t think anybody can really be surprised that this year has been a little slow for me. Even without moving twice, people can only keep up that kind of pace for so long. I know that with so many new books coming out every day, it’s hard to keep waiting on one author, so I really do appreciate you sticking around while I keep pushing.
You might have noticed the monthly short stories that have been coming into your inbox lately (You can get the whole set here.) I do also have another historic Heavy Metal novella that I’m planning on sharing soon, either monthly or biweekly. I’ll be sharing more about that in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please enjoy this silly little thing that had me cracking up in line at my local coffee shop.
“Traitor!”
Jean-Étienne’s almond milk latte a sloshed over the rim of his mug as Tetsuro slammed his hand on the table. His coloured contacts the same colour as Elyes’ espresso were locked on Jean-Étienne to the point that he didn’t even seem to notice Brys sitting to his right, or Elyes across from him.
Brys and Elyes exchanged confused expression, and Elyes gave a small shrug.
“Never in all my centuries—“
“Century and a half,” Jean-Étienne said.
“— have I ever been so betrayed!”
Jean-Étienne rolled his eyes and took a sip of his latte. There was no sweetener in it. The cinnamon sprinkled on top had mixed and melted into the drink.
“T’exagères.”
“Were we in Feudal Japan, I would have your head for it.”
Jean-Étienne set the mug down and pulled his lips back in a grin that showed his teeth. A low rumble rolled through the table at Tetsuro’s growl.
“You would lose your hand trying it,” Jean-Étienne said.
Elyes leaned back in the booth and crossed his arms over his chest in that way that made his shoulders appear broader than they were. His eyes moved between the two of them in a silent study, most likely trying to see how serious the threats were.
“Either of you want to share what the fuck he’s on about?” Brys asked.
Tetsuro pointed a manicured finger at Jean-Étienne.
“He set me up! I bring you into my home, and this is how you repay me!”
Brys turned his wide eyes to Jean-Étienne, and Elyes sat up slightly straighter.
Jean-Étienne rolled his eyes.
“On a date,” he said.
Brys’ eyes narrowed into a frown, and he cocked his head to the side.
“A date as in, dinner and a movie? With who?”
“It was coffee with a man whose daughter I teach dance to,” Jean-Étienne said.
“It was an ambush!”
Elyes long snort broke into a loud laugh that he just couldn’t keep inside himself. He slapped his hand on the table, making a teaspoon jump, and tossed his head back. His entire body was shaking. The laughter subsided after a few seconds, but all it took was one look at Tetsuro’s sour face for him to start wheezing and slapping the table again. Tears rolled down his cheeks. He held one hand on his ribs.
“Are you quite done?” Tetsuro asked sharply.
“I can’t— I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I can’t breathe. Ah, ya allah… Was it at least a good date?”
Tetsuro narrowed his eyes.
“I hate all of you.”
Want to start with these characters without the commitment? Check out the free Heavy Metal Blood short story collection as a thank you for the coffee.
