Jillian Chantal

This week’s word prompt is Sea. I almost had a title for this story – I was going to name it The Ex-Factor but there are like a metric ton of books with that name on Amazon so I am still mulling a title. Boo.  I like to have a title to work with but I guess we can’t always get what we want.  Cue Mick Jagger here.

Be sure to check out the other stories this week here. I know you’ll love them.

When she arrived at the set of stairs leading up to the stage, she lunged up them in such a hurry to get away from David, her cork-sole shoe caught on the edge of the riser. She practically staggered up the steps and across the stage. Knowing she was going to run right into to the superstar singer, Kat tried her best to regain control of herself before she fell headlong into his chest.

The man had quick reflexes, she could say that for him. He was able to set the cup aside and reach out to stop her fall all in one motion. As he held on to her waist with both hands, he said, “I hope that wasn’t because you were in a hurry to meet me. It seemed a bit dangerous.”

Kat pulled away from him. What arrogance. He had the nerve to think she was so flustered at meeting him that she would practically swoon and fall into his arms? Oh, wait, she had done the falling in his arms thing, hadn’t she? Knowing her face was flush from the heat suffusing off her skin, she stepped back and didn’t say a word. Damn him and his smooth British accent anyway.

Amos stepped forward. “I see you’ve met our lovely Kat McKay.”

“Not really. She flew into my arms which was very nice, actually but then she retreated too fast.” Paul smiled in Kat’s direction.

She opened her mouth to speak, to try to salvage some of her dignity but her treacherous tongue caught in her throat. She coughed. Then the cough got worse and she couldn’t stop.

Kat continued on as if she were choking. Johnny grabbed the pot of tea or water or whatever it was and poured some into the cup Paul had abandoned. He handed it to Kat.

“I say, old trout, that may not be the best thing to give—”

Kat took a big swig of the clear liquid and spat it out immediately. She found her voice at last. “What the hell is that?”

“It’s my secret recipe for keeping my throat soothed and in shape. I tried to tell Summa there not to give it to you.”

“It tastes like hot sea water.” Kat shook her head and shuddered.

“I did try to warn you, love.”

“I’ve got to go find something to take this taste out of my mouth.” Kat spun on her heel and carefully headed back to the stairs and eased herself down them. She’d made enough of a fool of herself for one night, thank you.