It’s time for Snippet Sunday and I’m celebrating a new release! The next Flip the Trope anthology is here. Featuring authors Virginia Nelson, Celia Breslin, Megan Slayer, Louise McGinnis, Briana Ellis, Ben Bisbee, David von Schlichten, and of course, me.
My story is MR. FIXIT’S BILLIONAIRE, a billionaire contemporary romance where the blue collar character is the hero and the billionaire who rescues him, the heroine.
In this snippet, Mike Everslee, single dad, is dealing with classist bureaucracy. We’ve all been here.
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“I’m real sorry, Mrs. Gale. I only have twenty dollars I can spare right now. But I can get the rest to you on Monday. Best I can do.”
“Mr. Everslee, I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that you’re here under scholarship conditions, which means—”
“That means I’m on a budget, Mrs. Gale, a budget that requires I only pay twenty now and the rest on Monday.” He hoped his voice remained calm and steady, despite the mounting anger and embarrassment rising in his chest.
“No, that won’t do. All the other parents chipped in, and you can’t just—”
“Hi, can I help?” A new voice cut off Mrs. Gale’s tirade mid-sentence. “What seems to be the problem?”
Mike turned his head to find an elegant woman who stood almost his height in a purple hoodie, matching purple chucks, faded jeans, and light makeup. She had sharp hazel eyes with the brown more gold and the green close to spring green, and an athletic body that made him take notice. This woman is strong in more than just personality.
“Oh, Ms. Pendleton, there’s nothing really wrong. Just a misunderstanding about the theatre fees.” Mrs. Gale’s voice softened, and she suddenly became helpful and solicitous.
It’s not a misunderstanding so much as a lack of understanding. But he kept his mouth shut.
“What kind of misunderstanding?” Ms. Pendleton kept looking at Mrs. Gale with her clear and determined gaze.
“It’s nothing to worry yourself about. I’m sure it’ll just take a moment to rectify.”
“I’m sure. What’s the problem?” The younger woman wasn’t giving an inch.
“I’m sure you know our policy on theatre fees for costumes. All parents must pay a forty-five dollar fee per semester to help with the costumes before the first production. I’m sure it’s just an oversight on Mr. Everslee’s part.” Mrs. Gale gave an ingratiating smirk.
If she says ‘I’m sure’ one more time, I’m gonna puke.
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I’m with him on that one. 😉 There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list, the Snippet Sunday Facebook group, and the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. A few of my favorites are, P.T. Wyant, Karen Michelle Nutt, Veronica Scott, Karysa Faire, and Iris Blobel.
Here’s the blurb for MR. FIXIT’S BILLIONAIRE in the FLIP THE TROPE: ENDLESS SUMMER Anthology:
Amanda Pendleton is more than just a pretty face. She’s the president of a wildly successful office supply company, a doting single mom, and a billionaire. All great qualities. Too bad they weren’t enough to keep her deceased father from making stipulations in his will. If she wants to retain ownership of her company, she must find a husband before the next board meeting. Easy peasy, right?
Mike Everslee is a single dad, the manager at Mr. Fixit’s Hardware, and a hard-working guy just trying to make ends meet. But none of it affords him the discretionary income to pay the fees at his daughter’s preparatory school. When his daughter’s friend’s mom offers to pay the theatre fees and take them out to dinner, he’s just glad for a rare night out.
But Amanda shows up with an astounding proposal—marry her in the next five weeks and stay with her for a year so she can save her company. If he does, she’ll set him up with a new house, a new truck, and pay his daughter’s fees and tuition until high school. Get a ready-made family, a sister for his daughter, and a beautiful successful wife, all for the price of a year-long marriage. What could go wrong?