I’m deep in revisions on book 2, and sloughing off irrelevant words. The tone of this piece no longer matches my story, but given that I have this outlet here, it’s too cute not to share. So, I give you a sneak peek of something that will NOT be in my next middle grade novel!! Here you go:
Macy’s mom, Tricia, is driving us to school. On the way, Macy suggests a round of Kiss, Kick, Keep. One person names three boys – from school, or famous people, or whatever – and then the other person decides which one to kiss, which one to get rid of (kick) and which one to marry (keep).
I have challenged Macy with the members of the boy band 2 The Top. We both hate every single hair on their stupid heads.
“You are so cruel! Can’t I kick all of them?”
“Of course not!”
“OK, fine!” Macy groans. “Kick Mark. No question. Kiss Ray-Ray. And keep Bastian. I guess.”
“I knew it! But I’d kick Ray-Ray.”
“Which means you have to kiss Mark.” Mark is Macy’s least favorite member of the band.
“Worth it.” I say.
“For what it’s worth, I’d kick Mark, kiss Bastian, and keep Ray-Ray!” says Tricia.
“Mom!” Macy exclaims. “Are you listening in on us?’
“Macy, dear, you’re a whopping three feet away. And why are they always boys, anyway?”
“MOTHER!” Macy presses her palms into her eyes, and her cheeks peek out pink between her wrists. Then she looks up in horror. “Wait, are you trying to tell me you’re a lesbian? Are you going out with a woman tonight? Be honest!”
“Macy, my love,” Tricia’s voice melds kindheartedness and sarcasm, “Item number one: I am seeing a man tonight. Item number two: that would not preclude me being bisexual.”
“MOM!” Macy shrieks.
Tricia continues undisturbed. “Item number 3: I am not bisexual, though I did kiss a girl once.”
“MO-OM!!”
“Item number 4: none of this is any of your business.”
“Then why are you even telling us?!?”
“Because you turn such an adorable shade of red when you get huffy.”
If this is the part that didn’t make it into your book. I can’t wait to read the rest that did. You’re giving me hope for the future