#SnippetSunday

Week one of Nano is now over. I will say it was a long hard week for me. There were days I didn’t think I would make my count, but I managed, if some days barely.

The goal of the challenge is 1667 words a day. My weekly total is 13,329. I am having fun, and there have been a few unexpected developments along the way.

A few of my NaNo friends have decided to do a mini blog hop and share a snippet or two with you each Sunday.

Would you like a little peek at my story? Here is Chapter one Annie’s view. Remember this is a rough draft and unedited.

Baseball bats and Cowboy Hats Nano draft     

Copyright November 2015

Chapter One

Annie checked each room for the third time today wanting everything to be perfect. She had already chewed her nails into nubs the past week wondering if she made the right decision. Her mom and best friend Vicki both agreed it was a great idea to open her home to host some of the boys for the local prospect league team. The arrangement seemed to work for everyone. It would give the players that lived farther away a place to stay closer to the field for practice and give me some help on the farm. Plus as an added bonus, she wouldn’t feel so alone. The boys would do a few chores in exchange for room and board plus meals when they were not out at practice or on the road for a game. Her other closest friend Caleb Douglas nearly had an aneurysm when she told him.

She chuckles at the memory of how red his face got, the veins in his forehead popping out the surface. It was scary that day, but she could laugh about it now. Ever since her husband passed away, Caleb has become more and more protective of her. Like the big brother she always dreamed of. If having a big brother was anything like Caleb Douglas she was glad she didn’t have one or she would probably be a 40-year-old virgin. This man barely gave her room to breathe.  The local men stayed away, and the women were all jealous of how much time and energy Caleb spent on her. She was glad her mom and Vicki were with her, and it was a public venue.

They had the City Council meeting in the high-school gymnasium to discuss the summer season of the Edenfield Eagles.  Annie saw the announcement in the community booklet the city puts out each month and felt this was something she wanted to do.  The drawbacks of a hobby farm are that the animals have to be fed and cared for every day. Her farm isn’t big enough to warrant paid hands though Vicki’s’ son need name comes by to help with the morning goat milking.

Caleb was amazing when Stephen’s baby (need name) was born. He stayed at the farm, took care of things for two weeks, but she couldn’t impose on him all time.

It would be nice having boys around again. She has to admit she misses her boys now that they are grown and gone. Occasionally they come around but not as much as they used to the big house was lonelier than ever since Evan left a few weeks after graduation.  Stephen left two years earlier and was now married with a baby. They lived in Iowa City and didn’t make it down to visit much. (Stephen) Is off hiking and exploring life before going to college. Annie thinks they are glad to be away from the farm. Neither liked working on it getting their hands dirty. They both suggested she sell it after (their dad) died but it was all she had to keep me going, and it did bring in some income.

The crunch of tires on the gravel drive snapped her out of her digression. Too late to change my mind now.

Annie plastered on a smile, brushed her hands down her hips to smooth her clothes realizing she was still wearing her cleaning apron. She snatches it off, just in time to hear the first car door slam. Tucking the apron on a stool behind the bar, she opens the door.

Her stomach lurches as Head coach Rick Davidson Approaches her; hand extended. “Thank you so much, Ms. Thomas, for taking on so many of the boys for us. We don’t get near as many hosts as we expected. These days it’s hard enough to feed and house ones only family little less another growing boy. He looks over his shoulder or 5.  You were quite generous”.

“It’s nothing Coach. I have this big, empty house and like I said in the meeting I could use a little help that I can’t hire out.”

“Call me Rick. I understand, and these guys all agreed to the terms we discussed. None of them minded a little work in exchange for lodging and food. “

Four young men climb out of the van and approach them.

“This is Carl Brorby, Donald Welch, Paul Stedman and Clayton Stenerson.”

A chorus of hellos,’ HI’s and pleased to meet you fill the air.

“I thought there were 6 coming?”

“Yes, Simon and TJ should be here any moment.  They are coming in Simon’s car. This way they have a vehicle to get to practice and around without you having to play taxi service or loan out your car.

“Oh I see” Annie fidget nervously (looks this up and get movement)

Each young man seemed polite as they came in and introduced themselves. Some were laid back, one was very outgoing, and most were polite.

Annie wasn’t sure to wait there on the porch or go ahead and take this group in.

“I guess we can go inside if you like. I made some tea and lemonade.

The four that had already arrived were grabbing their gear and sitting t on the porch. They found a nice patch of grass and began tossing the ball around.

I told them to be here by 11. I got here a little early to make sure you still wanted to do this.

‘Oh yes.” Seeing the boys playing ball and laughing lightened her heart.  She was sure this was right.

Here is a copy of the paperwork with all the agreements and signatures. You are not required to pay for anything personal, only to provide basic meals like breakfast and lunch. When we have a game, a light meal is provided beforehand, and if we are on the road we stop and get pizza or burgers on the way home. You won’t be required to wait up or cater to them.  None f these guys have any allergies. One is vegetarian if that’s not an issue. If so I can find another placement for him.

No, I think I can handle that. Rick. I usually make plenty of side-dishes and keep fresh vegetables handy.  There should be plenty with the garden coming off.

In the distance, they could hear music blasting as a silver Suv came down the lane.

A tall sandy haired young man climbed out of the driver’s seat and walked over to her.

“Hi, I’m Simon. Sorry if we are late. I thought we had plenty of time.” He glanced over at his coach as if he would be reprimanded.”

“No Simon I came early to introduce the other guys and go over the terms of the agreement. Sit you bag on the porch and join the others.”

Simon popped the hatch with his key-fob. He went around to the passenger side and whispered to the other man that was still sitting in the car. He picked up something from inside, probably his phone and slid it in his shirt pocket.  Simon went to the back lifting two Duffle bags and a bag of sports equipment.  He seemed to be a little more laid back and reserved than the others.  He took out his glove and slowly joined the other men.

Then the last one bounded out of the vehicle in.  Yes, he came running up the step NOTE Rephrase he is only about 5-9 and 152 lbs bundle of energy.  Instead of a handshake like the rest he sweeps me off my feet literally (maybe drop this as it is in another story) with a whoop and a twirl he sets me back down tipping his Stetson.( why is he wearing a cowboy hat ( he thinks it really cool to be a real cowboy since it’s his dream)

“Howdy Ma’am (Note in Iowa he won’t use such a Southern terms)! It sure is kind of you to let us stay here in your lovely home” Oh I am TJ. By the way.” Annie was mesmerized as she stood there staring at the cutest boy…   the young man, she has ever seen in years. Broad shoulders, big brown eyes and wild curly hair that’s a little too long. His handsome face in need of a shave he would be her dream man…if only he were 20 years older.

If you would like daily snippets and root me on my word count follow and like my page Baseball Bats and Cowboy hats.  I would love to hear your thoughts on each snippet!

If you would like more intriguing stories check out my friend Vicki Locey with snippets from her Gay for You romance.  

If you like, Valkyries and mystery check out my friend Ellie Mack.