QSFer Kim Fielding has a new short out:
Tom’s day has not gone well. He bombed the job interview in San Francisco and missed his flight connection back to Iowa. Now he’s stuck at the Minneapolis airport, on standby for an early morning plane home.
But things begin to look up when a handsome man named Rafael strikes up a conversation. Rafael says he used to fly but, having made mistakes, was grounded. Now he has to be content with watching jets take off. What at first seems to be a short tryst in the wee hours of the morning may turn out to be much more.
The universe contains surprises, and perhaps being stuck at the airport could have some long-term benefits.
Kim is donating all her royalties from this book to Doctors Without Borders.
Excerpt
Rafael’s hand was very warm and his handshake firm.
“Where are you headed?” Rafael asked.
“Iowa. If I can. I’ve been on standby forever.”
Sadness flitted across Rafael’s face. “I know how that is.”
“Oh, you too? Where are you trying to go?”
“Nowhere.” Rafael sighed. “I just come here to watch the airplanes.”
Considering Tom’s admission about magic in flight and cell phones, he was in no position to judge. “Are you into planes? As a hobby, I mean?” He was vaguely aware that just as some people were obsessive about cars or trains, some had a thing for aircraft. Freud would likely have a good explanation for that.
Rafael gazed out into the darkness. Tom could see Rafael’s reflection in the window. He looked very far away.
“I used to fly,” Rafael said quietly. “But I… I made mistakes. I was grounded. Now I can only watch.”
“Doesn’t that make it worse? Like being on a diet and visiting a bakery?”
After considering this for a few moments, Rafael shook his head. “No. It’s a reminder. A small consolation. Is there something you truly long for, Tom? With all your heart?”
Tom’s chest tightened. He stared down at his shoes and gave a small nod. “Yeah.”
“And do you avoid any mention of it? Or do you seek it out because even a shadow, even a tiny taste is better than nothing?”
Author Bio
Kim Fielding has migrated back and forth across the western two-thirds of the United States and currently lives in California. She’s a university professor who dreams of being able to travel and write full-time. She also dreams of having two perfectly-behaved children, a husband who isn’t obsessed with football, and a house that cleans itself. Some dreams are more easily obtained than others.
In addition to the novels she has written under her nom de plume, Kim has published successful textbooks, one now in its third edition and one in the fourth.
Kim donates 100% of the royalties from her novels Stasis, Flux, and Equipoise and from her self-published stories and audiobooks to Doctors Without Borders.