Tactical Planning - No lost of life involved.

Did I ever tell you that I don't like interruptions?

I have them, all the time. At work, home, even when I'm trying to soak in the tub.  Bet you have them too.

Take for instant the other night.  

My beloved husband of 32 years strolls into my office.  I’m right in the middle of an intense scene.  The hero is about to speak of his undying love when DEAR hubby starts talking.

My fingers freeze over the keys. Thoughts scattered to the wind. I try the ‘uh huh’ with a nod to at least show him I’m listening while I scramble to recall the incredible sentence I was writing.

“You’re not listening.  You do that all the time.  Act like you’re listening and you’re not.” 

Was that annoyance I hear in his voice?

“Yes, I am. You just said…” and I calmly repeat (not verbatim but close enough) to please him. This is obviously a sign that I want to listen to every golden utterance falling from his lips.

My fingers are beginning to cramp from holding them still so long. Staring at the computer screen, I try patience but it's not working. I hear one out ten words he’s saying while responding with a nod or a yes while I try valiantly to regroup.

It’s impossible.  I consider stuffing something in his mouth.  My gaze wanders along my desk, searching.  I stop at the stapler. No, won’t go through his lips. 

There is NOTHING on my desk that'll make him be quiet.  Ten minutes that's all I need to finish.  Just a measly amount of time to capture the essence of the scene. 

Sweat starts to drip down my brow.  I have to finish this scene. If I don't capture the awesomeness before it flies out the window gone forever then this entire book is ruined.  And it's all his fault.  I frown.  Is that grounds for divorce.  I discard that idea.  I adore my honey when he's NOT interrupting me.   

My heart is racing and I'm having difficulty in controlling the building panic. This is getting critical. And he’s still going strong. 

Gritting my teeth, my last “uh huh” comes out abrupt.  He stops and I feel his gaze on me.  Crap. If he even suspects I want him to leave me alone, he’ll stay just for the heck of it.

The phone sits on the corner of the desk. A light bulb goes off and my mood lightens.

Turning, I face him with my most charming smile and ask, “Have you talked to your Mom lately?  I haven’t talked to her in a few days.”

One little white lie won't hurt.  Hopefully, Ma in law won't mention we'd talked yesterday.

He stutters and stalls, surprise evident on his features. “Uh, well, no.”

Another bright grin causes him to blink. Rapidly. “Why not give her a call? See how she’s doing?”

With a nod, he reaches for the phone and stands.  “That’s a good idea.”

He’s dialing before he’s completely out of the room.

A sigh of pure bliss escapes. I slap my hand over my mouth to keep him from hearing.

With a low wicked chuckle, I turn back to my WIP!