Deleted Scenes, Extended Moments & What Might Have Been

December 2024

Hey loves,

Welcome to December’s first Cutting Room Floor post!

Last month, I gave you Mac Thompson’s confrontation with his ex-wife—a scene cut for pacing. This month, I’m giving you something LIGHTER and more heartwarming.

If you’ve read Turbulent Hearts, you know Sage Thompson (Mac’s 17-year-old daughter) is a KEY player in her dad’s romance with Izzy. She’s perceptive, protective, and has OPINIONS about her father’s love life.

What you DIDN’T see was the scene where Sage corners Izzy and gives her “the talk.”

Not the birds-and-bees talk. The “you’re dating my dad and I need to make sure you’re good enough” talk.

The Context: This scene originally appeared, after Mac and Izzy have been dating for about six weeks. Mac doesn’t know this conversation is happening. Izzy is terrified. Sage is hilarious.

Why I Cut It:

1. Sage’s approval was already established in other scenes

2. The conversation, while funny, didn’t add new information

3. Word count needed trimming

Why I’m Sharing It Now: Because it’s GOLD. Sage Thompson is one of my favorite characters, and this scene shows her intelligence, her protectiveness, and her dry humor. Plus, Izzy’s reactions are priceless.

Let’s dive in.

— Quinn