Fast Fiction: Coping
Sometimes there are secret bonuses for those who get a move on at work, as Richard Mallinson's story reveals.
To read more of Richard's fast fiction please visit http://www.openwriting.com/archives/fast_fiction/
Too many customers, I just can't cope. I'm going out for a smoke. Or a drink. Yes, I could do with a drink . . .'
'Steady on, Vi,' said young Celia, 'you'll lose your job.'
'I don't care,' said Vi. 'Look at them, guzzling and swilling.
My god, what a sight.'
'Hey, Vi,' said Craig Blatt, the manager, 'have you gone to sleep
or what? Get a move on. You don't get paid to stand around gawping.
And Celia, my love, could we see a little more action from you, too?'
*
'Celia, my love,' Vi mimicked later at home.
'What's that?' asked her husband, watching the ads on tv.
'That Craig Blatt... you should see how he talks to Celia and then to me ... It's always Celia, my love, but it's never Vi, my love, is it? I suppose he thinks I'm too old for him.'
'Well, aren't you?'
*
'Vi, what have you done to yourself?' asked Celia. 'A new hairstyle ...
lots of make-up ... Hey, Where's your wedding ring?'
'Never mind about that,' Vi said, 'let's swing into action . . . we're going to be busy again tonight'
'Well done, Celia, my love,' said Craig Blatt afterwards.
