Short Story

The Negotiator

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for Melissa’s Fandango Flash Fiction
Challenge #348 using the photo below as our
inspiration. Here’s where the photo took me.

© Getty Images

Young Reginald adjusted his tie and cleared his throat. This was it …. the moment he’d been preparing for all week.

“Mom, Dad,” he began solemnly, gesturing toward the magnificent turkey, “I’ve called this Thanksgiving Day dinner meeting to discuss my allowance.”

His father’s fork paused mid-air.

“As you can see, I’ve dressed professionally and I’ve prepared visual aids.” He pointed to the roll on his bread dish. “That’s my current allowance. And that,” he nodded at the turkey, “represents the going rate. I’ve done my research.”

“Reggie….” his mother began.

“I’m willing to negotiate,” he continued. “I’ll accept quarterly raises and a performance bonus structure.”

His mother bit back a smile. “And if we refuse?”

Reggie folded his hands. “Then I’m afraid I’ll have to take my services to Grandma’s house. She’s including her homemade brownies and unrestricted screen time. Quid pro quo, Mother.”

He got the raise.

NAR©2025
#FFFC

This is “Gimme Some Money” by Spinal Tap

Melissa’s Fandango Flash Fiction Challenge #348

All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

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