Tag: Word of the Day Challenge

Short Story

A COLD CALL

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

β€œHi, I’m calling about your ad.”

Her voice was soft and sultry, as smooth and silky as his finest Maker’s Mark bourbon. The image of a voluptuous goddess with long wavy caramel-colored hair, tanned skin and moist red lips immediately appeared before him. He could see her pearly teeth as she smiled, tantalizingly nibbling her bottom lip. He felt himself getting excited.

β€œIs anyone there?” he heard her say and roused him out of his fantasy.

β€œYes, sorry. I’m here. I was distracted for a moment. There’s something about your voice; it’s very …. familiar” he replied trying to sound nonchalant.

β€œI get that a lot” she answered, her throaty laugh arousing him again. He could see this woman easily becoming an addiction.

β€œAre you calling about the apartment or the car?” Please let it be the apartment …. let it be the apartment .… he pleaded silently, picturing her sprawled on his bed. 

β€œThe Corvette, of course. No sexy car list would be complete without it, don’t you agree?” She chuckled softly.

There was that laugh again. He had to meet this woman. Today.

β€œOf course. The ‘Vette’s’ an incredible machine” he said, a bit disappointed that she wasn’t interested in renting his apartment. He had to get her there.

β€œIncredible sounds about right” she agreed. “And thrilling, too, judging by the photo in your ad. With her open top, she’s as sleek and beautiful as a Corvette was meant to be – a car to melt some hearts and explode others.”

As she spoke, he had a vision of her in the ‘Vette’, top down, driving along the Santa Barbara coastline, her hair loose and wild like crimson flames. She was laughing as she drove faster and faster, her hand teasing the head of the gear shift. She was wearing a short black leather skirt and a low-neck sweater, her perfect breasts heaving with excitement. She smelled of lilacs. His heart was racing, his erection pounding.

Who is this woman? He couldn’t think straight. Snap out of it, dummy!

β€œSo, when would you like to see the car?” he asked. Today, today, today raced repeatedly in his brain.

β€œToday, if that works for you” came the response he hoped for.

Careful not to appear anxious, he hesitated before answering.

β€œHmm, today. My schedule’s kind of tight” he lied “but I might be able fit you in around 4:00. Would that work for you?”

β€œYes. I can come anytime.”

Oh God, did she really just say that? Sweet Jesus …. this woman was driving him insane!

β€œHold on one sec” she purred. “I just need to check something.”

He waited impatiently for her return. He went over his plan: they’d meet at 4:00, take the Corvette out for a leisurely drive and get back to his place just in time for a β€œspontaneous” dinner and whatever might follow.

β€œSorry to keep you waiting” she said breathlessly. “I wanted to make sure my wife would be available at 4:00.”

Wait. What? Wife? Did she say wife? She was married? To a WOMAN! His passion vanished instantly along with his rapidly sagging manhood.

β€œHey, sorry …. I’m getting another call” he lied again. “Hold on.”

Deflated, he pushed the β€œend call” button.

NAR Β© 2023

Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge – Flame
Addiction – Word of the Day Challenge

This is Prince and “Little Red Corvette”

Please join me today
for another edition of
In The Groove:
I’m With The Banned.
https://rhythmsection.blog/

Flash

THE MESSAGE

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

General Agricola was restless; for three nights he did not sleep. The Caledonians were plotting, of this he was certain. They were a pompous lot, thinking they could defeat his legions.

There was fire in his belly and he was determined to prove himself irreplaceable to the emperor, Vespasian.

Agricola summoned his first officer, Acilius. β€œI require the services of the scribe, Tertius. Depart immediately and bring him to me.”

Acilius did as commanded. The wizened scribe, Tertius, sat at the foot of Agricola, his calamus at the ready. He began the most crucial message of his life.

NAR Β© 2023
98 Words

Weekend Writing Prompt #337 – Scribe
FOWC with Fandango β€” Belly
FOWC with Fandango β€” Pompous
Officer
FOWC with Fandango β€” Restless
Wizened

This is Civil War doing “Rome Is Falling”

Story

ON THE BRINK

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Today she would find out if her entire life was a lie.

β€œWhere to, Mrs. Carmichael? Shall I call for your car?” asked her ever-attentive doorman, Harold. 

β€œNot today, thank you. Just walking up to Brooks Brothers to buy an anniversary present for my husband. It’s our 15th.” She remembered she also needed to make a stop at her psychologist’s office. 

β€œCongratulations, Mrs. C! You have yourself a nice day.”

Claire Carmichael smiled at Harold and walked the short distance to her therapist’s office on Earl Street. Ringing Dr. Brink’s doorbell, she waited for his ubiquitous snobbish greeting of β€œEnter!” 

β€œWelcome, Claire. Last time you were here we discussed your suspicions that Jeremy was having an affair. Why don’t we pick up from there?” he suggested. 

Clearing her throat and adjusting her skirt, she began. β€œI’m no longer convinced Jeremy’s cheating on me. I’m not saying that he’s never had affairs but something is different. Things have changed between us. They’re better. Jeremy’s calmer, more attentive, grounded. He’s home every night by 6:00 and we enjoy our weekends together. No more overnight, out-of-town business trips and I’m actually happy for the first time in years.” 

β€œInteresting” Dr. Brink acknowledged. β€œAnd to what do you attribute this change in Jeremy’s character?” 

β€œWe had a long talk the other night and it wasn’t easy for Jeremy. He confided in me that he’s been having panic attacks for quite some time. He finally started seeing a psychiatrist who’s helping him tremendously. He’s on medication and takes an early lunch twice a week to see his doctor.” 

β€œAnd you believe him?” 

β€œI do” Claire replied, uncomfortable with her therapist’s skepticism. And she did believe Jeremy; his explanation was credible and heartfelt.

β€œDid Jeremy happen to mention his psychiatrist’s name?” 

Feeling rather nonplussed she replied β€œNo, he didn’t and I didn’t ask. That would be prying – information I didn’t need to know. Now I really must get going. It’s our wedding anniversary and I have errands to run.” 

β€œGood luck, Claire. Ever vigilant!” he called after her. 

When Claire stepped outside there was a chill in the air; the sky was mottled and gray. That session unnerved her and she lingered for a while smoking a cigarette wondering what Dr. Brink meant when he said β€œEver vigilant.” Muttering β€œshrinks!”, she wrapped her coat tightly around herself and quickly walked to Brooks Brothers. She chose a pair of monogrammed cuff links; they were elegant and ridiculously expensive but Claire wanted Jeremy to know how proud she was of him. 

Leaving the store Claire decided to go across the street to their favorite French restaurant and arrange for a special anniversary dinner to be delivered to their apartment. Looking up Claire’s heart skipped a beat and she felt dizzy. 

Exiting the restaurant was Jeremy, his arm around a captivating young woman. They were laughing, embracing and kissing as they walked. 

Stunned, Claire threw the box from Brooks Brothers into a trash can and hailed a taxi. 

β€œWhere to, your highness?” The driver was uncouth with a big mouth, both physically and metaphorically. He chomped noisily on a cigar and Claire could smell his disgusting breath from the back seat. But he probably never cheated on his wife, she thought, acrid bitterness stinging the back of her throat.Β 

β€œJust drive” was all she said; the cabbie smiled greedily as he flipped the meter. 

NAR Β© 2023

Moonwashed Weekly Prompt – Mottled Sky Page
Credible – Word of the Day Challenge

This is Nancy Wilson singing “Guess Who I Saw Today”.