“We’re in the money,” cried Ricky pushing past a woman at the pub door and waving a wad of papers. Galloping to the corner where the gang was meeting, he shouted gleefully, “Time to celebrate. We’re shoe-ins.” “Okay, whoa Nellie,” said Tom, always cautious. “What’s your sure winner this week.” “It’s an award, worth five … Continue reading →

Having worn down her mother with requests for a second ice cream cone, Emily had to be satisfied with some change for the gumball machine which advertised, “A prize every time!” “The prizes aren’t worth the money,” her mother lamented, hoping, but not achieving, a teachable moment about costs and benefits. Emily, focused on the … Continue reading →

Percy knew he had to wipe what his wife Tina called “the smug look” off his face before he went through their front door. But it would be difficult not to crow. Just as he had predicted, he’d succeeded without a lot of preparation at his new métier. Now fresh from his first Marketing Consultant … Continue reading →

Jack Jackson, a traveling salesman, always sold his quota of elephants: the customers liked him and he knew how to excite a quick win-win deal. He always thought to mention to prospective customers that he was putting his dog through university. And, in tough cases, he would add sadly that his alligator-in-law had been deep … Continue reading →

“So how was I to be chosen Pope?” Barry prompted, pouring Mindy more green tea to entice her to continue. “I don’t know,” she shrugged, “You know they lock them in a room to vote.” “Who they?” Barry was eager to know details about his nomination for Pope, or as she put it Pope-Pope, but … Continue reading →

Tom laughed indulgently when his friend Frank apologized for having only a quick pint. “Bette and I are going dancing tonight. You and Myrna should join us.” “No way,” Tom said. “It’s been so long since I went dancing with Myrna that she doesn’t even bother to ask any more. If I weakened now, we’d … Continue reading →

As winner of the coveted Billybong Prize for progressive literature, Theresa, not yet 45, should have been on cloud nine. And had her sister not come to the ceremony, young daughter in hand, Theresa having left her worries about her future decision (syllable or one letter?) at home, bask in the glory. As the event … Continue reading →

I sailed into the meeting, the first since my two weeks off, expecting to be cheered for my negotiating skills, but instead was met with a sea of grim faces. “Didn’t the trade go through?” I asked. “Isn’t the menace gone?” “He’s gone alright,” said the chairperson. “But in exchange we got someone worse.” “Not … Continue reading →

Tania tossed and turned all night, struggling to find the words to save her job. While a good response could lead to a promotion, a poor one could result in a dismissal. Finally at 3 a.m. her husband roared, “Stop jumping around. Just say ‘Thanks’ and take the consequences.” He’d sing another tune if she … Continue reading →