This week is our picture prompt week. We had to choose among several doors. This is my choice. We return to "Too Late for Goodbye" again this week. I hope you enjoy this 300-word snippet and will return to Tuesday Tales and read all the stories.
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Jackie hesitated before
knocking on the old oak door. She glanced up at the mansard roof, the graceful,
peeling white shutters and the thick, detailed, white molding. The house was a mansion. She
wondered about the old woman who lived there.
The young woman took a deep breath
and let it out. This companion job was her last chance at independence. She had
to make it work and she would, no matter how cantankerous the old lady was. Jackie would find a way to get along with her. Screwing up her courage, she
knocked once, then again.
“Coming, coming! Keep
your shirt on.” The hinges creaked and the heavy door swung open. Behind
it stood a short, slender woman. Her gray hair was cut in a stylish, attractive
do. She wore a little lipstick, black pants, a T-shirt, and a corduroy jacket.
“Jackie Tremont?”
“Yes, ma’am. That’s
me.”
The older woman rested
her hands on her hips and looked Jackie over.
“You’re kinda skinny,
but I guess that’s to be expected. I mean after what you went through.”
“You’re Maxine
Connors?”
“Call me Max. Come on
in. We’ll get you settled in your room later. You’re just in time for lunch.”
She stepped aside and let the young woman inside.
Jackie carried a small
suitcase and wore a backpack. She put her luggage down by the door in the
mahogany paneled entryway and followed Max into the kitchen.
“I understood you could
cook,” she said, sitting down at the table.
“Yep. I’m not gourmet
chef, but I can do a fair stew and bake a little bread.”
“That’s good.” There were
two place settings. “Let’s eat.”
Jackie looked around,
but didn’t see any food. “What are we
having?”
“I don’t know. What are
you making?” Maxine asked, breaking into a smile.
Thank you for stopping by. Don't forget to find out what doors the other writers selected and read their stories.
Oh my, nothing like a bit of pressure. Not sure whether it shows Max' humorous or nasty side. Can't wait to find out how Jacquie will deal with the situation
ReplyDeleteI love stories about new beginnings, and I hope she can find success here. She comes across as strong and determined. Max is interesting too.
ReplyDeleteI love stories about new beginnings, and I hope she can find success here. She comes across as strong and determined. Max is interesting too.
ReplyDeleteLOL. Love the last line. Max has the feistiness I adore in older characters. Great job.
ReplyDeleteLOL. Love the last line. Max has the feistiness I adore in older characters. Great job.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I have no idea if the rest of the story is as cute as this snippet but I hope to find out.
ReplyDeleteWhat a feisty woman Max is. I too love when the main character starts a new adventure. I see a lot if comedy between these two women.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great last line!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet! I have a feeling cantankerous isn't quite how Jacquie will find Max.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet! I have a feeling cantankerous isn't quite how Jacquie will find Max.
ReplyDeleteLoving the Max character. I can totally see her! Well done!
ReplyDelete