What I'm working on...and a short story

Progress, not perfection. Progress, not perfection. Progress, not perfection? :-)

One of the more frustrating aspects I’ve discovered about my writing process is how slow it feels. Of course, part of that is probably because I’m still a “young” fiction writer.

I write copy and content, no problem. But fiction? Well, I need to practice, let’s just leave it at that.

That said, I’m planning to write here, every single day (or maybe make a video, depends) to keep myself accountable. Even if that means I’m accountable to future me. I’m good with that…

My Current Work in Progress (WIP)

The story I’m working on now was begun with the idea that it would be a short story. But of course, it’s not cooperating with me. Seems as if the characters have other plans…

In short, as I work without an outline I’m only now realizing (6,000+words in) that it might end up being a novella instead.

I LOVE short stories, but for some reason it’s hard for me to tell at the onset whether or not something will be a short. Hopefully that will change with time and practice.

To date, I’ve not written a novel, however I have begun at least two of them, if memory serves. Which, by the way, it often doesn’t…but I digress…

So, to not waste your time, (and as a reward if you’ve read thus far lol) here’s a recent short story that I haven’t published yet - still need to do a cover for it. Ugh!

---

It Must Be Carol

Carol O’Reilly knew there would be a day of reckoning…she just wasn’t ready for it to be next month.

The ping interrupted her game of computer Solitaire.

“Mom…you’ll never guess what Brad did this weekend!”

She waffled between concern and pride…her daughter was too much like her.

“What?”

“He’s asked me to marry him!”

Oh no.

“And he wants us to get married next month…on Valentine’s Day…isn’t that romantic?”

No, it’s cheesy…that way he only has to remember two days; your birthday and the holiday/anniversary. Clever young man…

“I’m so happy for you dear.”

“Thanks mom. You should bring your new boyfriend…so we can meet him.”

Crud.

“Maybe.”

“Mom…please? We just want to meet the guy who’s keeping you so busy!”

“Meredith Lynn!”

“Please bring him? You haven’t even told us his name!”

Carol opened a browser to the local news. “Peter…his name is Peter.”

“I can’t wait to meet him. It’s going to be a small ceremony…Pastor Smith is letting us use the church. Oh mom, I can’t believe it.”

Carol shook her head.“Me either. Let me know if I can help with the planning.”

“I will. Thanks mom.”

Way to go, Carol…now what are you going to do? Admit to your daughter that you’ve been lying to her? You could say you broke up with the guy. No, it’s her wedding day, it needs to be perfect, and her feeling sorry for you isn’t perfect.

She had to come up with a plan, so obviously that meant a trip to The Coffee Drip…it was where she always did her best thinking.

For years, the coffee shop was the only game in town, but like everything else in life, things changed. The grand opening for “the coffee shop that shall not be named” off highway 68 was last weekend.

Since then, it was easier than it had ever been to find a parking space close to the door.

The shop was unusually quiet for a Saturday morning; only a few patrons were seated at their tables, so of course her entry hadn’t gone unnoticed.

The shop’s owner plopped into the bench across from her.

“Hey girlie…how’s it going?”

“Girlie? Alice, you’ve got a grandbaby now…why are you trying to act like your hired help?”

She laughed. “I know, I know…just trying to get a rise out of you, that’s all…it worked didn’t it?”

“Not really, but nice try. Why’s it so quiet today?”

Alice shrugged. “Maybe everyone’s hung over from the game…I hear the kids took state.”

“Or, it could be that stupid coffee chain that just opened up.”

Carol winced. Big mouth.

“Yeah, could be that too. Maybe it’s a sign I need to retire.”

“No, you’re probably right…it’ll start picking up in a few hours.”

Alice frowned. “Maybe.”

Now you’ve gone and ruined her day. Way to go…why do you always run your mouth like this? Now fix it!

Carol knew that saying anything came with a risk…the woman had a hard time keeping a secret…but she considered it penance for ruining her friend’s day.

Of course, she was thrilled with Carol’s news about Meredith’s engagement.

“Let me see…there’s Tom Reynolds…he could probably help you find what you need. He runs a singles meet-up every other Saturday at Victory Baptist.”

“Yeah, but like I said, I’m not looking to date someone…I just need them for a day…a couple of days at the most.”

Alice raised her eyebrow. “Are you serious? Why would you…oh, never mind.”

“Do you think it would cost much?”

Her friend gasped. “What do you mean?”

“Oh you always go there…I would be willing to pay for the guy’s time…that’s all I’m saying.”

“Carol O’Reilly…you’re a grown woman, you can do what you want, but…at a church of all places!”

“Apparently you weren’t listening Alice. I just need somebody to pretend to be my boyfriend…just until after Mer’s wedding. He doesn’t have to…do anything…maybe put his arm around me, a peck on the cheek…nothing else! And you talk about me!”

Alice sighed. “Oh Carol, how do you get yourself into these situations? It would have just been easier to tell Meredith that you lied to her.”

“No…there’s no way I’m going to ruin her day. No, I’ll find somebody…maybe someone over in E-Town…there are always students looking for ways to earn an extra buck.”

“Students?” Alice swung her hands in the air. “What would Meredith think if you came to the wedding with someone who could be her own brother?”

Carol’s eyes widened. “Are you serious? You know me better than that…I’m no cougar. No, there’s got to be older students or maybe a professor? Say, what about that guy…the one who brought his acting troupe to The Grande?”

Alice shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“I don’t remember his name, but I do remember that he was in charge of the drama department at the college. Yes! That’s what I’ll do…”

“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea...it’s a small town ya know...people talk!”

“What are talking about? It’s a great idea...genius, actually!”

She grabbed her cup and pushed a wad of bills in Alice’s hand. “I’ll see you later…I’ve got some research to do! By the way…don’t breathe a word of this to anyone…got it?”

Her friend sighed. “I promise.”

The fine arts building was squat and utilitarian. Every few feet, tall, narrow windows broke up the pattern of dull gray bricks.

Unlike other parts of the campus, there were no beautiful hedges or flower beds. Just concrete, glass and a trampled patch of grass on either side of two steel doors.

Talk about ugly…I think I’d kill myself if I had to come here every day.

The faculty, however...or at least, this particular member, was the exact opposite of the structure.

If appearances are a hiring metric of the drama department, it’s no surprise this woman got the role.

Brunhilde stood between her and success, and no amount of cajoling, banter or even bribing seemed to have any affect.

“Like I said, Professor Fremont isn’t here today. He’s not feeling well.”

“Oh, sorry to hear that.”

The secretary shrugged, then giggled. “Now, you didn’t hear this from me, but…he’s probably recovering from last night’s closing celebration.”

Nosy busybody…glad I don’t work here.

“Okay…do you have a personal email, or phone number for him?”

“I’m sorry, but we’re not allowed to give out that information. His work email is on our website. But I wouldn’t bother…I’m sure he’ll be in by tomorrow.”

“Fine…then I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Tomorrow my butt…that Valkyrie is no match for a determined O’Reilly!

Carol wandered around the building, and peeked into different rooms, but all of them were empty.

She shrugged. It is close to lunch...

When she came across what looked to be a faculty lounge she put on her best “I’m a teacher” face, walked to the far side of the room and sat, hoping to go unnoticed.

A man, probably in his late forties, was seated at a table, writing in a notebook. Looking up he smiled at her.

“Hi.”

Apparently my ninja skills need polishing. Now what? Nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say.

“Hey there…are you Professor Fremont?”

The man shook his head. “No…but I do audit his scriptwriting class.”

“Oh. I was hoping to speak to the professor but his Valkyrie said he called in sick.”

Carol thought the man would never stop laughing.

“Perfect description…nobody gets past Gertie…she’s a real bulldog.”

“I see that. So, you’re taking scriptwriting classes?”

“Yeah…I’ve always loved to write, and well, why not?

“Are you enjoying it?”

“Yes, very much…how about you? Are you taking classes?”

“No…I just have something I need to ask the professor. Do you have a way to get hold of him?

“No, I’m afraid I don’t. But if it’s important maybe someone else could help? I’ve been coming here for a while - I know a lot of the other students…at least the ones in the drama department.”

You’ve made this bed, Carol…time to pull up your big girl panties…maybe this guy can help.

“Oh that would be great, thank you! Well, where do I start…uh…I’ve got a daughter…oh, my name’s Carol by the way.”

“I’m Derik…nice to meet you.

“Nice to meet you…well, anyway, I’ve got a daughter who’s getting married next month…on Valentine’s day of all days.”

His smile was warm. “Congratulations…you must be excited.”

“Well, if I’m being honest, yes, and no. I’m happy for her. Brad is a sweet guy, but..”

“I get it…when my son got married it took me a while to get used to it.”

“Yes, but that’s only part of it.” Carol felt her cheeks grow warm. “I seem to have gotten myself into a bit of a pickle, and, well, I know I could fix it easily enough, but I want her day to be perfect.”

“So, finding Professor Fremont could help you fix your problem without it ruining her day?”

“Yes, well, at least I was hoping it could.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, I’m curious…how would it help?”

“By helping me find a student - an older one - who might be open to a small acting job.”

“Acting job?”

Carol nodded. Oh well, I’ve come this far, might as well go all the way. She took a deep breath.

“I need to hire an actor to pretend to be my boyfriend until after the wedding. I would prefer it to be only on the day, but I know Meredith - that’s my daughter - and she’d insist on him coming to the rehearsal, and God knows what else.”

Derik’s eyes opened wide, and she felt her face grow even warmer. She sighed.

“I know, I know, you’re probably wondering how in the world a grown woman like me got into this predicament.”

He grinned, then nodded. “Well, yeah.”

“Honestly, it was to get her off my case. I was tired of her nagging…and all of her matchmaking fails.”

“Fails?”

Carol laughed. “Yes. She was always sending me links to online profiles of men who were ready for the retirement home. I mean, I’m old…ish…but I am not interested in dating someone who’s twenty years my senior.”

“No, I suppose you wouldn’t be.”

She laughed. “Obviously, I didn’t think ahead when I told Mer that I had met someone..it kind of just came out.”

“I have to say, you seem to have hit upon an unusual solution for your problem.”

Thanks for rubbing it in. She shrugged. “Well, it won’t happen if I can’t speak with the professor…and even if he knows of some students who might fit the bill, that doesn’t mean they would be willing to play the part…”

Derik nodded, then glanced towards the door.

A young woman came over to the table where they were seated. She flopped into the seat next to Derik and gave him a hug.

“Hey dad.”

“Hi sweetheart. Aren’t you supposed to be in English Lit right now?”

“The prof let us out early…she said we gave her a migraine.” She giggled, then held out her hand. “I’m starving and I left my purse at home…can I borrow a ten?”

Derik rolled his eyes, dug into his wallet and then nodded towards Carol. “Jules, this is Carol, she’s trying to get in touch with Professor Fremont.” He paused, then slapped his leg. “Say, don’t you have his cell?

“I think so.” She scrolled through her phone. “Found it!” She scrawled the number on a napkin, then handed it to Carol.

“Here you go.”

Carol couldn’t believe her luck. “Thanks so much, both of you…I really appreciate it…”

“No problem,” said the girl.

Derik winked at her. “Good luck!”

“Thanks, I’ll need it!”

Once she’d finally convinced the professor that she was serious it became a game of waiting.

A week later Carol sat outside The Coffee Drip, toying with the idea of calling the whole thing off.

No, Mer’s happiness is worth a little embarrassment on your part. Suck it up buttercup.

She’d arrived early, hoping to find a quiet table. It was embarrassing enough without having complete strangers eavesdropping on her plans.

“Carol? Hi, I’m Jim…sorry I’m a little late.”

“That’s okay…thanks for coming. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

Carol studied her new “boyfriend”. He had dark, almost jet black hair, a sharp contrast to the threads of gray that wove their way through his mustache and goatee. She liked the way that the flecks of gold in his brown eyes caught the light when he smiled.

She wondered why he’d agreed to the gig..it’s not like he’d be getting an Academy award or anything. Maybe he just wanted the practice.

He pulled up a chair next to her and sat down.

“So…how long did you…”

“Oh, like I said on the phone, it’s only for a day, or maybe two, spread out over the next two weeks.”

He nodded. “Okay, is there anything I need to know about the part?”

“All she really knows is that your name is Peter and we’ve been seeing each other for about a month.”

“Oh, well, that makes it pretty easy then.”

“I was hoping it would. And, like I said, you don’t need to…well, be affectionate in front of her. Just a hug, maybe a peck on the cheek at the right time.”

“Sounds doable. I don’t…I mean…don’t worry, I’ve been taking the professor’s improv class for longer than you and I have been dating. I can do this.”

Carol frowned.

He laughed. “Sorry…just my sad attempt at humor. Seriously, I’m sure that I can do this. I’ll be vague, just so we can keep the story straight.”

“Sounds like a good idea. Thanks. By the way, I appreciate your help on this, really.”

“Sure. Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”

The waitress had just refilled their cups when Carol noticed Alice making a beeline for their table.

Oh crap. I thought it was her night off.

“Hey Carol…I didn’t know you were here. Who’s this handsome fella?”

She wanted to crawl under the table.

Jim offered his hand. “Hey there, I’m Pete.”

“Oh, so…you must be the…”

“Ouch!” Alice rubbed the back of her arm, and squinted at Carol, but thankfully she took the hint.

“Nice to meet you Peter…I’m Alice. You let me know if I can do anything for you…we’ve got some freshly baked scones if you’re interested?”

He shook his head. “No, thank you though.”

“Thanks anyway, Alice…Pete and I were just wrapping up…I’ll see you later.” Carol sniffed the air. “Say, do I smell something burning?”

Alice froze, then sprinted back towards the kitchen.

Jim looked surprised. “I don’t smell anything.”

She peered at Jim over her glasses. “You’re not the only one who can act, you know.”

He shook his head, then grinned. “You’re not as innocent as you like to appear, are you?”

She smiled, imagining Alice’s face when she learned she’d been had. “She’ll forgive me…we’ve been best friends since high school…we’re always playing tricks on each other.”

Not surprisingly, Meredith was insistent that Jim be included in the rehearsal dinner.

“Mom…it’s the perfect time to meet him…everyone will be there!”

“Okay, fine, fine…I’ll ask him.”

Of course he can come…that’s what I’m paying him for, right?

Carol shifted in her seat as she waited in her car behind Rosie’s Family Restaurant.

True to his word, Jim, a/k/a Peter pulled up next to her, then got into the passenger seat. He looked great, and for a moment Carol wished she really was dating the guy.

She pushed the thought out of her mind.

“Hey Jim, I mean “Peter”…you look nice.”

“Hey yourself, Carol. So do you.” His smile looked genuine. “So…are we ready to do this?”

That’s the thing about actors…how can you tell when they’re NOT acting?

Carol tugged at her skirt, then checked her makeup one more time before nodding at her “boyfriend”. “As ready as I’ll ever be. I’ll do my best to run interference if necessary.”

He laughed. “Now you’re making me nervous…is she an FBI trained interrogator or something?”

“No…but she could teach those guys a thing or two.” She laughed at her own joke. “Remember…you’re not staying long, that’s why you came in your own car…you’ve got something to do. It’s improv, so make something up…it’ll be more natural, don’t you think?”

Jim breathed in deeply and adjusted his collar. “Right-o.”

Carol had been successful in keeping her daughter from being alone with him, until nature’s call became a wail.

When she returned, she saw her daughter sitting next to Jim.

Great…what happened?

“Mom…Peter was just telling me about how you two met.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. What do you remember about it?”

She didn’t like that gleam in her daughter’s eye.

Actor, huh? We probably shouldn’t have improvised…she’s caught the scent…

Carol figured she might as well confess, until she noticed the maid of honor looking their way. “Hey Mer, I think Betsy’s trying to get your attention.”

Meredith looked over her shoulder at the table across from them.

“Hey, who did you say was going to DJ the wedding? My cousin can do it cheaper than for what Brad said you’re paying.”

“Be right there.” Her eyes told Carol she wasn’t finished with her, but thankfully she seemed to have dropped it…for the moment at least.

“Well, it was nice to finally meet you Peter…too bad you can’t stay longer. Mom, I’ll talk to you later.”

Looks like I get a reprieve…at least for now.

Carol looked at Jim. He smiled then winked at her.

“Yes, but duty calls, I’m afraid.”

Carol was glad the restaurant didn’t have any windows in the back. Jim was able to leave without an audience. Thank God..no kiss needed…that would have been awkward.

“So, what did you tell her about how we met?”

“Nothing much…I just told her that we met through a mutual acquaintance - which is kinda true, right?”

“Yeah, I guess…did she ask anything else I should know about?”

“No, not really…I tried to sidetrack her with questions about the wedding, Brad, and their honeymoon plans…stuff like that.”

“I’m surprised it worked.”

“Me too.” He made a fake shiver. “By the way, thanks for coming back…I had visions of being strapped to a chair with a beam of light in my face.”

Carol laughed. “Nah, she gave that up years ago.”

Her date smiled, then laughed. “Whew…glad to hear that!”

The rest of the night went well. Her daughter and future son-in-law looked so much in love. She was glad she’d hired Jim.

It’ll be a perfect wedding.

When the day finally arrived, the nagging thoughts she’d been pushing aside came roaring back, and the knot in her stomach tightened.

Something will go wrong…I just know it will. She’ll find out and her day will be ruined. Maybe if I just tell her Jim had a family emergency and couldn’t come.

No you’re not doing that, Carol. Adding more lies on top of the whoppers you’ve already told…not a good idea…it’ll only make things worse.

Maybe I’ll come clean, after they return from their honeymoon…maybe one day they’ll all have a good laugh about it.

It’s just your nerves…it’ll be fine.

Besides…she’ll be too busy thinking of the wedding, her dress, the music, the guests…she won’t have time to think about grilling your boyfriend..or you.

But if she were being honest with herself, it was the idea of not seeing Jim anymore that had her tied up in knots the most. She’d miss their long talks. He was growing on her.

Forget it, Carol…he’s practicing his art…nothing more, nothing less.

She and Jim agreed to meet at her house an hour before they needed to be at the church so they could grab a cup of coffee first.

The navy jacket and pants showed off his physique well…too well. Carol felt her heart skip a beat.

“Thanks again for doing this.”

Jim smiled, then tugged at his shirt sleeves. “I’m glad to help…every bride should enjoy her wedding day. You know, it’s been a while…I was surprised it still fit.”

“Yeah? When’s the last time you wore it?”

“Oh, I’d say it was about ten years ago.”

“Wedding?

He nodded. It was the first time she’d seen him frown.

“Ironically, yes it was…but…old history and all that…” He shrugged and gave her a half smile.

“I’m sorry…”

He shoved his hands in his jacket pockets and shook his head.“Don’t be…it’s fine…like I said, old history.”

As Carol drove to the church she began to think about how quickly things had changed...and how they’d change yet again after the wedding.

That day after their first meeting he’d suggested that they learn more about each other, so daily texts and phone calls had become part of her life.

“It’ll make the story feel more genuine, don’t you think?”

I wonder if he’ll even think of me...and those great conversations. If nothing else, I’d like to count him as a friend.

The church parking lot was already starting to fill up. Jim pulled up next to her, then rushed to open her car door.

“So…ready to do this?” said Carol.

“Absolutely.”

“You sound confident.”

“What’s to sweat? I’ll sit next to you on the bride’s side, they’ll have the ceremony and I’ll make my apologies that I can’t attend the reception. Easy.”

I hope you’re right.

The pews were slowly filling up. She scanned the room and spotted Alice walking towards them.

“Hey Carol!”

“Hi Alice...you remember Peter?”

“Hi again...Peter.”

“Hi, Alice...so I hear you’re catering the wedding?”

“Yes...I’ve known the squirt since she was born, so there was no question I’d help her out.”

She turned to Carol and winked. “I owe you one...Kittie…”

Carol rolled her eyes, then smirked at her friend.

“I’m confident it’ll be lame.”

Alice laughed, then smiled at Jim. “Maybe I’ll get some help with the next one!”

He grinned. “Maybe.”

They had just sat down when a man came up behind Jim and punched him in the shoulder.

“Hey, Jimbo…how’s it going? I didn’t know you knew Brad!” He snickered, and clicked his tongue, “Or is it his blushing bride you’ve a history with, eh? Ah, you always could charm the ladies.”

Carol scrunched down in her seat, trying to make herself smaller.

“Hey Bobby, good to see ya.”

Jim excused himself, then steered the man towards the rear of the church.

Carol turned to see the two of them exit the building, then she glanced around. It didn’t look like anyone heard him, thankfully.

The music started growing louder as the wedding party filed into the sanctuary.

The back door flew open and the best man rushed towards the altar, muttering apologies along the way. The groom rolled his eyes, and shrugged as his friend made his way to the front.

“Sorry about that, Carol. I had no idea Bobby was Brad’s best man.”

She caught a whiff of Polo as Jim sat next to her. She breathed it in, deeply. God…why Polo?

“Nothing to apologize for…I don’t think anyone caught it. Besides, we could say you go by your middle name if anyone asks.”

“That works.”

“So…is there anything you need to tell me? I mean, what did you tell him?”

Jim shook his head. “Don’t worry, he won’t say a thing.”

Carol’s eyes widened. “I can’t believe you told him!”

He smiled and leaned in close. “I didn’t tell him everything.”

What do you mean by that?

Suddenly the procession music began and the sanctuary doors opened.

Her daughter looked so happy as she walked down the aisle, escorted by her cousin Elliot. She turned to smile at Carol and Jim before standing next to the groom.

I wish your father was here. He would have been so proud of the woman you’ve become.

They had planned for Jim to leave after the obligatory wedding pictures, however Carol noticed that he didn’t seem to be in much of a rush to go.

He was sitting in a corner of the church reception hall, talking with Bobby. She’d never seen him so animated, but then again, she barely knew him.

The photographer had just finished with her when she looked around. The sanctuary was nearly empty as the majority of people had moved to the church basement for the reception.

Scanning the room she saw the newlyweds talking with Jim and Bobby. They all looked in her direction and waved her over.

Great…now the cat’s out of the bag…

“Mom…you didn’t tell me that your boyfriend knows Brad’s cousin!”

“I, well…”

Jim saved the day. “Why would she? After all, we haven’t been dating that long.” He slid his arm around her waist, sending her heart into a flutter.

I’ve got to pay this guy extra!

Jim motioned towards the basement door. “You’re keeping your guests waiting!”

“You’re right.” Brad took his new wife’s arm. “Come on babe, let’s cut the cake!”

Meredith smiled, then winked at Carol. “Yes, dear. Peter…are you staying?”

“I am,” said Carol, “but…”

“We’ll be right there, guys,” said Jim. “Just give us a few minutes.”

Once Bobby and the newlyweds left the chapel Carol turned to face Jim.

“I thought we agreed you would leave before the reception.”

“Yes, but that was before this morning. Our conversation, and, well this wedding, actually, got me to thinking.”

Carol frowned. “About?”

He pulled her by the hand, towards the closest pew.

“I…uh, well…remember when I told you that the last time I wore this suit it was for a wedding?”

She felt her throat tighten. “Yes.”

He paused, then looked at the floor. “We were supposed to have more time, but I guess God had other plans.”

“I’m sorry…Jim, you don’t have to…”

He shook his head. “No, it’s important…I need to tell you this.”

“Her parents never really approved…in fact, they did everything they could to stop it. But, well, Rachel’s doctors were confident that she’d get through it. They thought she would have at least a year, maybe even two.”

Jim inhaled deeply, then looked at her. “So, anyway, point is, I remembered something that Rachel once said to me.”

“She told me that we don’t get to choose what happens to us, but we do have a choice in what we can make happen for others. And that by living our lives by looking for ways we can serve others we’ll discover true happiness.”

“She sounds like an amazing woman.”

He nodded. “Yes, yes she was. So, anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for reminding me of that. And for the long talks…it’s been a long time since I’ve had, well, any deep discussions. It’s been nice.”

Say it Carol.

She took a deep breath. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I suppose.

“I’ve enjoyed them too, Jim...I was surprised that I could feel such a connection so quickly with anyone. That’s only ever happened one other time, and that was a lifetime ago.”

He smiled. “I’m glad to hear it.”

“So, then...I guess you’re staying?”

“Yes...if you’d like me to.”

She squeezed his hand, shrugged and then smiled.

“I’d love it, but...keep in mind, I’m not paying extra for this...a girl’s got to budget you know!”

He laughed, then winked at her. “That’s fine...we can discuss terms later. In the meantime, let’s go, we’re missing the celebration.”

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