January 25, 2022
The author had finished writing her first draft for a book she hoped would be published. She’d shared the draft with a friend who worked downtown at a respected publishing house. She’d sent it earlier that morning. She was itching with nerves. She hoped that the powers that be would enjoy it. She hoped that they’d have nice things to say, and that they’d call her up to tell her just how much they loved reading it. She couldn’t stand these nerves. She put on her shoes, grabbed a jacket and placed a pair of sunglasses onto her stoic face.
The weather outside was warm and balmy. Inside, though, she was shivering. She made her way over to a small café by the beach. She entered and removed her sunglasses.
“Welcome to our shop,” said a teenager behind the counter. “What can I get started for you?”
“How about a box of gummies?”
“Yes, that’s a transaction I’m willing to make,” responded the teen through a symphony of voice cracks. “Its $4.95- cash or card?”
“Do you take cheques?” Asked the woman, reaching into her jacket pocket.
“Um, I’m gonna have to ask my boss. That’s an area that I don’t really know too much about.”
The woman waved her hand to show that she would wait. The nervous teen retreated into the back and returned with a short, overweight, cigar smoking serial-entrepreneur. He was proud and self-assured. He didn’t seem to have any insecurities whatsoever. “You’re trying to pay by cheque?” He asked.
“Yes, if it’s possible,” answered the woman.
The man nodded slowly as he pulled something out of a drawer. It was a briefcase. “Place the cheque right here! Do it slowly and with confidence!”
The woman removed a cheque book from her jacket pocket as well as a pen. She filled it out in a calm sort of way. She then placed it in the briefcase, just as she'd been instructed.
The short man turned to the teen and handed him the briefcase. “Take this to the bank and cash it- you and I are eating right tonight, boy!”
The teen nodded and laughed, which sounded like the noise dehydrated donkeys make. He left the scene with the suitcase clutched against his chest. The shop owner handed the woman her box of gummies as well as the receipt. They both politely waved goodbye.