Short Story #2

Here’s another short story I wrote and sent to Woman’s World, but it wasn’t accepted. (I read that the magazine receives about 2,000 stories a month for the 4 slots they have available. That’s fierce competition!)

DOUBLE TAKE

Gretchen’s stomach rumbled as she walked along the crowded downtown sidewalk beside her friend, Myra. They were taking a late lunch, and Gretchen was thankful for the break from her busy job.

         Myra glanced at her watch. “It’s almost one-thirty. Most of these people are walking back to their offices. At least the restaurant won’t be crowded.”

Gretchen opened her mouth to comment just as a handsome businessman, wearing a navy blue suit, bumped into her elbow. He glanced at her. “Sorry.” He looked away but then did a double take, his green eyes gazing into hers.

Then he was gone.

Gretchen watched his retreating back, feeling like an eternity had passed in that one moment.

“Oh rats!” Myra’s voice penetrated her thoughts. A small line stood outside the door of the Bistro. “Looks like everyone else is taking a late lunch.”

“Did you see that good-looking guy I bumped into?”

Myra stopped at the end of the line. “That man in the blue suit?” She laughed. “He’s probably married with 2.5 kids. When you get to be my age, you’ll stop thinking about men and concentrate on your career.”

“I already tried that.” Gretchen took a step forward as the line moved. “Remember my boyfriend, Jeff? He said I was working too much, and now he’s history.” She sighed. “Sometimes I wish I could quit.”

         “You do?” Myra look incredulous. “Hey, you have a dream job, girlfriend.” She ticked off her fingers. “The only secretary of the big boss, your own private office, a whole wall of windows with a panoramic view, and a big fat paycheck.”

         “There’s a problem with that dream—the big boss.” Gretchen shook her head.

         Myra lowered her voice. “Mr. Whitten won’t be your boss forever. He’s getting old.”

         Gretchen had to laugh. “That man is a workaholic—he’ll never retire. This afternoon he has an important meeting at two o’clock with some V.I.P., but I’m not rushing back.”

         An hour later, Gretchen entered her office and looked out the windows over the city. Myra was right. She should be thankful for this job. But then her thoughts drifted to the handsome guy on the sidewalk. What would it be like to date a gorgeous man like that?

Before she took another step, Mr. Whitten’s voice came over the intercom. “Gretchen! Get in here—Now!”

         Grabbing a notebook and pen, Gretchen entered Mr. Whitten’s office, barely glancing at the talking businessman who sat across from the boss’s desk. She took a seat next to him, only to drop her pen right beside the man’s chair. How embarrassing! She whisked it off the floor, then caught her breath as she glanced up. It couldn’t be, but it was—that guy in the blue suit! Covertly, she gazed at his handsome profile and down to his left hand. A shiny gold band encircled his fourth finger.

         Her shoulders slumped. Myra was right again.

         Gretchen took notes of the meeting, becoming more amazed as she wrote in shorthand. Mr. Blue Suit was going to become a junior partner, taking over some of Mr. Whitten’s duties so her boss could eventually retire. That meant Gretchen would someday answer to this handsome man. She sighed with relief and frustration all at once. Why did he have to be married?

         It was after five o’clock when the meeting ended, and Mr. Whitten finally acknowledged her presence. “Oh! This is my secretary, Miss Gretchen Howe. Gretchen, this is Karl Parker.”

She smiled as she shook Karl’s hand and exchanged greetings. They exited to the outer office. Suddenly, his brow furrowed. “Have I met you before?”

         A warm flush crept up her neck as she nodded. “You bumped into me—literally—on the sidewalk.”

         “Oh, yeah.” He studied her. “Funny thing. You look like my wife, Tracey. In the face, that is. She’s gotten a little plump with having two kids.” He grinned. “We have a third on the way.”

         With a slight smile, Gretchen sat down at her computer. Chalk up another one for Myra!

         “Say…” His grin turned thoughtful. “I’d like to introduce you to my brother, Cody. He said if I ever find a girl who looks like Tracey, he would take her out on a date.” Karl laughed. “I know that’s crazy, but would you consider it?”
         Gretchen shrugged. She hated blind dates.

         “Tell you what—Tracey and I will make it a double date. Could my wife call you tomorrow at work about the details?”

         She smiled. “Sure.”

He turned the doorknob. “And by the way, if you’re wondering what Cody looks like…” Karl winked. “He’s my double. We’re identical twins.”  

It was a good thing Karl left, because Gretchen’s mouth dropped open in a most unbecoming way. Myra would never believe this! 

* * *

Come back tomorrow to learn about my book drawing! You might win!

Until then, God bless!