It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we accompanied a young man into the paint store to find out he is ordering paint for the Widow Murphy and she has not seen the color. The paint store employee was rightfully concerned, but the young man insisted on the unique color. Before leaving the store the employee asked if the color had been approved by the Property Owners Association. The young man indicated that it would be his next stop.
“Yes, can I help you?“
“I am painting the Widow Murphy’s house, and I need to get the color approved by the POA.”
“Oh most certainly. I can help you with that?”
“Here are the colors, Autumn Harvest and Phantom White. Those paint chips should give you an idea of the color.”
“Oh, my. These are beautiful colors. I’m surprised the Widow chose them. Her house is kind of musty gray. This Autumn Harvest will wake the place up nicely.”
“I agree. So we are approved?”
“Well, we need to have the homeowner fill out this form and sign it. When we get the form back, it will take about five days or so for the committee to give approval.”
“Whoa. That long? I had hoped to be able to finish the job in a week.”
“I’m sorry, but our rules are well-known to the owners. Didn’t Mrs. Murphy explain them to you?”
“No ma’am. She just told me to get the paint and to do the job.”
“It must have slipped her mind. Well here is what we can do. If you get Mrs. Murphy to fill out the form today, I think I can get the committee together tomorrow morning and get a decision by noon. I don’t believe this color will be a problem.”
“I’m not sure the widow is home, but I will do my best.”
“Oh, she never goes anywhere. I’m sure she’s there. Do you want me to call her?”
“No. I mean no thank you. I’ll just take the form and get her to fill it out. Thank you so much.”
“You are welcome, young man. Oh, I might mention there are a few houses in our neighborhood that need painting. If you do a good job for the widow, I’m sure there will be plenty more to keep you busy. Come back and see me when you’re finished and I can make some introductions for you.”
“That is very kind of you. I hope I can repay the kindness.”
“Don’t worry. A strong young man like yourself is always in demand. You take care now and stay in touch.”
“I’ll be back later with the form.”
“I’ll look forward to it. I’m sorry, but I didn’t get your name.”
“Lucas. Lucas Saveride.”
“Well, Lucas Saveride it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Alice. Alice Weston.”
“Nice meeting you too, Mrs. Weston.”
“Call me Alice, Lucas. Just call me Alice you cute thing you.”
Fiction Favorites 
Something is smelling fishy here. 😬
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I agree. Might be time for Vicks Vape-O-Rub under the nose.
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Been a long time since I’ve seen or used that.
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Me too! 🙂
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Uh, oh. It sounds like Lucas is getting special treatment. I loved the picture about from I think it was “Young Frankenstein”. It was hilarious as I remember when the hump kept changing sides. 😀 — Suzanne
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Yes it was. Igor (pronounced eyegore) was his name. Thanks, Suzanne. 😀
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Oh my, the plot thickens and the possibilities are many. Not so sure about Lucas…. Nice setup, John.
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Thanks, Gwen. It should get interesting. (well if not I’m not doing my job) 😀
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And it begins… Lucas, you strong, cute thing, you. Sounds like he’s about to be painting Hotel California.
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Ha ha ha. Great analogy, Dan. (I wish I had thought of it) 😀
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That Lucas sounds like a player to me. Nicely done, John!
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Thanks, Jill. 🙂 Player is a good word.
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Hmm…not sure which of them is trying to pull something fishy off, but it seems like one or both aren’t playing straight up. Nice work in keeping us guessing, John.
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Thanks, Mae Clair.:-D If you figure it out let me know.
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🙂
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🙂
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Well, Alice ain’t dead yet! Go Lucas!
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So true. Thanks, John
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I think that perhaps the widow is in for a surprise as I doubt she has asked Lucas to paint her house. But, what’s his angle?? Nice touch with Alice flirting. 🙂
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Jan. Have to add a few elements. Don’t want to make it too easy. 😀
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I’m running over with anticipation of all the twists ahead; that paint is going to swirl with them. 😀
John, the names you’re using in this story are terrific. Have a wonderful Wednesday. Mega hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan. I have a few more but don’t want to get more than four characters engaged. Thanks. Hugs 🙂
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More intrigue. Where might the widow be?
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Ah. That is the question. 🙂
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Hmm, I can’t decide who’s tricking whom! That’s one sign of a good story, you know, John — a beginning ripe with possibilities and characters who can take the tale anywhere. Well done!
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Thanks, Debbie. We’ll see where it goes.
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Lucas is a wheeler-dealer. I like his style and it seems everyone’s going to want a piece of him that’s why the ‘wida’ was so easy. 😀 : -D 😀
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Maybe true. 🙂
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Uh-oh. I smelleth a rat! Albeit an intriguing one. Just which of these characters has a great love of cheese? Lovin’ it, John.
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Excellent question, Soooze. Time will give the fromage as chance to ripen. Thank you for the visit.
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I hope Lucas doesn’t resemble Marty Feldman. Alice seems to have the hots for Lucas – or her own agenda she’s progressing.
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She has both. Thanks, Keith.
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Yyyyyyyeeessssss Mastah!
I got my hump on a day late, but better late than nevah. Thanks Sheriff!
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So true.
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Oh goodness… does Alice have anything in common with Delores Claybourne?
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I hope not. Cathy Bates scares the poop out of me.
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Oh good. Me, too.
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Misery almost put me over the edge.
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Frightening. Not sure how some authors sleep.
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I know right?
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The plot – like the paint – thickens…
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Yes. Thank you, Hook.
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Hmm… I wonder where this is going. Lucas really didn’t want Alice to call Widow Murphy, so something suspicious is likely afoot.
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The feet look suspicious for sure. Thanks, Bun
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