PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Carol was deep into her makeup routine when she noticed Mark behind her in the mirror. He smiled when he caught her eye.
“Gilding the roses, I see.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere, mister, and the phrase is lilies, not roses.”
Mark’s smile widened. “But roses are so much more beautiful, like you, sweetie, and so need that gold edge even less.”
“Have you made the reservations?”
“Chez One-Months-Paycheck? Yes.”
“Go get your suit on. We need to go soon.”
Mark grumbled as he left the bathroom.
“Don’t blame me,” Carol said. “I wasn’t the one who forgot our anniversary.”
***
Word count = 100
Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This week’s prompt is here and uses a photo PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Read more or join in by following the InLinkz “linky“.
Trent's World (the Blog) 
“Chez One-Months-Paycheck” – I love that. And all his flatter won’t get him out of it, fun story.
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No, it doesn’t matter how much he tries to flatter. I’ll admit that I chuckled a little when I decided to have him call the restaurant by that name, but I’m surprised at how many people picked up on it. Thanks.
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Can’t you just see her smirk?
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Yep. That’ll teach ya ;)
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May it serve as a mnemonic for another anniversary … ;)
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Loved your story, Trent. Mother’s Day was a non event here last year and my son managed to buy me a half dead potted plant but my husband and daughter did nothing and I was very hurt and fuming. I’d even volunteered selling flowers at the Scout hall the day before. The next night they all got a talking to. Even if you don’t know what to buy or do, just go with what people are doing around you. Buy the chrysanthemums. I can see a story in that one!
Hope you have a great weekend.
Best wishes,
Ro
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Right, it doesn’t matter what the gift is, just the thought -a true “it’s the thought that counts” moment. With this story, he is literally paying for his thoughtlessness ;)
Have a great weekend!
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I’m not sure if it’s the forgotten anniversary she’s upset about or his indifference to something she feels is important. Too often men and even women think it’s about the amount of money spent when it’s really about appreciating the person whose chosen to live their lives with you. A handmade card or some other little personal gesture would probably have been enough. I made a coupon book for an anniversary one year with different things : ie – a favorite dish you want me to make 2: a drawn bath – I hope this isn’t too long but just not paying any concern for something a significant other loves seems lazy and selfish. WHEW … this is so well written it stirred emotions. Good job 👍
Isadora 😎
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I agree, it isn’t the money she was concerned about, but that he forgot an event that was important to her. A simple card would have gotten him off of the hook, and a handmade one is even better!, but he blew it – the money is punishment so he doesn’t do it again… Thanks! :)
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👍😎
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So very true, forgetting an anniversary can be financially painful, funny story.
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Yes, it can be a painful experience which hopefully only occurs once in a lifetime ;) Thanks.
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the painful reminders last for ever. Fun read.
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Yes, a lesson learned… Thanks.
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my hubby and I don’t really do anything for our anniversary but I know that if you forget something major then your in big trouble!
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We really don’t do much either, and I’ve never forgotten. As I said in another comment, I think the bigger deal you make of it the more likely you are to forget…
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I forgot my husband’s birthday one year and he still brings it up (many years later) to tease me. I hope Carol doesn’t have such a long memory (hehe). He should just put the suit on and get it over with. =) Nice story!
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I’m sure she will remind him for the rest of their live’s ;) I think it is how humans are wired. Thanks!
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Sounds like the wife is not buying his attempts at flattery, and instead prefers financial evidence of his devotion. 😊
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Yes, though mainly she is just punishing him for forgetting in the first place ;)
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Set a reminder on your phone.. Technology has taken all of the punishment out of it.. Good write Trent!
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Yes, an easy way to do it. Of course, it is also easy to write it into your paper-planner as well. Thanks!
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An expensive mistake that I doubt he’ll make again!
Click to read my FriFic tale!
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No, I don’t think he’ll ever forget again!
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And now he’s paying for it – literally!
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Yes, after paying off the dinner bill I am sure he’ll never make that mistake again…
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Why is it such a thing to forget an anniversary? He he he… right. We do create expectations, don’t we?
Love your “Chez One Month’s Paycheck”… 🙂
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I’m not sure. I’ve never forgotten ours, but we don’t make a big deal out of it either. But I know some people do make a huge deal, and it seems the bigger the expectations, the more likely the husband is to forget it ;) We’ve all been to restaurants that should have been named that, if there is truth in advertising ;) Thanks.
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My husband never did either. I think you’re right, the bigger the deal is made, the more one doesn’t feel up to it.
Yes, I do love those restaurants…😉
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Don’t think he’ll forget again in a hurry. Great read.
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No he won’t, that’s for sure. Thanks.
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I got a nice chuckle at the ending.
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Poor Mark, everyone is getting a chuckle out of his misery today.
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That’ll teach him 💜
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No more missed anniversaries… ever ;)
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Indeed 😜
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Good one, Trent. I’m sure he won’t forget any more anniversaries.
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Nope, not unless he likes going to the most expensive restaurant in town and eating Ramen Noodles for lunch every day for six months to pay for it…
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I enjoyed your reveal – beautifully done! Mark deserves the pain – his attempts to repair matters were almost worse than forgetting the anniversary in the first place! Nice writing, Trent!
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And oh boy, is she making him pay :)
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Yep. He won’t forget again.
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Ah yes, most of us have been that soldier.
It’s Carol’s own fault for marrying a man.
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I agree, she should have known better. Something in that Y chromosome…
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Nice one, Trent! :)
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Thanks, Penny :)
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Oh, that’s cruel!
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I’m sure he’ll have at least flowers next year ;)
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Dear Trent,
“Chez One-Month’s Paycheck” is brilliant. Love this! Thank you for the morning laugh. :D
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks. Glad I got a chuckle out of you this morning. If you don’t want to spring for the most expensive restaurant in town, don’t forget our anniversary ;)
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Zing! …. For me, the ending was unexpected.
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I like to put in a bit of twist on these 100 word stories – kind of like a joke with the last sentence or two being the punch line.
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