Old Acquaintances

I accompanied Ezra to his father’s retirement soiree in a swanky downtown hotel. His parents greeted us as we entered the ballroom.  We made our way to the table, joining Ezra’s grandmother, his sister and brother-in-law, and their four children. The table sat twelve, and I wondered momentarily about the final guest.

After dinner, I went to the ladies room while Ezra danced with his mother. The 12^th guest arrived during my brief absence.  Jack Patterson.

He stood briefly as I approached the table. “Lenora.”

“Mr. Patterson.”

“Please call me Jack. Mr. Patterson seems too formal for old acquaintances.”  He smirked.

“If you insist.” I replied curtly, my eyes on the dance floor, trained on Ezra.  I could feel Jack Patterson watching me, and I prayed the song would end soon.

 Word count: 131

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This is my offering for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers Challenge hosted by the talented Priceless Joy.  This week’s photo prompt is courtesy of Graham, author of the blog, grahamisjustmyname.

Guide for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

1. A prompt photo will be provided each Tuesday to be used as a base to your story. Please include photo prompt with your story.

2. Linking for this challenge begins on Tuesday and runs to the following Monday evening.

3. Please credit photo to photographer

4. The story word limit is 100 – 150 words (+ – 25 words). Please try and stay within this limit.

5. Pingback to the challenge post in your story’s post.

6. This is a flash fiction challenge (stories in 100-175 words or less) and each story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Therefore, no serial (continuation) stories. They become too complicated for our readers.

7. Add your story to the InLinkz Link-up (Blue Froggy button). If you need link-up instructions, please email me at mepricelessjoy@gmail.com.

8. Please keep your stories PG 13 rating or below.

9. Please, no disparaging remarks regarding any race, religion or life-style choices in your stories, even though it is fiction and/or you are merely making a point.

10. Remember, half the fun is reading and commenting on each other’s stories.