Standing outside O'Shannessy's, George holds a cigarette close to his mouth. At the sight of Sarah coming down the street, his smoke-stained moustache twitches into a grin. "Mornin' Sarah! What brings you into town? Run out of jars, again?"
Sarah balances her shopping basket on her hip. "Nope. I finished the strawberries this weekend, and the raspberries wont be ready for another week or two. Nahhh, I just came in to see what's fresh at the market. Where's Henry? You two are like peas in a pod. I hardly ever see one of you without the other."
"Yeah, well, the wife's got him on a short leash these days. Apparently he misplaced last week's paycheck, and Millie's got him working at home." George chuckles, and with a twist stubs out his cigarette in the ashtray. Unaccustomed to being empty, his hands comb back a strand of greasy, grey hair.
"Say, George, you want me pick up anything for ya at the market?"
"Nahh." George reaches into the pocket of his tattered sport coat and pulls out his pack of cigarettes. "You go on ahead and enjoy yourself. It's a beautiful day." He bends forward as he cups his hands and strikes a match. With a drag and a puff, he leans back against the tavern wall.
OK--you've hooked me. Will we be hearing more from George and Sarah?
ReplyDeleteDeb,
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading. We will definitely be hearing more from Sarah, but I'm not sure about George. But, now that I've written him a bit, I sure do like him. He may prove useful in future storytelling.
Your words have created quite a picture in my mind. You've got me wondering what's the time period, where are they, what's the relationship of these two, and when will Henry get away from his wife (did he drink his paycheck?). Keep it up, you've got talent!
ReplyDeleteI wish you hadn't stopped so soon! Clearly you have introduced us to someone who does things, is friendly, & has more of interest to show. Can't wait to see. That last paragraph has a bit of tension, or have I been watching too many mysteries?
ReplyDeleteWow, you remind me of a book I just read. I'd like to know more about George and Sarah too. It just wet my appetite. Are tehy just friends or more than that? You reall do sound like you have a talent in this area. I like your use of words. The dialogue and the vivid verbs make it very easy to read and I long for more! Please continue!
ReplyDeleteWow, I am hooked. I have a vivid picture of the characters in my mind. I look forward to reading more and getting more acquainted with the characters. You are a talented writer!
ReplyDeleteAre you writing a book? Your snippet is perfect for creating intrigue. Can't wait for more.
ReplyDeleteAh, ha! We have a ongoing story, I hope. Great dialogue. A relaxing, ordinary moment in the story, but a great introduction of characters and many possibilities!
ReplyDeleteSuch naturally flowing text. You got me hooked. I'm glad it's a piece form a bigger story.
ReplyDeleteTerje