“Our New Co-Worker”
Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!
Prompt: Tape measure.
“Pass me that tape measure,” I call.
Howard disappears from sight for a moment before his hand appears, dangling the tape measure in front of me.
“Thanks,” I say. He grunts in reply.
We fall back into silence as we work, letting the clanging of metal and wood make sound for us. That’s one of the things I like about working with Howard; we get each other. We don’t need any small talk or chitchat while we work. I mean seriously, who actually likes small talk?
‘Hey man, how’s the weather today? Oh yeah, it’s going to rain? Wow, what a coincidence, it’s going to rain where I live too! Yes, that’s true, I do live five blocks away from you. So, what’s the weather going to be like tomorrow?’
Yeah, no thanks. Silence is so much better.
I’m just about to put on the finishing touches when the door bangs open. The sudden sound scares the crap out of me and I whack my head against the frame that I’m lying under.
“Ow,” I mutter, rubbing my forehead as I finish sitting up, more slowly this time.
“Hey, hey! It’s the dream team!”
I’m barely able to hold back my groan; it’s Brodie, our boss. As per usual, he’s way too chipper and friendly to be in a work zone. He’s pretty much the exact opposite of what I want to be next to while I work.
“So,” Brodie says, stopping next to me to give me a slap on the shoulder, “I’ve got some exciting news. The dream team is about to get bigger and better!”
Immediately, a jolt of panic runs through me as I exchange a glance with Howard. Another member would throw off our entire work dynamic.
“Well, sir,” I begin slowly, “the thing is, Howard and I work well together as it is. I’m sure another person would just get in the way.”
“Nonsense,” Brodie says with a chuckle. “I’m sure you can find something for my brother to do.”
I stare at him. “Your… brother?”
Another man steps into the room. I swear, he looks almost exactly like Brodie. I glance at Howard again. The only thing we can do now is hope that almost-Brodie isn’t exactly-Brodie.
“Hey, hey!” almost-Brodie exclaims. “I can’t wait to be part of the dream team! Let’s make magic happen!”
My heart drops.
Final Comments: I had fun with this one!
Overall Rating: 😂
