Another week, and I seem to fall further behind in everything! But each time I see the photo prompt, I can’t resist! Friday Fictioneers is a magical place, where writers spin stories from a photo. Rochelle Wisoff-Fields manages to keep us in line and provide inspiration each week, as our talented leader. Visit her blog Addicted To Purple to read more stories, or join in. This week’s photo comes from the talented Marie Gail Stratford.
© Marie Gail Statford
No Means No
“Come on baby, just a little kiss? You know I’m crazy for you!”
Meg squirmed past Gerry, grabbing the tray of drinks. It was bad enough that half the customers hit on her, but working with Gerry made for an endless night.
“I need two gin and tonics and a Stoli on ice,” she said, avoiding eye contact.
“Megsy, you’re killing me! That pouty way you play hard to get!”
He reached for a glass and ran a finger up her arm.
“Gerry, stop it! It’s all just a game of cat and mouse to you, and I’m not playing!”
(word count: 100)
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TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
Next stop should be “HR” if there is one in that workplace. Nice story that shows the plight of a young woman who doesn’t want to be a mouse.
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Thanks so much. I think this happens so often and as soon as I saw the “mouse,” I knew where I was headed.
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Dear Dawn,
I love where you went with the mouse. My kind of take on the prompt for sure.
One minor point…the third line where ‘she asked’…it’s not exactly a question so I’m wondering if it shouldn’t be ‘said’. I know it’s a request. Your decision of course, but asked feels awkward to me.
Like I said, that’s a minor point and in no way took away for my enjoyment of this piece. At some point I think Meg might have to drive her point home with a swizzle stick. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great call, Rochelle. I should have caught that, and have changed it. I always appreciate when readers catch things. Even if I wince, I know you have my back! 😉 Thanks.
As always, your feedback is much appreciated. Shalom.
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Oh gosh, this brings back so many terrible memories. Great story.
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Right? I waitressed for YEARS, and this story was very easy to write. 😉 Thanks for your Priceless comment.
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So many men feel they have the right to try and get you into bed. Ugh! So glad I don’t have to worry about that anymore!
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When will the guys GET IT? Harassment is everywhere!!!
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It sure is! It’s something we all deal with… thanks for the feedback, Victoria; it’s much appreciated.
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Are we doing mind-reading.. we had a challenge yesterday at dVerse to write from the perspective of a woman.. and your Meg could have been that woman.. yes a no is no, no matter what.. great take on the mouse here.
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We shared strawberries in Stockholm; we will forever be psychically linked now, my friend. 😉 I think the idea is pretty universal, but it’s always wonderful when men get it too. You are are thoughtful soul, Björn. Thanks for your feedback.
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This was always the worst part of working in-person customer service and retail sales. You captured the game well, Dawn.
All my best,
MG
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Thanks so much MG. Your picture sent me there immediately (as in minutes!). The mouse just called out to me. 😉
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No does mean No and some jerks don’t understand Engish! Good story!
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Or Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Chinese… no means no, in any language. Thanks so much, Nan.
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unsolicited touches can only lead to an harassment charge.
I hope she just tells him once and after that files charges.
Randy
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The times they are a changin’, Randy. This kind of thing was once expected and tolerated; now it’s improving on some levels. Thanks for the feedback.
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good for her. she’s a mouse that roars.
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She is indeed! Thanks, Plaridel.
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She could (should) sue her employer. Gerry won’t be so popular after he’s cost them a packet.
Good piece.
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Law suits are a luxury for some, Mick. So often we let things slide… ugh! Thanks for your kind feedback.
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A good reason to join a trades union.
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That’s working life sadly, but at least there are measures and procedures in place these days and employers are afraid not to adhere to them. Good one Dawn. And a different take on the prompt.
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Thanks so much Sandra. I think times have certainly changed since I was waiting tables, but it’s incredible how many women out there feel powerless to do anything! I appreciate your feedback.
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I like this play on the mouse…great take….
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Thanks so much Sumana, and welcome to Tales From the Motherland! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
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Another killer last line 😉
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Thanks Helen. I always appreciate your feedback.
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Interesting take on the mouse. That guy makes my skin crawl.
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Thanks Joseph. I agree, he makes me skin crawl too! Welcome to Tales From the Motherland; I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
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Great to see a real mouse take on the prompt. When will predator men get it?
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When indeed?! thanks so much for your feedback.
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A gin bottle to the side of the head would probably drive home the message. I like where you went with the prompt, Dale. Very creative and topical.
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Oops, I meant Dawn. Off to visit Dale next.
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Oops, I meant Russell. Off to visit Ray… (see what I did there?) I knew what you meant, all along, Russell! xox
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Thanks Ray. I appreciate the feedback. You always have a clever response. 😉
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Yeah, there are still far too many of those around, although I must say many good men understood the message by now. Good, important story.
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Thanks so much. It’s great that things have changed!
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I love to see where you take these prompts, Dawn. Excellent take on the mouse. Male privilege still exists but women are getting stronger, I think. I really appreciate the “No Means No” campaign that has been going on and your story illustrates how these predators work. We’re still dealing with the creep that I mentioned when we met. He has started calling me so we’re planning on going to the law enforcement authorities today…
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Oh my! SO sorry to hear that, Cathy!! You have been on my mind, and I had so hoped that things had resolved. By all means, put as many safeguards in place and CALL THE POLICE. It’s so disturbing to imagine you dealing with this kind of thing. (( hugs )) and keep me posted.
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I like where you went with this Dawn, the last line said it all.
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Thanks so much, Dee. It was a surprising approach for me too…
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Eeegad, I know him! Lol
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I had a feeling you might say that! 😉
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And the funny thing is I knew you knew I would say that! Ahahaha!
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Dawn knows Dawn! 😉
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Good story, Dawn. That would be such an uncomforable position to be in, especially if the boss didn’t care, or the boss was the problem. Even worse if you really needed the job and had nothing else to switch to. Well done as always, —- Suzanne
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Which is exactly the situation that I think a lot of women end up in, Suzanne. Life is not always fair; that’s for sure!
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