PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson
Under the Streetlight
Merilee lives with seriousness and purpose as her father has taught her. People can’t be trusted, as everyone has hidden agendas.
But seriousness demands exceptions. She is being promoted to Regional Director, and that is reason to celebrate. June, her friend, has convinced her to host a gathering at Louie’s Bistro to celebrate.
Jerry brings Pete, an acquaintance from the racquet club. Merilee and Pete drink cognac and talk until the candles nub.
“Last call!” yells the bartender.
He kisses her under the streetlight.
“I’d like to see you again,” slurs Merilee.
“As would I,” says Pete, “but I’m married.”
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
The good ones always are! hehehe Great write!
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V, thanks!
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Dad may have been right after all
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No doubt about it. I wonder how she’ll remember this night?
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Oh no! Sad ending
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I know :(
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🥹
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Oh no – not you too Lisa (I just had a go at Keith!) I really thought his was going to have a happy ending until those last few words😢…😜 – great read🙌
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Ange, I’m sorry, I should have made it a happy ending.
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🤣 I’ll let you off 🤩
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<3
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Uh Oh!!
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Pete’s a snake!
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Yep!
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Always the last thing they mention!
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YES!
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I was wondering who Jerry was but does it really matter? No. Pete is not cool and poor Merilee has finally let her hair down and enjoyed herself but all for naught! (This could deter her from ever letting herself have fun again or it has opened up her horizons to new experiences.)
Don’t let one loser deter you Merilee!! Loved this, Lisa.
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Dale, wonderful, insightful comment. I hope she doesn’t give up on people. Pete sure isn’t helping.
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Why thank you. Or rather, thanks to your writing. Yes, I do hope she doesn’t.
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You really can’t trust anyone…(K)
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Even yourself!
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Very true.
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‘People can’t bear trusted’. A great set up in your story.
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Thanks, James!
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Sorry, ‘People can’t be trusted.’ Neither can I with predicted text- oops.
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lol I thought you had something against bears.
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Oh! Poor thing. Life should have been good to her.
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Yes, it should have.
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Oh, no, what a kicker last line. Actually, I think Pete deserves a kick to the curb. So sad, but so well written, Lisa!
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Brenda, thanks much. Yes he does.
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What a sneaky Pete!! Great story ❤️
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Yes he is! Thanks, Lisa.
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He could always be her backdoor guy. Of course, she’d get caught in the end.
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“Ain’t but one way out.” Allman Brothers reference.
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Well at least he told her after the first kiss. I’ve known some who defer the news much later than that. Poor Merilee, stick to the career, I think.
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I hear you, Sandra. Thanks much for reading and your comment.
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Oh dear, the celebrations are cut short, it seems, and her worst fears are confirmed.
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Jen, I’m sure it feels that way to her. Thanks for reading.
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It was going so well, until…
She should have heeded her father’s advice.
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Keith, I’m sure that’s what she’s thinking right now.
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A lovely tale, bittersweet and so true. Good stuff
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Shrawl, thanks much :)
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Ah shame! – Good one, Li.
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Yeah, what Sandra said, at least he told her.
They had a good time together, but I hope Merilee leaves it at that.
Great story, Lisa.
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Gabi I agree. If she doesn’t, you know later he’ll say, I told you, bad on you. Thank you.
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Well at least he told her after inly one kiss.
Good one.
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I hope when she wakes up in the morning she’s totally forgotten him.
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Dear Lisa,
It just shows that even the most attentive can be caught off guard and led astray by their heart. Well done.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Rochelle, for sure. Thanks much.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Oh no… she was right. People can’t be trusted!
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I feel bad for her. I don’t want her to give up on people.
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