It’s a slippery slope between a humorous bit of Halloween trickery and serious trouble. That’s what I was thinking in the backseat of the patrol car. I hadn’t intended to topple anyone’s festive Great Pumpkin pyramid. It never crossed my mind ahead of time that strands of toilet paper added to a certain decorative pumpkin lawn ornament … read more
Abby Rice
The Contractor: A Short Story
“You just did what to my porch?!” I could feel my blood pressure edge toward redline. “Tell me you’re joking.” His lips pursed, but he didn’t drag the toe of his workboot or look away in shame. “It was an accident.” I swallowed back an impressive string of four-letter words. “I’m sure it was an … read more
The Old Photo: A Short Love Story
I knew I was losing it when the old photograph on my desk began talking. Not ‘speaking’ in the metaphorical sense, mind you. But actually talking. Asking questions. Voicing an opinion. “You’re not going to wear that dress, are you?” was the first thing it said. I had been idly scrolling social media as I waited for my … read more
Perfect For You: A Short Story
“What you need is a brand new girlfriend.” I glanced over. My agent wasn’t smiling. Not the faintest hint of a guffaw in his tone. “Like a hole in the head.” I hadn’t felt the need for a new girlfriend since my last girlfriend was discovered in flagrante amidst the Creeping Charlie near the reflecting pond of my Beverly … read more
Love in an Unexpected Box: A Short Story
“But I didn’t order pizza!” The face on the other side of the screen door crinkled into a frown. A very nice face, I found myself thinking as my eyes soaked in his confusion. Chiseled cheekbones. A strong jaw. And was that the hint of a dimple on his left cheek? I shook my head … read more
To Spy on a Spy: A Short Story
It isn’t so easy to spy on a spy. Especially when you’re not quite a spy yourself. Call me Double-0 Nervous. I tried not to make it completely obvious. But my eyes kept following Henry, one of the newest hires at Beta Group – and certainly the hunkiest. Since his Day One I’d been attracted to those broad … read more