The Promotion

Nervously tapping his foot he dialed his cell phone. After the fourth ring, she picked up. Excited he shouted, “Guess what.” “What?” she shot back with a hint of anticipation in her voice. “I got the promotion”, he shouted with excitement. “That’s great”, she exclaimed.  I’m so proud of you”.  “Thanks, I didn’t think I would get it, with William in the running, but they promoted me,” he shouted joyfully. “I’m sure you’d do well in your new position,” she said encouragingly, “this William will be surprised to hear you were promoted instead of him I’m sure.” He was a little perplexed by her last remark. “Are you not upset that William didn’t get the promotion,” he inquired. “No why would I be?” she asked. “Well because William is your brother and with the twins he needed the pay raise, that’s why. Not to mention how you kept putting me down about how I’d never get this promotion because I was unqualified and that William was much better qualified than me,” he stated pathetically. “Brother? I don’t have a brother,” she answered. “What do you mean you don’t have a brother?” he asked surprised, “you're twins.” She started laughing with a cute little snort. “What’s so funny,” he demanded, “the least thing my wife could do is take this a little more seriously.”  He heard her snort while laughing. He thought for a moment and remembered his wife doesn’t laugh with a snort. He then realized how soft her voice was, a perfect soprano he thought. His wife had a deep raspy voice. “Is this 555-4375?” he asked with a hint of embarrassment in his voice. “No, it’s 555-4374,” she answered with a laugh. “Oh, I am so sorry, I misdialed the last number, how embarrassing,” he responded. “That’s ok,” she said, “I am glad you got the promotion, though,” I bet you really do deserve it.” “I do you know,” he answered. “Hey, why did you sound so happy that I got a promotion when you didn’t know who I was,” he asked? “Well because you were so excited I didn’t want to ruin it for you,” she said. “That was very kind of you,” he said. “My wife would have just hung up if she was you.” “Oh, I could never do that and rain on someone’s parade like that,” she said. “I have to hang up now and call my wife, she demanded that I call her as soon as the interview was over.” “Well, good luck with your new position, and if you ever have any more good news about work that you want to share just call,” she said jokingly. “Thank you very much, I will keep that in mind, goodbye,” he said with a smile as he ended the call. 

As he dialed the cell phone he was very careful to dial it slowly saying the phone number out loud as he dialed, “5-5-5-4-3-7-5.” After the sixth ring his wife picked up the phone, “Yeah, hello,” she said in a grumpy tone. “Hi, this is 555-4375, isn’t it?” he asked nervously. “Are you nuts, don’t you even know your own telephone number,” she demanded. Recognizing that voice, he shouted, “Guess what?” “Well, what?” she demanded, “I ain’t got all day.” “I got the promotion,” he whispered. “What, speak up I can’t hear you,” she shouted. “I got the promotion,” he shouted. “Are you kidding me?” she asked sternly. “No, I got the promotion,” he repeated. “How could they,” she said puzzled, “Now why on earth would they pick you over William. Him with the newborn twins and all, plus everybody knows he can do the job better than you anyways. This company is going down the drain and it won’t be long before you get fired I’m sure. Oh, hurry home, I got dinner waiting, and pick up some beer, I’m gonna need some now.”  Before he could say goodbye he heard the phone click, she had hung up. He looked up at the clouds for a moment deep in thought. He then looked down at his cell phone and with a grin started speaking out loud the number he was dialing so as not to make a mistake, “5-5-5-4-3-7-4.”

Author's Note

I am just starting out writing stories, poems, prose. Here is a short comical write that came to mind. I would appreciate constructive criticism. Thanks.