Mike

It was a cripplingly early
baker's hour

I had 20 baguettes going
in the oven
when the phone rang

"Hey, it's Mike.
Is Ashley there?"

"No."

"Who is this?"

"Lee."

"Well, next time you answer the phone
why don't you say your name
so I know who the hell it is."

I hadn't even had my first cup of coffee
so I couldn't think of a good comeback.

I also didn't know
who Mike was.

"Is Julia there?"

"She stepped out."

"Could you tell her I called?"

"Okay."

He thanked me

which I thought was weird

A minute later Julia walked in

"Some dickhead named Mike called looking for you."

She smiled

She knew who Mike was

His phone etiquette

had finally paid off

© 2012 Lee Kitzis