Story Chat is more than a writing challenge. It is a unique and proven online program encouraging interaction between authors and readers. It’s part writers group, part beta readers, and part fun fiction and pure enjoyment.
SUMMARIES will publish on Fridays a little over a week from the date the story or poem is published. As always, one, or a compilation, of your comments will appear with a link to one of the latest posts on your website.
After several bottles of wine had been consumed in quick succession, the conversation at the work dinner party lightened. Henri, the company accountant, sized up the young woman seated opposite him.
“Exactly how old are you, Emily?”
The slender blonde in the low-cut cocktail dress swallowed a mouthful of blueberry cheesecake before responding.
“Well, Henri.”
Emily took a breath, as if about to reveal something significant, “I’m only….” She stopped short as if an idea had interrupted her train of thought. “Actually…I think it might be impolite to ask a lady her age.” Henri’s cheeks reddened at hearing this, but the smile at the corner of Emily’s lips belied any trace of hostility.
“However, I do like guessing games, and I am always up for a bit of fun,” she said, casting a barely-seen wink at her balding husband, who leant back on his chair and grinned. “So you tell me, Henri. How old do you think I am?”
It was now Henri’s turn to draw breath, painfully aware this was a delicate situation. The dinner party was his chance to impress Tom, his boss. The last thing he needed was to offend Tom’s new wife, especially now when Henri was angling for a promotion to the head of Finance.
“Well, I….um,” Henri started to say, but the nerves clawed at his throat, and his thinking was sluggish from alcohol. He searched his mind for an appropriate response.
It was obvious that Emily was young, but how young? His boss had been married before and was close to seventy years old. That was certain. Tom had even indicated he was on the verge of retiring at the end of the year. So, if Henri suggested Emily was on the younger side of twenty-five, aiming to flatter her, it might highlight a considerable age gap, resulting in his boss feeling insulted.
On the other hand, if Henri suggested Emily was older than her actual age, his boss would not forgive such a blatant faux pas. Ladies could be so sensitive about their age. Even if Henri knew Emily’s exact age, there was no diplomatic answer.
Henri capitulated by throwing his hands in the air. He shot a pleading glance to Sally, his wife, hoping she might rescue him with a light quip, but she remained silent. It seemed to Henri that the sisterhood had been swift to close ranks.
Moments passed in silence, and the temperature in the room increased. Henri thought the air felt as thick as soup, and the rhythmic tick-tock-tick of the wall clock seemed extra loud. It was a relief when the company secretary, who was hosting the dinner party, interjected,
“Goodness, time has gotten away. Who would like a cup of tea or coffee before we all call it a night?”
On the journey home, Henri’s wife reprimanded him,
“How could you be so foolish? Whatever possessed you to ask Emily her age?” she said.
“I was curious,” Henri replied, examining a fleck of dirt on his suit coat. “After all, Tom has one foot in the grave, and Emily has a youthful glow. For a moment, I forgot my manners.” He bit at his thumb nail and said, “Tom is a shrewd boss. He all but assured me last week that I would be first in line for that promotion. I don’t foresee any serious repercussions.”
The email from Tom was waiting in Henri’s inbox the following Monday when he arrived at work.
Dear Henri,
After full and careful consideration, I regret to inform you that your application for promotion has been declined.
Sincerely,
Tom
Something to Think About
Of course, you don’t have to answer all or any of these questions in your comment, but they add depth to our discussions, if you choose to use them.
- What theme or themes did “He Never Saw It Coming” have? A list of 25 themes.
- The protagonist is the emotional heart of the story, the chief actor, central to the plot. Who is the protagonist in this story and why?
- What is the point of view, setting, time period?
- What surprised you in this story?
- What would you have done if you were Tom, Emily, or Sally?
- What would you have done as Henri once Emily put you on the spot with the guessing game?
Biography
Amanda Forestwood
Amanda is an Australian writer who has run the blog called ‘Something to Ponder About for over thirteen years. Amanda writes about things that interest, puzzle or frustrate her, as well as information that may be helpful or important to share. Her blog topics stimulate deep and engaging conversations that leave readers stimulated.
With writing entrenched in her DNA, she writes professionally for newspapers and private businesses. For her, writing is part therapy and part love child of conversation and community. Formerly concentrating on non-fiction long form, she now tutors creative writing to seniors.
Amanda can be contacted at amandamac5@hotmail.com or via her blog- https://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com/
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Exciting Story Chat Volume II Video
Thanks for all your input, ideas, and likes. I hope you enjoy the video.
Story Chat Volume II Book Blog Tour Schedule
- Colleen Chesebro – November 24, 2024 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Gloria – November 29 (UK)
- Robbie & Michael – November 30 (SA)
- Diana – December 1 (US)
- Doug – December 2 (AU) December 1 (US, UK, SA) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Cathy – December 4 (UK) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Amanda – December 9 (AU) December 8 (US, UK, SA)
- Dan– December 11 (US)
- Philip – December 14 (UK)
- Cindy Georgekas – December 16 (US)
- Esther Chilton – January 30 (UK ) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- D. L. Finn – February 4 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Yvette – February 5 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Hugh – January 27 (UK)
Story Chat: Online Literary Conversations
Our video from Volume I is still up and getting views. My goal was 100 views, and we’re over that now! Yay!
Email me at alwayswrite01@gmail.com if you want to be part of this exciting tour or submit a story for Story Chat Digest 2025.
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Lots of love to all! Hope you have a wonderful week.
Marsha Ingrao Always Write 
185 responses to “Story Chat Digest 2025: He Never Saw It Coming by Amanda Forestwood”
Hi Marsha, an interesting story. My experience of businessmen is that they make their decisions based on what they expect will result in the most money and not on any sort of emotional factors. So, if Henri didn’t get the job, he would have failed in the eyes of his boss by not being able to make a successful comeback and save the situation. If it was an issue with a client, that sort of failure could loss the work.
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Roberta, I think you tapped into the the boss’ thinking. That was exactly the scenario I had in my head. I was surprised that people reacted by saying Henri had grounds to challenge being passed over. I am semi-retired and perhaps that shows in the story’s tone?
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I think that once we reach our 40s, our careers have lost their initial gilding, and we see corporate life for what it is – a big energy suck. I suppose that does come through in our writing. I know it comes through in my poetry. Disillusionment and disappointment have been a major part of my career path. Based on your story situation, Henri wasn’t suited to a very senior job. You have to be able to think on your feet.
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I also don’t think Henri was ready for the promotion. For precisely the reason that you outlined, Roberta. I hope that was obvious in his response to an awkward situation – to simply shrug. It wasn’t because he was neurodiverse which was another blogger’s suggestion – if that had been the case, I think I would not have put Henri in that situation – of if I did, there would have been a different outcome. Like you know your words in your poems, we should know our characters in short stories. The discussion has been so interesting but I do feel that you have understand Henri best!
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I am very pleased that you think I understand Henri. I also don’t think he was ready for the promotion. Have a wonderful weekend.
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Neurodiversity is an interesting subject I have two daughters who were only recently diagnosed as Autistic, in one case and the other with ADHD. Both are very highly qualified academically one with a doctorate the other with a Masters degree.
Both have very responsible senior positions, their neurodiversity gives them valuable insights into the people they are working with and helping.
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Interesting, Phil. I think it affects people differently. My sister-in-law has been told she might be on the spectrum. She’s my age, and was told maybe ten years ago.
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Great analysis, Robbie!
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Thank you, Marsha.
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❤️❤️❤️
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Yes, it could be a bad situation for the company if he got loose with a client. 🙂 I wouldn’t trust him, Robbie. 🙂 xxx
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Yes, that’s the first thing I thought – smile.
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This is a very interesting story Amanda. A common scenario where the protagonist puts his foot in his mouth by his unthinking comment. I enjoyed the story very much.
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I’m glad you did, Sadje!
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Thanks Marsha. Sorry for being so late to the party but I somehow missed this one.
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You made it, though, that’s great. Grab a snack, and a drink, and enjoy the visit. 🙂 xxx
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🙏🏼😍🙏🏼
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Sadje. I appreciate that.
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It’s a pleasure Amanda
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The dialogue in this story made me feel as though I were sitting at the table, my mouth agape in amazement at what was being asked. However, when I read one of Marsha’s questions – What is the point of view, setting, time period? – I concluded it was set in the 1970s, a time when it hardly mattered what was said to whom and whether someone might be sacked or not considered for promotion because of age, race or sexual orientation. Fast forward to 2025, and Henri could well have a claim for unfairness in not receiving the promotion, although given his question, I think his chances of winning are smaller.
Certainly, in the 1970s, ’80s and early ’90s, work dinners or parties involved the drinking of lots of alcohol and things being said or done that in the present could end you or your company in court. However, even today, some people still live their lives like the 1970s or 80s, so maybe the time setting is not so long ago? The attitude towards women (and other groups) back in the 1970s and 80s was very different from what it is today.
What I like about this story more than anything else is how short and to the point it is. It comes in like a sports car just starting off and ends up with the car leaving our sight at 150mph. Amanda certainly got everything into this story in a few words instead of drawing the story out, which would have given it a duller effect.
Even today, I would not ask a woman her age. But that’s the way I was brought up. I would have asked a man how old he was, though. However, today, I wouldn’t ask a man his age either. That’s a sign of the times we now live in.
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I know, the story is brilliant! I haven’t read too many stories this short that have this much action. I love your analogy to a sports car!
I think your discussion about the attitudes of the 70s and 80s is very appropriate. For me, it would depend on the situation and how comfortable I was with the person, and what we were talking about. It’s not a good conversation starter! LOL BTW, how old are you, Hugh? JK 🙂 xxx
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He’s the Dorian Grey of fiction Marsha. He doesn’t age, just matures slowly…
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Until catastrophe struck – Dinner with the boss!
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A gentleman never reveals his age or his birth date, Marsha 😀
I was thinking more about this story last night and wondered if Tom did not give Henri the job because he saw him as weak in that he did not pursue his question of how old Emily was, making Henri look weak. That’s more ammunition to the time setting being the 1970s or 80s. However, if it were more modern times, Emily could have instructed Tom not to give Henri the job because she saw Henri as too weak.
My money is more on Emily being the decider.
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She easily could have been. I wouldn’t have encouraged my husband to promote him.
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Thanks for an excellent comment Hugh and especially the compliment on my dialogue, as I feel that might be an area where I could improve more.
This story began as a 100 word fiction so that helped me keep it to the bare bones. In expanding it, I had fun and the story wrote itself. I think I might try this technique again sometime.
As for your commentary re the setting, I can understand it may seem like the 70s, but in some areas of business I think there is still a power imbalance. I like that you considered Emily the decider. In keeping with the 70/80s theme, I think Tom made the decision, but I had the impression that Emily knew exactly what she was doing and what the consequences would be. Her husband had a smart wife. Henri misjudged the situation and showed areas where he might improve in his people skills and communication.
Btw, I have been asked this question by a younger man, less than 5 years ago, in a business situation!
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It still happens, for sure!
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I’m with you in that some business areas still have a 1970s work culture, Amanda. Some people just do not want to step into the 21st century.
Emily seems like a powerful woman to me. She certainly has her head screwed on and takes no prisoners. She knows what she wants and does what she can to get it. Maybe that it why Tom married her?
In today’s world, we have to be careful about what we say in case of saying the wrong thing and upsetting somebody. Unfortunately, there are still men in the world who see women as second standard to them. Maybe Henri is one of those men and was rather shocked by how Emily fought back (good for her).
We don’t know much about Henri’s wife, Sally, other than she remained quiet when Henri looked towards her for help. That only told me that she could be quite timid. Had there been any facial impressions from Sally when her husband looked to her for help, I may have thought differently.
All in all, you have created some interesting characters in this story.
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You have given me an idea on how to make Sally more three dimensional. If I edit the story again, I will add some gestures or facial reactions. It is amazing how little additions like that might enhance the experience for readers.
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Story chat doing its work. Great to hear.
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Exactly, Hugh! There’s lots of food for thought!
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Good point, Amanda. Yet, in those few words, you created a story that generated a lot of conversation!
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Great comments, Hugh! Possibly, Emily is a bit of a gold digger, and she was as much insulted by the comment as Tom – to whom the insult was directed (in my opinion.) Or maybe Henri was insulting Emily (at least in his mind.) By his referral to HER age, I don’t think that was an insult to her directly, just a stupid comment. I agree with Phil’s thinking that he might be on the spectrum, even though that wasn’t in Amanda’s thinking, although both Amanda and I have had age comments made by men made to us in the not too distant past. I just chalked it up to their stupidity, not my looking older than I was. Basically, it’s just a stupid way to begin a conversation between strangers.
If I had been Sally, I would have been mad, and when I get mad, I get quiet. I bet he knew he was in trouble – or maybe he didn’t because he was obtuse. My thinking was, poor Sally. Emily, obviously could take care of both herself and Tom! 🙂
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This is what I like about Story Chat, Marsha. The perspective of different people. It would be very dull if we all thought the same thing.
And I’m sorry about the ageist comments Amanda and you have both had. As a member of the LGBT community, I’ve had my share of these types of comments and know how to deal with them now.
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You are such a sweet person, Hugh. I have a feeling that both Amanda and I have been able to deal with the comments made to us, as well. Being teased as a junior high kid about my flat chest was much more painful because I didn’t know back then how to deal. By the time we become adults, we have learned that their words say more about them than us. I just laugh about those men now, and wonder how one of them ever became a principal of a school with such a little knowledge of history. I think you had a much worse time than I ever did because your insults could have been linked with violence or threats of violence. Mine never were, nor were Henri’s comments. His comments only showed his ignorance. And he sparked a ton of comments! LOL I love Story Chat! And I love the commenters and all my authors – especially you, my co-creator! 🙂 xxx
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It is interesting that the shorter the story, the wider the range of comments and thoughts. The ‘engage brain before mouth’ principle has been completely ignored here – Henri is an utter tit, but his poor wife – no doubt inwardly slapping her forehead, she must be despairing. In my experience the stress of a work dinner when you’re basically like cattle at a market, showing your fetlocks to the buyers in the hope of being chosen, is as grim as it gets and it doesn’t require alcohol (though that doesn’t help) as aptly demonstrated by Henri to find your mouth full of your size nines.
Turning his discomfort into a game is also both cruel and probably deserved. I dread to think what faux pas’s he might have loosened on his audience had the work couple been gay or mixed races. And what Tom’s Monday email might have said then.
All in all a very enjoyable and *shudders familiar scenario, well told.
PS I tried to ask a group of my male friends over breakfast if they’d be so gauche, but they looked at me like I was barking and returned to the weekend’s football. Que sera, sera…
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hahaha Great thought, Geoff. I’m assuming they would never be so gauche. I told the story at Kiwanis today after my presentation on the book. It has generated an interesting discussion on practices in different countries. BTW, I sold 7 SC Vol. II books today at Kiwanis- most I’ve ever sold at one time.
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Hi Geoff, my story has sparked many conversations so it is a shame your friends weren’t keen on a discussion. I don’t think I want to take Henri as a character into a situation again! Haha. Although by the sounds of his conversation with his wife, he hadn’t realised the implications of his actions. Perhaps the email was a lesson for him?
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I hope he young enough to give him time to improve his ways.
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I’d say he is.
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This story made me squirm, reminding me of times in public when I opened my mouth and wished I hadn’t. It’s funny about asking people their age. (I’ve found that men can be pretty sensitive about their age as well.) In my limited experience, women don’t seem to mind sharing their age with each other, but they do prickle when men ask. While I feel a bit sorry for Henri, asking someone their age is a nonstarter for conversation. Shows poor judgement so I can understand why Tom would decide against having him head Finance 🙂
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Thanks for checking in with Story Chat, Marie. This story has drawn out a lot of interesting conversations with Henri being right in the middle. He definitely shows poor judgement, the poor clot! That is my new favorite word since this Story Chat episode.
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My pleasure, Marsha. By the way, I love the questions you pose at the end of the story. They give the website the feel of a book club.
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Thank you so much, Marie. That is one of the signature parts of the series. 🙂
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I think you are right about women prickling when asked about theur age by a man. It shows a lack of communication etiquette.
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There are some very fit people out there because of how often they leap to conclusions. 😉
The story reads: “After several bottles of wine had been consumed in quick succession, the conversation at the work dinner party lightened.” From that Henri becomes a drunk. Henri is an accountant. From that, he becomes a socially inept misogynist who probably says horrible things to his wife all the time. And the list goes on.
How about something like ‘Henri may or may not drink alcohol but his colleagues certainly do. He’s wasted as an accountant because he is a financial genius and wants to advance his career. He asks a conversational question at a dinner party which may or may not have affected his chances of promotion. He decides to seek a new boss who recognises his skills and is not an idiot.’
You certainly stirred the pot with this one, Amanda.
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This one could go in all sorts of directions! Thanks for your comments. They are thought-provoking as well. 🙂
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The commentary has been lively
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I have the same problem Marsha, I have always looked older than my years.
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I know, we both look older than our 25 years!
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And me and my daughter have always been asked for ID well past the legal age.
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When I was nearer to the legal age, I had that problem, too, but somewhere between 26 and 40 it switched around. LOL
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He certainly was not adept enough for promotion
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I agree! What a clot, as Jo put it. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Derrick.
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It was kind of you respond here as well as on my blog, Derrick.
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Derrick is a kind guy – not at all like Henri! 🙂 xxx Thanks Derrick! Come back again, soon.
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Henri ambushed himself.
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He most certainly did! 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
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Peggy, I love how you can sum up the action so succinctly. Micro fiction at its best.
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There you go. I will use that in my summary post instead of a 9 word summary. Fabulous!
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When Henri was invited to dinner, he must have known his boss had an agenda. Why would he drink to excess in that situation? Did the boss suspect a drinking problem? We have concluded through previous comments that Accountants don’t drink much and are socially awkward, so poor Tom was likely setup. There is no indication that he had displayed improper behavior in the workplace, was sexist in any way, or that ‘lack of good judgment’ had affected his work. As a former HR Administrator, I’d have to say Tom has a good case for challenging the decision.
Great story with lots to think about. P.S. I polled my girlfriend group and most say they are not offended when someone asks their age. I think that is because we are all over 60 and proud as peacocks to still be kicking!
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Great comment, Suzanne. Since the questions I get asked are usually how OLD are you? I mostly laugh. People used to ask me that about my mother. She looked older than my grandmother because of her white hair and very wrinkled skin – she was very fair skinned and the sun was not her friend. When I took her to my Migrant Education parent meetings, the Hispanic parents were sort of enamored with her. They figured at 60 something she was probably in her nineties.
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Wow – I love that you did some extra research into a question about age, after reading my story. And good to know that women are comfortable answering it even if age was skewed to one end in your control group! Lol. I don’t mind men asking me my age but it seems bold of them to ask, I think.
As for Tom’s workplace record, I didn’t delve into that into this story, so he could be a rogue at work, but that I felt was outside the remit of this particular story. Part 2 might cover that, perhaps? Loved your comment. Thanks again.
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Hi Amanda, I made a game of it with my friends this morning, texting bits of your story as I asked questions. The conversation was spirited, much like a good book discussion. Most agreed that the punishment was harsh and that it likely wasn’t attached to the offense. They also felt that the question, while intrusive is not offensive, and easier to accept from a woman. Thanks again for a punchy topic. Well done.
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Oh making it a game sounds like fun. How awesome that you did that and interesting that it sparks a lovely discussion.
Quite agree being asked your age by another woman is more comfortable.
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Wow, Suzanne! This is so cool that you texted your friends part of the story. Best comment ever! 🙂 xxx
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First off, this is a very engaging story. Well done, Amanda.
The inner monologue of Henri aptly captures the stomach churning of the moment. I doubt very much his dinner time faux pas had any impact on his boss’ decision, although powerful men can be terribly sensitive. But as a wonderful storyteller you left that seed of petty revenge planted in the mind of the reader..and Henri’s.
Henri, put his foot in it. Social awkwardness and an introverted personality is implied. Had it not been for the presence of alcohol , Henri’s emboldened approach may or may not have occurred. Well done setting the premise.
I enjoyed this story, Amanda.
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Great comments, delving deep, Nigel. This is the essence of Story Chat.
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@Byngnigel – thanks ever so much. I really appreciate your comment. And good to know that what I wrote and didn’t write came across to you, as a reader. Mind you, based on some of the comments, I could tweak a few lines for clarification.
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That’s another purpose for Story Chat. 🙂 xxx
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Indeed
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You’re welcome. I am happy that our inputs have been helpful and appreciative of what you have produced. It’s the unspoken which has lent itself as fuel to the imagination and generates conversation. You did a marvelous job as the creator, bringing this to life. Congratulations.
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Glad you like it. 🙂
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Thanks again! Creating content is a lot of fun. The comments are the cream on the top.
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Yes, I have to agree that engaging with readers makes the creative experience all the more gratifying.
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There are lots of contests and challenges to connect with. Story Chat is unique in the amount of comments that take place around the story.
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This is great.. we appreciate this as writers
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Yes! 🙂
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You are getting some great interactions with this story! I love it!
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Me too.
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Oh and if he never asked the question he may have been the successful applicant. But then I would not have a story, would I?
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Of Tom could have chosen him because of his spunk and honesty. That would be a good quality in an accountant – someone who was not afraid to ask the embarrassing questions of a client or vendor that might be cheating the company. 🙂 xxx
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Just to clarify, Marsha. Henri was already an Accountant in the company and was looking to be promoted to head of Finance in the company.
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Good position!
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I find the idea of an interview, set up or not, at a dinner party preposterous. What if Henri never asked that question?
The story was a good one Amanda and well told.
It showed the foibles of some men when in company and alcohol is involved, assuming of course he had drunk a little too much. Just because bottles were drunk doesn’t mean Henri did. Mostly I find accountants don’t drink too much, or at least the ones I have worked with didn’t any way.
Basically Henri is just an idiot or as Jo said a clot. He would have been better off confessing his stupidity and apologising
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Brian, thanks for playing devils advocate. I probably should add in that Henri really enjoyed the wine, notwithstanding the high likelihood of teetotalling bean-counters. Thanks for identifying that plothole.
Henri didn’t strike me as one who held back with alcohol, though. Might be the French name, hey?? The company secretary did topp up his glass, I suspect, and he wasn’t aware of how much he had consumed that night. But I do need to add in a line to suggest that she may have been an active accomplice in this little ‘getting to know if you are the right guy for the job’ dinner that Tom set up for Henri. I have to admit that I know of at least one overseas-based business CEO who insists on meeting with the prospective employees for dinner before he makes the final decision on employing them. This is for upper management positions, of course.
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One of my jobs was editing so I can be fussy 😁
Yes a few added lines would clarify instead of relying on assumptions.
Like “Henri, being a dickhead, had to ask Emily……….” 😂
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Touche! Sometimes I would like to write just that… usually in non-fiction though! Which publication did you edit for?
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I was in media/PR for a NSW govt department so I did all sorts from media releases to scientific publications to brochures
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[bowing in respect]
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How would you like to beta read a poetry book?
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I haven’t done anything like that in a long time. My brain isn’t as good as it was. I’ll have to pass Marsha
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My friend Monica and I were just bemoaning that fact ourselves. I went to a party last night. In the middle of the night, I remember the name of a man I had known well when we served on the Chamber of Commerce together. Not handy!
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I am laughing out loud at this comment, BB. You are so funny!
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👍😁
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I feel we are getting quite a bit deeper into the plot behind the plot here. Bravo! 🙂 xxx
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You loved that word, clot, too! Fabulous description. You brought out a good point that Henri might not have been drinking. I hadn’t thought of that. That makes him even worse. He can’t control his mouth even sober.
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Maybe he was blinded by the cleavage 😂
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haha probably!
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Aha. You got the dinner atmosphere was intense after Henri’s gaff. My work is done! Thanks! And yes, Tom was indeed sizing up Henri’s skills in social settings, and alcohol played a role in his downfall. Henri was naive, but I think he learnt from this experience. The girls stuck together didn’t they?
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They did. I wonder what gaffs Henri has made with his wife. I’d hate being married to such an oaf! 🙂 Let the oafs of the world be married to someone else, please.
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Very entertaining story, Amanda. I could feel how uncomfortable the room became. I did feel for Henri. That was quite the blunder. I wondered if he could have saved himself through an apology for asking, but no matter how hard I tried to envision it, there seemed there was no way out. An apology would have only made things worse, and he still wouldn’t have gotten the promotion. Nicely done!
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Hi Maddie, thanks for stopping by. Don’t you love Amanda’s story – even if you hate Henri. He is someone we could gossip about for months! I don’t know, but I think fessing up to what a terrible question that was might help, but it might not, too! What an idget! 🙂
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Yes Maddie, Henri was in a sticky situation whether he apologised or not. An evasive non specific answer might have smoothed any ruffled feathers.
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Unless, Tom was setting a trap. He should have known what Henri was like – at least a little bit. I think he was just checking out rumors.
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Well-written story, Amanda. I liked that a lot of information was conveyed in just a few paragraphs. I’m not sure Henri deserves to lose a promotion over that but what a stupid thing to ask someone. Maybe next time he needs to stop and think, A) would he ask the same thing of a man? And, B) how is it any of his business?
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Indeed Janis and this is what I aimed to highlight in the story. Some men don’t think that it may be offensive. We want equality but not subliminal prejudice.
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Great term – subliminal prejudice.
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I hope it conveyed my meaning concisely.
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If you are nothing else, my friend, you are the model of concise conveyance! I need lessons! 🙂 xxx
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There is good conversation in waffling, Marsha!
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Did you know that waffling has a different meaning for the British than it does for the North American? Not that I’m waffling now. 🙂 xxx
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Oh my…no I didn’t
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My known definition just didn’t fit, so I looked it up. LOL
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Okay and what did you find?
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Our waffling means wavering between decisions. The British definition is to “speak or write, especially at great length, without saying anything important or useful.”
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I see the distinction
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True. He could gossip with his wife on the way home. That would have been a better use of his mouthiness. 🙂 xxx
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Foot in mouth, landed a boot and tail behind his legs. He probs still doesn’t really get it.
Sometimes there’s no help for fools! 🥹
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Amen! You can’t teach a fool, and maybe that’s what Tom was finding out.
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I hope Henri learnt from his mistake!
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A bit of a hard judgment for one ill-considered question, he may just be someone who is curious, perfectly sound in every respect but lacking the so-called social niceties. I have an autistic daughter she is a very intelligent woman, a forensic psychologist but finds social interactions tiring because she is trying to meet the social norms which she finds difficult.
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Wow, Phil, this is what I love about Story Chat. You bring such a different perspective because of your experience. Your daughter sounds amazing. I went to a Towne Hall presentation in Fresno where the speaker was a very famous autistic woman – a scientist, but she did a lot of speaking about autism.
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Well, he surely didn’t deserve that promotion! What a clot! If for anyone, I was sorry for his wife. Succinctly told, Amanda.
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I love the word clot as a description of Henri. Having had blood clots that cobbled up my leg and lungs, that is exactly what Henri did in his work situation. He’s lucky he didn’t lose his job, but Tom was shrewd. Henri might have sued him if he had lost his job over that.
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I hadn’t thought of Henri sueing at all @Marsha, but yes I do think he is a bit of a clot, or at least over-confident – @RestlessJo.
This story was originally told in 100 words and expanded, allowing me to flesh it characters more – which was fun. But irl, I have experienced this kind of comment from men. Real life can be such a useful source of info.
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I married someone older than I am, so last night a girlfriend at a party and I were talking about age, and when I told her that Vince was 78, she asked if I was older than him. To be fair, she is older than her husband, and looks the same age, but I pretended to hit her as I laughed. I asked her how much older than 78 did I look? Yikes! 🙂 In my 50s someone asked me if I was the Holocaust Survivor presenter. I asked him if I looked 83 – the average age at the time of Holocaust Survivors. That man was a clot in my life!
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Oh dear!
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🙂
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Oh dear, you have listed some people who might need lessons in manners. How rude to suggest you were a holocaust survivor – in so many different ways! I married someone older than me too, but I think that might make me look pretty good, most days????
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The two men that made the rude comments about me being a Holocaust survivor were just clots, and not very well educated in spite of one of them being a principal. The other one was pure clot. When I asked him if I looked 84, he said, “No, but you could be 70.” I was about 56, I think.
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Now that is offensive
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It was very offensive.
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The setting is nicely painted, and not over-described, how I like things, everyone can add their own details. I sympathise with Henri, I would ask a question like that and then realise I would need to pull the foot out of my mouth, a difficult thing to manage in front of an audience. Most men see the girl they marry or live with as they were when they first met them, We know they are older, perhaps a little bit larger, perhaps with wrinkles but we don’t notice, we only see the girl the way she was. Well, I do but to me, all ladies are young ladies. So would I ask the question Henri asked? Probably not, because I would know the answer, not a precise age but young.
It’s a good story very well told, I hope Tom changes his mind.
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You are kind, Phil. What if Henri made that kind of blooper with an important client and cost your company a million dollar deal? I don’t think you would feel quite the same. It could even be that Tom set him up meeting a fake wife to see how he would handle an awkward situation.
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Now there is a twist I hadn’t thought of, Marsha!
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And that is the joy of Story Chat. I hadn’t either until I read the comments. 🙂 xxx
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I’m not too keen on that sort of chicanery Marsha, perhaps if that was the sort of company Henri was working for perhaps he is better off out of it after all.
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Anything can happen in fiction, as you know, Phil. Afterall you had a sweet little granddaughter as a killer in one of your stories. LOL Who would ever think? Then on the news the other day a grandmother killed her own granddaughter. I bet her granddaughter was your heroine! 🙂 xxx
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Not a Proper Job?
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That’s the one!
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It is interesting to get a male’s perspective on Henri’s predicament, so thank you for your comment about setting and plot, Phil. I thought it was a common knowledge not to ask this question of a woman, but perhaps that is a culturally dependent notion? Or old hat?
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Perhaps it was the alcohol or maybe just curiosity. Some people don’t have all the so-called social graces, if someone is say, autistic they may ask a question without realising it went against a social norm.
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Great point and a surprising number of Accountants have neurodiverse tendencies!
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Another great word, neurodiverse – meaning displaying or characterized by autistic or other neurologically atypical patterns of thought or behavior; not neurotypical. I guess being an accountant would be a good occupation for Henri. I thought when he was going to be promoted, it might be into a management position or VP, something out of accounting. Being promoted within the accounting role, I don’t think it would necessitate the dinner, though.
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Hmm. It was the head of Finance, Marsha. A senior position in upper management I feel is a plausible reason for having a dinner to meet and see if he is a good fit for the company. Of course this depends on the company, the CEO and the size of the company.
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Ok, then that might be a good position for him even if was a clot if he was the absolute best at his job. A lot can be forgiven when someone is extraordinarily talented and skilled. This man clearly was not talented enough to cover his social faux pas. 🙂 Great story, Amanda.
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That is right. He didn’t have smarts in social situation or it was the alcohol?
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But as an accountant, who cares. Tom was just being overly sensitive.
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Or a smart boss depending on what he had in mine for the Head of finance.
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Ultimately, the decision rests with Tom, so he can do whatever he wants to. He obviously doesn’t want Henri making snide comments about him and his wife and their age difference.
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Good point there, Phil – one of my grandsons is neurodivergent and I can well imagine him making a career with numbers. (Or planets – that’s his other passion at the moment). However, I would expect Tom to be aware of his employee’s autism and, if so, to be more prepared to take this into account.
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That may well have been the case, Cathy, but many people are not diagosed as autistic or choose not to reveal that to their employer. It may well have been the exact reason the CEO chose to invite him to dinner.
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He got an earful, for sure.
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Good point, but some people are so low on the spectrum, that you don’t know it. And if he was good at accounting, I’m surprised they would want to change him. Nobody wants their accountants to quit! It’s disaster!
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You are so right, Phil. That would be Vince’s sister. She comes up with some of the most socially awkward statements sometimes. Once we were sitting at a friend’s house with a bunch of people and she stated talking about a time that she said her dad tried to strangle my husband. I was mortified, because I couldn’t even imagine that happening. I asked my husband about it later, and he couldn’t imagine it either. I guess she did. It was weird.
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It doesn’t seem to be common knowledge everywhere. LOL
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Your experiences certainly support the argument that is isn’t common knowledge.
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🙂 I just have one of those personalities that is approachable and easy to say whatever! Fortunately, I don’t really hit, or throw a fit. And I don’t think I look WAY older than I am.
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This is a story where we can relate to at least one of the characters. Who hasn’t said something in the moment that they wished they hadn’t, be it an awkward question or something as we see it? Though hopefully it hasn’t been as detrimental to your career as poor Henri. Perhaps it’s his wife you can identify with or Emily or Tom. Regardless, there’s a realism to this so we can connect with the story. It also makes us think about what we would do if we were in Henri’s shoes. I really wanted to know how old Emily was, just to satisfy my curiosity, but I feel Amanda ended the story in a highly apt way, with the email.
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You are so right, Esther! I’m glad you could identify with Henri. His poor wife! I’m sure she’s been in that situation before! If you have a friend or spouse like that, they usually get pretty mouthy. “Henri, that’s not nice!”
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Thanks ever so much, Esther. You made my day considering that my story was realistic and that a reader could connect with the characters. The question has even been asked of me!! Emily is a good bit younger than the boss. She might even be a trophy wife? But a smart one.
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Great to hear your take on it 🥰
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Serves him right for asking! I think that was probably the aspect that surprised me most in the story, especially once it had been revealed who everybody was.
But maybe Australian males are less constricted by ‘form’ than us in the UK.
I can’t think of any quip or diversion his wife might have successfully contributed. He sounds quite ‘us and them’ about the sisterhood.
I was struck, though, on the way through how well the atmosphere was described and how successfully concise the story was.
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Your last statement is so true. Amanda has an amazing knack for tell a short story and doing it well.
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For me I feel alcohol was an issue, and he was under the influence. I didn’t feel “poor Henri”, but have the impression he had opinions on women and their “role” he wasn’t worried about insulting or complementing Emily, more what Tom would think of his “guess”. He said Tom was shrewd, maybe he was checking how Henri would conduct himself in a social situation if the promotion required this. I enjoyed the story, felt it was a part of the interview process to assess how he conducted himself …. Almost set up. The embarrassing atmosphere was palpable
So much conveyed in such a short story, but in such a clever way that I feel it will depend on the readers own views what they take from it…
My first time joining in anything like this, so not sure if these are the sort of comment…?
Thank you for this post to make me think about and recognise the skill of writing
Suzanne
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Suzanne, welcome! Your comments are thought provoking and bring even more clarity to the story. I think it was part of the interview process, but I’m not sure that Henri realized that. I bet his wife did, though! I agree that the atmosphere was palpable – what a great word and description. Thanks for joining in. What happens now is that others will comment and may comment about your comment as well, as if we were all sitting in a room chatting together. 🙂
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@bazannemuse -Your comment is perfect and much appreciated. The boss could well have set up Henri at this dinner – although Henri asked the question. And yes, he was a bit self-centred about the implications not how Emily may have felt, or his own wife in such a situation.
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Thank you. I meant set up as to see how he handled himself. Maybe he had been seen to have a little too much to drink on other occasions. It was a great short story, a bit of a moral warning not to drink too much alcohol (especially a work social event) I can recall several Christmas parties where actions could be taken by some as quite cringe worthy …. I love how you have given so much to think about..
Suzanne
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Oh yes you’re right Suzanne. Particularly pertinent – we just had Xmas.
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Amanda is so good that. Every post she writes get comments that are almost letters!
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Thank you for your detailed critique and compliment on my story, Cathy. It started out as vety short 10 word flash fiction, which I find extraordinarily good at helping me, (a natural waffler) write in a more concise way. Do you think this story sounds particularly Australian, Cathy? I suppose because I am Australian, there might be a cultural bias inherent in my writing. English folks do sound more restrained by dinner party manners. Although I did write the story with no specific nationality in mind,
I myself have been asked this same question about my age, by men. Tbh, I was surprised that they did have the audacity/stupidity to ask the question so directly.
I am glad you noted the reference to the sisterhood as galvanising against the men. I think modern women in Australia do support each other in this way. What about British ladies?
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Sadly no, I don’t think the story sounds particularly antipodean. It’s just that, having that’s where you hail from, my daughter lived in New Zealand since 2006 apart from the year and a half they spent in Australia (which I gather is a rite of passage for young New Zealanders). While her partner was supportive and lovely, I was aware of a bit of a ‘mates’ culture when I visited, reminiscent of 1970’s UK. Women in Britain are more insistent on their rights now, and society generally is becoming more aware of where and when these are being abused, which inevitably leads to greater militancy. (I think there’s also a touch of ‘I can look like this if I want to and what are you going to do about it?’, but that’s a different story.)
The pendulum swings… But, would I ask a man his age at a dinner party?
Unless, maybe, age was the topic of conversation (retirement?).
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Interesting twist on the theme, Cathy – asking men their age. That is an appropriate comeback response that Emily could have offered. I didn’t try to make the story particularly Australian but now that we are discussing it, perhaps some parts of the world would not comprehend why this matter is offensive to women. Food for thought, there. Good to hear that women in Britain are becoming more ? assertive? And yes, the mates culture is a product I feel of the heavily skewed male populations here from back in colonial times, although it is less obvious in New Zealand, (apart from the Maori) which was a free colony.
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The wild west had somewhat the same reputation and for the same reason, but I’d never thought of it – the highly skewed male populations dating back to the westward movement particularly during the Gold Rush of the 1850s.
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It must have been a very blokey culture in the 1850s both in Victoria Australia and in America.
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Very blokey!
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This is the second time I’ve had to resort to Google to read a comment. I love it, Cathy, even if I display my lack of vocabulary to the entire world! antipodean – relating to Australia or New Zealand I have heard that from other residents of New Zealand – blogger women. I don think it goes both ways, but I think Phil hit on the real culprit here of Henri’s faux pas. He is probably a bit on the spectrum, and those things happen. If Tom has known him for a while, he should have already known that Henri was like that. If the faux pas was due to alcohol, this was a great test.
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Good question, Amanda!
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I was cycling today with other members of the u3a cycling group, it was flippin cold. A young lady who cycles with us told me that someone was surprised when they asked her age (medical situation) and she replied seventy, they thought she was a lot younger. I was surprised too when she mentioned it, I would have thought younger than sixty.
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Aha – but medical reasons for asking age are legitimate.
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Lucky her! Most people assume the other way for me.
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Nice post 🌅🌅
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Thanks for stopping by. 🤗
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Thanks so much
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