A Betting Man – Friday Fictioneers February 2015

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Sandra

Copyright Dawn Landau

“You crazy? Thirty minutes?” asked Joe.

Martin scowled. “Ten dollars says so.”

If truth were told, he wasn’t that confident.

Three months back, he’d bet the guys she’d put out on the second date, but it had taken ten weeks to get into her pants.

Now he’d bet that she’d wait 30 minutes for him to show for their date, but after ten minutes she was looking itchy.

“Uh-oh”, said Billy, peeping round the corner. “I think she’s scored.”

As Annie wandered off with the Jones boy, Martin’s heart splintered slowly.

‘I sure can pick a heartless bitch,’ he muttered, kicking at a passing dog.

Three years ago this week since I first joined Friday Fictioneers with this offering.  Very few people understood it, so no change there then.  🙂  Not too impressed with my submission for this third anniversary, but a second attempt in a different vein didn’t turn out any better so here you go!  Thank you to Rochelle for her administrations, and congratulations on having your second book accepted by an agent.  Congratulations due this week also to Claire Fuller; some great reviews there.  You both make me feel very inadequate in such exalted company.  😦  

About Sandra

I used to cruise the French waterways with my husband four or five months a year, and wrote fiction and poetry. Now I live on the beautiful Dorset coast, enjoying the luxury of being able to have a cat, cultivating an extensive garden and getting involved in the community. I still write fiction, but only when the spirit moves me - which isn't as often as before. I love animals, F1 motor racing, French bread and my husband, though not necessarily in that order.
This entry was posted in Friday Fictioneers, Just Sayin' and tagged , . Bookmark the permalink.

104 Responses to A Betting Man – Friday Fictioneers February 2015

  2. rochellewisoff says:
    February 25, 2015 at 11:03 am

    Dear Sandra,

    Inadequate? Perish the thought? You’re one of my writing heroes. Those contest wins and publications are nothing to look down one’s nose at.

    I can’t say I feel much sympathy for Martin. Perhaps if he’d been more of a boyfriend than a betting man…A good one, as always.

    You were only a couple of months ahead of me. I started in April three years ago.

    Sorry about the link snafu. 😉

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Sandra says:
      February 26, 2015 at 12:13 pm

      Awww thanks Rochelle. I thought you’d been with FF about the same time as me, and I’ve always enjoyed your contributions. Yes, Martin is an unlikeable boy, and I don’t think he’ll see the light any time soon. 😉

      Like

      Reply
  3. patrickprinsloo says:
    February 25, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    Perhaps the Jones boy has a bit more to imm than the seemingly shallow Martin. Great dialogue – I’ve heard similar before.

    Like

    Reply
  4. J Hardy Carroll says:
    February 25, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    A, boys that kiss and tell. Not a gentleman. I like a good antagonist.

    Like

    Reply
  5. Claire Fuller says:
    February 25, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    I second Rochelle – you’re one of my writing heroes too, Sandra – and this story goes to show why. Great characters, story and dialogue. I feel some sympathy for Martin; I reckon he might just be doing the betting do try and big himself up in front of Joe. Perhaps now though, he’ll have learnt that lesson.
    Claire

    Like

    Reply
  6. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) says:
    February 25, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    Ha.. I think that Martin got exactly what he deserved.. pity that he didn’t seem to learn anything from it .. such a heartless boy. Good for Annie though

    Like

    Reply
  7. Suzanne Joshi says:
    February 25, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    Well, I hope he learned a lesson there. Well done, Sandra. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Like

    Reply
  8. sustainabilitea says:
    February 25, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Tough luck to Martin (not.) Your story is spot on, as usual, but not so your analysis of your writing ability. 🙂

    janet

    Like

    Reply
  9. Helena Hann-Basquiat says:
    February 25, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    Congrats on three years, Sandra. I think you’ve captured the heart of a scoundrel here perfectly. The same type of man to play games like that with a woman is indeed the same type to kick a dog.

    Like

    Reply
  10. Snow's Fissures and Fractures says:
    February 25, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    Dear Sandra,
    I went back in time and read your “Shattered” story. I understood it from the first read and thought it was wonderfully ambiguous and jet very clear.
    As for this week’s story, what a horrible boy, kicking that poor dog. That is one lucky girl, escaping the clutches of one sad excuse for a man.
    Love you writing and hope you continue to delight us with your talent for many, many moons. 😉

    Like

    Reply
  11. aliciajamtaas says:
    February 25, 2015 at 2:57 pm

    Somehow I think Annie is a lot smarter than Martin. Wonderful take on the prompt – not lacking in a thing. (Sounds like you’re going through one of those periods every writing goes through. This, too, will pass). Alicia

    Like

    Reply
  12. aliciajamtaas says:
    February 25, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    Let me finish that thought – Periods of self-doubt

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. Silver in the Barn says:
    February 25, 2015 at 4:52 pm

    That’ll teach you, Martin. Another little gem, Sandra. I so understand being one’s own harshest critic, but please banish any feelings of inadequacy immediately. You rock.

    Like

    Reply
  14. erinleary says:
    February 25, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    I love your work and look forward to reading it every week. I enjoy writing that makes me think. And yours intrigues, it teases, it evokes feeling. All that is sublime. Looking forward to the next 3 years.

    Like

    Reply
  15. Nan Falkner says:
    February 25, 2015 at 5:43 pm

    Dear Sandra, You’re anything but inadequate! One of the best writers I’ve ever had the luck to read! Enjoyable story this week too! Nan 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  16. Michael B. Fishman says:
    February 25, 2015 at 5:45 pm

    I’d say ‘poor Martin’ but I think that arrogant little guy has a lot to learn before he grows up!

    Like

    Reply
  17. Rachel Bjerke says:
    February 25, 2015 at 5:55 pm

    I’m glad that kid loses all his bets… he sounds like a horrible person.

    Happy Anniversary, I always love your stories !! 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  18. Honie Briggs says:
    February 25, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    Guys like him are a dime a dozen. Fiercely told, Sandra, as your stories always are.

    Like

    Reply
  19. lingeringvisions by Dawn says:
    February 25, 2015 at 9:43 pm

    I love your stories! Except, I wish he hadn’t kicked the dog 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  20. storydivamg says:
    February 25, 2015 at 10:13 pm

    Dear Sandra,
    Well I like it! And happy third anniversary too! I can’t say I’m a fan of Martin, but you’ve written a believable character indeed. If I had my druthers, all betting bastards like this character would be lonely for life. They don’t deserve girlfriends or wives (or mothers, for that matter).

    Nice work.

    All my best,
    Marie Gail

    Like

    Reply
  21. karen rawson says:
    February 26, 2015 at 12:58 am

    You’ve conjured so much in those 100 words. Beautifully done.

    Like

    Reply
  22. The Writer's Village says:
    February 26, 2015 at 1:50 am

    I always look forward to your writing – and you are usually one of the first ones I read (although it is true that you are usually one of the first ones to post, too – but never-the less)
    😉

    Randy

    Like

    Reply
  23. plaridel says:
    February 26, 2015 at 2:31 am

    i bet ten dollars martin can’t even pick a heartless bitch. three years? that’s an eternity in the blogging world. congrats!

    Like

    Reply
  24. Jan Brown says:
    February 26, 2015 at 3:57 am

    Sandra, I agree with Rochelle and Claire. Your writing is consistently excellent! I really liked this little story and the irony in its conclusion. You made me chuckle at the typical clueless young males 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  25. dmmacilroy says:
    February 26, 2015 at 10:39 am

    Dear Sandra,

    It’s not that she’s heartless, rather, it’s that she’s smart. Great story to mark your third orbit around out bright FF sun.

    Aloha,

    Doug

    Like

    Reply
  26. Liz Young says:
    February 26, 2015 at 10:42 am

    Serves him right for playing boys’ games with a girl’s affections.

    Like

    Reply
  27. draliman says:
    February 26, 2015 at 11:45 am

    Brilliant last line, I think he’s blaming the wrong person! I hope Annie has better luck with the Jones boy.
    Reading it again, the line “Martin’s heart splintered slowly” does make me think he really liked her – hopefully this will teach him a lesson and help him grow up a bit.

    Like

    Reply
  28. gahlearner says:
    February 26, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    That boy is far too full of himself. Serves him right! I, too, went back and read that first story, and I think I understood it. It’s painful in all it implies…

    Like

    Reply
  29. i b arora says:
    February 26, 2015 at 4:26 pm

    but why kick the poor dog?

    Like

    Reply
  30. anotherday2paradise says:
    February 26, 2015 at 8:58 pm

    Congrats on your 3 year anniversary, Sandra. I think your short stories are superb. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  31. mjlstories says:
    February 26, 2015 at 10:13 pm

    I actually feel sorry for these ridiculous boys. Very believable characters full of false bravado.
    Very good!

    Like

    Reply
  32. wildbilbo says:
    February 27, 2015 at 12:10 am

    3 years is impressive – and whilst you started well (I checked out the older post) – I like this one better 🙂
    You capture that stupid teenage competitiveness and all-to-frequent ugly misogyny (that I think comes from not actually understanding that other people are actually people too).
    Cheers
    KT

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  33. rgayer55 says:
    February 27, 2015 at 11:54 am

    Everyone’s been pretty hard on Martin. It’s not uncommon for teenage boys to brag about their “conquests” in a competitive manner. I’m not saying that’s right, it’s just hormones gone wild.

    Like

    Reply
  34. santoshwriter says:
    February 27, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    I wish someday i be as good as you are! Great story of a mischievous boy!

    Like

    Reply
  35. Inside the Mind of Isadora says:
    February 27, 2015 at 3:49 pm

    We do tend to judge ourselves more harshly. You’ve written a brilliant vignette of a story.
    It’s been a pleasure to read it.

    Like

    Reply
  36. Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist says:
    February 27, 2015 at 8:29 pm

    Poor dog. He was in the wrong place at the right time. The boy deserved it and Annie good on you. I’m only new Sandra but I’ve enjoyed all I’ve read of yours and look forward to much more.

    Like

    Reply
  37. talesfromthemotherland says:
    February 28, 2015 at 1:06 am

    Your stories are SO far from inadequate, one must laugh at the notion, Sandra. And this story is wonderful. I like the simplicity of the story, while putting that unpleasant reality of how some men still see and treat women, right out there. Happy anniversary! I certainly look forward to your stories each time. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  38. unwindthechaos says:
    February 28, 2015 at 3:23 am

    Oh, don’t say you’re not impressed it’s adorable. That’s what he gets for gambling the feelings of others!

    Like

    Reply
  39. Amy Reese says:
    February 28, 2015 at 5:16 am

    Three years, wow. Congrats. Martin is no friend of mine. I’m betting he doesn’t have any real friends either. This is the story you wrote three years ago? What a great idea! It was worth repeating. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  40. Ellespeth says:
    February 28, 2015 at 6:13 am

    I’m so happy Annie didn’t wait 30 minutes. Just like Martin to feel sorry for himself and kick a helpless dog.
    Cheers to three years!
    Ellesperth

    Like

    Reply
  41. Tracey@WhatsforDinnerDoc.com says:
    February 28, 2015 at 4:07 pm

    Sound to me like she waited 9 minutes too long. Congrats Sandra. Write on!
    Be well, Tracey

    Like

    Reply
  42. Dee says:
    February 28, 2015 at 6:36 pm

    A great story Sandra good for Annie I say, she obviously got the measure of Martin. How you could ever feel inadequate I can’t imagine (funny but we both made similar comments) your writing is excellent, your stories always spot on.

    Like

    Reply
  43. Perry Block (@PerryBlock) says:
    February 28, 2015 at 8:44 pm

    This is a good story. The gambling motif is fun and it’s good to see the jerk get what he deserves. Excellent.

    Like

    Reply
  44. afairymind says:
    February 28, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    Great story, Sandra. I’m glad she didn’t wait for him – he gets exactly what he deserves! 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  45. milliethom says:
    February 28, 2015 at 11:31 pm

    Martin doesn’t exactly endear himself to us, does he? I’m not surprised Annie went off with the Jones boy. Excellent story, Sandra. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  46. AnElephantCant says:
    March 1, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    A rather jaundiced view of humanity there, Sandra.
    AnElephant heartily approves.

    Like

    Reply
  47. AnnIsikArts says:
    March 2, 2015 at 12:51 am

    Great exposition of the ‘double standard’. Your story has the ring of truth because unfortunately, it is true. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  48. Margaret says:
    March 2, 2015 at 2:58 am

    Ohhh. I hope Martin learns something from this. It’s good that his heart was splintered – shows he has some feeling. And how many young girls are the subject of such talk, I wonder? Probably plenty. A very powerful portrayal of the characters and the situation.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Jan Brown Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.