In the Circle - Flash Fiction Story by J.S. O’Keefe

 

In the Circle

Flash Fiction Story

by J.S. O’Keefe

We have to leave because they’re about to light their Cuban cigars. I cannot stand any type of tobacco smoke, and Frank has asthma.

Also, I don’t like these people. (I call them plutocrats behind their backs.) They may be upright individuals, but they seem to believe I am in their circle. Well, if I am really in their circle, then they are in my circle. That’s the thought that perturbs me to no end.

Frank is less of a philosopher. He is so self-involved, he likes everybody.

In the parking lot I can tell Frank’s about to brag. “How do you like my new ride?” he asks. The Elantra is his new used car. 

After we drive away he takes a small jar out of his pocket. “How about this, Bill? Caviar… worth at least five hundred bucks. I lifted it the moment the butler put it out on the counter.” 

I catch a glimpse of the label, “Mermelada de Mora.” It’s Spanish for “blackberry jam,” but I don’t want to ruin his mood and it’s not the right time for language lessons.

“That’s not all. Before I picked you up this p.m., I went shopping at Whole Foods.” He points at the knapsack on the back seat. “Filet mignon, the organic variety, ten plus pounds.”

“That must have cost a pretty penny.”

Frank smirks and pulls out his wallet. “When I entered Whole Foods I had twenty-few bucks. Take a gander, Bill, I still got twenty-few bucks.”

I grasp for air.

He throws the jar in the knapsack. “Gotta make one stop,” he says. “Today’s drop off. Mike opened up another restaurant, here in Sosola Knob.”

We arrive; Frank grabs the knapsack and enters the building through the back door. A minute later he comes back. “Idiot Mike only wanted the meat… refused to pay for the caviar… Some people just ain’t got no class no more.”

I nod. “That is so true, Frankie boy. Sad, but true. Here’s an idea. Take it home, put it on buttered toast. Delicious, pretty nutritious. Upper echelons love caviar, and those people are very particular about what they shove down their gastrointestinal tract. Have yourself a little feast. You’ve had a hard day.”

Frank shakes his head. “Nah, gotta find a buyer… Car needs major tuneup, and soon. Bill, maybe you know a guy in your circle who’d want to score a barely opened jar of caviar at a fairly low price?”

“Sorry, Frank, I’ve got no circle.”

J.S. O’Keefe has published over three hundred short stories and poems in print and online literary magazines. More at his website: https://www.szjohnny.net