Copyright – Jean L. Hays
This was an exclusive establishment; its reputation for fine cuisine had reached the whole city.
Clive ushered his guests through, careful to avoid undue attention from the other patrons. It would be unseemly to cause a stir. They filed discreetly past a large window with an elaborate glass panel emblazoned with its uptown address, announcing to all that this was the place to be seen.
They moved like shadows down the back alley. Clive was as good as his word – they loaded their carrybags from trashcans overflowing with discarded delicacies.
Clive’s riverbank New Year’s party was well catered this year.
*****
Once more this 100 word story is for Friday Fictioneers. Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, who does a brilliant job of selecting a photo prompt, and hosting the weekly flash fiction challenge. Read them all here.
Clive is following in the footsteps of another well-bred man about town who you might enjoy revisiting
Onto the page 
Dear Margaret,
Charmingly catered affair and an enjoyable story.
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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So much food goes to waste. I hate that anyone has to eat out of a trash can but I do like your fiction. It was surprisingly joyous.
Happy New Year,
Tracey
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I didn’t want to be too downbeat at this time of year, although the issues of homelessness and hunger are always there. Thanks for your kind words, Tracey.
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Good for Clive. Happy New Year!
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Clive’s a resourceful one and his parties are always well attended. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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I think it’s well done.. good food should not be wasted… (alas I cannot offer anything like this in my garbage cans)
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We do waste so much, especially at this time of year. Thanks for your comment, Bjorn.
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Thank you so much for that Red Skelton video! Hadn’t seen it in eons, at least.
This story was heartwarming… couldn’t help but think of Lady and the Tramp!
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I’d forgotten all about Lady and the Tramp, and I can see how my story reminded you of it. I’m glad you liked the video – good comedy never entirely dates, although our tastes change so much. Thank you for your encouraging feedback, Dale.
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Any time! And that’s so true about good comedy/
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Interesting reminder that not all have the luxury of regular meals. Good for Clive – he has initiative – someone give him a job.
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I’m not sure that Clive would be all that interested in working for a living; he seems to have all he needs. I agree with you, however, that we need to remember that not everybody does.
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A lovely story, Margaret! I enjoyed Freddy’s xmas dinner as well.
Lily
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Thank you, Lily. Glad you enjoyed them both.
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I’ve read about groups of people who aren’t needy who go raid trash cans of supermarkets and restaurants for food, because they hate the waste. Where I live, expired food, food from restaurants or other large kitchens isn’t allowed to be given to charity tables, (hygiene or some other unconvincing reasons) so it gets thrown away. Fields with vegetables are ploughed under because the prices aren’t right… Great story, I felt like going getting the food right with them.
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It’s horrifying that we waste so much while so many people go hungry. Those groups of people you mention are to be congratulated for their resourcefulness. I’m so happy you enjoyed my story, Gah. Thank you for your lovely comment.
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Good and amusing story and I enjoyed the film that brought back memories of a favorite character brought to life by two great actors. Well done, Margaret. Happy New Year to you and yours. 😀 — Suzanne
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Thank you for your comment, Suzanne. I’m glad that you enjoyed the story and the video. I hope your year is happy too.
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What a blessing it was to watch Red Skelton and Vincent Price. It went with your story like fine cognac and an after dinner cigar.
God Bless, Margaret, and have a blessed 2016.
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Thank you so much, Russell. I’m pleased to have finished off the meal to your satisfaction. My New Year greetings to you, in return.
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Yummy?
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I guess it depends what you’re used to.
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