Finishing touches
Sharon stood back to get a better perspective. Yes, she’d enhanced the photo a little – added a warmer tint, erased some surface cracks, but surely any interested party would be willing to look beyond the tired exterior. The framework was sturdy; just creaked a little when the weather changed.
Nevertheless, Sharon decided she had time for a few cosmetic touches – a blush of terra cotta, some sky blue highlights – subtle, nothing garish.
He’d be here at 5pm. Sharon poured two drinks, re-checked her makeup and studied his photo again. So handsome – she just knew this was the one.
*****
Another hundred word story for Friday Fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.
Onto the page 
Nice one, I started off thinking she was an estate agent! I wonder how much “cosmetic surgery” he did to his own profile picture? 🙂
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She might have been an estate agent – she sure has the lingo. Let’s hope her blind date is a bit more truthful than she is, although I’m guessing he’s in for a shock when he meets Sharon. Thanks, Ali.
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Of course, his own picture may not have been entirely without artifice. I liked the way you blended house and personal cosmetic touches
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Probably not. It seems to be the done thing. Glad you liked it, Neil – thank you.
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Skilfully executed. Well done.
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Thank you, Sandra.
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Excellent take – house and people – it’s all about image!
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So it seems. Thanks for your nice comment, Iain.
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I had to read it twice to really appreciate the nuances – well done!!!
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I’m happy you took the time to re-read it. Thank you.
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I love what you’ve done here.
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That’s great, Sascha. Thank you so much.
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Dear Margaret,
Very clever misdirect. Love it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m happy about that. Thank you, Rochelle.
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I’m left wondering just the one for what? Excellent writing, Margaret.
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Now there’s a thought. Do we know exactly what Sharon’s objective is? Perhaps not. Thank you for your encouraging comment, Jade.
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You are very welcome, Margaret.
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I enjoyed this. Clever. Like the woman and house were one.
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Thank you, Tannille. Glad you enjoyed.
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Very clever take. Nicely done.
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Thank you, Jo.
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a makeover can do wonders as long as it’s accordingly applied.
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Hmm. I’m sure Sharon has shown judicious restraint in her retouching endeavours.
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Really amusing, Margaret. I wonder if her date had his picture touched up as well. You can do a lot with a photo but somewhat less with the real thing. Well written. 😀 — Suzanne
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So glad you were amused, Suzanne. Yes – it’s a bit more tricky to smooth out the cracks in the real thing, let alone the creaky frame. Thank you for your kind comment.
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Absolutely brilliant – you took every one of us in the wrong direction at the start. I just hope it all stays in place when she smiles!
My go at Friday Fictioneers!
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Ha! True – the gentleman caller could end up with plaster dust all over his jacket. So glad you liked my story, Keith. Thank you.
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I like the house as a metaphor for her own appearance. Reminded me of an old gospel song,
“This Old House.”
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Thank you, Linda. And thanks for the clip – great song.
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I thought for sure she was putting up the house for sale… not herself 😉
Well done, Margaret!
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Thank you, Dale. I’m not sure how successful her attempts will be – she might have better luck selling the house.
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She just might…
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You really have to be careful with clients in real estate… 😉 No, seriously, this was clever and touching. I’d like to read a sequel. I’m sure his picture went through a few filters as well.
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A sequel – hmm. It might be ugly 🙁. Thanks, Gabriele; glad you enjoyed.
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As nice ending. Unlike the fixes to the place as a lead into the date.
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I mean like the fixes… darn autocorrect!
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Thanks, Laurie. Faces and places – a few finishing touches always help.
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