Wednesday has come around again, and I’m happy to present this week’s flash fiction.
“Look kid, I like you.” Denon wasn’t certain about the auspiciousness of being liked by Severance. Every time they met, he was thoroughly loused. “And because I like you, I’m going to give you some hard-won advice.” A resounding smack on his back followed this, threatening to topple him from his chair.
Gripping the table’s edge, Denon shoved himself back into his seat while dodging another hearty smack. “And what advice is that?” Severance’s greasy, blonde hair had been pulled back into a rough tail, and he sat more spilling from the chair than on it. Still, Sovereign was known as the best, and Denon needed the best.
Saints help him.
Sovereign raised a finger, looping it around. “Never take advice from someone.”
Denon waited for him to finish through his hiccupping, drink-induced haze. But he said nothing. “Someone who?” Denon prompted.
“That’s it! Someone!” Sovereign hiccupped and leaned back in his chair.
That’s his great advice? To not take advice? Denon eyebrows inched upward. “But surely taking advice from those who’ve worked the field far longer is more valuable than trial and error?”
Sovereign waved dismissively. “What’s valuable to them?” Raising two fingers, he rubbed them together. “What’s best for them is rarely what’s best for you.” The man jerked his head back, blinked, and toppled sideways.
“Time to settle then,” a voice snapped brusquely before Denon reacted to Severance’s sprawled state. Raising his gaze, he saw the barmaid looming with narrowed of her eyes.
Denon grinned, knelt next to Severance, rifled his pockets, and pulled out a hefty chunk of coins, more than their tab required. Rising, Denon handed them over. She scanned the coins and closed her hand around them. “Need any help out?” She asked far more pleasantly.
Denon shook his head. “I’ll manage.” The maid nodded once and left before Denon had Severance up from the floor. Denon chuffed and started dragging the man toward the door. “Never take advice from someone. Like I’ll take your advice.” At least Severance had paid for that advice.
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Be sure to check out the other Wednesday Words authors’ take on the prompt.
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