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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Embarrassed (07/19/07)
The day had been long. In many ways the blessing was my customers wanted my attention. It didn’t keep the weariness from creeping into my shoulders and back. I thought “One last appointment. I’ll grab the pizzas and do my dinner presentation. I bet I can be home by nine o’clock.”
I walked into the side door of the factory to find the maintenance manager standing outside his office. “Your timing could not be better." he said, "I have a problem and if you can have the part here tomorrow, I’ll owe you one.”
“Sounds like a good deal to me,” I answered, “Show me the way.”
We wound in and out of machines and crossed several production lines as he led me to the problem. Stopping between two he pointed down, “Right there. Can you measure the size of the belt and get it to me?”
I knelt and w wisted and wormed my way into the complicated piece of machinery, being careful not to get dirty. This was an issue that I could solve, but I still had a dinner presentation to do after I left this plant.
As I inched from my position inside the piece of production equipment I went to stand when I heard the rip. Maybe it was more like I felt the cloth on my pants separate when I moved against the screw. I flushed as I half turned and asked my customer, “Can you see the rip?”
He tried hard to suppress the laugh but it bubbled from his lips as he answered, “I’m guessing you tore about eight inches from your seat. Nice boxers.”
“I’ll have your belt here in the morning.” I assured him, “I have to go.”
Making a hasty exit I got into my car and checked the time. I had thirty minutes to get dinner and be at my next appointment. Going home was out of the question. I lived an hour away. Quickly I made the decision to go to Wal-Mart and get a new pair of pants. No one would be the wiser and I could still be on time.
The minutes seemed passed quickly as I raced into the store, found a tag with my size on it and hurried through the checkout line. I had called my food order to the local pizzeria at lunch. To my good fortune they were ready as I sped through the drive-thru. I couldn’t believe it. I was going to be on time and no one would know about my little mishap except the guy I had just left.
As I pulled into the parking lot I surveyed it to find a place near the back. I pulled into the parking space and looked around to make sure no one was watching. The coast was clear. I pulled the torn slacks from my legs as I sat in my parked car. I quickly pulled on the new ones, while continuing to watch for uninvited guests. No problem.
Feeling a sense of accomplishment in the face of adversity I opened my car door and stood. I pushed my hands down my legs to smooth any wrinkles I may have developed in the new slacks and stopped in horror. The pants had to be two inches too short. I could have waded straight across the Mississippi River and not gotten the hem wet. I should be walking into the meeting RIGHT NOW! With nervous resolve I took the pizzas and walked with my head down to my meeting.
I walked into the conference room and every chair was filled. The entire second shift maintenance had made time to see to my presentation. I placed the men’s dinner on the table as the room silenced and they all turned to give me their attention. I took a deep breath. I moved three steps backwards and said, “Gentleman, I want to tell you thank you for making time to see me. Before we get to dinner I have a little story for you.” I held my arms hands down to point to my high waters. The room burst into laughter. After minutes of hoots and hollers we all settled down to eat dinner. “You are really alright.” the lead mechanic told me between bites. “Most people would have ducked the meeting. We are glad you stayed.”
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This article has been read 864 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Cheri Hardaway
07/26/07
Your story was a hoot! I could feel your embarrassment.

I do suggest that you put spaces between paragraphs, as it makes it easier on your reader.

I like the title, and I enjoyed the ending -- the comraderie between the men.

Nice work,
Cheri
Catrina Bradley
07/27/07
Oh, the horror! I like the conclusion - good thinking on your part. Thanks for sharing your embarrassing story, and for the smile. :)
Dee Yoder
07/27/07
I was chuckling out loud while I read this. Great save at the end! The humbleness of the confession actually seemed to bring more respect, and the men were relaxed and ready to listen, too.
Myrna Noyes
07/27/07
Your title caught my attention, and your story held it! What a predicament, but your main character dealt with it so graciously! :) Thanks for the laugh!
George Parler 
08/01/07
Very funny. :) Life always has a way of making the road interesting.

One thing I would suggest is line spacing between paragraphs. It may just be my own personal preference, but it does make for an easier read.