Close But No Cigar

Fandango

Paula was a very good photographer who worked for a small town newspaper. She had an eye for detail and great photographic artistry.

She was excited to learn that some of her photographs had been noticed by a photography magazine editor. He sent her an email saying how impressed he was with her technique and wanted to know if she would be interested in coming in for an interview. She responded that she would be keen to meet with him.

Within a few days, the magazine editor called Paula and they discussed and agreed upon a timeline for the interview. Paula was thrilled because, if she got the job, it would be a big promotion for her.

But as luck would have it, the day before Paula’s first interview was scheduled, she received a call from the magazine’s publisher. “Unfortunately, Paula, the editor has been fired due to some financial chicanery on his part and, as a result, we are freezing any new hiring for the time being. However, we will keep your resume on file should the hiring freeze be lifted.”

Well, okay, then, Paula thought. Close but no cigar. I guess I’ll have to put myself back on the market to find another opportunity.

Written for these daily prompts: Word of the Day Challenge (technique), Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (keen), MMA Storytime (timeline), The Daily Spur (promotion), Your Daily Word Prompt (chicanery), and Ragtag Dailt Prompt (market finds). Photo credit: jwblinn at Shutterstock.com

13 thoughts on “Close But No Cigar”

  1. Sadje June 19, 2021 / 6:07 pm

    Tut tut. So near and yet so far.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. bushboy June 19, 2021 / 7:51 pm

    Some many prompts rolled into a great story. Thanks for joining in Fandango 😀😀

    Liked by 2 people

    • Fandango June 19, 2021 / 8:29 pm

      I hope “market to find” was an acceptable substitute for “market finds.”

      Like

  5. Dave Williams June 20, 2021 / 2:18 am

    Such a good, old-fashioned word with chicanery. Along the lines of Biden’s “No Malarkey.” It’s sad news for Paula, but I have hope for a bright future for her.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. leigha66 June 30, 2021 / 9:55 pm

    Good story, great write for all the prompts!

    Liked by 1 person

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