Couple of Moments

By David A. Church

A collection of nine thought-provoking literary short stories, inspired in part by the work of Raymond Carver.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781326246969

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Couple of Moments

Couple of Moments

A Short Story Collection

David A. Church

Copyright

© 2015 by David A. Church

First published as an eBook in Great Britain in 2015 by Lulu.com

All rights reserved.

The moral right of the author has been asserted.

This is a work of fiction.

S

et in

12, 13, 18, 22

and

44

pt Garamond

ISBN : 978-1-326-24696-9

For Kristina

I love and thank you always.

Is That Jim?

He is chopping carrots when the landline rings. He wipes his hands on a tea towel and goes to answer it.

Hello.

Is that Jim? It is a woman’s voice.

Sorry, you have got the wrong number.

You’re not Jim?

I am afraid not.

Can I speak with him, please?

There is no Jim here.

Are you sure?

Of course.

I was told this was Jim’s number.

They were mistaken.

So there isn’t a Jim holding this number?

Not at this address.

What about before you moved in?

We have lived here years and do not know the former occupants.

You live with someone?

Yes, my wife. Now I am sorry, but I cannot help you.

Could you ask her for me?

She does not know any Jims either, please hang up.

I need to speak with him.

I understand that. Maybe if you go back to the person who gave you this number, you could ask them to rip it up and give you the correct one.

Don’t go.

He takes the telephone from his ear but does not hang up. He looks over to his wife on the sofa. Her eyes have not moved from her television guide.

Is it important?

I’d say so.

I am sorry I am no good to you.

How about James?

What?

James. Is there a James there?

"I am afraid there is no Jims or Jameses here."

I thought I’d try his birth name, just in case.

Jim is short for James?

Didn’t you know?

Why would I? I do not know any Jims or Jameses.

I didn’t know that.

How could you, I suppose?

Exactly.

But they don’t even sound the same.

I’m not in the business of name calling.

I see. Then how do you know?

It’s common knowledge, Jim short for James. Plus I know–knew a man called that.

I have never heard that before.

Ask someone if you don’t believe me.

I was not calling you a liar.

The woman does not respond.

My wife is in the other room.

I bet she’ll know. I don’t mind waiting.

Okay.

He places the telephone face down on the side table and enters the living room. His wife does not look up.

Love, is Jim short for James?

How should I know?

Apparently it is common knowledge.

I am reading.

He nods.

Thanks, love.

He returns to the telephone. The woman speaks before he brings it to his ear.

What she say?

You are right.

Told you. But Jim’s not there?

No.

You’re not covering for him?

"I swear I am not. I do not