Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Sneak (05/12/16)
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TITLE: Harvey Stillwaters' Master Delivery | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
05/16/16 -
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A stunning blond in a mid-thigh form fitter raised a forefinger to her strawberry lips in the sign of silence.
Harvey watched the technicians fidgeting with cables under the Toastmasters International sign. The soundman at the rear of the sixty foot long room gave a thumbs up and adjusted his headphones.
Jen back-stepped toward Harvey and whispered. “How did you sneak your name onto this list? This is the district finals.”
Harvey stepped back behind the fireproof curtain to stage left. “Sneak is a bit extreme. It implies I used stealth to get on that list.”
“There’s no way you deserved this. What kind of speech did you present at the locals?”
Harvey laughed softly. “I talked about our first date.”
Jen spun around and stepped off the apron and toward the prompt corner where Harvey huddled. One of her high heels snapped and she crumpled to her knees. “You wouldn’t dare. There’s no way they let you finish.”
“You’re right.” Harvey stepped around the curtain and stood backstage. “Would you believe I hacked into the Rancho Santa Margarita headquarters in California, found the list of finalists and added my name?”
Jen snapped up her broken shoe and hurled it. The leather projectile bounced and slid to a stop at Harvey’s feet. “That is worse than sneaky. Look what you’ve done to me.” She took off her other shoe and stood to her feet.” I have to MC this thing in five minutes. You’ve ruined my life.”
Harvey kicked her shoe toward her. “Does this mean I don’t get my second date?”
“This event has been running for over 90 years and I wouldn’t give you a second date if you won every Toastmasters for the next 90 years.”
“Aren’t we testy?” Harvey followed Jen onto the apron of the stage. “Remember, Toastmasters is about speaking, listening and thinking. You’ve done enough of the first – how about the last two?”
Jen adjusted her hem and waved at the soundman who was approaching. She turned slightly toward Harvey. “Four million people have given speeches for Toastmasters and there was never a more pitiful effort than yours.”
Harvey stopped at Jen’s side as the soundman handed her the wireless microphone. Harvey nodded. “I’m Harvey Stillwater, Advanced Leader Silver.”
The soundman nodded. “It’s an honor to finally meet you Mr. Stillwater. Your speech on My First Date is legendary around here. I’m sure the judges have already inscribed the Distinguished Toastmaster Trophy with your name for today.”
Jen furrowed her brows and held out the microphone. “Take back this microphone. They’ll need to get a new MC.” She stomped off into the wings without looking back.
Harvey shook hands with the soundman. “That was sneaky, Phillips. When the real soundman finds that unplugged cable tell him I hope he doesn’t lose his job. I’ve got some grovelling to do or I’ll never get a second date.”
Jen was still barefoot, holding one shoe, as she stepped onto the blistering parking lot. She jumped back into the shade of a maple tree and stood with her hands on her hips.
Harvey hurried out and stood in front of her. “If I carry you to your car would you give me a second date?”
“I’d rather fry every inch of my soles on this tarmac before letting you touch me.”
“If you give me your keys I could drive your car closer so you wouldn’t have to burn yourself so much.”
“You are more insane than I imagined to think I’d trust you with my car.”
“Okay. Listen, Jen.” Harvey stepped closer and looked around. “The event is about ready to start. You’re the best MC around. I’ll make you a deal so you won’t disappoint your fans.”
“What kind of a deal?”
“I’ll withdraw from the speeches. I won’t ever use ‘My First Date’ again as a topic.”
“And what do you expect of me in return?”
“How much did you really hate me after that first date?”
“I didn’t hate you. I just didn’t appreciate being tricked into posing as your fiancé with your mother.”
“Tell you what. If you are willing to take 30 minutes to come with me and tell her the truth I’ll back out of this speech.”
“30 minutes?”
“30 minutes!”
“Fine. I’ve got speeches to MC.” Jen hurried away.
Harvey whispered. “Second date confirmed.”
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