Ten Funny Stories Complete Collection

Truffle Shop Tale

Paul R. Wonning

It was a creamy blend of raspberry, vanilla and chocolate, covered by an intriguing mix of dark chocolates. A swirl of raspberry chocolate icing completed the truffle. William Billings studied the candy, devouring it with his eyes, before taking a bite. It was tantalizing. The aftertaste lingered, a pleasant sensation that compelled a person to eat another. And then another. He recalled the conversation with his wife the night before at dinner. Excitement exuded from her as she recounted her discovery in the Village District that afternoon.

"You have to do a story on it," she said, taking a truffle out of her purse and handing it to him.

He bit into it. That delightful combination of flavors teased his palette.

Nancy continued her story, "Zoe and Claire told me about it. So I went there this afternoon." She paused long enough to inject a forkful of salad into her mouth, chew and swallow it before continuing. "The most delightful young lady runs it. She makes everything she sells right in the shop."

"Homemade, you say?" he asked.

"Yes, she makes all her own candies. Her name is Sandra Phipps and she is a wonderful girl. She works so hard and her shop is a real asset to the downtown."

Those candies are addicting, William thought, as their conversation flowed to other topics.

His thoughts returned as his hand reached for another truffle. These things are dangerous, he thought. Clearly, this Sandra Phipps was onto something. As Assistant Desk Editor for WZOB News, he was always searching for short filler stories. The shop might make a good story for that new reporter, Phyllis Stripe. He considered the truffles remaining in the basket his wife bought for him to bring to work. She hasn't had an assignment yet. He touched the intercom button on his desk, and said, "Carol, would you get Phyllis in here? I have an assignment for her."

Phyllis Stripe appeared in front of his desk a few minutes later.

William handed her a paper and said, "I got a tip about a little candy store over in the Village. The place makes homemade candies and all that kind of thing. I thought it might make a good filler piece. How about you head over there, scope it out and set up a story."

Phyllis scanned the address and map on the printout. "Ok, Mr. Billings, I'll check it out. Should I take someone along?"

"Yes, take Wally. He has done a few of these stories before and can help you get started."

Mr. Billings turned his attention to another set of papers on his desk as Phyllis Stripe turned and walked out the door.

Phyllis had been on the job only a few days and had managed to offend just about everyone in the newsroom. Phyllis was blond, brash and leggy. Her looks completed a package that included an ability to read off a teleprompter without getting her tongue tangled up with her epiglottis.

Disappointment welled up in her. Her first assignment turned out to be a little pipsqueak candy shop in the Village District. Well, even Barbara Walters had to start at the bottom. Phyllis Stripe was determined to be as famous as Barbara Walters.

As she walked past the coffee machine, she saw Wally Zing getting a cup of coffee.

"Hey Zing," she called. "We have an assignment. Can you make a phone call for me?"

"Sure," Wally said as. Phyllis handed him the paper. "Call the owner. Tell her we are on the way over to set up a story. Then meet me in the parking lot."