Paddy, The Christmas Turkey by Denise McCabe
Tom looked at his watch. Finally, he thought, another half hour and I’m outta this place. It was the last day in work before the Christmas holidays and he was looking forward to getting out of work early that day. He’d had enough all year what with everyone rushing around the factory like the world was going to end tomorrow. Declan, pompous little brat was his new eager young manager had been on their back all year pontificating at them about his cost productive stats and work enhancing performances. He just wanted to get home, have a rest, sit back with a hot whiskey and watch the TV. “Tom c’mon, the boss man has called us for this stupid ‘let’s get together team meeting’,” Mick, Tom’s colleague called out. “I’m not in the mood of listening to that¬¬ little upstart who’s barely out of school and never did a hard days graft in his life. Can you tell him I went home sick and you can get my bonus for me?” “No, Tom,” laughed Mick. “Unfortunately we all have to go to listen to his shite one more time this year.” “Right, c’mon so,” Tom said as him and Mick went into Declan’s office. When Tom and Mick went to the office, Declan was already there with a few others. “And I must say, you have all been darling workers this year,” he was saying as he held up a glass of mulled wine. “It’s amazing what a little team work and a listening can do for us. Next year I have more plans for you all. I
know none of you are afraid of a little extra work. I think we should all give a little round of applause to each other.” Declan put his glass down and began to clap. Mick whispered into Tom’s ear, “He’s a right little feck that still should be getting slapped on the arse over mammy’s lap. It’d do the world of good for him.” Tom started laughing and Declan turned around. “Ah, Tom. You decided to show up. We will have to work on that a little bit more. That’s not the first time you were late to a meeting this year, but even though it’s Christmas I will still have to dock your wages,” he said as he threw head back and gave the loudest snorting laugh. When he finally stopped laughing he looked at Tom and said, “Oh, you should see your face Tom. You thought I was serious. Oh I do crack myself up at times.” “Yes Declan, you certainly do crack me up too,” Tom said dryly.
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