Progress on the P-Fiver

"Progress on the P-Fiver" is also available in the full-length collection Easy Money & Other Stories.

Sometimes you think your workday can't get any worse... and then it does. Angie and Patty are having one of those days. Sometimes a bad habit turns out to be a blessing.

“So what are we, the last two smokers in all of Elmwood Hills Office Park, or what,” Angie asked.
“Are you kiddin, Angie,” Patty said. “We’re the last two smokers on all of Long Island!” She took a puff, exhaled, then hugged herself and shivered.
“Sometimes it seems like it,” Angie agreed.
“Last real, unrepentant smokers,” Patty said.
“Right? Everybody’s on the patch.”
“Quitters.”
“Not me.”
“Same here, girl,” Patty said. “I’m a lifer. I love these damn things. They'll be the death of us, these damn ciggies, but I love 'em.”
Angie took a drag then held her cigarette up in front of her face and shook it. “Maybe if I ever get out of this nut-house I can think about quittin the smokes, but right now my cigs are all that are holdin me together. I’m tellin ya, Patty, I can’t take much more.”
“Believe me, I know,” Patty said. “Don’t tell a soul, but I’m polishin up my rezzie.”