Par for the Course (by John Green)'And she said, "And I'm only 10!"'
Roderick laughed uneasily, shifting in his chair. The bonhomie evaporated in an instant.
'Did you just fart?'
'Excuse me?'
Kettering pointed towards Roderick's crotch.
'You just broke wind. I saw you drop the shoulder as you laughed.'
'I was just making myself more comfortable.'
'Dundas and I will be in this room all day, you know.'
'Yes.'
'You might be here for 15... 10 minutes, but we have to interview 12 people. It'll get stuffy enough without candidates' noxious bowel odours.'
'I understand.'
'Good.'
Kettering looked down at Roderick's CV, pressing his chin against his chest. It wasn't until Dundas turned to look out of the window that Roderick saw a tear in her eye and copped on.
'I'm sorry,' Kettering finally said. 'I was joking. My warped sense of humour, I'm afraid. You'll have to get used to it if you're going to work here.'
Kettering grinned but otherwise sat motionless, as though anticipating an answer. Dundas smiled and gave Roderick a hint.
'He's telling you you've got the job.'
'Really?' He was stunned.
Kettering waved his CV.
'You play at Baltray?'
'Yes.'
'Off what?'
'Nine.'
'Fifteen. Let's get together for a round. What's the waiting list like?'
'Two years.'
'I'd heard that.' He stood up and shook Roderick's hand. 'No need for you to sit the test paper. Not on a beautiful day like today.'
He winked.
'I'm sure you can think of much nicer places to be.'
[The short short story comp is announced and explained here.]