by LJ Frank

Friday. Departed work a few minutes before the hour. Got in my car, turned on the radio and headed for the main thoroughfare. It was a fifteen-mile drive. In traffic it took longer than I’d like but that’s life. I turned the channel to my favorite late afternoon music disc jockey. He was playing Johnny Mathis singing Misty.  The air condition wasn’t working so I rolled down the windows. While stopping at a red light the person in car next to mine waved and shouted at me. It was my boss.

“Hey, we need to talk, want to stop and get a beer at Ted’s Bar?”

“Well, okay meet you there.”

We both arrived at about the same time. We walked in and sat at the bar. He poured out his heart out about his girlfriend who happened to be married. I listened and sympathized with him and not finishing the second beer departed and walked to my car. 

Sitting behind the wheel I noticed my cellular phone had a text message. My wife asked me to pick up a bottle of wine and said I would need it. As I walked into the wine store, I received another text message.  It was my boss.  

“I forgot to tell you…you’ve been promoted. You now have my position. Congrats! I’m Seattle bound to handle a new position. Have to rendezvous with my girlfriend. She’s taking a taxi to meet me at the airport.”

I sighed, “Jesus” and headed home. 

Upon arrival and walking into the house I called out, “Honey, I’m home!” I then walked to the kitchen to retrieve the corkscrew to open the bottle of wine. 

It was then I looked out the kitchen window at the rear of the house. Her car was still there but she wasn’t. I noticed a slip of paper with the number of a taxi service on the kitchen table and a travel brochure next to it.

My mind raced over possible scenarios. I knew from my colleagues things happen in any marriage. I then heard a knock at the front door. Opening the door my neighbor was standing on the porch with tears in her eyes. She was my wife’s best friend. 

”My god! I’m so very sorry my dear.” She then stepped in the house gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek, half smiled and shook her head, took a deep breath, and then hurried back to her house. 

I was speechless. I didn’t know what to think, I took a large sip of wine. I heard someone at the door. Now what? I opened it. 

“My car wouldn’t start, I had to use a taxi, your dog died. I left him at the veterinarian. I’m sorry honey. Let’s have a drink.”