76 comments/ 108941 views/ 44 favorites Truth Doesn't Matter By: WantABWriter It was easier than I thought getting into my truck, starting the motor and backing out of the drive. I was leaving the house I had called home for the last 9 years with Connie. We had purchased the place before me married and had moved in after the honeymoon. Somehow I thought it would be harder to move on as it is said. In ten minutes I was on the interstate heading north. I was on I-45 heading to Dallas. There I would take I-35 toward OKC then on to Kansas City before turning north again. My destination was Minneapolis. I had arranged a transfer much to my supervisor's dismay. He had warned me that it got cold there in the winter and I would have to shovel snow. I laughed and said I was use to the cold. He looked at me and shrugged. I was clearing the city when I began to think of what had led up to this. It had started just over a year ago. A close friend of Connie had come by my office at quitting time. She said her car was in the shop and she needed a ride home. In truth I never had much need for the woman, I felt she was too high maintenance. In other words she was a total bitch. But I tolerated her because she had been my wife's best friend since grade school. When we go to her place she asked me up. I said 'no thanks' I had to be getting home. She told me she knew Connie was out of town so I need not rush. She offered to cook. I knew something was up there because she hates to cook. And as she sat in the seat she began to pull her skirt up slowly as she continued to ask me. Soon she was showing me more than I should have seen. She commented that she hated to wear panties, a fact she proved. And as she pulled the skirt up a little farther she confirmed she had been recently waxed. I told her it was time for her to get out. She pouted and said I didn't know what I was missing. I just looked at her. She then tried, "Who will know?" I replied, "I would." With that she gave up and smiled. "Can't blame a girl for trying." She got out and I drove away without looking back. I guess right then I should have realized it wasn't over, but dumb old me never gave it another thought. I had no intention of telling Connie but did decide to never be sucked by Ann again. So that is what started the drive I was on. I took stock. I had just turned 34. I stood 6' tall, in actuality I was just a fraction short but I still said 6'. I was close to 200 pounds and could stand to lose about 10 or so. My hair I keep short but it's still brown like my eyes. Guess I'm not too bad looking and always felt lucky to have Connie. She was a real knockout. She was just short of beautiful. Long dark hair, dark eyes, full red lips and a body that was perfect. Breasts that I make me drool and a bottom I could never keep my hands off of. She was still beautiful but I just felt so distant. She was more like a stranger or a TV character I had become so familiar with through the years. So I had left her behind. Only physically for I had not yet completed my mourning for the love I had lost. I had always felt that we would grow old together and die in one another's arms. But that was not to be. But since I had a big part of me die, it didn't seem the loss that it might have. With nothing to do but drive I let my mind reconstruct the events thinking perhaps I could have done something differently. It had been six months since that April day when I have given Ann a ride home. Connie had come home as angry as I had ever seen her. I asked her what the problem was and she just glared at me. Without a word she went to the bedroom and slammed the door. That was a little unusual but not completely out of the norm. Connie did have a temper but all the other times she had blasted me with her wrath without hesitation. She didn't come out of the bedroom for over an hour. When I went to check on her she was in her nightgown sitting at her vanity brushing her hair. Seeing me in the reflection she demanded I leave. Not wanting to stay where I was unwelcome I grabbed some clothes for the next day and retreated. I slept in the spare bedroom half expecting Connie to come looking for me. That would have been a mixed blessing. If she came it would be to express some displeasure. I went to work without a word from her. I called her twice but she didn't answer either. I knew she had caller ID and felt when she saw my number she let it go to voice mail. That was OK though, but she would know I called. That evening I beat her home but I wasn't shocked. When she wasn't in by 9 I tried her cell. I left a message and was getting a little angry myself. At eleven I was trying to sleep when my phone range. It was Connie. She had been drinking. That was obvious in her speech. With a few short sentences she informed me she wouldn't be in that evening. She had had a little too much to drink and was at a friends. That set me off but she hung up before I could get much in. I got up and waited a while wondering what to do. At midnight I tried her phone and it went straight to voice mail. I was not only mad I was upset but couldn't do a thing about it. The next day at the office I am sure everyone was aware of my mood. That night I stopped for a drink. I was going to be late too. I was and didn't roll in till midnight. I did find Connie's car in the garage and the motor was cold. I knew she had beat me by at least an hour. I went in expecting a scene. It was not to be. The house was dark. I felt my way to the bedroom. I found the door locked. Feeling the liquor and the exhaustion I went to the spare bed and fell across it. I woke the next morning a little late and found I was alone. Connie had already gone. Lucky for me that was Friday morning. I went to work a little late and made the best of the day. I didn't call Connie but I did call a friend, a male friend that worked with her to make sure Connie had made it. All he could confirm was her car was in the parking lot. Friday night I went in to find her waiting for me. She had a glass of wine and a sober expression. I was greeted with "We Need To Talk". As most married men will testify, then means she was about to talk and you are expected to listen intently. She began, "Is there something you want to tell me?" Well yes there was but I didn't think it was the time to tell her she was acting like a bitch. I also thought of the old saying, "I'll wait for her to tell me what I done wrong, I ain't a gonna confess to sumthin she don't already know about!" When I remained silent she opened up. "I didn't think you would confess on your own. But I know all about it. You can't hide it any more. I never thought you would betray me that way?" Now I was in a quandary, what in the hell had I done? I tried desperately to think. I hadn't bought anything expensive. I hadn't planned a fishing trip out in the Gulf. I thought of the date, it wasn't her birthday or our anniversary. And what did she mean 'betray her'? I did have some naked photos of her but I have never shown them to anyone. "Thinking of a lie to tell to get out of this?" I looked at my wife of 8 years and shrugged my shoulders. "I would be if I knew what I needed one for." "Oh come one Martin. Think back. You thought you got away with it didn't you?" "Got away with what?" "Cut the bull.....you know what I'm talking about." "I haven't a clue, and if you want to keep talking in circles I think I'll go get drunk." "The hell you will, you're going to stay right here till you confess and tell me why!" "Why what?" "Why you did it asshole....what do you think?" The asshole let me know she was real serious. But what did I have to confess to? What had I done? I know I can be an insensitive jerk but all men can be, what was I missing? I tried to remain calm. "Did what? I can't apologize till I know what I did." "Oh Mister an apology won't fix this!" 'Damn this is going to cost me', I thought. "What will it take then?" I asked. "I don't know yet but it will be costly, might even cost you our marriage." That got my attention. This was serious. I began to think. What in the hell had I done? Whatever it was I sure had intended it to go this way. She saw me thinking and made her forehead furl. Her anger was rekindling. Before I could speak again she let me have it all. "You though you could fuck my best friend and get away with it! Ann is too dear a friend to allow that. She told me all about it! I know what you did and I wonder how many more there are I don't know about." I just looked across the table at her like she was crazy. That only made her more furious. "You asshole! You drove Ann home and wanted a little 'payment' as you put it. You followed her to her door and barged in behind her. She didn't really want to but felt it was better than ruining me by charging you with rape." I was speechless. I remembered driving Ann home but even after her offer I let it pass. Hell I had forgotten about the tramp. Well as one might guess the rest of the weekend went downhill. There were screaming fits, threats, crying spells and name calling. I was only guilty of some name calling but still kept up my end of the battle. For three months we slept in different beds. We only had 'hall sex'. That is when we passed one another in the hall she would say 'fuck you'. I was at the end of my rope and had search out a divorce lawyer. A buddy had used him for his divorce. The lawyer was named Jerry Lewis but believe me he proved to be no comedian. He had been taken to the cleaners by his wife in a divorce, and he used every case to seek vengeance on the female gender. I was about to suggest it when Connie came to me one night and said that it was time to patch it up. Our marriage was too important for the two of us to go on as we were. She called a truce and suggested we share the master again. I felt a little better but some of the damage was already done. Nothing was quite the same after that. It was not a peace it was more an armistice. We both felt it. Then one night it happened. It was a Friday night and Connie didn't come home. I got a call at midnight saying she was spending the night out. I didn't argue and accepted it. That was strike two. Connie didn't come home till noon. She was wearing shorts, a blouse and sandals. In her hand was a gym bag. She seemed happy as if nothing had happened and it was normal. She went to the bathroom and showered. With the door closed I checked the bag. Inside was an evening gown, heels, hose, a garter belt, a push up lacy bra, makeup, but no panties. Well that was not completely true. There were panties in the plastic bag that contained her work clothes from Friday. I thought about what it meant. I began to imagine all sorts of things. And I do mean all sorts. Not just bad things, but maybe there was a company party and she went. She didn't invite me just for spite. She had her ways but I still loved her in spite of them all. When she came into the kitchen she smiled, "Thanks for helping me unpack." I took that as a sign she wanted to tell me what happened. So I asked. Connie blushed and tried to look coy, "Well if I must be brutally honest, I had a date." "A date!" I screamed. "Yes a date and I won't lie about it like you!" "What in the hell you taking about!" "It's only fair!" she retorted. "Fair?" "Yes, you fucked Ann so I got my turn." "Woman," now let me tell you Connie never liked to be called that. "I told you nothing happened with Ann. I don't know why you won't believe me." "Go on keep up the lie. But I won't. I had a great date. Dinner, dancing... you know you haven't taken me dancing in years, but where was I? Yes after dancing we went back to his place. He was quite the gentleman." "Gentleman?" "Yes he was gentle and took his time. He make me feel like a woman again. He make love to me all night. And I do mean made love to me, not just stuffed his cock in me." "I don't want to hear this." I said that but still sat at the table. I just wanted her to stop talking. Connie knew she had found my button. "Yes he was quite the lover, he took care of me in every way. He was really good at oral. He might give you a few pointers. But his is much larger than you so I felt him in places you haven't been." "I don't want to hear this!" I shouted. "Why not? You don't want to know that another man can please me better then you?" "I just don't...." "Well I am glad I'm on the pill because he did fill me more than once. And believe me he can pump a long string of pearls. I had to swallow some. It was only right after he had done so much for me." "What have you done?" I asked in a cold voice. "Gotten even! How does it feel?" I put my face in my hands and said, "I think I will be sick." And I was. I had to get to the bathroom for I felt as if I was about to puke. I didn't and after an hour the urge passed. I washed my face, left the bathroom. I grabbed a beer and went to the back porch. I was setting watching the sun sink when Connie appeared. I didn't notice it at first. I finally noticed her sitting beside me when she spoke. "Isn't the sunset beautiful? It marks the end of the day and the promise of a new tomorrow." I had jumped when she spoke for I was a little unnerved. I just looked over at her then looked back at the last of the sun. "Yes let's make this the end of our problems. We can put them behind us and tomorrow it will our new beginning." I looked at the woman again. I was seeing her in a different light. How could she be so casual about what she had done? Connie was sipping wine. "I think we should make a new vow to one another then go to bed and consummate it." That hit me as funny and I laughed for the first time in many hours. "What's so funny?" she demanded on a sharp tone. "Oh I don't know, let's see, a new vow. Why? You didn't live up to the last one!" "Well asshole you didn't either!" I just looked at her with as much hate as I could ever remember. "Don't look that way at me!" Then her voice softened. "I still love you and want this behind us. Come to bed. I need you and want you." "Hell, your crazy woman!" Again with the woman. "What does that mean Martin Raymond Jamison." Connie reverted to mother mode using all three of my names. She knew that pissed me off. "I mean I don't intend to crawl in bed with you. Go back to Mr. Big Dick. You said you enjoyed him more than me." "I love you Martin, I only had sex with..." her voice trailed off. "Get all your sex from him then." "Oh I see! I bathed you know. I am clean." "What you did won't wash off!" "You can go and dip you wick just anywhere you want, then come home to me and expect me to spread my legs.....but now that another man has had me I am a tainted woman." "I think the word is whore!" With that I got up and headed to the master. She followed me. I believe she thought we would fall into bed and make mad passionate love but we didn't. I got most of my clothes and took them to the spare room. She followed along with a sting or explicative that I ignored. The next trip was for my things from the bathroom. Needless to say it was a cold Saturday night in Houston and an even colder Sunday. I accepted the facts and went to work. It was time for me to do something. I worked on the transfer and gave all I had to Jerry Lewis. I do believe he was most delighted with the case. That was just over two weeks ago and now I'm alone on my way to Minneapolis. The drive as lonely and I felt the loss more than I could have imagined. I had intended to drive into Kansas before stopping, but instead made the drive straight through. It wasn't I wanted to, I was just afraid if I stopped I might sleep on my decision and turn around in the morning. Nights, sleepless nights can be such a hard time on a person. Rolling into town some 20 hours later I was ready to sleep. I found a hotel and checked in. It was Saturday so I paid for two days. I was not due in the office for a week but didn't want to sit in the hotel. It was a surprise to all at the office when they learned I was going alone. They had offed to have us, me and Connie a farewell dinner but understood when I explained. I was a little surprised that the news didn't leak out to Connie but she was truly surprised when I left. I had planned of being gone before she got home but with a last minute sale and her being a little early I had to face her. I checked my phone but knew I wouldn't have a call. I had purchased a cheap cell phone and had my number transferred to it. I then got a new number of the I-Phone I carried. I had left the old phone hidden in den under the sofa. If Connie tried to call she would find it. I smiled but it was a sad smile as I wondered if she had tried. Maybe she was in Mr. Big Dicks bed as I was sitting in a hotel room at the top of the country. I had to push that thought out of my mind. With nothing else to do I went looking for my new office. It was much easier to find than I had imagined. I thought all cities were like Houston, but I found different. At dinner, while eating alone, I realized I would need a place to stay. An apartment would do. Hopefully at least partially furnished. Monday came and I was blue. I thought getting away from Connie would make it easier but it didn't. It is hard to explain, even angry at her it was comforting in a way to know she was in the house. I had to get over it. So I did all I could do, I went to report in. They were expecting me but not that morning. I met my boss Bill and his secretary Jackie. Jackie was an attractive woman in maybe her mid 50's. She dress well and was very professional. It was not only her smile that caught my eyes but also the rock on her wedding finger. I didn't notice it because I fancied her, but more because of its size. If it was real a man that could afford it would not need the income of her pay. As it turned out, she was married to a very wealthy man that allowed her to keep her job. She had worked at the company for over 15 years. She took the position when her children were in high school. Bill asked if I had a place yet. I said no. He asked if I wanted Jackie to line some places up. I was surprised at what she had for me by 1 that afternoon. As I was picking up the pamphlets she mentioned she had a daughter about my age that would be willing to show me around. I thanked her but said I was married. Jackie gave me a strange look, then smiled. I thought she had taken offense but found she knew of my pending divorce and saw it was a subject I didn't wish to discuss. "If any need to verify your employment, here is my card with my direct line. Most are new complexes and need the tenants, but they might still need to check." I was off and rented a one bedroom apartment on the 4th floor at my second stop. It was unfurnished but they had a company that would furnish it and lease or sell any or all they delivered. I had Per Diem money and paid for the lot. I was settled in by Wednesday and ready for work. It was the following Thursday before Connie tracked me down. She was not a happy woman by that time. She had received the papers for our pending divorce. I took some verbal abuse and tried not to respond in kind. I was at my desk at a new office and didn't want to air my dirty linen in front of my new coworkers. "And another thing....it took me about 40 calls before I found that damn phone under the couch. You sure can be cute come times. Then at the office last Tuesday I got papers served. I only found you when my attorney demanded to know you address so he could serve you. I'm counter suing you...you...you perverted asshole." That was not the hard part for me. It was when she broke down and cried that killed me. I knew I still had a love for her, but not as I once had. Still it hurt me to see her hurt. Truth Doesn't Matter Luckily my lawyer held off the paper service. He claimed legal representation for me in Texas. And since I was out of state they had to go through him. He kept in touch and I would hear the pleasure he got out of making Connie mad. I found people different in Minnesota. Not bad, just different. In the far north the folks enjoy the warm months as much as they can. The only exception was all swimming polls were in doors. But otherwise the people used the parks and ball fields to all hours of the night. Especially in the summer when kids were out of school. I began to walk to work. It was just over a mile. The first day I regretted the decision before I was half way. When they learned I had walked I expected some ribbing about short of gas money but it never came. By the second week I was enjoying the walk. I watched spring go by and summer pass. It was already getting brisk and only in late September. I had made my last walk not liking the 20 mile an hour cold wind. I thought I understood why we had underground garages but hadn't quite see it yet. I was on my way down the hall toward my door when a woman stepped out of her door almost stepping into me. All I can remember is she was in a small bathing suit. And it just barely covered her, but I wouldn't complain. "Oh sorry, I was heading down to swim. Guess I should have put on my wrap first." She smiled and it lit up the hall. I didn't know what to say. I just stared as if I had never seen a woman before. "Will I see you there?" she asked. "I hadn't planned on it," I tried to smile looking at two peaked breasts covered with cups of bright material. "Maybe next time." Then she walked away. I must have looked the fool. I just stood and watched. She never put on the wrap, just slung it over her shoulder. I watched the sway of her hips and her tight bottom with my tongue hanging out. When she turned the corner I went to my door. It was then I felt foolish. I was thinking about her when I unlocked the door. I had just got inside when the phone rang. I was on call so I grabbed it. "Bet this is a surprise," came Connie's voice. "Yes I guess it is, how have you been?" I asked with nothing better to say. "Do you really care?" And the question was not sarcastic, and that hurt. "Yes I do, in a way." "I'm not doing well. I miss you and want you back. I just got your number. It took me this long to track you down. I love Martin and I'm so sorry, can't we work this out? I'll make it up to you,...I promise." I could hear her softly crying. "Let me think about it. I just don't know. A lot of water had passed under the bridge." "Not as much water as has in our marriage." I was caught. I could only promise to think about it and call her back. She still had our old number and cell so I knew them by heart. We talked a little more and shared a few laughs. It felt good in a way but hurt too. It reminded me of what I had lost. I hung up with the promise to call her within a week. I was tormented for the next several days and most at the office noticed it. Finally on the sixth day I made the call. It was hard but I told Connie it was best that we divorced. She took it better than I thought. I was relieved that Wednesday when I hung up. It was over. Friday I arrived home. Rounding the corner from the elevator, heading toward my door I saw Connie sitting on her suitcase outside my door. She didn't look happy. I walked toward her. It was over a 100 feet but I wished it was a mile. When she saw me her face lit up. "What are you doing here?" I asked but not in anger. "I just had to come. I still love you and I think you still love me. I just couldn't let it go without one last try." I looked around. "Let's go inside." "That's fine with me. I think we need some privacy." When she said that she looked down the hall. I followed her gaze but saw nothing. Inside she tried to kiss me but it just wasn't right. She was a little offended. "What's the matter, I got bad breath?" "No it is just...it just doesn't feel right." "Does it feel right with that redheaded bitch?" I just looked at her. I was stunned because I had no idea what she was talking about. "Who?" "Oh you know....'The Hall Monitor'." I wrinkled my face, "Hall Monitor?" "Don't play stupid with me. That long legged, big boobed trollop that came to ask me why I was sitting in front of your door. No she said, 'Why are you sitting outside Martin's door'. If you don't know her how'd she know your name?" I still had no idea who she was talking about but went to the door. I opened it and called her over. "See my name is right here on the door!" "Well...she still knew you! And when I told her I was your wife she...well it sure showed on her face. You won't be getting any more of that!" "I wasn't any way!" I said with a raised voice. "If you don't know who she is, how do you know you aren't bedding her Mr. Jamison?" I didn't answer. But I knew because I had no sex life. But I wasn't going to admit that. The night didn't go well. She slept in my bed, me on the couch. We talked, argued and fought all the next morning. I am sure anyone in the hall or the apartment on my left knew of the fight, but perhaps not all the words. Finally I sat Connie down Saturday afternoon. We had both calmed a little. She asked me to forgive her and I had to explain. "Connie I have forgiven you. I did that a while back." "If you forgave me why didn't you come home?" "It's like this, I can forgive but the damage is done. Let me explain. You took my most cherished possession and smashed it. If it was in anger or by accident it doesn't matter, the treasure is broken. I can forgive you for even the intentional act, for I know it was anger and not vengeance." She smiled and tied to speak. I held up my hand and went on. "As I say my treasure was broken, no better said shattered. Then you tired to glue it back together. Now that was possible and it might fill its intended purpose but every time I saw it I would member how it was shattered and would never be the same." "Then you haven't forgiven!" Connie began to cry. That hurt. I held her and said yes I had, but the damage was done and could never be repaired. "What we had was special and when this came between us that feeling was gone. I care deeply about you but I....it's best we part. I don't want to relive that sorrow every day." Connie fought back her tears. "I understand. When....his touch and all just wasn't you Martin. And when Rog.....when I was with him it just wasn't the same." Now it wasn't what she said it was how. I knew she had done more than just hold old Roger's hand. It hurt and I wished I hadn't heard the name. "Martin, I went out with all the intentions of....but I couldn't. I thought of you..and it didn't...it wasn't the same." "Then you see what I mean?" I asked not wanting to delve any further into the subject. "Yes but believe me, I'm telling you the truth! Nothing happened." Connie got out before she began to cry again. I held her with a broken heart. I felt all the pain again. At that point the truth didn't matter. It was over and done. The damage complete. I knew in my heart she had slept with Mr. Big Dick or Roger. But I wasn't angry, I was hurt. I drove Connie to the airport Saturday night and got her through security. I then headed home. I felt tired, drained and empty. I was walking down the hall toward my door. It looked to be the 100 miles I had wished for that previous Friday afternoon. I was just three two doors away when she stepped out. It startled me. I stopped in my tracks and looked at her. She was the same woman I had seen in the bathing suit. I looked her up and down. I noticed for the first time she was a red head. "Do I look that bad?" she smiled. "I'm sorry. Was just lost in my thoughts. You startled me and I had to remember where I was." "You look like you could use a friend. Come on in and sit down a minute. I don't think you need to be alone." I looked at her and then at her door. I saw her name, Cathy Taylor. How many times had I passed her door and never read it. Not even after I had seen her in that bathing suit. I followed her into her apartment mostly because I didn't want to be haunted by the ghost of Connie in mine. Cathy had a warm apartment, not just the temp but a cheer that could be felt. In a few minutes we were sipping wine. I looked into a beautiful set of green eyes and asked, "Are you the 'Hall Monitor'?" She smiled and said "Guilty" The wine was hitting me. "You might not know, but Connie called you a 'bitch'." I really don't know why I said that but I did. "Guilty again," she smiled over her glass. "Hope that doesn't make you think the less of me." "No, not at all, but I can't say the same for my soon to be ex-wife." "That is no matter," she smiled again. I just looked at the smile and felt warm all over. Thinking at the time it was the wine, I just accepted it. The next thing I knew I was waking to the smell of coffee and bacon. I was hungry because I hadn't eaten all of Saturday. I looked around. I wasn't in my bed. I was only wearing my briefs and my t-shirt. I looked to the other side of the bed. It was undisturbed; my pants and shirt lay at the foot. It took a minute to guess where he was. It was Cathy's bedroom. Just then she stepped into the room. She looked bright eyed, bushy tailed and had that same great smile. When I was warmed again I realized it wasn't the wine that I had felt the night before. "Good I see you're awake. If the coffee and bacon hadn't raised you I was going to call the paramedics." "Where'd you sleep?" I asked sheepishly. "On the sofa...I'm gay...so you were safe." She smiled again. "Just kidding I slept on top of you all night." I didn't know what to say. That smile still filled the room. "Mom said the best way to a man's heart was through his stomach. I had always held a different opinion. But since you got up for food I'll have to reconsider. The bathroom is over there. I did take down my hose, panties and bras. You'll be safe in there while I finish cooking breakfast. Hope bacon, eggs and toast will do." It did feel strange showering in her bath but the water was refreshing. I stepped out and dried. I had to dress in the same clothes but I did feel better. At the table we talked. Cathy was easy to talk to and be with. She apologized for putting me in her bed but felt it was easier than her carrying me home. And she assured me she was not gay. "Not that there's anything wrong with it," she stated. The day went well and I felt better. When evening fell I went to my place to change and take her to dinner. I found a dozen calls from Connie on my voice mail. I ignored them. Tuesday I had a call from my attorney. Connie had decided to play hard ball he said. I told him of my belief that she had met a man named Roger. That didn't surprise him at all. "Roger Smith?" he asked. All I knew was Roger. Jerry told me they had reviewed Connie's phone records for the last 6 months and found a lot of call to a number traced to a Roger Smith. A man that was Ann Barton's immediate supervisor. With that he told me not to worry. Thinking the tactic through her attorney would bring me to my senses Connie stopped her calls. I was glad of that and happy to be miles away. It was a month later when I learned what had happened. My lawyer, Mr. Jerry Lewis, fenced them in. He had taken Connie's and Ann's deposition. I was due to be deposed the following week. Under oath during questioning Connie had said she had not committed adultery and it was all a story to make me think she had. Ann testified that I had been sexually intimate with her. Neither of the women had their testimony challenged by my attorney. It was at that point he pulled out his lap top and played a video clip. I had had the mental capacity to use my I-Phone to record Connie's vivid description of her date. Jerry asked her With the video played and a copy provided to council, Jerry asked for one more person to be disposed. He wanted Roger Smith. Connie's lawyer objected but photos were produced that showed Connie and Roger at three different restaurants. And when it was established who Roger Smith was things became interesting. Lewis asked how it as that Connie was still close friends with the woman that had slept with her husband? And why was she then meeting that same woman's boss at restaurants in the evening and calling the man. He also hinted he had photos of Smith with other women. Saying that he looked directly at Ann Barton. The trump card was the fact Jerry had already talked to Roger Smith and explained the situation. He was faced with the choice of being called into court or helping convince Connie to settle with less then I had offered. The two women learned that if he was called into court, it could lead to his divorce. If that happened he promised to place the blame where it was due. And he was prepared to lie and say it was all Ann's plan to break up the marriage. And it was Ann that had set up the dates between him and Connie working toward a threesome. After an hour in consultation Connie agreed to my attorney's terms. And to rub salt into the wound Jerry made his fee payable by Connie. There was quite a discussion just how the other two would pay their part. I must admit I was impressed by my attorney. And felt rewarded. Jerry had her sign the agreement that day. He indicated he would get it to me for my review. If all met my approval he would process it and file the decree with the judge. It would take about a week at best., two at the most. But he didn't wait at all. I got the papers by 10 the next morning. I was waiting at Fed-Ex. I trusted him so I just singed and sent them back. He had it by 4 that evening. By 6 pm I was divorced. I was waiting at the office and got his fax. I would get the official decree a week later by registered mail. The divorce as final on Wednesday for I wanted to celebrate a little Thursday night. I thought who better to do it with than Cathy. We were at my place about ready to leave when the phone rang. I was in the bathroom so I called for Cathy to catch it in case it was work. When I walked out I could hear Cathy's part of the conversation. "Who am I? I would have thought you would have remembered me. I'm the Hall Monitor." There was a silence. I couldn't make out the words but I could tell there was shouting on the other end. "Well it is nice to hear from you? Yes it is...now how can I help you?" More shouts. I was just looking trying to figure what was going on. "Well I will get him if you wish. Oh wait he is just coming out of the shower." A little pause, "Martin you could at least wrap in a towel. You're embarrassing me." "Yes Connie I think he can speak to you now." Cathy held her hand over the receiver, "Sorry the 'bitch' just comes out some times," she whispered with an evil grin. I took the phone and smiled. I held it away from my face and said loud enough to be heard over the phone. "Why are you embarrassed? You're naked too." I then said "Hello" Connie lit into me with a sting of obscenities. I held the phone away from my ear. Cathy was stroking one forefinger with another whispering 'shame on you', while trying not to laugh. Connie was telling me we were still married and she had changed her mind. She was coming up and make me understand she still loved me. She commented on the 'Redhead' with a snide remark about the woman being a home wrecker. When I got a word in edgewise and explained we were divorced she didn't believe me. I told her to check but as far as I was concerned we were through. She repeated the threat of coming up. I finally said good-bye with her still yelling. Damn that felt good, well for a minute anyway. But then it did hit me a little harder. Cathy seemed to understand. We went to dinner and then back to her place. She told me it might be best if I moved apartments. She offered to take care of it the next morning as I worked. I found that she worked as assistant manager to get her rent lowered. So the next day I was in the apartment next to hers. We would share a balcony but she said I was safe. There was a 30" metal railing that separated the two landings. The next afternoon I got a call on my cell. Connie was camped in front of my old door. The manager knowing the situation showed her the empty apartment and swore he didn't know where had moved. I was told later that wasn't a complete lie because Cathy hadn't changed the paperwork as of then. Connie wouldn't be deterred and said she was going to wait on the 'Hall Monitor' and parked her ass by Cathy's door. It took the manager, security and the police to get the her to leave. I slipped in that night and headed up. I knocked on Cathy's door to ask if I had been moved. She gave me my new key and then handed me a basket of clean clothes. How embarrassing, she was washed my clothes, undies and all. I commented that I hadn't bothered to purchase a washer and dryer because there was a laundromat in the basement. "Why buy when you can rent," I joked. Cathy smiled, "I think it is better to own one. You don't know what's been in the machines downstairs, and you won't find someone else's sock in your machine," she countered. Somehow I don't think she was talking about a washing machine. But she did offer the use of hers any time I needed. I offered to buy dinner again but she said we had been out the night before. She cooked. Well really she fixed. We had salad and sandwiches. She did make them look great and they were tasty. Later in the night we sat on the balcony and watched a light snow begin to fall. It would turn into a storm that grounded all planes. Connie was stuck at the airport for 36 hours. So far Cathy and I hadn't been intimate. I had kissed her but that was about all. I did enjoy her company and found I thought of her often. I just feared I was not ready for a relationship yet. It was three weeks later and I had invited Cathy to the company Christmas party. She was a knock out. She wore a black sequined dress that hugged her body. It fell to her ankles but was slit on the sides to show her black hose. On her feet were heels and her hair was up. Her makeup looked professional. She wore a diamond pennant and matching earrings. I just looked at her and whistled. "You are gorgeous, I hope I can hold on to you at the party." I had to explain that. I knew there would be several men at the party with much more charm and things to offer her. She smiled and accepted it as a compliment and said, "You do clean up well too." We arrived at the party. When she saw where I worked she laughed. "I didn't know you worked for Tate Pressure Controls. My mom works here too. You know she's keeps trying to set me up with a guy she works with. If we see her and she drags him up I'll be so embarrassed." It dawned on me we had never discussed out work places. "Where do you work?" "I work for Stillmen." "They're one of our suppliers. It is a small world." "I work in accounts payable. Not much fun and my cubbyhole has no window." with that she laughed and it warmed me. Just then I saw my boss. I steered Cathy toward him. "Hi Bill I want to introduce Cathy Taylor, Cathy this is Bill Green my boss and I'm sorry I haven't been introduced to your wife." Bill smiled, "Cathy what a surprise." "Hi Bill and good to see you again. Fran, how are the kids?" Cathy replied. I felt I was missing something. I then got another shock. Jackie approached and hugged Cathy. I was introduced to Rick Taylor, Jackie's husband. They all seemed to know Cathy. A minute later Cathy whispered something to Jackie. Jackie began to laugh. That stunned Cathy and got everyone's attention. Truth Doesn't Matter Jackie took her husband's arm and they excused themselves. A minute later Bill and his wife were engaged by another couple. I just had to ask what that had been about. Cathy looked me in the eye. She didn't say word just led me to a private place beside the dance floor. "That was my mother and I told her not to dredge up that guy from her office. I wanted her to know I had a date and needed no help. She just busted out laughing and took dad away. I'll get to the bottom of it." It hit me. Jackie had offered her daughter to help show me around. The same Jackie that had someone lined up for her daughter. Cathy saw me thinking and asked. "What you thinking?" "Tell me, do you have a sister?" "No, just me and my brother, but we lost him to cancer about 10 years ago." I heard a little pain in her voice. "I'm sorry, hope I haven't spoiled the evening." She smiled, "You didn't and I hope mom doesn't. I wouldn't put it past her to drag the guy up just so I'd have a choice she would say." I remembered too many times Jackie tried to get me to call her daughter. Now I was with that same woman. It was kinda funny. But I could be wrong. Or Jackie could have more than one man in mind for her Cathy. I thought I'd just keep my thoughts to myself. I would wait to see what the night brought. In a few minutes the band started. I'm not a great dancer and warned Cathy of that, but she still followed me to the dance floor. I held her against me and slowly moved across the floor. I don't know how well we looked but we both enjoyed. At the meal we were seated with my boss and his wife. Also at the table were Jackie, Rick, and Mr. and Mrs. Chapman. Charles Chapman is the president of our division. I had never met him, but had seen his picture many times. Everyone seemed to know Cathy and she to know them. I was the stranger in the group. During the evening I caught Jackie looked at me or Cathy and smile or laugh as she sipped champagne. But I noticed more. I saw the love between Jackie and Rick. I watched intently from across the table. Jackie would listen to each work her husband said. He was equally as dedicated to her words. They touched often. One way that I noticed was when Rick was talking she would put her hands around his right upper arm. She would lock her fingers together and put her head on his shoulder. He would place her left hand over hers. When he did he would open his hand and let his ring finger and pointer open to expose her wedding ring. There was his gold band touching her rock. He might have done that because the stone was so large, but I think it was more to show their union. They seemed to always be touching. She would brush his arm or hold his hand. Or his was seeking hers out. It was as if they had a neon sign above them that testified to their love. I envied them. I watched and saw what life could be like. I had to realize it might have just been an act or a temporary thing but I would have bet not. I had watched so long my date noticed my distraction Cathy stood to go to the ladies room. Jackie and Fran went with her. When Cathy got back I stood to help her into her seat. Instead she smiled at me. It warmed me to the core. She took my hand and led me to the dance floor. She melted into my arms. After a minute she looked up and asked, "Can I tell you something and you won't be mad?" "Sure, why would I be mad? Unless you tell me you've seen an old boyfriend and want to go home with him." I half joked but I did have the fear she as too good to be true. Cathy pulled away from me and looked me right in her eye. With a stern face she said in a serious tone, "I'm here with the man I choose to be with!" She then relaxed and put her head back on my shoulder. "What I wanted to say...before I was interrupted," but she wasn't mad. "My mom confessed. You are the man she wanted me to meet." I couldn't believe my ears. And the thought of what we had both said. Me about my boss's secretary wanting to pawn her daughter off on me. And Cathy with mom is always finding a guy for her. But we both found it amusing. "I'm glad I met you Cathy. Only wish I had taken your mom up that first day." I was sincere with my words. We danced a little more and I was lost to her charms. After a few minutes she whispered. "What were you so involved in back at the table?" I was honest without thinking. I would later realize just how comfortable I felt to be with her. "I was a little jealous watching Jackie and your dad." I felt her tense just a little. "I didn't know you had a thing for older women." "It's not your mom. I jealous of your dad." Now that did sound funny. I realized just how it could be taken. "What I mean is I'm jealous of the love shared between him and your mom." "So you're not gay," she giggled. "No not at all and I'm surprised you can't tell." "I can tell, cause I feel it against my tummy and it sure feels good." "I see what I am missing not having a woman love me like your mom loves your dad. Or to love like he loves your mom. I want a woman like that." She looked up at with beautiful green eyes, 'even when the 'bitch' in her comes out every once in a while'?" I smiled down at her and kissed her forehead lightly. "As long as it's properly directed." We danced on to the music and I felt her soft breath as her breasts heaved against me. "I know but sometimes....what if?" she asked softly. "Even then, and what more could I ask for? I want you...I want to get to know you... all of you." "And I want to get to know you. I want to be everything for you." "Everything?" "Yes your woman, your whore," she whispered. Then she went on, "Your lady and your lover,...Your slave and your queen,...your friend and the one you share your hopes, hurts, joys and dreams with. I want to be the one you wake to and the one you kiss good night." I was stunned and honored. I had strong feeling for Cathy, I realized that. That was why I never tried to take her to bed. But at that instant I had a burning desire. I looked down at her. I liked the list but you left out something." She was puzzled for a minute. "Wife you left out wife." Our dance stopped and we kissed. We were still kissing when the music stopped and the dancers started clapping. That broke our kiss and we looked around to see many smiling at us. I took her hand and we found a private place behind a potted plant. I kissed her again. I was almost breathless. I wanted her so. "I want to take you home and rip your panties off and make love to you." She looked up and said, "You can't do that tonight." I thought 'great, it is her time of the month'. "You can't do that because...I'm not wearing any." That had an instant affect on me. I ran my hand over her ass. Sure enough I felt nothing under the thin material. I let my hand rise and as I reached her back she smiled, "No bra either." I kissed her hard and she responded. After the kiss I looked her in the eyes. "You mean the only thing between me and you right now is that thin dress?" "And your clothes," she reminded me. By then the music had stopped. The band was taking a break. We went back to the table. Her mom looked up with a slight smile. "Oh there you are. We thought we would have to send a search party." All at the table laughed as if they knew why we had been absent. Something had changed. As we listened to the talk around the table I felt Cathy's touch. She did many of the things her mother had done. I wondered if it was instinct or learned. I didn't care I just wanted her touch. And I wanted to touch her. We held hands often on top of the table, sometimes letting our fingers intertwine. At the end of the evening Jackie made the last toast. "To mother's, they sometimes do know what they're talking about." She looked directly at Cathy as she said the words. All those at the table agreed as we took out last sips. Cathy hugged everyone at the table and I shook hands with all the men. We went out to get my truck. I had used the valet. When he drove up and held the door for me I ignored him. I walked Cathy around the truck and opened her door. I helped her in and even buckled her seat belt. I took the time for a kiss. I wanted to get going for several reasons. One was the line of people behind us waiting for their cars and another was my desire to be alone with her. I tipped the valet and we drove away. We were not out of the drive when I felt her hand on my leg. "I sure have enjoyed the evening. I just don't want it to end." I got her back to the apartment building. She didn't say a word when I stopped at my door and led her in. In a moment we were in the dark bedroom. I lifted her dress over her head and saw her naked body in the dim light. I kissed her as my hands explored. She was busy too unbuttoning my shirt and undoing my pants. I had to break the kiss long enough to get out of my clothes. I will not go into detail of our night, for it is far too personal. I will say that we expressed our lover more times that night than I have fingers on my hands. We fell asleep in the late morning. I woke to find her still beside me. I kissed her gently then let my hands roam over her still naked body covered by just the sheet. After that we made love once more. As we lay together afterward I made a startling discovery. She began, "That felt so wonderful. I never knew it would feel so....so fulfilling." I had to ask. "What do you mean?" She smiled up at me, "I've never had a man...never had a man fill me...with his seed." "You have never had sex?" "That isn't what I mean. I have had sex, but never been loved. The few man...only three...that have had me...I never let them....I required them to wear a condom." "But I didn't." "I know and I didn't want you to," she sighed and snuggled to me. "Are you on the pill or something?" "No, never wanted to risk that. I want children." "Cathy....we just....I did....what if?" I stammered. "I hope you did because I want your child." she cooed. "What will your mother... you dad think of you?" "I don't care. Because I'm now your woman." "Get up right now and get cleaned and dressed. We have some things to do." I think she was a little hurt but she got up. We showered, together to save water, sure right, then got dressed. She didn't ask where we were going. I saw the joy in her eyes as we pulled into a jewelry store. I let he pick a ring set and there was no problem with the price. She was a little dismayed when I wouldn't let her put it on but took the box and placed it in my pocket. "Now will you call your parents and ask if we can drop over." While driving to her parents home I let her look at it. A few minutes later we were at their door. Jackie and Rick both greeted us. We were in the den when I began. "Mr. and Mrs. Taylor I have come with a confession and a question." All three in the room exchanged glances. "Last night I am afraid I took advantage of the situation. I should have refrained but I did not. I should have been proper and respectful and taken Cathy home. To her home. I did not. I'm afraid I have dishonored her. I care very much about her and wouldn't want her or our child to be disgraced by my actions. Therefore I have come to seek your permission to ask Cathy to marry me." Now that stunned them all. I explained, "I will only ask her hand with your blessing." Jackie spoke, "I believe that will be Cathy's choice. But we both thank you that you would care for our blessing. Now if I can steel my daughter for a minute." She stood and called Cathy into another room. A minute later they were calling Rick away. I sat in the room wondering just what I was doing. I didn't have long to wait. Rick returned to me. "Martin, as far as Jackie and I are concerned you have our blessing. But we would ask..." I was waiting for the shoe to fall. "We would ask you leave her with us and come back tomorrow to ask her. If you do, please wear a suit. Needless to say their might be a celebration." With that I was shown to the door. I thought about the suit as I drove away. The only thing I could think of was perhaps we might attend church together. And why the wait? Were they going to try and talk her out of it. All we would be was engaged. It wasn't like we would be married instantly. But I did want it soon, just in case. The day was slow and hard on me. I had a fear it was all too good to be true. And I didn't sleep well in the night. Part of that was due to the fact I could smell Cathy on the bed sheets. I felt more lonely than I could ever remember. Sunday came. I called. I wanted to make sure I was on time. I had expected to on my way before 9 so we might make church service. I found that was not the case. I was invited at 1 that afternoon. Needless to say I was there on time. I was met at the door by Jackie. She had a pleasant smile, almost disarming. I felt a chill imagining the worse. I was escorted into the den where Cathy and her father waited. When we were all seated Jackie asked, "Now just why have you come Martin?" I looked at Cathy and realized how much I wanted her in my life. Her absence of the previous night was still to vivid to me. "I have come to ask your daughter to marry me, Mrs. Taylor." Jackie smiled, "You have out blessing as you did yesterday. Would you want a little privacy?" As if on cue the two left us. I walked to where Cathy sat on the couch. She had her hands on her lap. Here right hand covered her left. I sat beside her. She turned, shifting her legs and let her knee touch mine. I looked into those beautiful green eyes and asked, "Cathy Taylor will you have me for your husband?" I had the ring box in my hand and opened it. I got a surprise. Only the wedding band remained. I looked back to see Cathy holding up her left hand with the ring in place. She kissed me and whispered, "yes oh yes...and please don't be mad, when you let me look at it I just had to wear it. And I'm glad I did because I was so lonely last night. I was afraid mom had scared you off." When she finished the sentence she had tears in her eyes. We embraced for a few minutes before Jackie stepped into the door. "May we rejoin you?" When they returned and took the chairs facing us Jackie smiled at her husband. He smiled back and extended his hand for hers. She had a twinkle in her eye as she began. "I see that the answer was yes. But I knew it would be. The only one with doubts was Cathy. She felt I might have been too demanding." With that said she smiled at Rick. "She is not the only one that thinks I am over bearing sometimes but he always let me have my way." "Yes and I want to thank you both for your understanding. I will do my best to make your daughter happy." "I'm sure of that. I knew you were right for each other when I first saw you Martin. I tried to get you two together but was unsuccessful. But since you found one another on your own, it only proves the point all the more. Now to the situation. You say you have dishonored my daughter?" Jackie said with an uplifted eyebrow. "Yes I have and I apologize to you and to her." "Mother you have....it is our business," Cathy said with a blush. Rick just smiled and shook his head. Jackie would not be deterred. "You fear there might be cause to worry?" "Mother, please," "Cathy you agreed that I could have my say. Now do you have a concern?" I felt my ears heat up and had clammy hands. What was this leading to? "Yes ma'am. In the heat of my passion I didn't....and I later found Cathy was not....used birth control." "You are quite right. Cathy had never been on the pill or any other. And I am proud of her for that. But you must not have....used protection is the way they say it?" Her father was sitting in the chair rolling his eyes and shaking his head. But he still held Jackie's hand. "No ma'am I did not." "You said you love my daughter and would not want her shamed?" "That is correct Mrs. Taylor." When I said that Cathy kissed my cheek and put her head on my shoulder. As she did she extended her left arm out and pointed her fingers toward the ceiling. She was looking at the ring on her finger. Jackie's face let up, "Martin she has been looking at that ring ever since you left." She held up her ring and looked at it the at her husband, "But I guess I know why, because it symbolizes your love and her commitment to you. Now where was I? Yes I want to offer a solution to your problem or possible problem that is. If you want to honor my daughter for the gift she has given you, you can show it by marrying her immediately." "Yes ma'am Mrs. Taylor we will do that as quickly as it can be arranged." "Is that so? What if I can arrange it today, in this house?" I didn't believe my ears. "Today?" I turned and looked at Cathy. She had a little frown. She pulled me close and whispered, "We don't have to." I looked at my all too soon to be mother, "You can do that?" "Yes I can, but it will be your decision. I'm not demanding, just suggesting." I smiled, "That means we can sleep together tonight with no shame?" "Martin you can sleep together either way with no shame as far as we are concerned." "Cathy do you feel like risking it today? I mean you might change your mind. I just wanted to give you a little time." "Martin, I'm your woman with or without this ring. My heart belongs to you. I just gave you the rest of my body Saturday morning." I turned back, "If it's not too much trouble I would be honored to marry this day." Jackie looked at her husband. She gave a smile that said she was well pleased. She made a call, then we waited. As we did my soon to be mother explained. "The marriage today was my idea. I discussed it with Rick then Cathy. You see I am selfish. I want Cathy near me. She is my only daughter and my remaining child. She had left us and lived in California for 5 years. She just came back to us. She arrived about a month before you Martin. As I say I am selfish. I want Cathy to put down roots here near me. I want to see her happy and for her to give me grandchildren. That Martin will take efforts by you. Cathy is 33 and..." "Mother....you are so...you shouldn't tell all." "I'm your mother," Jackie said as a fact, "and it gives me a few privileges. As I was saying she is 33 but with the right man, you Martin, she has time to give me several grandchildren. I should have some about 10 by now but it didn't happen. But then you didn't come into her life till now. She waited and I believe she did so wisely. And I will say young man that if you have impregnated my daughter by your actions Saturday morning I will be not in the least unhappy." "Mother...." "Honey, let's let the two have a little privacy." Rick led her away. I got the impression it was not for harsh words but more to enjoy private time. A preacher did arrive in a few minutes and in less than an hour Cathy was Mrs. Martin Raymond Jamison. Just was we were about to leave my father stopped us. Jackie was by his side holding on to his arm with both her hands. He gave me a packet. It was for a week at the Imperial Hotel down town. And it was for the bridal suite. "It is the least I can do since Jackie railroaded you two," he smiled. But he was not angry in the least. We spent a week of total bliss in the suite. It was the penthouse and had it's own enclosed heated pool and hot tub. I will not go into detail as to all we enjoyed as we continued to consummate our marriage but I will say no part of my bride's body was had not been explored. My finger and lips had touched every inch of her skin, my nose had smelled her body mixed with her perfumes, my eyes drank in all her beauty, I memorized her voice and I professed my love many times. I will tell of this one instance. Late one night we were naked in the hot tub. It was snowing. We had opened the glass doors to allow the cold air in. We were sipping champagne enjoying the water. Cathy said she loved the snow and got out of the tub. She beckoned me out into the light snow. I joined her reluctantly. After just a few seconds of watching her dance naked in the snow I felt the cold. I commented that my thing had just about retreated out of sight. Cathy laughed and said she could fix that. She dropped to her knees and took my shrunken member into her mouth. She worked magic. It came back to life. When she knew she had proved her point she stood and kissed me. After a second she started back to the hot tub with me in tow. "I'm freezing, lets get back in the water," she laughed. Truth Doesn't Matter As I say the week was fantastic. Jackie ordered all our meals and the staff would call and ask when we wished them served. The first meal was lobsters and oysters. There was a card with it. I opened it. It was a congratulations card with a note. "Just to keep your strength up," it said. She had signed it and under that she had drawn two beautiful eyes. Both had long lashes but one was close. She was winking at us. My first week back my boss called me to his office. I wondered what I had done. Waiting there was Jackie. "Martin I want to take to you and ask a favor." "I'll do my best." "I want to ask you first, then Cathy. I know what Rick will say. But it will all depend on you." I waited. My mother proved to be full of surprises. "I want to ask your permission to arrange a large wedding for you and Cathy." I frowned. "Please indulge me. She is my only daughter. Rick and I had no wedding. We ran off and got married. We were not well off and my dad didn't like my choice for a husband. We started with nothing. All we have Rick earned. He was done well. So please let me splurge on a wedding and if you do I'll have Rick throw in another week or two weeks at the Imperial or Hawaii if you want." I saw what it meant to her. I smiled. "I'll let you and Cathy work that out." She stepped to me and kissed my cheek. "Ill get my way. I'm her mother. I use guilt. Thanks Rick you are super and I could be more proud of the man my daughter married. "She turned to leave but turned to look back at me. "Did I tell you that I would be a meddling mother?" It was set and it would happen on out 6th month anniversary. As we waited life as good and we set about learning all the pleasures of being married. We moved into Cathy's apartment and let mine go. We stored what we wanted to keep for we did intend to purchase a home. It was part of setting down roots. The day came and we were about to be married. Well re-married I would say. As we stood at the alter the preacher gave a little speech. "Friends and family we are gathered here today for a special occasion. But some of you might not know it will be just a reaffirmation of their vows. Six months ago I had the please of pronouncing Marin and Cathy as man and wife. They wanted to be together and bring no shame to their family. So now you know let us begin." The wedding was great and we did get another week at the Imperial. I found that did cost my father a real bit of change. But not as much as Jackie spent on her wedding. But they were happy and we were glad to oblige. After the event we moved into our home. I came in one evening just as Cathy was answering the phone. "Jamison residence." "Well hello, how have you been?" "Glad you had not trouble getting the number, it is listed." "Sorry to hear that." All I was getting was one side of the conversation. "Yes I'm glad you got it." "Oh it was no real trouble or expense." "Yes just wanted you to know. And I am sorry I someway forgot to mail your invitation but I did include it in the package." "Yes the photo. Yes really.. that much you say?" "The card, yes I thought you should know. Actually you are the first to know. Martin just came in. Think I should tell him?" "Really? Now Now....Well we do have something to discuss so I will have to let you go Connie. Do call again it is always a pleasure." "Now really you shouldn't say that, I was the hall monitor." "Yes I understand your feeling but I do really have to go. Martin is here looking at me with bedroom eyes. Bye now." "Who was that?" I asked dumbfounded. "Just Connie what's her name." Cathy smiled as she began to dial the phone. "What are all the area codes for Houston." A minute later all calls from Houston were blocked. "What was all that about?" Cathy smiled at me, "Just the bitch coming out in me again. Mad?" "No it seems well directed but what was it about?" Just then the dryer buzzer went off. "Got things to do but come on I'll tell you." As she walked toward the laundry room she pocked up an envelope. It was smaller than a letter, some sort of greeting card perhaps. In the laundry she pulled the clothes from the dryer and put them on the counter. I wanted her attention so I picked her up and sat her on the dryer facing me. "Now tell me what gives." "I just felt terrible that we didn't let Connie know we were getting married. So I sent her a little package today by Fed-Ex. Didn't expect her to get it today, but that's beside the point." "Go on my love." "In the package was the newspaper clipping of our marriage...well the ceremony. Mom really did put the words to it didn't she?" "No side tracks," I mocked. "I sent a left over invitation with her name on the envelope explaining that it just got lost in the shuffle. And I sent a photo of me and you at the alter." "Hope there aren't any voodoo queens left in Houston. She'll be paying them to turn me into a toad." "I don't believe in that. I also put in one of each color napkins with our names on them. And last I put in a card. As I say I planned on her getting it tomorrow." "What kind of card?" Cathy handed me the card she had picked up. I opened it. It was a pending birth announcement. I read it. I was going to be a daddy. As I was reading I learned Jackie had purchased the cards the Saturday before we were married. "I'm sorry I meant to tell you first. She just beat you...I mean she called before you got home." I didn't care I wanted my wife. I made love to her there on the dryer. When we were finished and catching our breath a thought occurred to me. "You know, Connie will see the date of the ceremony and the date of the arrival and think we had to marry?" "What do we care, we know different. But it would make no difference. And besides for her the truth doesn't matter. She's unhappy. And I got to help her along. I just have to rub in her face what she lost." Later in the night I had a thought. Should I send a 'thank you' card to Ann Baxter?