"Teddy--"
"Hey, it’s not an unreasonable question. Besides, you called me. As my wife I think I ought to know the details."
"Jesus, Teddy you're really impossible."
“Are you going with him ?" I didn’t really care. Actually it was just a fun way to torment you because you hated discussing him with anyone, least of all me.
"Oh for Christ's sake. If you must know, yes. We've been working on this, erm, partnership for a very long time and we're presenting it to the rest of the board."
"Have a nice time. Are you traveling together?"
"Jesus, Gunther! Yes. It doesn’t make sense to take two vehicles."
"Don't call me that."
"Someone is a little testy."
"Vehicles?"
"Yes. All the head honchos are at a resort in Cocoa for some retreat. He's got to demonstrate with the equipment there as part of a spa package. It’s too short a trip to take the jet."
"You mean it’ll be more fun to drive.” She was silent on the other end of the phone. “So you’ll be staying together too, I presume."
"Yes as a matter of fact."
"Is that for economic reasons, too?"
"Are you jealous or something, Teddy?"
"Hardly. I’m just curious to know if his wife is okay with this cozy little arrangement."
"Why do you care?"
"Why don't you?
"Because I'm a FUCKING BITCH! Is that what you want to hear?! Does that make it all better?”
“Whatever, Lacey, I honestly don’t care what you do, but, you’re messing around with someone’s marriage--”
“We’re married, too, Teddy.” You seemed softer then for a beat. Almost like the girl I used to know and that pissed me off more than anything because I knew it was an act. That you were trying to play me.
“Yeah well it’s different with us and you know it,” I said the contempt flaring in my throat.
"Listen, this has been a treat, as always, but I have to go. He’ll be here any second."
"Someone is going to get hurt, Lace.” I was half teasing you. I mean, I knew you were headed for disaster. But if I’d known it was going to be that night, if I’d known the level of catastrophe…shit…I don’t really know what I’d have done differently, or if it would’ve mattered to you anyway.
"Goodbye Teddy." You hung up without waiting for a response. I think it was better that way.
*****
Here’s the moment I knew I was in trouble. She was on her back cackling like a hyena, getting sand in her hair. I don't think I'd ever heard anyone laugh that hard, especially at my expense.
"Gunther?! Your first name is Gunther?!"
"Shut up." You know how much I hated when people made fun of my name, right? But her doing it was nice . I was glad to see her smile. It brightened up her already gorgeous face. She could keep laughing at me if it made her look like that, if it allowed her to drop her defenses for a moment.
"So where does 'Teddy' come from?"
"Middle name."
"Gunther Theodore Holmes?"
"The third."
"Gunther Theodore Holmes the third ." Her Bambi-sized brown eyes were wide as a snicker was threatened to erupt from deep within her throat. Oh please say my name again. I loved the
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