Aster's husband needs companionship. Here's how he gets what he needs.
Chapter
one
So that’s how she says goodbye—no more kisses, no more parting words. She just slips away like a ghost. I throw back the covers, shower, dress, and make coffee.
I put the mug in the sink. The clock on the microwave says 8:30 AM. If I leave now, I’ll get there way before any cheery faces do. I pack my laptop and walk to the door. I’m crossing the threshold when...
B-r-r-ring.
Who’s phoning the landline? My students only have my cell number.
B-r-r-ring.
It’ll go to voicemail.
I step back into the house.
B-r-r-ring.
If it’s important, they’ll try my cell or email me.
I answer the phone.
“Good morning.” The voice is like a gentle melody. “You won’t believe it. I got it. I finally bought it.”
The voice is so infectious, I feel compelled to ask, “It? What it?”
“You know—the laptop.”
“Oh, great.” I grin—I still have no idea who this woman is.
“Yeah, I’m so excited.”
“Oh, excited is good.”
“It’s my first one.”
“Really?”
“Ye-s. You know... Wait. Who are you?”
“That depends. Who are you?”
She laughs, and I want to capture the sound in a bottle.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I dialed the wrong number.”
“Are you sure?” I can be so charming.
"No. I mean, yes. Oh, I don't know." She laughs again. "Your voice sounds so familiar. Maybe we do know each other."
“Nah, I couldn’t be that lucky.”
“I’m sorry for bothering you.”
“Not at all. Phone back any time.”
“Good-bye.” She’s still there. I can hear her breathing. This wrong number could lead to something so right. We both want it to. But I can’t step out of line again without paying for it. That’s been made clear.
“Bye.” I hang up.
photo by ldyck
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