Chapter 4

ANGELA

I went to see my doctor because I wasn’t feeling well. After some tests she diagnosed me with an STD, gonorrhea. I couldn’t believe it. That son of a bitch gave me gonorrhea. The doctor gave me an injection and an antibiotic prescription. She said I should be cleared up in a few weeks but to come back for a follow up. I’m so embarrassed. I’m damaged goods. Jim will never take me back if he finds out.

The kids told me that Jim was out of town for the weekend. I already had heard that he and Ellen went to Las Vegas. I’m so mad at myself for breaking up my family. What was I thinking? I’ve made an appointment with a counselor to try to find out why and how I allowed myself to be manipulated by another man so easily. I’m ashamed and sad.

A month went by. I only saw Jim when he picked up the kids for the weekend. They love their dad and he loves them. When Jim arrived this weekend, I met him at the door. I was wearing a dress I know he likes with my best sexy sandals. My toes were adorned with the toe rings he has given me over the years along with the ankle bracelet that said, “Jim’s” on it.

When I opened the door, he said, “Wow, Angie, you look fabulous. Looks like some lucky guy will enjoy your company this evening. Are the kids ready? I’ve got big plans for them.”

They came running out with their overnight bags and tablets.

He said, “See you Sunday.” Then turned around and left with the kids without so much as a hug.

I closed the door and just slid to the floor. He didn’t give me a second look. He thinks I dressed like this for a date. “It was for YOU, Jim. No one else,” I said to myself. I cried for what I had foolishly lost.

I got up, dusted myself off and went about my business still thinking about Jim and how to get back in to his life. Just then, my phone rang.

“Angie? Hi, it’s Allen. Are you still mad at me? I’m sorry.”

“What do you want, Allen? I have no intention of being one of your fuck buddies so whatever you have to say, make it fast. Oh, and by the way, thanks for the STD.

“Angie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know I was infected. I’m ok now. I just wanted to see if I could take you to dinner and atone for my behavior. I really am sorry. I won’t pressure you. Just talk.”

I thought about it for a minute. The kids are with, Jim. I’m dressed casually. Why not, I thought.

I said, “Ok, Allen, but dinner is all. Understand?”

He said, “I know. I didn’t know that one of the ladies I had been seeing before you, was infected. She infected me. I’m so sorry, Angie.”

“Just so we’re clear. There will be no sex now or ever again between us.”

JIM

I decided to take the kids out to dinner to one of the local family restaurants. Nice, but not high end. As we walked in, I spotted Ellen sitting at a table with a man. I felt a tug on my heart string but I always knew I wasn’t the only one. She saw us and waved. I just nodded and followed the waitress to our table.

We ordered and just as we were being served, Angie strode in with her lover. I shouldn’t have been surprised but I was since she had been so forceful in pleading her case for reconciliation. She had not seen us yet.

Janet said, “Daddy? There’s Mom with the Asshole.”

I said, “Janet, that’s inappropriate language.”

“I’m sorry, Dad. There’s the Dickhead.”

I thought, “Jesus...”

Just as the words came out, Angie spotted us. She stopped and her hand went to her mouth. I smiled and nodded as she and Allen were seated three tables away. I looked at him and he just smirked.

I got up and walked over to Ellen’s table passing Angie not acknowledging her presence.

“Hi, Ellen, it’s been awhile. How have you been?”

“Jim, it’s so good to see you. This is a colleague of mine, Andy Smith.”

I shook his hand, and said, “Nice to meet you.Take good care of her, she’s special.”

Ellen looked at me strangely as I turned and walked away.

She said, “Jim? Wait. Could we talk sometime?”

I said, “Sure, Ellen. I’ll call you next week” as I walked away.

I walked back towards my table and stopped momentarily. I bent down and whispered to Allen. You smirk at me again and I’m going to wipe it off your face. You feel me, Shithead?”

He nodded. I never said a word to Angie.

I paid our tab then me and the kids packed up and walked out. They did say “bye” to their mom.

I got no less than twenty calls and texts from Angie, basically saying it meant nothing. She was just lonely and needed someone to talk too. I didn’t bother to respond.

Two weeks later, I stopped to pick up the kids.

Angie said, “Kids, please wait in the car for Dad. I need to talk to him.”

They left and I said, “Ok, Angie, what can I do for you?”

“I’m sorry, you saw me with Allen at the restaurant. Whatever you said to him worked. I haven’t heard from him since.”

“I’m sorry I pissed off your lover. We just needed a little understanding that he was not going to belittle me by smirking at me with my kids watching.”

“He’s not my lover anymore, Jim. I just needed to get out of the house and he invited me to dinner. Nothing else happened.”