Second Chance
Copyright© 2008 by Coaster2
Chapter 9
"Come in, Brent. It's so nice to see you again," June Francis said with a genuine smile. "Walter's in the living room, as usual."
"Thanks, June. How's he feeling?"
"Not too bad today. Yesterday wasn't so good, but you know, that's how it is — some good days and some bad ones. I'll get you two your usual tea and bring it in."
"Thanks, June." Brent walked into the living room to greet his friend and former customer. "Afternoon, Walter."
"Afternoon. What brings you over here this afternoon? Missing out on the usual cribbage game?" he laughed, and then coughed a deep, hacking cough.
"Yah, well, you know me. I can't resist relieving you of your pension money."
"You wish!" Walter wheezed.
It was the typical banter of two friends who had known each other for the eight years that Brent had been employed at Mountain Pine. When Walter was the purchasing manager for their largest client, he and Brent had hit it off very early on, as Brent was anxious to learn from the experienced older man and Walter was pleased to oblige. When Walter was diagnosed with lung cancer a year ago, both he and June knew it was inoperable and ultimately terminal. He accepted his fate with dignity, and Brent had visited him many times during his various hospital stays. They would play "crib" and talk about almost anything except the cancer.
In earlier days, Jeanette, June, Walter and Brent would get together for picnics, dinners and barbeques. With the twenty-three year difference in age, it was much like a father-son relationship, and it was on that basis that Brent visited Walter today. He needed his advice and guidance more than ever right now. Maybe Walter could help him right this ship, he thought.
Walter pulled the cribbage board out from under the table and set up the pegs while Brent shuffled the cards. It only took a few minutes for Walter to ask the first question.
"So, what's bothering you, young fellow? That fortieth birthday thing got you depressed?" he laughed lightly, trying not to start another coughing fit.
"No, nothing that easy, Walter." Brent sighed and leaned back in his chair, looking at his cards but not seeing them. He finally looked up at the patient face of his friend and began to tell him the story of yesterday's bombshell. Walter's face mirrored the shock and pain of Brent's discovery and he shook his head afterwards.
"I'd never have guessed Jeanette would ever do anything like that," he said. "It's so uncharacteristic of her. What got into her? Have you talked to her?"
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