Not so much in the mood for this.
“I was invited,” she stated with a defiant tone.
“But I thought you were up north until the third.”
“Changed my mind.”
“Who’s watching Charlie?” he asked.
I was learning so much.
“Sam and Harry,” she answered firmly.
Strawberry looked at me with apologetic eyes and introduced us.
“Pleasure to meet you,” I said.
She responded with a mini-nod.
Her name was Natalie, which somehow I knew meant “born at Christmas.” Well, Feliz Navidad, Natalie. And though I’d never heard her name spoken aloud, I knew it was his ex-wife. One whose acquaintance I was hoping to avoid.
Feeling uncomfortable, I excused myself to the ladies room. No sooner had I refreshed with blush, gloss and a spicy breath mint, than darling Natalie came craftily through the door, still looking beautiful with that sour puss grin.
She crossed into my personal grooming space and whispered, “I’m not done with him yet.”
What did I do? Leave me alone. What is this, a Glenn Close movie?
She appeared fierce and looked a little like the actress, so I refrained from debate. Instead, exposing my intelligence, I did a quick hand-jive and said, “Alrighty then,” and slipped out the door.
Strawberry was waiting for me. “I am so sorry. I had no idea she would be here.”
“I know. Who’s Charlie?”
“Our dog. We raised a golden retriever together. She got custody.”
“Oh.”
His freckled hand took mine and he led me to the dance floor. We knew we were having a moment. Not sure what kind of moment it was, but it was sure was a moment.
We didn’t talk about the situation again that night, nor did I glimpse Natalie prowling about with any rabbits. This was Sir Strawberry’s battle, not mine. My theory is that I shall not judge one’s relationship vault, lest they look into mine and find some real doozies.
The next day I met up with good friends at our annual New Year's resolutions eat-all-the-pie-you-can party. I was pleased with the previous year and the resolutions I'd kept. But I was even happier to welcome in a new year, because for some auspicious reason I felt it was one not to be missed.
The next day I met up with good friends at our annual New Year's resolutions eat-all-the-pie-you-can party. I was pleased with the previous year and the resolutions I'd kept. But I was even happier to welcome in a new year, because for some auspicious reason I felt it was one not to be missed.
to be continued…
*Check out the Factoids Page for lucky foods to eat on New Years.
Mr. Strawberry and Me will be back in January. Happy Holidays!
Mr. Strawberry and Me will be back in January. Happy Holidays!
