“I think of you… of us.”
Vera got up from the bench. “Julian taught me that we’re all like autumn leaves, turning into nothingness in our winter days.”
“Your brother is right, but it doesn’t stop me from needing you.”
“Mister Scott, it was nice seeing you, and I wish you all the best with your wedding. It’s at the end of next month, isn’t it?”
“It is.”
Vera waved and walked away, but I couldn’t just let her go, so I sprang after her. “Vera, stop,” I begged, grabbing her hand.
She halted. “Alistair, you’re marrying another woman. It’s all or nothing for me. If you’re serious about what you say, then act on it. If not, then it’s time to sayadieu.”
“So, that’s it?”
“Goodbye, Mister Scott.”
YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL TONIGHT
Vera
Saturday afternoon, March 18
“Vee? Are you there?” Saph’s voice shrilled from the other end of the phone.
“I’m here, sweetie. What’s up?” I asked, yawning loudly.
“Did I wake you up? You sound sleepy.”
“Yeah, I was napping.”
Saph chuckled. “Oh, you’re such a lioness.”
“Mmm, indeed,” I murmured.
“Vee, wait for it...”
“Oh, quit the suspense. Just spill it.”
“I’m a little nervous telling you this,” Saph gushed.
“For crying out loud, just say it.”
“I slept with your brother.”
“Oh, okay… wait a minute.What?”
“My boss donated a big sum of money on behalf of an anonymous philanthropist to the university’s archaeology department for a fundraising campaign,” Saph babbled. “I wasasked to handle the media and attend the fundraiser dinner last night. Well, guess who was there?”
“Who?”
“Julian.”
“Okay, I want the short version of your story. I don’t need to hear all the details,” I said.
“At first, Julian and I started arguing, but then he kissed me, and then?—”
“Skip that part, please.”
