marriage/checklist/songbird/mango/ranch/stroke/magpie/scowl/simper/commotion

A Suspected Affair

Brilliant blue sky. Sparkling sea. Fluttering palm branches in the warm breeze . . . first thing off my checklist since my marriage broke up. At rest on a golden sand beach, a songbird to score the moment and a mango salad with ranch dressing.

I knew what was going on, it was almost inevitable as my occupation kept me away so often and for such long periods. So I chose not to make a commotion when the news was delivered with a simper, which in turn resulted in a scowl. I considered it a stroke of luck not having to put up with the foibles of that particular magpie anymore. I was free.

I watched the tanned young beauty stroll through the sand toward me, sarong defining the youthful curves. She stopped beside my lounge, smiled . . . and I ordered another Mai Tai.