Ted paced the apartment until he heard the unmistakable whine of Cristinas Beetle. He waited for the sound of her footsteps on the stairs before opening the door. She shook water from the umbrella and stepped inside. Immediately, he saw her discolored and swollen right cheek and eye. What happened? Did someone hit you? She nodded. He gently tipped her chin up and turned her face to the light. Who hit you? he asked,
Jerry.
Jerry? Why?
Its Its okay. I had it coming. He probably should have done much worse.
He placed his hand on her shoulder. Its not okay. He has no right
Please Ted; you have to listen to me. Im in big trouble. She took a deep breath, staring at Teds feet. Ive been having a kind of an affair with one of the teachers at the school and today we got caught.
Ted felt a chill run through him and removed his hand from her shoulder. What kind of an affair?
Just, just an affair. We were both fired and I had to tell Jerry. There was no way out.
Trina, how in the hell? Teds face flushed.
She glanced up, her eyes wide open, afraid he might hit her too. Maybe Id better go. She reached for the doorknob.
Ted took her by the arm and led her to the sofa. No! No you dont. Not until I get some answers. He waited for her to sit, and sat beside her.
She looked into his eyes. Whats there to say? Youre so mad, Id better go.
Im not Ted forced himself to suppress his feelings. All right, Im mad, but Im not letting you go until I get some kind of explanation. Are you in love with this guy? She shook her head and dropped her eyes. Then why? he demanded.
I dont know. I was just attracted to him.
Attracted? Ted sputtered. Dammit Trina, Ive been attracted to several women. Im attracted to you and you know it, but Ive never Youve got to do better than that.
She continued to focus on her clenched fists in her lap. What else can I tell you? I dont know what made me do it. Jerry and I were fighting a lot lately and I dont know. She looked up again. Poor Steve, whats he going to do now?
Steve who?
Steve Masters. Hes a teacher at the high school.
Steve Masters? Ted exploded. Dont talk to me about poor Steve. What about your husband? Hes the one you should worry about. Wheres Jerry now?
She shook her head. He was furious when he took off. He told me that when he got back he wanted me out of the apartment. He said he never wanted to see me again. I was hoping I could stay here until I can figure out what else to do. At least for tonight? Ted said nothing as he tried to sort things out. Look, I didnt know youd get so upset too. Id better go. Maybe I can call Judy
She started to stand, and he pulled her back down. He stood and towered over her. No, until we get this mess straightened out youre going to stay right here. Ill bring your things and then Ill go find Jerry.
She looked up, her eyes pleading with him. Really Ted, Id better call Judy.
No, not until I talk to Jerry. Give me your keys. He held out his hand and waited for her extract the keys from a jacket pocket and hand them to him.
Ted carried her two suitcases upstairs, put them in the spare bedroom, and left with her keys in his pocket.
He tried their apartment. It was empty. The next place to look was Jerrys favorite bar. To Teds relief, Jerrys motorcycle was at The Cactus Spine, a cramped but popular watering hole on the edge of town. Smoke filled the air and mingled its odor with that of bodies and spilled beer. Country-western music blared through speakers mounted on the walls.
Jerry sat at a table, arguing with the barmaid. Look buster, youve had enough. The miniskirted, blond had to almost shout to be heard above the music and babble. Just go home and sleep it off.
As Ted tried to push his way through the crowd, Jerrys angry voice carried above the din. Ill say when Ive had enough. I want another drink and I want it right now. He banged his fist on the table, knocking over an empty glass. His eyes were red and teary, his speech slurred.
The barmaid motioned for the husky, baldheaded bartender. He slammed a towel on the bar and headed in Jerrys direction. Ted intercepted him as he came around the edge of the bar. Its okay, Charlie. Ill take care of it.
Yeah? Well you do, or Ill have im arrested, and tell im he dont get no more to drink.
How long has he been here? Ted asked the barmaid as he sat across from his brother.
Dont know; seven, eight oclock, I guess. Good thing hes got somebody to take him home. She started to pick up the empty beer and whisky glasses, but Jerry refused to relinquish the one in his hand. Kinda feel sorry for him. He keeps goin on bout how his wifes cheatin on him. You want somethin?
Ted shook his head and the barmaid walked away. He said nothing to Jerry as he knew that when his brother was in this condition, Jerry would need no coaching.
I need a drink! Jerry said, picking up the glass and studying the bottom.
No you dont. It wont change a thing.
How could she? Jerry mumbled. I know the fuckin bastard. I worked on his car last week. Hell, hes gotta be as old as her old man. Hes been a teacher around here for like some twenty years. He banged the glass on the table. You know where they were? They were doing it right on the floor in his office. She was screwing him on the floor like some twenty-dollar whore, and that goddamned son of a bitch didnt have the smarts to lock the fuckin door. Some kids walked in on em. Hell, I dont know whats gonna happen. The kids parents might even sue us.
|