Sep 16 2008
Gee, Thanks
“So what have you been up to lately?” he asked. “Still working as a receptionist?”
“Yup,” I answered, adjusting the phone against my shoulder so I could type while talking. “I’ve also been doing some writing. I have a blog, but I’ve been horribly neglectful with my stories there because I’ve been too caught up with trying to get my own site up and running.”
“Writing?” he scoffed. “Why would you be doing that? You’re such an attractive girl; don’t put it to waste! You should become a bartender – you’d make a ton in tips.”
I rolled my eyes. “Well, it’s what I like to do.”
“What about your husband, Chris? How’s he doing?”
“You know that’s not his name. Konrad is doing just fine. He’s been very busy with work too.”
“Um-hmm.” He paused. “And how is Chris doing?”
“I wouldn’t know. I haven’t spoken to him in almost 10 years.”
“Why not? He seemed like such a decent guy.”
“He wasn’t. He cheated on me, treated me like crap, and his father was horribly prejudiced against me.” I thought for a moment. “Wait a sec…you never even met him!”
He continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “You know, just the other day Linda and I went to the fifties diner across the street. Didn’t his father own a diner?”
“Yeeesss,” I said exasperated. “His dad bought one for him and told him to break up with me if he wanted to keep it.”
“Why would he say anything like that?”
“Because like I said, he was a pathetic, prejudiced, stupid man.”
“Well sometimes you need to learn to deal with people like that for the better. See, Linda and I went to the diner and we were greeted by this lady. She had on fancy makeup and was wearing a fancy dress and lots of jewelry that was definitely real. She smiled and sat us at the table. It turned out she was the owner’s wife and I couldn’t help but think that that could have been you!”
I snorted. “I’m quite happy that it wasn’t”
“Don’t say things like that. You should always aspire to be better.”
“Alright, well I’m going to have to get off the phone now,” I said forcing the conversation to an end. “I have a few things I need to do.”
“Sure. But honey?”
“Yes, Dad?”
“You should get some contacts or something. Maybe without those glasses, you might want to do other things than just type at a computer. I just want what’s best for you.”
“I’ll think about it. Have a goodnight.”
