This is the end of Chapter 8

Charlene knew about the life insurance polic that Joe had bought for himself and Susan for $350,000.00. It was a prudent and proper move for an upwardly mobile couple to make. It gave each of them security incase of an unforeseen disaster.

Charlene wondered if it was still in affect after the two lovers had broken up. Surely it would be some time before Joe got around to cancelling it. That was who he was no matter what he had said or thought recently. he was predictable, if nothing else. “”What was the policy worth again?” she wondered as she thought about what she should and shouldn’t pack.

Chapter 9

Susan sat at the same table in the back of the corner of The Hobby Horse where she and Chad always sat. They had gone there the first time several months ago.

Susan had been there with one of her single girl friends looking for something interesting. That’s how she had met Chad. They called themselves, “The better dealers,” and laughed it off, but they were just that. Two girls on the lookout for men who might be going places and who needed wives to go along with them. “If were going to fall in love, and surely we are, why not fall in love with wealthy men.” It made perfect sense to them.

Susan was waiting for Chad, again. He had asked her with more excitement in his voice than usual for a date together this evening. Susan had her suspicions about what this date was all about.

Their dating life had taken a slow and methodical route since she was already living almost full time with Joe. She managed to keep a day or two open to see Chad. She felt bad about it first but she was a practical gal if nothing else and those feelings of guilt soon abated.

Joe was a great guy but he had his shortcomings. Chad was already nearly where Susan wished Joe was. She was on a strict time line and Joe wasn’t or so she thought.

Chad was already a partner in a large brokerage firm owned by his father and was making great money. Their dates were proof of that. They did what ever they desired on those few times each month when they were able to get together.

Chad had an idea that Susan was still connected to someone else in a serious relationship. her schedule made that somewhat obvious to him. She had caught his eye in this very place a year ago and he would not be deterred.

Susan had made it clear to Chad that she was single in the early part of their relationship. But Chad had his suspicions.

So here they sat in semi darkness. Susan waiting to make, perhaps, one of the biggest decisions of her life, or so she thought. Would she leave Joe, a known quantity for a possibly better life with someone she didn’t know quit so well?

She was ten minutes early. Chad was right on time, as usual. That was one more point in Chad’s favor, Susan thought, as he made a bee line toward her and their favorite table. His facial expresion conveyed his excitement.

“I see you beat me her again Susan.” “Yes Chad, you have to get up pretty early to get ahead of me.”

Chad liked that Susan was always running early. He hated those slugs who never got anywhere on time. “The world will surely pass them by, no doubt,” he often thought. He sat down and noticed that Susan already had a drink in front of her. He turned and caught the eye of Fernando with a wave of his hand at him.

The two of them had been coming here often enough for Fernando to know what they wanted to drink. That was a comfort to Chad. He liked the known factors in life more than most. His work in stocks and bonds offered him little of that in his daily working life.

“I’m glad you were free to meet me tonight Susan.”

“You know I’m always here for you whenever possible Chad.”

Chad wasn’t so sure about that up to this point. That had been truer over the last few months for some reason. Chad didn’t ask any unwanted questions but had noticed some changes in Susan in that she had been more readily available as of late.

“Well Susan, I really wanted to talk to you tonight.” “Why?”

“I don”t want to lose you. I know you are not always open with me about everything going on in your life. I have tried to respect your privacy but I have come to a decision.”

“Really, what is that?”

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I wonder what Chad is up to? More tomorrow.