Chapter Three
Suzan liked her neat apartment with some style while Joe, was Joe. She had grown up in a nice part of town in a house with a yard of some size and close net wealthy neighbors close but not too close by.
There were often large parties with those wealthy neighbors in her large back yard. The long tables were set up on the weekends and always covered in white table cloths with loads of food. The mansions around them and their own spoke of success and importance to those who noticed them as they drove by. There was always plenty to do for the children and the wives to do while the husbands talked of business and politics.
Some came by car from long distances just to be close to her parents who were at the center of local politics in New York City. Others just walked up the long, tree lined, shady lane. Joe came from a very different background and set of circumstances down in the Bronx.
“The Bronx” was a farm many years ago back in 1639 and owned by Jonas Broncks. He had been a pioneer from Sweden. Over the years the spelling of the name of the large area had changed as the mixing of language and people from all over came to live there. Eventually it was sold off for development.
Joe’s life had been extremely difficult as he came from a much lower station in life. Suzan knew that and found it sad. He had gone to the school in the neighborhood near to his apartment in the same neighborhood for years. Suzan had gone to private schools for here entire life. She found Joe’s earthy life interesting if not a little tragic. Joe didn’t see his life as “a little tragic,” it was just his life. Their differing backgrounds had made them bond quickly. The downtrodden and the rescuer fighting the world as it was and wanting to change it for the better.
Suzan was gone now and had no thoughts of returning. She was starting her life over again, already.
Joe was alone in the city now and could see little reason to stay after all that had happened. The Autumn weather was turning for the worse and offered little comfort to him. Work was all that held him in the city now.
Joe’s father had moved out west and they hadn’t remained as close as Joe might have wanted. “Even a distant and angry father was better than no father at all,” Joe often thought. Joe’s father made it difficult for them to get closer as he was a man of strong opinions and a sharp intellect. They had differing views of the world around them and the people in it.
Joe looked around the room for his phone but couldn’t remember where he put it down after talking to the office. Joe and Suzan had stopped for drinks at the Capital Grille with friends and spent some time there.
Joe noticed that she spent more time talking with one woman friend than with him. They left in what Joe thought was “good spirits” and quickly arrived by taxi at Joe’s apartment. Joe had a few more drinks and they eventually started arguing. They went to bed mad at each other. He remembered that now. As more alcohol left his system and more blood reached his brain, Joe remembered where the phone was. He walked to the corner of the small kitchenette and reached for it. He had spied it sitting behind the toaster.
“I guess the toaster wouldn’t fit in her suitcase,” he thought as he saw the expensive appliance sitting in it’s spot on the counter.
Joe pushed his speed dial for the office. Charlene, his secretary, answered the call on the second ring. He liked that about Charlene among many other things. She was very efficient.
“Joe Monroe’s office, how may I help you?” “Hello Charlene, it’s Joe. I don’t think I will be coming into the office today, I need some personal time.
“Fine Mr. Monroe, are you ill, might I do something for you? Joe didn’t answer right away. He was thinking of what to say. “I know I have some personal time left on my calendar.” You’re right Mr. Monroe, but there is a meeting you need to attend on Monday, at eleven. The boss and you are meeting George Summers about his new travel book, again.”
Joe remained quit for some time. “Are you there Mr. Monroe?” “I’m finally done with Suzan, Charlene, or she’s finally done with me is closer to the truth. It’s for good this time, there’s no going back.” Charlene remained silent on the line, but smiled.
Charlene’s heart raced as the words sank into her brain and into her heart and soul. She had helped with all of the plans for the pending nuptials and the trip to Africa. She had filled out all the applications for the life insurance policies for her boss and fiancee. She had been heart sick as she made the wonderful plans and as they unfolded in front of her beautiful blue eyes.
She knew all about the bridesmaid’s green silk dresses and their planning for the exotic honeymoon.
It was Africa that was finally decided upon after much consideration by both Joe and Suzan. Deciding on the location for the honeymoon had been a trying time for both of them. It had been a painful and trying time for Charlene, as well.
Charlene had heard all about the “discussions” from Joe. She was his secretary after all, and who is closer than a secretary to her boss in a large cold company than one’s secretary? Charlene had even picked the best travel agency in the city for them to use.
She had been helping them plan this trip for several months now. She had sent in the paperwork for the couples visas, for crying out loud.
Interestingly, she had sent an application for her visas for the three countries as well. Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania sounded interesting and mysterious to her as well.
She didn’t know why she had done that, or so she had told herself. She had done it just in case the worst might happen. Perhaps it was part of her love fantasy with Joe. It had been simmering for some time, after all.
Not surprisingly, Joe had no idea that Charlene was in love with him.
——————————————————————————————————–
So, things are turning out pretty well for Charlene and Suzan, at the moment. Well, more about Suzan tomorrow. She’s a better dealer. Oh, that’s one who is always looking for a better deal, obviously. Joe is downcast but who knows what just might happen. I do. More tomorrow.