An online novel by Gillette Edmunds

Michael stepped into the hall. Barbara followed him to the lobby where he bought three more bottles of Pepto Italiano. After downing one, he stepped to the desk where he had them call the airport and charge her flight to his credit card.

The taxi was still waiting in front of the hotel.

Michael handed her all the money in his wallet as the driver opened the door. They hugged. She got in. The driver started off. A few feet down the block, she ordered the driver to stop. She got out and ran back to Michael twisting around as she dislodged something from her finger. He watched this tall, pretty, buxom, dark eyed woman running awkwardly towards him, bouncing everywhere inside, he noticed for the first time, her orange jumpsuit.

She was breathing heavily when she stopped. “Of course you can’t like me after you know about Johnny and Cindy and what I’ve done to you,” she said, “but I’ve fallen for you Michael. Take this wedding ring. It’s probably worth more than the money I owe you. I don’t want to owe you any money. You are the first nice guy I have ever known. Last night I had a dream, Michael, it means I’m in love with you. I forgot to tell you about it. Real love, Michael. Not like sex with someone you hardly know or like gifts Chuck gave me or this dumb three caret diamond. It’s much better. Real love, Michael.”

Her clean, huge, now round eyes stared into his blank glasses. “I just had to tell you.” She turned. “Bye,” she called out, running back to the taxi.