By Eleanor Tylbor
Looking around Estelle's apartment it was obvious to Sheila that her sudden arrival had interrupted special plans for the evening. The surface of the floor was covered in various clothes including a maid's uniform replete with black garter belt and black hose.
"You or - him?" Sheila asked, a definite amused quality in the tone of her voice.
"You'll never know," Estelle said, rushing to pick up the clothes. "Then again - maybe you will. So you finally left the idiot! It's about time, that's all I can say. Just think about all the fun ahead."
Somehow, her friend's comments made her feel defensive. Perhaps it was also because it was a reflection on her low self-esteem that she had stayed with someone that obviously everyone saw as a jerk, except her.
"I'm here, aren't I? Doesn't that tell you something?" Sheila responded, feeling that she was being attacked.
"Take it easy, girl! I'm just happy that you finally made a move! Just lemme finish cleaning all this stuff..."
She grabbed the three empty bottles of champagne and a can of whipped cream, shaking it.
"Empty. You know - whipped cream is so...versatile," Estelle laughed shaking the can, "but then you're not ready to hear about those kind of things - yet. But you will!"
"The only thing I want to think about now is peace and quiet and I never want to see or hear another hockey game - ever!"
Sheila realized that she was yelling at the mere mention of the word 'hockey.'
"Sorry - don't know why I reacted like that."
"I do. Years of having to listen and cater to Hal the loser. I'm sure he and his big screen TV will be happy. Wanna bet he probably still hasn't realized that you left him?"
Estelle was probably right. A flash of Hal sitting in his arm chair, the remnants of their special gourmet meal she had prepared dripping down his face and his only reaction was to bemoan how his team had lost the game.
"So...like...what d'ya wanna do? We could grab a latte down at the coffee shop..."
"Would you mind if we stayed in?" Sheila responded, feeling suddenly mentally and physically exhausted. "I'm getting a migraine and I'm absolutely no good when that happens."
"What's the matter with me? Of course you're exhausted after everything you've gone through! I've got a fan-tas-tic idea! I'm gonna make you a welcome cocktail party and introduce you to everyone! Nobody makes a par-tee like me! Gotta plan it right... Make a list of the right people you should meet..."
"Estelle - gimme a break! I mean - that sounds like a fun idea but all I want right now is a bed and sleep if that's okay with you?"
"Oh you mean that beds can be used for sleeping too?" Estelle laughed. "Sorry - force of habit. I meant a party this weekend of course. There's somebody you just hav'ta meet. Consider it your "lookout world - Sheila is here!" statement. Plenty of time to talk - and plan - tomorrow."
Estelle brought in a comforter and pillows.
"Hope you don't mind sleeping on the couch. We've...I've tried it and it's very comfortable. Nighty-night. Don't let anyone bite. Actually... Never mind."
As she laid down on the couch, she felt something sticking in her back and sliding her hand under her hips, she retrieved a plastic object.
"What in the world is this... Oh-my-oh-my," she said to herself. "You sure lead a busy life, Estelle!"
Exhaustion overtook her and her dreams were filled with hockey play-by-plays.
Sites O Web Romances You... is a love, romance, and relationship resource offering relationship advice, romantic inspiration, romantic gifts, and much more. http://www.sitesoweb.com/
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
THE BIG MOVE IN
by Eleanor Tylbor
Sitting in the taxi, it suddenly occurred to Sheila that she hadn't phoned to let Estelle know that she was on her way. Given her friend's busy dating schedule, this could prove to be problematic. At this point with no where else to go or stay, Sheila would have to take her chances and hope that her presence wouldn't interfere too much with Estelle's plans.
Staring out of the window of the taxi, she wondered how she could have wasted fifteen years of her life with a loser like Hal. The signs were all there and God knows Estelle had reminded her over and over again, but she just couldn't admit that Hal was one big mistake. Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered the special anniversary meal she had prepared for him and his predictable, negative reaction.
"Enough!" Sheila said, loud enough that the taxi driver turned around.
"Something wrong, lady?" he asked nervously, his eyes looking at her through his rear view mirror.
"Neh! Everything's right for a change," she responded, feeling quite proud of herself and her accomplishment. Estelle would be proud of her decision for sure.
The taxi pulled up in front of Estelle's apartment house and suddenly the enormity of what she had done overwhelmed her. She felt very much alone.
"That'll be ten dollars," the driver said, turning off his meter.
Sheila handed him a twenty dollar bill.
"Keep the change," she told him. "I'm feeling very 'up' today."
"Thanks lady!" the driver smiled. "Have a good one!"
The driver darted out of his cab and grabbed the suitcase out of Sheila's hand.
"One good turn deserves another," he told her, as he followed her into the entrance of the apartment building.
She scanned the list of names and the apartments until she came to "E. Shelton" and pressed the buzzer but there was no answer. Recalling their conversation earlier, she was sure Estelle had told her she was staying in.
"That's what I get for not telling her I'm coming," Sheila said to herself, calling her friend's number on her cell phone. "She's probably having an early night." At the point where she was about to hang up, a groggy voice responded.
"Hel-hel...hello..." the voice at the other end stammered.
"Sorry - I must have the wrong number," Sheila appologized.
"Sheila? Is that you?" her friend asked, a definite sound of surprise intermingled with shock.
"Estelle! Bad timing? Oh geez - I'm really sorry but..."
"Yeah...kind'a. It's midnight! What's wrong? Did that bastard of a husband hit you? How many times did I tell you to leave the loser but..."
"Estelle - I did leave Hal!" Sheila interrupted her friend's rant.
"Good for you," Estelle said. "Just a minute..."
Sheila heard laughter and a man's voice and then whispering.
"I'm back. Sorry 'bout that. There was something I hadda do!"Estelle said, giggling. "Listen - why don't we meet tomorrow at the coffee shop and discuss your next move and then..."
"I can't," Sheila interrupted.
"You're...not thinking of going back to... Please tell me no!"
"I'm calling you downstairs in the entrance of your apartment building. Um - d'ya think that... Like, I could stay with you for a few days until I can get myself together? I mean - I won't be any trouble. You won't even know I'm around or anything..."
The few seconds of silence between them said it all for Sheila.
"Know what - why don't I just find a motel instead."
"Don't be dumb! Of course you can stay here. That's what friends are for, silly!" Estelle jumped in.
"I'm on my way up!" Sheila said.
"Give me a few minutes..." Estelle tried to get in before Sheila closed the top of her cell phone.
Standing outside the door, she heard the faint sound of Estelle's laughter.
Waiting a few minutes she rang the bell.
Estelle, hair dishevelled and makeup smeared, opened the door a slit.
"Just a sec sweetie," she told Sheila closing the door
When the door finally opened properly, a young, handsome male who looked to be in his 20's stood next to Estelle.
"This is Rick," Sheila said.
"And Rick is leaving," he added. "But I'll be back you bad, bad lady!"
Both Estelle and Rick laughed, then kissed.
"Count on it!" Estelle said, her voice full of promise.
"C'mon in," she told Sheila. "So tell me every detail and don't leave anything out."
One thing for sure, life with Estelle would definitely be an eye opener.
Sites O Web Romances You... is a love, romance, and relationship resource offering relationship advice, romantic inspiration, romantic gifts, and much more. http://www.sitesoweb.com/
Sitting in the taxi, it suddenly occurred to Sheila that she hadn't phoned to let Estelle know that she was on her way. Given her friend's busy dating schedule, this could prove to be problematic. At this point with no where else to go or stay, Sheila would have to take her chances and hope that her presence wouldn't interfere too much with Estelle's plans.
Staring out of the window of the taxi, she wondered how she could have wasted fifteen years of her life with a loser like Hal. The signs were all there and God knows Estelle had reminded her over and over again, but she just couldn't admit that Hal was one big mistake. Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered the special anniversary meal she had prepared for him and his predictable, negative reaction.
"Enough!" Sheila said, loud enough that the taxi driver turned around.
"Something wrong, lady?" he asked nervously, his eyes looking at her through his rear view mirror.
"Neh! Everything's right for a change," she responded, feeling quite proud of herself and her accomplishment. Estelle would be proud of her decision for sure.
The taxi pulled up in front of Estelle's apartment house and suddenly the enormity of what she had done overwhelmed her. She felt very much alone.
"That'll be ten dollars," the driver said, turning off his meter.
Sheila handed him a twenty dollar bill.
"Keep the change," she told him. "I'm feeling very 'up' today."
"Thanks lady!" the driver smiled. "Have a good one!"
The driver darted out of his cab and grabbed the suitcase out of Sheila's hand.
"One good turn deserves another," he told her, as he followed her into the entrance of the apartment building.
She scanned the list of names and the apartments until she came to "E. Shelton" and pressed the buzzer but there was no answer. Recalling their conversation earlier, she was sure Estelle had told her she was staying in.
"That's what I get for not telling her I'm coming," Sheila said to herself, calling her friend's number on her cell phone. "She's probably having an early night." At the point where she was about to hang up, a groggy voice responded.
"Hel-hel...hello..." the voice at the other end stammered.
"Sorry - I must have the wrong number," Sheila appologized.
"Sheila? Is that you?" her friend asked, a definite sound of surprise intermingled with shock.
"Estelle! Bad timing? Oh geez - I'm really sorry but..."
"Yeah...kind'a. It's midnight! What's wrong? Did that bastard of a husband hit you? How many times did I tell you to leave the loser but..."
"Estelle - I did leave Hal!" Sheila interrupted her friend's rant.
"Good for you," Estelle said. "Just a minute..."
Sheila heard laughter and a man's voice and then whispering.
"I'm back. Sorry 'bout that. There was something I hadda do!"Estelle said, giggling. "Listen - why don't we meet tomorrow at the coffee shop and discuss your next move and then..."
"I can't," Sheila interrupted.
"You're...not thinking of going back to... Please tell me no!"
"I'm calling you downstairs in the entrance of your apartment building. Um - d'ya think that... Like, I could stay with you for a few days until I can get myself together? I mean - I won't be any trouble. You won't even know I'm around or anything..."
The few seconds of silence between them said it all for Sheila.
"Know what - why don't I just find a motel instead."
"Don't be dumb! Of course you can stay here. That's what friends are for, silly!" Estelle jumped in.
"I'm on my way up!" Sheila said.
"Give me a few minutes..." Estelle tried to get in before Sheila closed the top of her cell phone.
Standing outside the door, she heard the faint sound of Estelle's laughter.
Waiting a few minutes she rang the bell.
Estelle, hair dishevelled and makeup smeared, opened the door a slit.
"Just a sec sweetie," she told Sheila closing the door
When the door finally opened properly, a young, handsome male who looked to be in his 20's stood next to Estelle.
"This is Rick," Sheila said.
"And Rick is leaving," he added. "But I'll be back you bad, bad lady!"
Both Estelle and Rick laughed, then kissed.
"Count on it!" Estelle said, her voice full of promise.
"C'mon in," she told Sheila. "So tell me every detail and don't leave anything out."
One thing for sure, life with Estelle would definitely be an eye opener.
Sites O Web Romances You... is a love, romance, and relationship resource offering relationship advice, romantic inspiration, romantic gifts, and much more. http://www.sitesoweb.com/
Monday, June 23, 2008
Hal gets his just dessert
by Eleanor Tylbor
What's for dessert?" he hollered from the den, "and bring it in to me. And this time watch how many spoons of sugar you put in the coffee. Better yet - add some of that sweetener crap you use. I gotta watch my weight - no thanks to you."
Sheila picked up the cake knife and stared at for a while, a feeling of rage building inside, but cut two slices of cake instead. One large one for Hal and a sliver for her.
She carried them into the den pausing at the door entrance to pose seductively in the negligee she had bought for their special occasion, allowing it to fall open.
"Do you want…cream with your coffee?" she asked, the tone of her voice inviting and alluring.
"You kidding? I just told you I'm watching my diet," he answered, his eyes never leaving the TV screen.
"Are you sure you don't want some…cream, just for tonight?" she asked, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, in an attempt to attract his attention.
"You deaf? I just this minute told you I'm trying to lose some pounds!" he answered, his voice was taking on a definite edge. "I swear. Sometimes I think you're deaf!"
Swinging her hips and moving provocatively in his direction, Sheila didn't notice the empty dinner plate on the floor near his armchair, until she was almost on top of it. As foot met plate she skidded forward, hurtling the cake straight ahead where it landed on Hal's massive knees. Staring down at his lap he looked at the remnants of the cake and then at Amy.
"No milk in my coffee?" Hal said unemotionally.
Sprawled on the floor, her negligee ripped down the side, she felt she was on the verge of hysteria. A cry of agony born out of frustration was slowly forming in her throat.
"Do you know what just happened?" Sheila screamed, slowly regaining her composure and standing up. "Are you blind or so indifferent to my presence that nothing about me affects you anymore?"
"Shoot! They're losing!" Hal said choking up, his voice on the verge of tears. "Our team is losing, Sheila! What are we gonna do?"
"That's really too bad," she commented, pulling herself to a standing position in front of him. "This will mean something to you, being a hockey fan and all. My version of icing."
She grabbed a handful of cake in each hand and smeared the chocolate topping accross her husband's face.
"And this is a loose puck," she stated sarcastically, picking up the plate and hurling it at the television screen. "See? I learned that from you! At least you contributed something positive to our marriage!" Amy said calmly, turning on her heels and leaving the room. When she returned, she was fully dressed with a suitcase in her hand.
"I'm leaving you, Hal," she announced matter-of-factly. "Don't come looking or trying to find me."
Opening the door she hesitated for an instant, hoping for some type of emotional response or sign that would stop her exit, but it never came.
"Don't be home late," he responded dispassionately, staring at the smoking TV.
"By the way Hal - happy birthday," she said, closing the door behind her.
Walking down the hall towards the elevator she put her hand in her pocket and took out the business card Mike had handed her earlier in the week.
'Michael Pickering, divorce lawyer.' What was it that Estelle always said? A woman marries hoping he will change but he doesn't, and a man marries hoping she won't change and she does. Time for new beginnings. She flagged down a taxi and never looked back.
"173 Center Street," she told the driver.
One thing for sure - sharing the same space with Estelle would be interesting.
To be continued...
What's for dessert?" he hollered from the den, "and bring it in to me. And this time watch how many spoons of sugar you put in the coffee. Better yet - add some of that sweetener crap you use. I gotta watch my weight - no thanks to you."
Sheila picked up the cake knife and stared at for a while, a feeling of rage building inside, but cut two slices of cake instead. One large one for Hal and a sliver for her.
She carried them into the den pausing at the door entrance to pose seductively in the negligee she had bought for their special occasion, allowing it to fall open.
"Do you want…cream with your coffee?" she asked, the tone of her voice inviting and alluring.
"You kidding? I just told you I'm watching my diet," he answered, his eyes never leaving the TV screen.
"Are you sure you don't want some…cream, just for tonight?" she asked, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, in an attempt to attract his attention.
"You deaf? I just this minute told you I'm trying to lose some pounds!" he answered, his voice was taking on a definite edge. "I swear. Sometimes I think you're deaf!"
Swinging her hips and moving provocatively in his direction, Sheila didn't notice the empty dinner plate on the floor near his armchair, until she was almost on top of it. As foot met plate she skidded forward, hurtling the cake straight ahead where it landed on Hal's massive knees. Staring down at his lap he looked at the remnants of the cake and then at Amy.
"No milk in my coffee?" Hal said unemotionally.
Sprawled on the floor, her negligee ripped down the side, she felt she was on the verge of hysteria. A cry of agony born out of frustration was slowly forming in her throat.
"Do you know what just happened?" Sheila screamed, slowly regaining her composure and standing up. "Are you blind or so indifferent to my presence that nothing about me affects you anymore?"
"Shoot! They're losing!" Hal said choking up, his voice on the verge of tears. "Our team is losing, Sheila! What are we gonna do?"
"That's really too bad," she commented, pulling herself to a standing position in front of him. "This will mean something to you, being a hockey fan and all. My version of icing."
She grabbed a handful of cake in each hand and smeared the chocolate topping accross her husband's face.
"And this is a loose puck," she stated sarcastically, picking up the plate and hurling it at the television screen. "See? I learned that from you! At least you contributed something positive to our marriage!" Amy said calmly, turning on her heels and leaving the room. When she returned, she was fully dressed with a suitcase in her hand.
"I'm leaving you, Hal," she announced matter-of-factly. "Don't come looking or trying to find me."
Opening the door she hesitated for an instant, hoping for some type of emotional response or sign that would stop her exit, but it never came.
"Don't be home late," he responded dispassionately, staring at the smoking TV.
"By the way Hal - happy birthday," she said, closing the door behind her.
Walking down the hall towards the elevator she put her hand in her pocket and took out the business card Mike had handed her earlier in the week.
'Michael Pickering, divorce lawyer.' What was it that Estelle always said? A woman marries hoping he will change but he doesn't, and a man marries hoping she won't change and she does. Time for new beginnings. She flagged down a taxi and never looked back.
"173 Center Street," she told the driver.
One thing for sure - sharing the same space with Estelle would be interesting.
To be continued...
Sites O Web Romances You... is a love, romance, and relationship resource offering relationship advice, romantic inspiration, romantic gifts, and much more. http://www.sitesoweb.com/
Sunday, June 15, 2008
A serving of hockey to go
By Eleanor Tylbor
Lately, she had found herself thinking about this very subject, especially after encountering someone special from her past.
"Remember Mike Pickering from our senior year? Almost walked right by him yesterday. He's lost most of his hair but it's those piercing blue eyes of his that made me recognize him."
"Didn't you have the hots for him?" Estelle asked, studying the waiter as he bent over while emptying the plates in the trash can. "Hmmm...nice... I mean, Mike was very nice as I recall."
"Me and a hundred other girls had the hots for him," Sheila answered, suddenly feeling nostalgic for her youthful past. "He's a big shot lawyer now with a firm here in town. Even gave me his business card."
"So you talked to him, too. Well that's a good start! Now if you'd only leave that jerk of a husband of yours…"
"Far be it for me to interrupt another of your tirades but I better go check out that gourmet shop you recommended before it closes. Call you later."
It took more than a half-hour to get served at Estelle's favorite upscale delicatessen and the prices they charged would put her budget out of whack for a couple months, but it would be worth it if it would entice her husband away from TV. The clerk suggested escargots and smoked eel but knowing Hal's very basic tastes, she opted to play it safe with a beef consommé, and steak tartar for the main course. A decadently rich, chocolate mousse birthday cake for dessert completed the order. The food was expensive but it was a small price to pay if their relationship could be salvaged.
Their dining room table was set with their best dinnerware, along with two new crystal wineglasses she had bought for the occasion. Dimming the lights she lit perfumed votive candles to lend a romantic air to their dining. A few stirs to the bisque and it was time, as they said in hockey talk, to drop the puck.
"Dinner ready yet?" Hal bellowed from another room. "It's between periods so we better eat now."
"Almost," she yelled back. "You can come in now."
"We celebrating a special occasion?" Hal asked, scanning the beautifully set table before settling in his chair"
Your fortieth year on this earth is special, so I went all out and chose a gourmet menu for us."
"Dark in here," he commented, looking around and staring into his soup bowl. "Can't see what I'm eating. Hey – maybe that's a good thing! "
Only Hal laughed."What's this stuff?" he asked, sniffing the air like a dog and moving his spoon through the liquid.
"It's…lobster bisque…very light…" she stammered. "Try it!"
He pushed the bowl away spilling some of the liquid out of the bowl, grabbed a slice of French bread from the basket, and tore into the crust.
"Can't eat this soup!" he spluttered between bites. "You know I can't stand fish! What in hell made you think I would eat this crap?"
There was no use trying to reason with him when he made up his mind about something and didn't bother trying. Instead, she removed the bowl and emptied the contents into the sink. If Hal knew how much money she had poured down the drain he would have a stroke, which would suit her just fine at that moment.
Next was the steak tartar and she gritted her teeth anticipating his reaction.
"Raw hamburger!" he barked at her, moving the meat around the plate with his fork. 'Ya wanna gimme food poisoning?"
"Not hamburger. It's steak tartar," she answered matter-of-factly, "and one eats it rare."
"Well this...one likes his well done! Take this…tartar crap and fry it up like it was meant to be cooked and add a side dish of fries. Don't forget the ketchup.Bring it in to me when it's ready," he told her, walking out of the dining room. "The game is starting again."
Her body shook with frustration and anger and her eyes filled with tears. Why had she bothered trying to please him when she knew in her heart that this would be the end result?
Only dessert remained to be served, but she held on to the ever dimming hope that maybe they could still re-ignite the passion they once had shared. She had nothing to lose at this point. This was her last shot.
To be continued.
Sites O Web Romances You... is a love, romance, and relationship resource offering relationship advice, romantic inspiration, romantic gifts, and much more. http://www.sitesoweb.com/
Lately, she had found herself thinking about this very subject, especially after encountering someone special from her past.
"Remember Mike Pickering from our senior year? Almost walked right by him yesterday. He's lost most of his hair but it's those piercing blue eyes of his that made me recognize him."
"Didn't you have the hots for him?" Estelle asked, studying the waiter as he bent over while emptying the plates in the trash can. "Hmmm...nice... I mean, Mike was very nice as I recall."
"Me and a hundred other girls had the hots for him," Sheila answered, suddenly feeling nostalgic for her youthful past. "He's a big shot lawyer now with a firm here in town. Even gave me his business card."
"So you talked to him, too. Well that's a good start! Now if you'd only leave that jerk of a husband of yours…"
"Far be it for me to interrupt another of your tirades but I better go check out that gourmet shop you recommended before it closes. Call you later."
It took more than a half-hour to get served at Estelle's favorite upscale delicatessen and the prices they charged would put her budget out of whack for a couple months, but it would be worth it if it would entice her husband away from TV. The clerk suggested escargots and smoked eel but knowing Hal's very basic tastes, she opted to play it safe with a beef consommé, and steak tartar for the main course. A decadently rich, chocolate mousse birthday cake for dessert completed the order. The food was expensive but it was a small price to pay if their relationship could be salvaged.
Their dining room table was set with their best dinnerware, along with two new crystal wineglasses she had bought for the occasion. Dimming the lights she lit perfumed votive candles to lend a romantic air to their dining. A few stirs to the bisque and it was time, as they said in hockey talk, to drop the puck.
"Dinner ready yet?" Hal bellowed from another room. "It's between periods so we better eat now."
"Almost," she yelled back. "You can come in now."
"We celebrating a special occasion?" Hal asked, scanning the beautifully set table before settling in his chair"
Your fortieth year on this earth is special, so I went all out and chose a gourmet menu for us."
"Dark in here," he commented, looking around and staring into his soup bowl. "Can't see what I'm eating. Hey – maybe that's a good thing! "
Only Hal laughed."What's this stuff?" he asked, sniffing the air like a dog and moving his spoon through the liquid.
"It's…lobster bisque…very light…" she stammered. "Try it!"
He pushed the bowl away spilling some of the liquid out of the bowl, grabbed a slice of French bread from the basket, and tore into the crust.
"Can't eat this soup!" he spluttered between bites. "You know I can't stand fish! What in hell made you think I would eat this crap?"
There was no use trying to reason with him when he made up his mind about something and didn't bother trying. Instead, she removed the bowl and emptied the contents into the sink. If Hal knew how much money she had poured down the drain he would have a stroke, which would suit her just fine at that moment.
Next was the steak tartar and she gritted her teeth anticipating his reaction.
"Raw hamburger!" he barked at her, moving the meat around the plate with his fork. 'Ya wanna gimme food poisoning?"
"Not hamburger. It's steak tartar," she answered matter-of-factly, "and one eats it rare."
"Well this...one likes his well done! Take this…tartar crap and fry it up like it was meant to be cooked and add a side dish of fries. Don't forget the ketchup.Bring it in to me when it's ready," he told her, walking out of the dining room. "The game is starting again."
Her body shook with frustration and anger and her eyes filled with tears. Why had she bothered trying to please him when she knew in her heart that this would be the end result?
Only dessert remained to be served, but she held on to the ever dimming hope that maybe they could still re-ignite the passion they once had shared. She had nothing to lose at this point. This was her last shot.
To be continued.
Sites O Web Romances You... is a love, romance, and relationship resource offering relationship advice, romantic inspiration, romantic gifts, and much more. http://www.sitesoweb.com/
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