God's Gonna Cut You Down

what to wear that evening for her date. Alice’s rambling faded away and then re-emerged. The stories Alice told were always about other people and never about Alice or her private life. She was clearly starved for conversation like someone who had no real human interaction at home.

  “And then I said that’s not true.” Alice continued, “Sarah’s not the one who was driving that night. She was way too wasted and so her brother Jimmy drove – but I think Jimmy was drunk as well – I’m not too sure since I had a few drinks myself.”

  Alice paused for a moment, giving Gladys false hope that it was the end of the conversation, but then that was always the case with Alice.

  “Wait,” Alice said in thought, “What was I talking about again?”

  Alice thought for a moment and then continued.

  “Oh, that’s right.” Alice said, “Sarah was so drunk that she slept with her own brother! Can you believe that?”

  “No I can’t.” Gladys said humdrum, “Who is Sarah again?”

  “I mean how drunk can a person be? Imagine sleeping with your brother.”

  Alice’s face contorted at the thought of sleeping with her cross-eyed brother and then she cringed.

  Gladys couldn’t take it any longer and knew that if she were to stay sane she’d have to get away from Alice before she smacks the woman in the face with a stapler.

  “Alice,” Gladys said, “It’s been great catching up, but I have a report I have to get working on.”

  “Oh,” Alice said foolishly, “Right. No problem. Chat later?”

  “Sure.” Gladys lied.

  “Just don’t tell anybody else what I just told you…”

  Alice turned and skipped back to her cubicle as Gladys sat down behind her desk and glanced at the picture of her two boys. The picture was taken at a park near their house a few weeks before her husband died. Those were happier times.

  Her life was finally improving. She met a caring man whom she was falling in love with. She still haven’t introduced him to her sons as she felt they weren’t ready yet – but soon. She didn’t them to think that she was trying to replace their father and at their age their imagination could run wild.

  Her mobile phone rang. She reached for it. It was Alex. She smiled as she answered the call.

  “Good morning sexy.” She whispered.

  “Good morning sexy. I just called to say that I miss you and I can’t wait to see you tonight.”

  “I miss you too.” Gladys said, “And I’ve been looking forward to tonight the entire weekend.”

  “I don’t see why I can’t come over. I’m sure your boys will understand.”

  “I know, but I don’t think they’re ready yet. I don’t want them to think I am trying to replace their father because I’m not.”

  “I get that.” Alex said, “I guess I can wait. It’s just you told me so much about them that I feel I know them like they were my own. I have the perfect evening planned. We’re going to see that new movie In Love We Trust followed by dinner at Romano’s Italian Restaurant.”

  “And after dinner?”

  “What happens after dinner is up to you.” Alex said beguilingly.

  “I like the sound of that.”

  “So I’ll pick you up at seven?”

  “Sure. I’ll call the babysitter later just to confirm.”

  “Great.” Alex said, “Kisses.”

  Alex hung up. Gladys wanted to say she loved him, but didn’t want the first time she said it to be over the phone. She also didn’t want to be the one to say it first. What if he didn’t say it back? She would feel like a fool for rushing it.