You Can Handle It Ch. 05

"You used your computer software to doctor up these pictures!"

"I thought you might react like that. I mentioned the phone numbers but I can give you complete addresses and place of employment. Call them up and see how well they know Harry. By the way here are some more pictures for your scrapbook." I dumped another two dozen pictures of Harry and the women on the table. "Damn, that blonde has a fine pair of tits on her."

Barbara's face screwed up and she began to cry. I let her weep for a minute or two.

"Do you want something to drink? Coke, water, beer?" My mouth was dry and I didn't know what else to do. I felt sort of sick at the mental beating I had just given Barbara and also from the overall confrontation.

"N, n, n, no," She stuttered.

I fixed myself a Coke. "I'm going to the living room. When you're ready to talk some more call me or come in there." She continued to cry softly. I wanted to go hold her and comfort her but I didn't know whether she wanted me anymore.

Sometime later, I heard her get some water. She moved slowly through the doorway and slumped down on the couch. I was sitting in an easy chair.

"I've really messed things up, haven't I," she asked.

"Well, at this point it doesn't sound like the they-lived-happily-ever-after ending."

"Jeff, I don't know what to do."

"On the basis of Hilde and Jeri, I'd say Harry is a puke for you to kick in the balls and move on. I had thought that we might try getting back together, but based on what you've said today, I ought to think about it."

I hoped she might respond to my opening, but the silence just drew longer. "Look," I started. "I'll go back to Greenville. I'll be in Macon next week. Call me either place and we'll get together and talk some more."

No response. I got up and retrieved my briefcase from the breakfast nook. "I'm going to take off. Bye."

"Bye," she said. She didn't even look at me as I left.