current story extract
From “Old Habits”
No. It didn’t happen like that.
What do you mean?
I mean, it was like this—same old story. You left me for someone younger and prettier.
She was 34. She wasn’t that young. As for pretty, well…
Sure, you say that now. But back then you were smitten.
Smitten. What the hell? And back when? It was only last year.
Exactly. So why are you here?
I need somewhere to stay.
She threw you out?
Worse. She left me for someone younger and prettier.
That’s not what he said, really is it? He wouldn’t dare.
It is, and he did.
So what did you do?
I let him stay, of course.
Are you sure that’s a good idea?
No.
Things to do with Jaime are never a good idea. Even his name. He pronounces it “Hah-may.” What is that? His parents are Scottish. I always called him James, or if I was really angry, Jim.
We got married when we were both 17. I know, crazy, huh? At least I wasn’t pregnant. You’d think we were young and wild but we became this middle-aged couple—walking the dog and watching TV in bed when we should have been out partying.
The dog was a Dalmatian called Santa. Beautiful dog, gorgeous dog, with huge eyes and dozens of those pretty blotches Dalmatians are famous for. And friendly—always jumping up and licking your face, trying to climb on your lap, clambering over you first thing in the morning—which can be a bit of a problem when your dog weighs almost 70 pounds.
We lived in a quite a big apartment, really, considering we had no money. Good thing rents in Montreal were so cheap.
[Copyright © Marie Shields. All rights reserved.]
