Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Alex replaced the last desk drawer and closed the box of personal items on his desk.

Gerald leaned against the office wall with one shoulder, watching him absently.

“I can’t believe you’re actually going to do this.”

Alex glanced up. “Get married?”

Gerald lifted sandy brows. “Quit this job and move to Arkansas to be a veterinarian. You’re the best salesman we have.”

Alex shrugged. “Being a veterinarian is my lifelong dream.”

Gerald grunted. “Any second thoughts?”

Alex retrieved Carmen’s picture from the desk and gazed at it, answering Gerald absently.

“About getting married?”

“About leaving the firm,” Gerald said.

“None,” Alex said confidently, his attention never leaving the picture.

“Okay,” Gerald’s said in a dry tone. “Do you have any second thoughts about getting married?”

Alex lifted his gaze from the picture and regarded Gerald reflectively.

“Not really.”

Gerald’s smile was sardonic. “Why did I get the feeling you wanted to talk about getting married?”

Alex gave his full attention to tucking the photo into the box through a gap in the top.

“I have no idea.”

“I can’t figure you,” Gerald said, moving away from the wall. “You’re the one who taught me not to put all my eggs in one basket. You bought a clinic, built a house and now you’re quitting your job to get married to a woman you’ve known for less than a year.”

Alex gave up trying to fit the picture into the gap in the box and laid it on top of it. He looked up at Gerald.

“I didn’t buy the clinic and build the house for her.”

Gerald’s tone was sarcastic. “I sure hope you didn’t tell her that.”

Alex shrugged. “I like the country and the laid-back people. Besides, my sister and her husband are there, you know.”

Gerald eyed him with mild amusement. “So, what part are you doing for the bride?”

Alex smiled. “The marrying part.”

Gerald laughed. “If you’re too busy to take her on the honeymoon, let me know.” He stuck out a hand to Alex. “Well, buddy, I hope you’re getting as good a deal as she is.”

Alex shook his hand. “Thanks. I am. She’s quite a woman.”