Something Old, Something New

Alex shrugged into his winter coat, zipping it as he prepared to leave the clinic. Carmen would have supper ready and he didn’t want to be late.

As he walked through the lobby, the phone rang and Saundra answered it.

“It’s for you,” she said.

He strode back to his office and picked up the receiver.

“This is Alex.”

“Hey, buddy. I haven’t heard from you. How is married life treating you?”

“Gerald!” Alex sat down in his chair. “What have you been up to?”

“Nothing much. I thought I’d call and wish you a Merry Christmas. There are a lot of people down here wondering what happened to you . . . and if you’ll ever get back down this way again.”

“I like it up here just fine,” Alex responded conversationally.

“I can’t imagine you being happy when you’re tied down to one spot . . . one woman.”

Alex laughed without humor. “Well, I’m going home to a warm supper and wife. What are you doing tonight?”

Gerald laughed. “I’ve got sandwich stuff in the refrigerator.”

“That’s amazing,” Alex said in a dry tone. “How did that happen?”

“I haven’t been there all day,” Gerald answered.

“Did you ever get up the nerve to ask that secretary out to supper?”

“Oh, I’ve got the nerve. What I don’t have is the inclination. I got a tip that she is husband shopping. The life of a bachelor has too many advantages.”

Alex chuckled. “Well, some day that will get old.”

“Oh,” Gerald said, “by the way, thanks for that financial advice. I turned a good profit on that piece of real estate.”

“Good.”

“How is the safari thing going? Do you have any animals yet?”

“Only a buffalo cow right now - and a couple of Angora goats Carmen bought for me. She kept a couple of goats that are supposed to kid in February. I’ve been talking to the fish and game department here about some Elk that aren’t up to par for a release into the wild.”

“Sounds like thinks are progressing,” Gerald said. “Let me know when you get that place ready for customers. I’ve got some friends that thought it sounded like a great getaway for a vacation.”

Alex groaned. “I’m afraid if that house gets fixed, I’ll have to initiate it. Carmen has this fixation about having to pay for everything on her own . . . not using MY money.”