Last night Studs and I went for a bite to eat at our favorite haunt. Sitting at the end of the bar were the same two old men who never miss a night or a drink when it’s offered. The pair reminds me of the ancient geezers on Sesame Street. Better yet, they’re like the men from the Simon and Garfunkel song. Rarely do theses wizened birds speak with anyone. Too intent on whatever sports show happens to be on TV, but last night was different. 

Bob, the least grizzly of the two, decided to open up for the first time in three years. He told me of his wife and how he had to divorce her years ago when their son was a tiny tot. Her constant cheating and lying was more than Bob could deal with.  

Yesterday would have been their sixtieth wedding anniversary, he said as his eyes clouded over. He spoke of the dreams and plans they’d had for their life together and the savings account he thought would provide them. He turned away then dragged a calloused hand across one eye before he continued to explain what all he’d lost. Bob wasn’t looking for sympathy. He just needed someone to hear about his loneliness and painful past. 

There’s not much a person can say in answer when an acquaintance pours out their heart, including someone who makes their living writing romance novels. I held his hand and nodded, the whole time thinking how fortunate I am to have Studs in my life. 

To all of you I wish a beautiful life with a person you can trust and honor. May you never feel the pain so many people in the world are forced to experience. 

Sloane Taylor

Sweet as Honey…Hotter than Hell

www.sloanetaylor.com

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 at 12:41 pm and is filed under Writer News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.