Good Intentions

Jon dashed cool water over his face and breathed deep.
What are you going to do?
“Hey! Jon!” Ernie called. First off, ask Ernie to leave. Then you can deal with Marlene when she arrives without your accountant bearing witness. God knows why you told him about all this anyway.
Jon returned to the lounge to find Ernie who was a short, rotund man, bouncing with excitement.
“I dealt with that little problem for you!”
“You did what?”
“Marlene! She came to the door and I sent her away,” he said proudly.
Jon scowled, “You sent her away?”
“Yep, I told her you weren’t going to leave your wife and she should take her cute little tush elsewhere.”
Jon’s eyes widened, “You said that to Marlene… and she just left?”
“Yes. Well, she looked a little surprised but she could tell I meant business,” he added a wink, “You’re welcome.”
Jon brushed the hair back from his forehead. He couldn’t believe it. Marlene was vivacious, feisty and stubborn. The last time he cancelled their plans, a crystal wine glass had shattered on the wall behind him before he had a chance to react. A worrying thought snaked into his consciousness.
“What did she look like?”
“Who?”
“Marlene!”
“Ah! I can see why you had trouble saying no to that one! Tall, short blond hair. Very elegant. She had… class.”
Jon’s stomach heaved. The lights blurred. His mouth sucked dry.
“What’s wrong?” Ernie asked.
“My wife,” Jon gasped, “you sent away my WIFE!”
Jon pushed his hapless accountant aside, grabbed his coat and yanked open the door.
Stood in the doorway, clenched fist held up ready to knock was a petite woman with long, thick hair the colour of polished mahogany.
“Uh, Marlene,” Jon grinned stupidly, “please come in.”

© Rachel Smith