A Couple of Years of Gardening (Chapter 2) (standard:romance, 2113 words) [2/10] show all parts
Author: kmr412002	Added: Oct 29 2006	Views/Reads: 2732/1885	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
The courtship and marriage of a detective as told by his wife.

CHAPTER 2 

One weekend I spend in New York, Kate and David leave for Martha's
Vineyard, so I have the place to myself. Around midnight, Jack calls 
looking for Kate.  I tell him where she is and ask if I can take a 
message. 

He says, “I don't know if she wants to talk to me.  When she left, she
was really pissed off.” 

What did you do now?” 

He laughs a little, and says, “I guess you still think I'm that
insensitive jerk you heard about.” 

I hear a male voice in the background and I ask, “Are you still at
work?” 

“Yea, on a stakeout. The other detective I'm working with just ended his
shift, so he's out of here.” 

“You're by yourself.” 

“Not really, if I have you to talk to.” 

I'm surprised that he didn't just hang up when he found out Kate was not
home.  For some reason, we go to great pains to barely acknowledge each 
other when Kate and I run into him at social situations.  If I sit at 
Kate's desk waiting for her, he'll say hello and then rush off.  I just 
think we don't like each other.  So, I'm really surprised that I find 
myself curled up on a sofa ready to listen 

“It's pictures of this girl.  The first ones we came across, she must
have been eight.  They were so goddamn heartbreaking.  For the past 
couple of years, they come across my desk every couple of months or so. 
 Through those pictures, I've seen her grow up.  She must be about 
fourteen years old.  You know what's really old, what's ancient, is her 
eyes.  Anyway, the latest information has her in this area. There's 
silence on the phone.  He clears his throat and says, “Nina, you could 
prevent this from being a total loss, if you invite me over after I get 
off here.” 

I ask, “Why did you do that?” 

“What?” 

Make a joke when you're share something like that.  It's like you don't
want anyone to know how it tears you up inside.” 

He says, “Do you know why women can be such a pain in the ass?” 

For a second, I feel that I am not talking to the same man. 

I say, “No, but I'm sure you'll tell me.” 

“You all have to analyze everything.  Someone can't tell you anything
without some hidden meaning.  So, maybe you're right.  I made up the 
whole story about the pictures to get your sympathy.  Maybe I just want 
to get laid.” 

“You are an arrogant jerk.  I can't believe we're having this
conversation.” 

“And I can't believe--.”  There's one of those long silences on the
other end of the line. 

I say, “You can't believe what?” 

“I can't believe I told you all this. Goddamn, why did I tell you about
this?” 

“I don't know, Jack.” 

“I'm sorry, Nina.” 



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