• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

LOVE & MARRIAGE

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kate
  • Start date Start date
K

Kate

Guest
I called this "Mind how you go" for obvious reasons...

Mind how you go…

“Mind how you go”, she called as I hurried out the door, her plump face devoid of make-up, shining in the morning light. I shuddered inwardly, barely disguising my disgust. She’d said, “Mind how you go” every morning for 28 years as I left for the office. At least she hadn’t tried to kiss me lately, for which I am eternally grateful.
“ÃÂon’t wait for me for dinner, Joanna’, I muttered over my shoulder. “I have a late meeting with the management committee. Just go ahead with your dinner and you can heat mine when I get home.”
“No problem, Terry. I’ll make a salad.”
Great, another boring health food concoction, I thought as I hurried off to the station. Ever since I told her she had to lose some weight we seemed to be ever eating rabbit food, not that it seems to make any difference to her blowsy figure.
I loved my job as an advertising executive. Not everyone was good enough to be accepted by a firm of the standing of Dawes Dawes Philp Advertising, as DDP only took the cream of the crop. The perks were good. My office on the 5th floor overlooked city park and my secretary had legs up to her armpits and when she leaned over my desk, those skimpy shirts she wore didn’t leave much to the imagination. I think she fancies me. Well, I am in pretty good nick for a guy just turned 47. Pity Joanna hadn’t looked after herself. After the kids she just left herself run to fat. Compared to the lovelies working at DDP she was looking decidedly matronly. This year I laid it on the line to her – lose weight and shape up or ship out. She laughed, not taking me seriously, but has started a fitness routine with the local gym at least. I frowned with distaste as I pictured her bent over her precious garden, hair a mess, old boots on her oversized feet.
The day was promising to be a scorcher and the office was deliciously cool as I walked through the revolving doors. I made a few calls first up, leaning back and enjoying the view over the park. Then I buzzed Kim to do some dictation. I’d be able to feast my eyes while getting through some routine letters. She had often explained to me that she was quite capable of handling the routine correspondence, but I enjoyed the power surge I felt when she was on the other side of the desk taking notes. I planned to ask her to the theatre on Saturday night on the pretext that Joanna was sick and I had two tickets. I'd tell Joanna some story.
My mind turned to the weekend. I had been looking forwarding to a few rounds of golf with my fellow executives with no women to bother about. DDP only had two females on the executive team and they soon learned their place. Blast! I think Joanna said the kids were coming on Saturday for some reason or another. Valeria and Vanessa were 25 now and for twins were as different as chalk and cheese. Val followed in Joanna’s footsteps, becoming an interior decorator, but Vanessa was the tomboy of the two and took up veterinary science of all things. Simon was a chip off the old block and after he’d completed his marketing degree was snapped up by a top agency in town, second only to DDP.
It was humid and overcast as I headed to the station around 7 p.m. At least the commuter crowd had gone and the air-conditioning was working in the train for once. I deliberately stayed late at the office most nights to avoid Joanna’s incessant chatter about her day. Some nights I kept Kim back too on the pretext of urgent work. Very soon I’ll make a move on her. I can tell she’s ready by the way she looks at me under those gorgeous lashes.
The house was silent when I arrived and I presumed Joanna was off grunting and sweating at some exercise class or another. I stripped off and headed for the pool for a quick dip before dinner. Refreshed and wrapped in a bathrobe I wandered into the kitchen. No sign of salad in the fridge or on the bench. What had the lazy cow done with my dinner? My eyes lit on a note on the kitchen table. No doubt instructions to make dinner myself because she was too busy to look after her own husband. The words didn’t make much sense until I sat down and concentrated on what Joanna had written in her big bold handwriting:

”Dear Terry, I’m going to live with David, the wonderful guy I’ve told you about who runs the yoga class. I know you’ll be terribly hurt, but he needs me and loves me and we have so much in common. You and I have grown apart since the kids left home and you’ve been so involved with your work. I’ve told the children and they’re coming over on Saturday to keep you company and cheer you up. Mind how you go”.

The note dropped from my nerveless fingers and I sat there stunned for several long minutes. Suddenly I realised how hungry I was. Damn it, I’d have to ring out for a pizza. And now I’d have to cancel my plans for Saturday night, as I’m sure the kids will hang around to all hours trying to comfort me. Perhaps I could get rid of them early and still meet up with Kim. I’d think up some good excuse tomorrow. I headed for the phone to order dinner, feeling better already. ”One large capricosa with anchovies thanks.”
 
oh dear...

:D Well Kate what's good for the Goose as they say... although in this case I think the Gander is in for a let down... Lets hope so :lol: :lol: :lol:
Nice tale by the way :)

Chris :)
 
LET DOWN

Yep Chris - I created him and I KNOW he's in for a big letdown!! :lol:
 
Terry

Good story K8

I know a few 'adonis like Terrys'. Maybe his wife just didnt understand his needs? :roll:
 
ADONIS

When I was between marriages I met many guys who told me their wives didn't understand them. Well, says I, if she doesn't understand you mate, how do you expect me to? :wink:
 
:) Katie Tizzy Tasmaniac, Well done Gal :lol:

The Gander cooked his goose nicely as You portrayed so well,,,

Fortunately (for me :wink: ) My other half (Ok I admit--the better half)
Understands me,,, :idea: Too flippin well,, reads my mind :shock: So I may be a big brave guy but I ain,t flippin suicidal :D Mmmmh ,Actually its 32 Years TODAY, Aaaargh gotta go,,run & get a Card or something,

Just remembered, F A Cup Final 5th May 1973 , Sunderland beat red hot favourites Leeds, 1-0 (Ian Porterfield scored) Oh & We got Married :oops: Now off to find a Card :?: Shop :?: mmh JY
 
THANX!

JohnY thanks for your comments and many many happy anniversaries to you and yours. We recently celebrated our 27th anniversary. Funnily enough for the first time last year we totally forgot our anniversary! It's every day that matters hey? :wink: As usual you make me :)
 
SELLING STORIES?

Nah, don't put enough time and effort into them or haven't got the time at the moment. There are so many talented writers about the competition is awesome. But I enjoy scribbling. Haven't written for a while - these I did a couple of years ago, but am starting to get back to it. Have been in writing class mainly doing memoirs (yuk!) which was all on offer locally, so got out of the way of fiction writing which is my first love. Enjoying reading everyone's stories - all so good!
 
Time over Effort

Kate please make the time,,,,,, Your natural Talent requires very little Effort :)

Your self depracating "scribbles" you say, Eh Gal YOU are GOOD,
Dream On," no fences in the sky"(Bob Dylan) Your answers are "Blowin in the wind (Bob,again :oops: )
Your Talent is not Fictional,, Let Fiction express Your Talent :wink: John x
 
THANX

JohnY I'm smiling and blushing - It's nice to get some encouragement and I appreciate it. Are you still basking in the happiness of your anniversary? Must say hubby and I are much happier now we're not working 9-5 (well formal work anyway). We can manage our life and time together much better. I'm sure you know what I mean. :)
 
I do,,, ahah

Anniverary good time had by all, & meant my earlier accolades,, nice stuff, keep it bubbling,, same as Marriage really, easier to give than take then Life rewards in its own ways :)

Well I have fixed the Red light on the porch (Verandha to Colonials) :roll:
So Mrs can earn a few bob this evening,, Keeps giving change, daft Eh :oops:

Mmmmh, How do you get too oooh much starch out of underpants :?:

I know,, I will ask my mate Les,, he,s expert by now :wink:
 
Great one, Kate. I love it when these chauvinists get their comeuppance. :wink: Mind, it was encouraging that he still had his priorities in check at the end - food before anything! :lol:
 
PRIORITIES

Yes, Paul, I have learnt what the priorities of the male species are over the years :) :lol:
 
Back
Top