Prompt: “Just Kidding”

(a shot at trying to reply to prompts on the same day)

SECOND HONEYMOON

“A trip to Paris. Just the two of us.” I tapped airline tickets
against the palm of my hand.

“You’re kidding.”

I poker-faced until her disbelief turned to delight. “It’s my way of
making up. You’re the only woman in my life.”

Gratitude lit up her face. “I knew they were wrong about you!” She
threw her arms around me. “Wait until they hear about this!”

I kissed her on the forehead gingerly. “I just have some business to
arrange in town on Tuesday afternoon. The meeting would bore you out
of your wits. Why don’t you just drive down and meet me for dinner
at… What was that restaurant you wanted to go to?”

She went on in a breathless litany of thanks and fantastic plans.
She’ll be on the phone for hours tonight, boasting to all her friends
about how thoughtful I was after that big fight we had. I didn’t
bother to catch the restaurant’s name. I wouldn’t need it anyway.

She ran out of breath and I saw my chance to get out. “I’ll tune up
the other car.” I headed to the garage.

After all, it would be such a tragedy if her car skidded out of
control in those difficult zigzags at night. A terrible accident,
considering that she’s normally such a cautious driver unless excited.
I think I need to take a look at those brakes.

A smile crept over my face. It should be easy enough to be loving,
then heartbroken, then free.

E-Mail to FlashXer@yahoogroups.com