They called us elderly, but the joke is on them. We are two young lovers carrying our secret with pride and a touch of attitude.
Jack and I met thirty years ago, neither of us were looking. We just finished school and we were starting our careers. Well, maybe “career” is stretching it. That makes us sound like at some point we’d be rich and successful. What really happened is we got comfortable and satisfied.
I spent many years trying to convince Jack that success isn’t measured by the money I make. I don’t actually believe that anymore. It’s not that I’m putting myself down…it’s more that as the years went on my philosophy wore thin. There’s only so much professional success you can claim when you don’t make much money.
Thank God, Jack makes a good living. My mother always told me to make sure I choose a husband who will be a good provider. It was sound advice; Jack is solid. He always brings home a good paycheck and we’ve been able to do and buy everything we want to. I will say though, we never wanted much and we’re not big spenders. “Live below our means” – that’s our motto. and it works.
My one big indulgence is Stitch and Pearl, a little needlepoint and knit shop I’ve had for years now. Once the kids grew up and moved out we bought an old cottage right off of the main drag, gave it some TLC, and stocked it with all the stuff you need to do needlepoint and knitting. I love my colorful collection of threads and yarn. The color spectrum is obviously a gift from God and I appreciate the textile reminders.
I’m painting a pretty picture here and there’s truth to it. But I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t tell you about the dark blot that snuck up on us five, no…closer to eight years ago.
We live in the suburbs about 45 minutes by train to the city where Jack worked. Every day he rides the 7:55 a.m. He sits in the same car, same seat (if he can get it) and says hello to the same people each weekday. Until one January day when Sharon said hello to Jack, and Jack said hello back.
Imagine you’re Jack. There’s new excitement in your routine. Sharon is a much younger, attractive blond, with a dry wit, charming personality and she’s interested in you. She asks you questions. She listens attentively to you. She makes you laugh. She makes you hot like a teen age schoolboy.
Bam. Jack was swept off his feet.
Mind you, there’s nothing wrong with our relationship. Jack was simply bedazzled by this woman. You know where this is going.
My husband started sneaking around to see Sharon. Sharon wanted more. Jack couldn’t resist. I didn’t find out until nearly a year later, when he stopped in at Stitch and Pearl on a Tuesday afternoon and said he wanted a divorce.
Now, I am not a stupid woman. But I had no idea. I’m telling you nothing seemed out of the ordinary for the past year.
He told me where he met Sharon, how their love grew, and that he still loved me but he wasn’t “in love” with me anymore. I know. Cliché, right?
Yet something smelled fishy.
Jack is a great guy – the best. But a little dull if you know what I mean. He’s not exactly a looker, and I’ve been sleeping with this man for over thirty years and his performance in the bedroom doesn’t exactly have what it takes to drive a young woman wild with desire.
I told Jack I’d like to meet Sharon. I promised I wouldn’t cause a scene or embarrass either one of them.
“Look Jack,” I said, “even with a divorce we’re still going to be around each other for family get-togethers, at the holidays, and family occasions.”
He agreed. He could never say no to me.
I met Sharon the following week. She was exactly what I expected. A very intelligent person with an executed plan to steal my husband.
There was no scene, I was calm as Columbo interrogating the suspect.
Without so much as a hint to either of them, I came away from the meeting with all the info I needed to do a thorough background check.
Not to pat myself on the back…but…pat, pat. Sharon was a con artist. Jack would have been her 4th husband who she would have divorced in a year’s time. She met two of the husbands before him by riding the commuter train.
I wanted Jack to find out for himself. I prayed, I plotted, I prepared. I managed to leave a few clues here and there. I acted quickly to secure our financial assets. I figured Sharon would be out of the picture more quickly if there was no money to be gotten from the relationship and I was…pat, pat…right.
Back to where we started when Jack and I were called elderly. I told you we are two proud lovers with a secret, and an attitude. The secret is that this whole business gave us cause to reflect on our relationship; emotionally, spiritually and intimately.
You guessed it. Sharon taught him a thing or two in the bedroom and I am not above taking advantage of a good thing. That’s my attitude – yeah give me lemons and I’ll make lemonade. Pucker up sweetie, there’s a whole lot of loving in reconciliation.
By Susan Diamond
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