THE COLORS OF LOVE

YESTERDAY'S FLOWERS Trudy lifted her collar up to block a late autumn wind that was undressing the maple trees. Normally she loved walking in the brisk weather; at peace, content, proud of her success. Not this evening. Being a premier eye surgeon in the city, owning a bright townhouse, driving a BMW and being independent meant little now. Travis crushed her spirit, stripped her of her self-respect and traded her for Lydia-a nurse eight years younger, bigger breasts and smaller brain. He could have Lydia. That didn’t hurt as much as the people at the hospital knowing about the affair and not telling her. If Lydia’s husband hadn’t discovered the pair meeting in the parking lot of a mall and told Trudy everyone could have lived through the affair and no one would have been the wiser or suffered. She almost hated Paul for telling her, whining on her shoulder as though only he were devastated, wanting her to comfort him and direct his life. She hadn’t realized what a weak person he was and so helpless. Trudy had to cancel the wedding plans, face the people at work, tell her ailing parents of the change and carry on as though she wasn’t hurting inside so much that she couldn’t eat, sleep or concentrate on her work. As she turned the corner and headed around the entrance drive to the townhouses she caught a glimpse of the black Mercedes across from the entrance. Trudy squinted and stared but the setting sun made it impossible to see if anyone was inside. Maybe it wasn’t his although there weren’t too many like his in the city. Should I go see if it’s his, Trudy wondered as she stood, frozen by her indecision. Why would his car be there, if it was his? Curiosity got the better of her, and against her better judgement she drifted toward it. It didn’t really make any difference if he was inside. All she wanted to do was determine if it was his car. When she got close enough to make out the license plate she pivoted and headed back inside the complex. TVK-Travis Vincent Kant. Why was it parked there? The mystery was solved when she reached for her doorknob and the door swung open. In all of the confusion and emotion she had forgotten to demand her key back. There was no smile or sparkle in his deep blue eyes, only the stone expression as he stood aside for her. Trudy had trouble holding eye contact or fighting back the anger as she passed without comment. “We have to talk, Trudy,” Travis said in the silk voice she used to adore. “We don’t have to talk, Travis. You’ve been watching too many TV soapies. Everything that needs to be said has been.” Trudy fought to keep her tone light and civil. Travis held his hands up. “I listened to you for almost an hour without presenting my side and I think you could at least give me an opportunity to explain.” Trudy emitted a soft grunt. “There is nothing left to explain. It’s clear what you’ve been doing and what you think of me; our relationship; our future.” “Trudy, grow up.” Travis saw her eyes squint and held up his hands. It was not the smartest thing he could have said “Wait, before you condemn me and do something that will hurt us both.” Then he hesitated and his voice dropped. “All I want you to do is hear me out. Then, I’ll accept whatever decisions you make and promise never to bother you again.” He edged over to the couch and slid down, patting the cushion beside him. Trudy hesitated before drifting toward him with her hand extended. Travis’ head jerked back. “What’s this all about?” “First, return my key.” Travis rolled to the side, dug into his pocket then held up his hand. “Here you are. No problem. I got twelve copies at my place.” He saw the sternness to her face and his smile faded. When Trudy sunk into an upholstered chair opposite him he shrugged. “First, Trudy, I love you dearly.” “I realize that, Travis. And I appreciate your demonstrating it by stabbing me in the back.”