Relative Truths

     Just before five, Charlotte’s neighbour Rolf Erikson phoned to see if she and Adam would like to come over later for a drink. When she explained that Adam was out of town he told her she was still welcome to join them but, while she considered it momentarily, she really didn’t feel like socializing. She wasn’t hungry, but knew she needed to eat, so she made herself a cheese omelette and a fruit salad and then settled down to read the paper. It was still only six-thirty when she was through reading nearly every section, except the sports news, and she was feeling restless. She decided to pour herself a glass of wine, then took it out into the garden and sat down on one of the lawn chairs. Soon, Zoe came creeping through the grass and landed with a thump on her lap, nearly knocking the glass out of her hand. Charlotte was startled but pleased to have the companionship, “Oh, Zoe,” she whispered, “I guess it’s just you and me tonight.”
     Zoe settled down purring with delight but with one eye open watching the birds that could be seen flitting among the trees. Just the closeness of her made Charlotte more relaxed and, after she finished the wine, she closed her eyes and started to doze off. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been asleep but, when the sound of the telephone ringing in the house awoke her, it was already getting dark. She jumped up, tipping Zoe onto the grass, ran through the back door, and grabbed the phone sitting on the kitchen counter, “Hello,” she said breathing heavily.
     “Charlotte, are you all right?”
It was Jodi. “Oh, yes. I was out in the garden and had to run indoors. I’m surprised to hear from you again so soon. Did you forget something last night?”
     Jodi hesitated, “I’ve been debating whether to call you or not.”
     “Why what’s wrong? Is there something I can do to help?”
     “No, Charlotte, I’m fine but I need to see you.”
     “What tonight? I saw you last night. Now you’re making me curious. Do you want to come here?”
     “No, I want you to get in your car and come downtown . . . .”
     Charlotte cut in, “No way, not until you tell me what this is all about.”
     There was a long pause and then Jodi said, “Adam’s here.”
     Charlotte gasped, “Where? Where are you?”
     “I’m with Rick in the Rooftop Lounge of the Thompson and Adam’s sitting at the end of the bar.” Charlotte felt her anger rising, “I don’t believe you. Why are you doing this to me again?”
     “Why on earth would I be telling you to come and see for yourself? This is the last thing I would wish on my best friend.”
     “Well, if you’re so sure it’s him why don’t you go and talk to him?” Charlotte snapped back.
     “Because then he might take off and then you’ll question whether I’m telling you the truth even though Rick is here to back me up.”
      Charlotte’s mind was racing, “The Thompson, that’s on King Street isn’t it?”
      “Yes, at Bathurst and hurry. He only just arrived a few minutes ago but who knows how long he’ll stay.”
      “I’ll be there,” Charlotte called out at the same time as she was hanging up the receiver.
     She hardly remembered racing upstairs, changing into a pair of white capris and a black tank top, checking her make up and running a comb through her hair. All the way from the house to the hotel her mind was in turmoil. This couldn’t be Adam, he was in Ottawa. If it was him, was he alone? She forgot to ask Jodi that. What was she going to say to him? Could she ever trust him again? Was this the end of their marriage? She was so overwhelmed with her thoughts that, when she saw the hotel had valet parking, she quickly handed over her keys and raced through the lobby searching for an elevator. Once inside, she saw the indicator for the Rooftop Lounge and held her breath as the elevator ascended, occasionally stopping to let guests on or off. Finally she was standing at the entrance to the lounge and looking around her in a panic. Just seconds later, Jodi was embracing her and leading her to a banquette just a few steps away. Rick got up to greet her and she quickly shook his hand but her eyes were searching the room. “Where is he?” she demanded still standing.
     Jodi motioned for her to sit down but Charlotte shook her head, “He’s at the far end of the bar but I think you need to calm down before you race over there.”
     Charlotte strained to see in the subdued lighting, “Is that him with some blond woman?” she asked.
     Jodi nodded and grabbed Charlotte’s hand, “Please think about what you’re going to say. You don’t want to make a big scene.”
     Charlotte stared at Jodi and frowned, “And why not? My husband who is supposed to be in Ottawa is sitting in a bar in Toronto with another woman and I’m not allowed to make a scene. Watch me.”
     Jodi started to follow as Charlotte stalked through the lounge and headed for the couple at the far end of the bar. Rick look on helplessly as Jodi stepped up her pace but Charlotte was too quick for her. When she finally got close enough to see that, even with his back to her, it was indeed Adam, she stopped in her tracks and Jodi finally caught up with her. She grabbed Charlotte’s arm but she shook her off and took a step forward, “Adam” she whispered. The only reaction was from the attractive blond perched on the side of the barstool. She stared up at Charlotte with a puzzled look on her face. Charlotte returned the look with a scowl and repeated in a louder voice, “Adam.”
     The man swivelled around and Charlotte immediately stepped back, almost knocking Jodi over. Her hand flew to her mouth and she was speechless for a moment then she cried out, “Who are you?”
     The man smiled and stood up, “Well, I’m certainly not Adam.”
     Both Charlotte and Jodi were staring with their mouths open. The man standing in front of them was almost identical in looks to Adam, same height, same features and same brown hair. Charlotte leaned forward trying to take it all in and even, in the dim light, she could see the same green eyes. Why did she instinctively know it wasn’t Adam, the difference was almost imperceptible? It wasn’t the clothes, even though he was wearing an outfit she knew Adam didn’t possess. Then she suddenly noticed it, the small scar running from the top of his lip to the bottom of his nose. This was not her husband.