My entry for the
On The Job Challenge 2023
.
Conner
Conner was thinking about sex. Well, that was normal enough, he's a guy, right? He was also thinking about his ex. That was normal, too: he'd received another high-handed, demanding letter from her lawyer; Ruth had decided to put the boys in a private school and he was supposed to pony up half the tuition and expenses. Damn that woman and that shark acting as her lawyer!
He loved the boys, Sam and Timothy, what were they, 10 and 8 now? And he shouldn't have cheated on Ruth, he could admit that, but this constant warfare wasn't doing him, her or their sons any good. It just meant more billable hours for their lawyers.
On an impulse he dialed her number; his call went straight to voicemail. "Ruth, it's Conner. I got your lawyer's letter. Listen, can't we discuss these things parent-to-parent and not involve the legal bloodsuckers? I know you've got every right to be angry with me but punishing me isn't helping Sam and Timothy. If you're willing to talk, call me."
He ended the call and found himself thinking about Ruth: her pretty face, her natural blond hair, her blue eyes, her womanly figure, still quite a looker at age 38. They'd had some wonderful times together, but he'd wrecked it all, hadn't kept his vows.
His phone buzzed, displaying Ruth's name and number; he quickly accepted the call. "Hi, Ruth, thanks for calling back."
"I'm not sure I should. My lawyer told me not to."
"Well, she'd be happy to bill us for every communication the two of us have with each other for the rest of our lives."
"And so would yours!"
"Exactly! They win, we lose. The boys lose."
"Conner, you're right about my being angry with you, but I have to admit that's not good for any of us. Are you willing to discuss private school for the boys?"
"Yes. Absolutely. I'm sure you've given it a lot of thought, I'd like to hear what you have to say, but can you allow me to ask questions, consider alternatives? We both want what's best for Sam and Timothy."
"That's good to hear. I think we should talk face-to-face. Can you spare the time?"
There was a bitter, accusatory tone there, but he understood and chose to let it go. "I'll make the time. Can you be here at ten?"
"I'll make the time. See you then."
Well! That went better than expected. He buzzed his secretary; "Karen, I'm meeting with Ruth from ten to eleven, absolutely no interruptions."
"Got it boss! Good luck with the ex."
That was perhaps a little too personal, but Connor and Karen were on easy terms with each other. A bit flirtatious at times but he wasn't eager to repeat the mistakes he'd made with Ruth: he fully intended to stay happily married to Tanya. OK, Tanya was the one he'd cheated with, she'd been his secretary, but he'd learned his lesson. Although he had to admit Karen was plenty cute enough if he did want to strayβ
oh, hell, don't go down that road!
Karen buzzed him back: "Boss, Darlene from Horn Tech wants to meet today, can I put her down for 2 o'clock?"
"Sounds good, Karen, thanks."
"No problem, Boss."
Darlene was a high-powered, no-nonsense executive with one of the firm's major clients; he could count on her to get straight to the point and expect a quick response. That thought set his pulse racing but he had a lot on his plate for the day so he took a deep breath and got himself under control.
Ten o'clock came quickly and Karen ushered Ruth into the office and closed the door so they could have privacy for their personal affairs.
"Hello, Ruth, you're looking well."
"Thanks, Conner, same to you."
"Have a seat and tell me about schools."
"OK, but do you have to sit behind that great big desk? It's rather intimidating."