Carol and Jane arrived at Margo's house to play cards Wednesday afternoon. The three women had done so for over ten years as they had been good friends in the neighborhood. All had husbands who worked and kids who went to school during the day so they had set aside every Wednesday to play cards as well as have tea and sandwiches. It was never a big production but it was a good time to catch up on gossip and what was going on with their families. Carol brought the food as usual with Jane bringing some dessert like cheese or coffee cake. This time Jane forgot it and had something on her mind for the first half hour. Both Carol and Margo noticed this and decided to ask her about it.
"I've been debating about telling you this. I received a call from that prissy thing who lives down the road. You know Ellie? The girl who wears those very tight sweaters in front of all the men and boys outside her house? Well, she was upset about something I had said and wanted me to apologize to her about it. I don't even know why she bothered as I don't remember saying it. Well, she called all three of us some very unlady like names and I called her on it. She then said she was having an affair with one of our husbands." Margo and Carol both gasped and nearly dropped their teacups after hearing about that one.
"I know how you two now feel. I figured it couldn't of been my Bill as he is so devoted to me and the girls. He gave me a nice mink wrap for my birthday even though it cost a lot of money. Then I began to wonder as he does work late at times. He also likes to buy things and maybe it is out of guilt. The thought of Bill and her in the same room makes me physically ill. I just don't know though as I think more about it." Margo comforted her friend and looked at the picture of her husband Sam. He was a bit older when they were married and was a successful businessman.
"Sam is too old to have an affair now. That Ellie is young enough to be his daughter. We don't even have children because he doesn't like them. Why would he go out with a child if he doesn't like them? Sam is also set in his ways and I had to adopt to how he likes the house. He would never put up with a young girl. It can't be Sam." Jane made a laugh to herself as Margo gave her a strange look.
"Margo, have you ever wondered why Sam did marry you? He is fifteen years older than you and married you when you were Ellie's age. Maybe he wants to trade you in for another young trophy wife. I don't want to sound cruel, but Sam is all about Sam. You have a very nice house, but where are your things here? Sam likes Sam and he also owns his wife. Now he wants a new model possibly. So don't say it can't be your Sam." That left Carol who began to think about her husband Sal. He was a more down to Earth guy who played sports with the neighborhood teenaged boys in the street with them.
"Sal is always busy with something if not at work. He is either fixing up the house or playing street hockey with the neighbor boys. He is not a good father though to our two children. I think it is because they are still too young. He provides for them and loves them, but he won't spend any time with them. He is very rough around the edges but is an athlete. I don't want to think Ellie and him would have an affair, but he is young looking and handsome. I think the three of us need to confront that bitch about this." Jane walked up to Carol and shook her head no before downing a glass of wine.
"That might not be a good idea as then she would win. What if she is lying to us and wants us to think she is cheating with one of our husbands? We don't have perfect marriages like we pretend we do every Wednesday here or at each others' houses. How about we each confront our husbands ourselves?"
_________________________
"The house is a mess and you are letting yourself go. Is it any wonder I am having an affair with Ellie? I don't know if I want you around anymore, Margo. You are just getting on my nerves too much." Margo stood there and was frozen with fear, panic and surprise all rolled into one. She then composed herself and went into the bedroom and packed a suitcase. She took it out to the door and called a cab. Sam smiled as he asked where Margo would go.
"Oh, I'm not going anywhere. You are getting out of my house for a change. I don't think any judge would not side with me when it comes to an adulterous husband." Sam was now the one in shock as he walked up to the door. "I will have movers come in and get the rest of your things when you find an apartment. You have more than enough money to support both of us. However, I will get a job now."
____________________________
"Jane, I bought those items because I do love you. But you are right about the affair. I grew bored with you and our lifestyle. We live in a house with a picket fence and have two perfect daughters. I saw Ellie and she made me feel young again. I swear, I will never do it again." Jane did not seem too upset about this as she stared at her husband. "Did you ever do it in our bedroom?" Bill did not answer that at first as he said it was all done with now. Jane pressed it and Bill finally admitted they did it in the bed a few times.
"It was exciting to think you might catch me with her. I know it was wrong, but it is done with. I'll buy you some nice jewelry and take you out to that very fancy French restaurant that costs $300 a person. That is more than most people make in a month." Jane got up and called the two girls out of their room. "How would you like to visit your grandparents with Mommy for the next few weeks? I have to find a nice place for us to play house in so your Daddy can play house here."
______________________________
Sal was wearing a tank tee shirt as well as jeans with a few holes in them. He was a bit greasy from working on the car and took a beer from the fridge. "So, you think I messed around with that Ellie because I was just a kid when I married you? I told you I had been through a lot and was mature for my young years. We have a young daughter and a new son together. I have no reason to cheat on you and would never if I thought I did."
"Well Sal, you are handsome and young which is her type. I figured you didn't but I had to ask." Sal gave Carol a hug and told her to go out and buy some nice steaks for the grill. She smiled and left the house knowing her husband didn't cheat on her. Sal waited for Carol to leave and gave his buddy Daniel a call. "Whew. I thought Carol found out something about us, Daniel. I know Ellie spotted us together at that motel and wondered if she told anyone."
Subject: Cards Day by Karl Kramer 
Thu Oct 17, 2013 3:28 pm
