Schwartz was coming towards him, as suave as ever. Gaston settled down behind the desk, sipping a drink, while Schwartz made small talk but Gaston looked up sharply when he said, ’We ran into your fascinating young wife today.” He stressed upon ‘wife’.
“When?’, he asked.
“She was sitting all alone, having a coffee at...”he named a small coffee bar in the city. Schwartz sat down and leaning forward, said,” She’s a spirited one, threatened Shark with a fork!”
He chortled.
Gaston sat back, his mind racing, Where had she gone? Whom had she been meeting?
And then, Schwartz’ remark sank in: ‘What?’ he said, ”a fork?”
His friend related the incident with some editing, watching Gaston closely, the telltale tightening of his jaw, the flash of anger which was immediately covered by the familiar smooth mask.
In a serious tone, Schwartz added,” Some women make great arm candy. This one’s not a regular beauty but she’s got something that makes a man want her. And she has a quality that is forever. That’s special.’
He stood up to leave with a passing shot, saying with a touch of envy.” You’re one hell of a lucky guy.”
His words kept echoing in Gaston’s mind.