Cross Roads

Gloria was nearly packed, with all her belongings fitting in one suitcase. She had seen Ben leave a while ago, so knew there was no one around, which was the way she wanted it. Grabbing her makeup bag, she went to the bathroom to try and fix the damage her tears had done to her face. As she began the repair job, her thoughts went to her meeting with Mr. Templeton. That arrogant son of a bitch.  No man will ever have a hold over me. She put her makeup down and went to the kitchen to make a drink. She sat and nursed the drink as her thoughts drifted back to her meeting that afternoon.

She had been summoned to visit the old man by that awful assistant of his. Templeton had greeted her with open arms, and told the assistant that they were not to be disturbed.

“Have a seat, my dear. I really must apologize for last night, I don’t know what got into me.” He sat in the leather chair at his desk and leaned into its high back and sighed. “Pity about what happened next door. Is your friend, Quinton going to be okay?” He stopped, as if surprised by what he said and laughed. “I guess that could be taken two ways, couldn’t it? Is he going to be okay could mean, is that sorry excuse for a bar salvageable?  Or, it could mean, is he going to heal, couldn’t it?”

He looked across the desk at her motionless stare, and quickly got up to cross the room. “Where are my manners, dear lady? Let me get you a drink to calm your nerves, you must be a wreck.” He pushed the button for the wall to move, and made them both a strong drink. Handing it to her, he resumed his original position. “Now, let’s have a little talk.” He smiled at her, but his eyes held a vicious glare. “I think you have been playing with me, Gloria. I even think that you might have a thing for Quinton, and you have used me to help him and his business. Now, I can take a little play from a woman, but you have been a tease since the night I met you.” Anger was growing in his voice when he leaned over the desk and took a deep breath. “You don’t look well, dear. Is there something that I can get you?”

Gloria’s face was filled with hate and disdain for the man across from her, and she had been open with her silent message while he spoke. She put her drink on the table and slowly stood to respond to her attacker.