The Horse Farm - Chapter 2-7

Louise's phone rang as she walked back from the copy room. It was Terri.

"Hey, where are you?" asked Louise with concern in her voice.

"I'm in the office." 

"I've been trying to reach you for days!"

"I know," Terri admitted. "Work has been crazy, and I was with my parents this weekend."

"Oh! Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, they're good."

"Your dad's doing well?"

"Yeah, he's fine," Terri confirmed. "He still loves his golf."

"Did you go with him?" Louise asked.

"Not this weekend." Terri had to respond carefully. She hadn't told Louise yet about Francisco. "So, what's up with you?"

"Oh, a lot of things. Some things I can't really talk about now."

"Oh, really?" Terri asked eagerly.

"Yeah..."

"Anything the matter?"

"It's just ... complicated. I'll tell you about it later."

"Sure!" Terri exclaimed. "We should get together."

"Jo and I were planning to go to Gino's after work. Can you make it?"

Terri wasn't sure that she wanted to hang out with Jo. Speaking one-on-one with Louise would be easier. "Um, yeah, sure! That should be fine."

"You're not too busy?" Louise asked.

"No," Terri assured her. "I'll be there."

"Awesome!" Louise exclaimed. Terri seemed more distant than usual, and Louise was concerned about her. "Oh, and Walter got a promotion!"

"Oh, that's terrific!" Terri said. 

"Yeah!"

"What are you guys going to do to celebrate?"

"Well, we made dinner together last night. It was nice."

"Ooh, that sounds cozy!" Terri noted. "Congratulations to Walter!"

"Yeah, he might have to travel more." Louise felt awkward as soon as she mentioned it, but the travel issue was on her mind.

"Is that a problem?" Terri asked.

"No, I don't think so," Louise said. "We'll see how it works out."

"Okay, well, let's chat tonight," Terri offered.

"Okay, bye!"

"Bye!"

"Was that Terri?" 

Louise turned quickly. Antonio was standing a few paces behind her.

"That was none of your business," Louise said abruptly. "But thanks for eavesdropping."

"I wasn't eavesdropping," Antonio explained. "I just wanted to say 'hello'."

"Then you should have called," Louise said impatiently. 

Antonio stood for a moment. Louise's comment wasn't the reception that he had expected. He understood what she meant, and he wasn't certain how to respond. 

"I have a meeting," Louise interrupted. She turned and walked quickly toward her office.

 

'The Horse Farm'

Copyright © 2015 Daniel R. South

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