Chapter 8         Karen's Ultimatum

Winter dragged through January without a thaw. The snow was pushed into depressing icy piles along the streets and walkways but by February the days were perceptibly longer and the sun slightly stronger. I was worried about Tracy. Her calls were less frequent and sometimes she seemed hysterical. She wouldn’t tell me what was wrong but insisted that she loved me and wanted us to be together forever. The word forever should have put me on guard but I was horny and wanted to be with her.

            Bernice called during the first week of February. We met at Tim Horton’s again. She looked as sexy as ever but was only interested in Sylvia whose condition was deteriorating. I had already received a report that my genes were the most suitable so far but they wanted to test Carol before making a decision. Bernice pleaded with me to hurry and get Carol tested. When we walked to her car she held me tighter than she should have and I almost asked her to take the afternoon off work and come home with me. I knew she wouldn’t and I shouldn’t so I didn’t. Maybe I’m becoming a better man.

            The drive back to my office was difficult as I wrestled with my emotions about the mess my life was becoming. As I passed her desk Stella gave me the message that Karen had called. How does she seem to know when I need to talk?

            We met for supper that night. I picked her up at her studio and we drove to a place at Harbourfront we had often frequented in the past. It was cozy with a warm fireplace in the lounge and a dark wood ambiance. We had enjoyed some wonderful evenings there and I wanted to renew the feelings.

Snow was falling when we left her place. The roads were slippery slowing traffic and the wet on the windshield made the lights a glare in my eyes.

She spoke quietly, “We should have found a place near home. There are a couple of nice places not far away.”

We both hated driving in the winter but I was determined to go to our old haunt. Somewhere deep in my brain I thought we might get together later although I really knew better. She had made her case quite clear last November.

            Once seated and comfortable we ordered a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon and tried to relax but there was a lot of suppressed tension between us. It took quite awhile for the wine and the familiar environment to take affect. We occupied the time with small talk.

            Then she surprised me by putting the issue on the table. “How are you going to ask Carol to take the test?”

            I ducked the question, “I’m hoping you have some suggestions.” I sipped some of the wine. It had a classic tannin taste like rich tea and slipped easily over my palette momentarily diverting my thoughts.

            “I have an idea. Honesty is always a good approach. Why don’t you simply tell her the truth?” Karen was never one to duck an issue. I’m just the opposite.

            “She’s very sensitive and I don’t want to upset her. She’s not been the same since she met Tracy.”

            “That’s the woman from New Years isn’t it?” She had an edge to her voice.

            “Yes, her name is Tracy.” I think my voice cracked a little and I perspired.

            “You said she went home. Are you still in touch with her?”

            “She calls from time to time. She’s busy in LA. She’s works in a movie studio.” I tried to sound casual and disinterested.

            A game of cat and mouse followed and Karen soon learned that I am still interested, even looking forward to seeing her again. I can’t hide anything that she wants to find out. She changed the subject to Carol.

            “I think you have to ask her to be tested whatever the consequences. Make up a story if you have to.”

            I thought it was time to bring up an idea I had been thinking about. “Why don’t you do it? Say it’s a research project for one of your clients. She’ll do anything for you.”

            Karen looked surprised and remained silent. She picked up her glass sipping the wine slowly. I’m sure I detected a hint of a sparkle in her eyes.

            “I might, but you have to do something practical for the first time in your life.” She looked at me intently.

            “What can I do?” I should have guessed. 

            “Give up on this Tracy woman. She can’t be any use to you in ‘lala’ land.”

            I didn’t want to give up on Tracy. The love or lust I had first experienced for her was still very strong. I often fantasized her dancing for me again but didn’t say anything about that. I thought about Karen’s demand. With all the problems at work and between Sylvia and Carol maybe it would be the best way to keep peace in the family.

            “You’re right, I should give her up.” I perspired even more.

            “Don’t just say you should give her up. What do you intend to do?”

            “ Okay, it’s the right thing to do, I’ll do it.”

            Karen smiled warmly reaching for my hand, “I’ll talk to Carol in the morning.”

            The evening went very well after that even though I didn’t share her bed but the snow had stopped when we left the restaurant.

Two days later Carol told me she was going to be tested for a one of Karen’s clients. She was excited about the prospect.

            “Karen is a wonderful woman, Dad. You really should make up with her and stop running around with anyone who catches your eye.”

            “Yes, dear. You’re right as usual.” Carol was turning into her mother. I had learned long ago that “yes, dear” was the only answer that worked in these conversations.

            I phoned Bernice and told her Carol was to be tested soon. She was very happy and purred her feelings into my ear. I declined another meeting at Tim Horton’s.

Tracy called that night. I was sleeping fitfully and picked up the phone after four or five rings.

“Hilton dear. Wake up darling.”

            “Who’s this? Oh, hi. I’m awake, what time is it?” The sound of her voice brought memories of her soft skin still fresh in my mind and I felt testosterone flush through my body.

“It’s late but I must see you soon.” She sounded panicky. What was going on?

“I want to see you, too, sweetheart”

            I wanted the same thing; “I want to see you, too, sweetheart. Can you come here this weekend?”

            “No darling. Come to Aspen. We’ll meet there. It’s urgent. Please say you will.”

            I didn’t know what to do. That was something I had been dreaming about for a month but I had made a promise to Karen and she had kept her end of the bargain. “Darling, I really want to come. There are a couple of things that I have to do first.”

            “Please, Hilton. It’s important that I see you. This will sound weird but I know I’m in danger. Only you can help me. I can’t say more on the telephone.”

            “What kind of danger? I’m sure you’re not in danger. You know I’m here for you. I’ll call you back and let you know when I can get away.” I was flustered and caught off guard but thought she was being melodramatic.

            “Please, dear. I need you. I’ll see you in Aspen.”

            I had to see her. Promises are meant to be broken, aren’t they? What I was going to do was wrong but my concern for her trumped my common sense.

Chapter 9

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