Karen's Warning

Beth and I had just gotten our drinks from the open bar at her regional manager's house. There must have been 70 people there, welcoming back Beth's old boss. He had been transferred out of this region 5 years ago and was now back as a district manager. He would now be working in Beth's office again, one step over Beth's current boss, Jim Spier.

I had always liked Stan Thomas when he was here before. He had always treated Beth well, and the few times I was around him, he seemed like a genuine nice guy.

Stan is about my height and weight, 6' 180". He's a little older than Beth and I; we're 36, he must be in his early 40s.

I knew some of the people there, through various get togethers over the past years. Beth and I were mingling, as she introduced me to some of the people I didn't know.

Beth got stopped to answer a question about work, so I continued walking around casually chatting with her co-workers.

I was approached by a nice-looking lady who introduced herself as Karen Thomas, wife of the man this get together was all about. She said "Pete, I don't know if you were aware of it, but when we were here before, your wife and my husband had an affair that only ended when we moved away."

I felt like my mouth dropped clear to the floor. "What, Karen, are you talking about Beth. Are you serious? Did someone put you up to this as a joke? It's not funny!"

"Pete, I guess I shouldn't have been so abrupt. I assumed you knew something about it, or at least had a suspicion.

The affair went on for a couple of years. When I found out I told Stan he had two options, shut it down immediately, or get out. At about that same time, Stan got a chance at a promotion, and move to another city. The affair was a factor in our decision to move.

"Karen, do you have proof? I don't mean to question your honesty, but what you're telling me is so against my whole belief system. It just shakes me clear to my toes?"

"I guess Beth is a better liar and poker face than Stan is. I suspected something, well before I had proof. And yes, I have solid proof; or I should say my attorney has solid proof.

"As far as showing you the proof, I can't do that, unless Stan breaks our agreement. I agreed that as long as he stayed faithful, it wouldn't go past my attorney."

"I can tell you, it appeared that whatever they had going on, was more than sex. They had a strong emotional tie.

"Casually look over your left shoulder. The two former lovers are talking."

I waited for several seconds, then slowly looked around. There they were, standing alone, talking. That in itself meant nothing. They had worked together for years, and supposedly hadn't seen each other in 5 years.

"Karen, why in the hell did you agree to move back here?"

"It was a great promotion, and Stan insisted. He also promised to be good. That promise and four bucks will get you a cup of coffee.

"Pete, it's crossed my mind, they have been in communication. Maybe they don't care if they get caught. Both would get divorced, and be free to live together openly.

"There are no minor children involved. I have a sizeable income, so Stan wouldn't have to give me anything, other than half of the assets. With his new promotion, half of our assets, Beth's income, and half of your assets, they would be fine financially."

"Probably, the first thing to happen is Beth would quit her job, and go to work somewhere else, to avoid complications, and lawsuits against the company, from you and me. With references from Stan, and her resume, she could start at another company and not lose much." This would probably happen before anybody found out about them renewing their old affair.

"Christ Karen. I walked in here a happily married man, with my whole life planned out very well. After talking to you, I'll leave here a nervous wreck with my future in shambles. Are you just talking in 'far out possibilities', or are you talking in 'probabilities'?"

"I wish I knew Pete. I almost wish I hadn't mentioned it at all, but then if something happened, and you were caught totally off base, I would've been sorry I hadn't mentioned it.

"What I would suggest you do, is start bringing yourself around to believing the affair happened 5 years ago; while keeping an eye on Beth's actions moving forward.

"We need to both watch the actions of our spouse, and talk occasionally to compare notes.

"You might start thinking on how to prepare yourself financially; and let me know if she starts talking about changing jobs."

When Karen walked away, I was in a complete fog. All kinds of thoughts ran through my mind. What the hell is she talking about. My marriage is completely stable. Beth loves me, and would never think of leaving me. She would never have had an affair with her boss.

I know, I'll just come out and ask her. No, that won't work. She could lie to me and push everything underground. I'd never have a clue until it happened.

If it is true, they'll be overly careful in getting together. Karen not only is suspicious, she has proof it happened before. How do I get her to show me the proof?

So many questions! So few answers; scratch that, 'no' answers!

Beth must have noticed I was just standing by myself, looking confused. She came over and said, "how you doing hon, you look like you just lost your best friend?"

I just looked at her, not saying a word. She gave me a strange look, "Tom, are you feeling alright. Come on, let's mingle. I'll introduce you to some more of my friends and co-workers. Oh, there's my old boss stan, the man of the hour. It'll be nice to have him back. You haven't welcomed him back yet."

We walked over and Beth said, "Tom, you remember Stan, from when he was here before, and I don't know if you've met his wife Nancy."

Beth looked at me with concern. "Tom are you OK, do you need to sit down, are you having a stroke?"

"But Beth, where's Karen, who's Karen?"

Stan, his wife Nancy, and Beth all started quietly laughing. "Honey, have you been talking to Karen Spier. I'm sorry, I should have warned you about her. Karen is my current boss, Jim Spier's wife. She has dementia, and makes up these strange stories that she actually believes for a time, then she'll forget that one, and make up another one."

I didn't care who was watching, or what they thought, I took Beth in my arms, and gave her the biggest kiss I have ever given her. She sensed my need, and put her arms around me also. It didn't matter who else was there, we just held each other.

"Tom, what did Karen say to you?"

"I'll tell you someday, Hun!"