Kate & Jim Chapter 2
Date: 4/23/2016,
Categories:
Fiction
Author: beagle9690
... “And you," Kate said, turning her attention to Tom, "Was Sally your wife?" "Yes, ma'am," Tom said, trying not to grin because Jim's grin was infectious, just like in the old days. Nevertheless, Tom knew Jim was still angry. "How long were you and Sally married?" "Sally Ann and I were happily married for twenty-three years," Tom replied, putting his hand in his pocket to feel his ring, a 23 rd. wedding anniversary gift from her, the love of his life; Sally Ann passed away shortly after. "Did you love her, Tom?" "Sally Ann was the love of my life." "Good, I pegged you right away for a decent man, although I have my doubts about these so called men who will allow a woman to break up a fight." Jim had quietly directed them back to their seats with intimidating looks and motions with his hand, a fist and then a thumb pointing to their table while Kate's attention was on Tom. Tom caught the gesture's playing along. They hadn't talked in years but they knew each other well and old signals and understandings remained. "Tom; did you and your wife talk things out before things got out of hand?" "Yes Ma'am." "Do you hear that Jim?” Kate said, looking at Jim, it was Tom's turn to grin, "They talked things out. If that goes for me, it goes for you. Will you be reasonable and talk things out with him? Otherwise don't you think the word hypocrite comes to mind?" "Maybe; does the word latitude come to mind, Katherine? You are close, one toe over the line, but for you my love, and in Sally’s ...
... memory, I will hear what he has to say," the grin hiding on his face. "Fine then, we’ll discuss the issue of latitude later and settle now what is at hand." At that point the Kate proclaimed jackasses at Tom's table and everyone in the restaurant watched things unfold. Kate turned her attention to Tom's now somber face. "And you Tom, will you be reasonable?" "Yes Ma'am, I know a brave lady when I see one and I respect that. For your sake I will be just as reasonable as Jim, and I'll start. Jim, we agreed this is neutral ground and to avoid each other when we are here. I didn't break our agreement despite what you think. Yes, I was attempting to make time with her. I saw a beautiful woman sitting alone. I sat down to talk to her. I didn't know Katherine was your lady or that you were in the parking lot. How was I to know? Before we fell out you were an avowed bachelor. You never brought a lady here in all the years I have known you.” "Fair enough, Tom." Jim replied his anger cooling. He realized fighting Tom wouldn't be a cakewalk. They were evenly matched and ended up bloody and battered the last time they fought, neither one holding back or giving ground. Tom's punches were like mule kicks and he could hit equally hard with both hands. They would have seriously hurt each other if it weren't for Sally. "It has been a long time since we spoke, Tom. You wouldn't have known. I guess we will never know who is top dog." "Yeah, I guess we won't, what a shame." "I agree. I suppose ...