When I arrived at poolside with my paraphernalia, the area was deserted. Relief surged through me as I settled into a lounge chair and pulled out my writing pad. The words came readily today. I’d found that the more circumstances cornered me, the more my creative juices flowed. I recognized my need to escape reality. By creating plot and characters, I was in control. All my endings would be happy. If only I could arrange my own life so easily. Mid-afternoon, I phoned the salon. “J and K’s on Main, Kirk speaking,” came my husband’s vibrant voice. “Hi.” “Hi, darling.” I closed my eyes and let his words caress me and snap my world in place. “Are you busy?” “Just finishing...Bye, Mandy. See you next month.” He laughed at something the regular, middle-aged client said in parting. “Okay, honey, I’m back. God, I’ve missed you.” Good. Then, “Having fun?” “Mmm. So so.” “That mean you’re ready to come home?” I thought about it for a moment. “It might.”
