“I’m sorry, ma’am, there’s no one registered here by that name.” The young man behind the desk looked at me with a mixture of embarrassment and pity.
“You must be mistaken” I replied quietly.
“There’s no mistake, ma’am. Perhaps you have the wrong hotel” the clerk suggested, trying to give me a way out.
Well, of course I didn’t have the wrong hotel! Frank and I had been meeting at the Pierre the second weekend of every month for three years. I checked my phone for any texts or missed calls; there were none. Rather than stay in the lobby looking distraught and abandoned, I walked into the lounge and ordered a martini. I sipped my drink and waited for Frank.
After thirty minutes and two martinis I began feeling paranoid. It was painfully obvious, at least to me, that everyone who saw me sitting by the bar thought I was either an elegant call girl just past her prime or a now lonesome and tedious woman who had been stood up.
I became aware of someone approaching. Expecting to see Frank, I looked up, smiling; it was the concierge. Whispering discreetly, he handed me a note. It read: “Dearest Christine. I have treasured our little trysts but now we must go our separate ways. Farewell. Frank”
“Our little trysts!” I was shattered.
Just like that, as suddenly as it began it was over. Looking straight ahead, I gracefully walked out of the hotel. After buying a bag of roasted nuts from a vendor on the corner, I walked over to Central Park. I sat on a bench feeding the pigeons, thinking of everything and nothing.
NAR © 2023
The Elephant's Trunk 
This piece reminds me of Same Time Next Year with Alan Alda snd Ellen Burstyn
Hopefully karma will get him
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Never saw the movie but I get the general idea by the title. Karma? They say it’s a bitch; time will tell.
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It’s a wonderful movie by the way!
Karma is the greatest bitch!
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How dare he!? I’d want to do more than feed some pigeons at the park.
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For sure! I’m with you, Bridgette!
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Whatever happens, happens for the best! In the end, I was thinking something else. A lovely story, Nancy, indeed!
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I’m glad you told me you were thinking of something else in the end; that was my goal, KK!
You are correct; whatever happens is for a reason.
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I agree, that’s the success of storyteller, against the predictable. Always interesting to read your stories.
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what a let down.. but the years were fun while they lasted.
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But does that justify the way Frank ended it? Stay tuned to find out!
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“Everything and nothing”… a memorable ending. Actually, your entire story now feels like a movie memory to me. 🍸
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Well, if you know any screenwriters, I’m definitely interested! 😂 📽️
Thanks, Michele!
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Would you like a screenwriter or a successful screenwriter? 🤔😂 My pleasure!
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Wonderful Story!
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Oo, love the emotional tones in this crisp writing and the dynamic ending lines! ❤
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Thank you, Layla! Truly wonderful comments!
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Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned – watch out Franky-boy!
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You got that right, Keith! I don’t usually do follow ups but this is screaming for one.
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Well, she’s shown us she’s patient…
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Patience, they say, is a virtue.
I say she’s biding her time for payback.
Stay tuned!
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Revenge is a dish best served cold…
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Like ice water coursing through the veins.
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I hope there’s a sequel where Frank gets what’s coming to him.
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We think alike, I see, cara mia! 🤟🏽 🖤
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I’d be throwing those peanuts at the pigeons!
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You and me both, sister! Then I’d have a little sit-down with Frank’s wife.
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Nah. After three years, Frank’s wife already knows.
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Still time for a little payback.
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I will second what Deb said.
A New York story by the Sicilian Storyteller…it doesn’t get any better than this!
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The dynamic … or deadly … duo. Frank better watch his back! That’s all I gotta say. 🤟🏽
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She’s better rid of him
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Yep. And she’ll feel even better once she exacts her revenge!
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Perhaps we’ll get the story
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Giving it some serious thought!
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Amen to that !
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Wonderful story!
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Thanks, A. Truly pleased you enjoyed it.
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Ha! You’re dumped!
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Aa sad let down
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Perhaps in Part 2 he will get payback.
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Oh yes!
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Frank did not have the balls to say that face to face.
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Having balls makes him a ‘male’ … apparently not a man.
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Booyah!!
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As they say, all good things must come to an end.
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Something tells me she’s not quite done with Frank.
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