A Phone Call
Sarah stared at the watch on her wrist. Framed in diamonds, it sparkled beautifully in the soft light of the living room. She sighed. How could he do this?
The last few months had been nothing more than a string of disappointments. Whether it was missing Michael’s baseball game for a showing in Audubon, or canceling dinner with her sister again when drinks with a client went later than expected, there was always something. Every no-show, every hasty explanation gradually chipped away at Sarah’s resolve, confirming her growing fear and suspicion that her husband cared more about his career than spending time with her and their family.
When they spoke on the phone this morning, she could hear it in his voice, that distracted tone as he promised to arrive on time. Still, foolishly she wanted to believe him, trusted that he would keep his word. Anniversaries were like second chances, right? A time for change as well as reflection. And yet here she stood, alone, with a beautifully cold apology resting on her wrist.
Sarah sat heavily on the couch, pinching the bridge of her nose. How had they let things get this bad? It felt like only yesterday that they were bright-eyed newlyweds launching their real estate company, ready and eager to take New Orleans by storm. Even then, starting a family had been a priority, she thought for both of them. Jim promised her they could do both, and for a brief, perfect while they did.
Recalling the first two years after their daughter was born was like looking back on a dream. Cooking together in that tiny kitchen. Jim singing to Megan when he put her to sleep. The clients weren’t constant like they were now, but it was enough that they didn’t have to worry. The bills were paid, they were happy, and they worked well together as parents and as business partners.
After Michael was born, however, something shifted. Suddenly their house was too small for Jim, their neighborhood wasn’t nice enough. Jim wanted a luxury car that would impress wealthier, whiter, clients. Sarah understood these goals, she wanted them too to some extent, but where she continued to balance her role as a realtor and a mother like they’d promised, ambition gradually pushed Jim’s family responsibilities aside.
Years of brushing it off as cautious concern only served to downplay the danger that now loomed before them, and perhaps they were both to blame for that. But after tonight’s betrayal, Sarah couldn’t deny her anger and heartbreak any longer. All she wanted was a romantic evening with her husband and a few hours of his undivided attention. What she got was another night alone, some new excuse echoing in her ears as Jim ran off to answer another client call. This had to stop.
The ringing of their home phone pulled Sarah from the storm of her thoughts. Sighing, she rose to answer it, taking a quick moment to tuck her emotions away under a veil of professional politeness before picking up the receiver.
“Evers residence, this is Sarah speaking.” The habitual greeting rolled off her tongue, always ready in case a client should call.
“Good evening, Miss Evers.” An old voice hoarsely replied. Sarah was surprised to feel the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. There was a strange, ancient sound to the man’s voice, as one only hears in the darkness of dreams.
“Hello…” She said hesitantly. “May I ask who’s calling, please?”
“An assistant, Madam, on behalf of Mr. Edward Gracey. My Master is the owner of a very large estate and is in desperate need to… move on.”
“Aren’t we all.” Sarah said under her breath. She reached for the pen and paper they kept by the telephone. “If you’d like to give me the address for the property and a number to reach you by, we can schedule you for a site inspection. You can set up an account shortly after that.” The man on the phone proceeded to tell her the address which Sarah quickly wrote down, some place an hour or so away, not far from Vacherie.
When he spoke again, the sudden severity in his voice caught Sarah by surprise. “Miss Evers, it is of the utmost importance that you come as soon as possible. Mr. Gracey was hoping to arrange a meeting for tomorrow night?” Wary of the man’s urgency, Sarah checked their appointment book all the same.
“I’m sorry Sir, we’re unavailable tomorrow night. My husband has another appointment then. But perhaps next week-”
“Your husband is engaged, but you are not?” The man interrupted. “Surely you can come without his attendance.”
Sarah shook her head. “I’m sorry, but my husband and I work as a team.” At least we’re supposed to, Sarah thought bitterly.
“I see. Madam, you must understand. Mr. Gracey is a very private man, and he is not one to let strangers freely into his home. However, from your photograph, he thought you had a very trustworthy face. Toward your husband, on the other hand, he felt… differently.”
“Oh, you saw our flyer.” Sarah said, the image of Jim’s cheesy salesman grin forming in her mind.
“Yes, Madam. You see, the Master is in dire need of your assistance. Your husband seems able to work without you, after all. Surely you can make this inspection alone.”
Though presumptuous and forward, Sarah couldn’t help but find truth in the old man’s words. He wasn’t wrong. Once again, Jim was leaving her behind. And for what? To run off to another oh-so-important Evers and Evers sales pitch, minus one of the forenamed Evers. Sarah’s frustration from before welled up inside her. She was sick of Jim’s disrespect, for truly that’s what it was, and after tonight he had abused her trust one too many times. After all, she thought, an evening away from Jim would give her time to calm down and gather her thoughts. She would address these issues when she got back.
“When should I arrive?”
“Five o’clock. The Master was hoping you could discuss his affairs over dinner.”
“Sounds lovely. Is there anything else Mr…?”
“Ramsley. I will alert Master Gracey of your arrival. He will be very pleased. Have a good evening, Miss Evers.” The man hung up before Sarah could respond, not that she was particularly enthusiastic to continue the conversation.
Replacing the phone, Sarah looked over the address. It’ll just be a quick inspection, she told herself, a bite to eat, a look around. Megan could watch Michael for a few hours. She’d be home before Jim even noticed she was gone.
Mr. Gracey. The Master. Sarah chuckled to herself. Short or not, this meeting was sure to be an interesting one.
