Sweet Bits Read Free Page A

of him being some second grade teacher.
     
    “You’ll never earn enough to support a family,” he said dismissively. “The law will not only give a great career, but a substantial future.” Ben knew the truth of what his Dad’s words meant. He was a top attorney in the city and well-respected, even up for a judgeship. Having his only son work in some public school teaching snotty-nosed kids was not the kind of future he’d mapped out. What would people say?
     
    Ben had relented and was soon leaving for school. He and Ali parted after arguing and had only cursory phone calls and a few cards for the first year or two. The relationship had been strained; possibly beyond repair. As Ben graduated from law school he’d heard less and less of Ali. After his graduation, he received a simple card that said only:
     
    Congratulations! I hope your life is all you deserve.
     
    - Ali
     
    That had said it all. They were on separate paths.
     

CHAPTER 3
     
     
     
    “Dude, really? You’re going out?”
     
    “Yup,” said Ben smiling. He had a new twinkle in his eye and Dirk could see it.
     
    “Why’d you guys ever break up anyway?”
     
    “We didn’t break up ,” said Ben. “We never dated. We were just good friends.”
     
    “Weird, dude. You never wanted more than that? I don’t think I could do it. Especially with Ali. She’s gorgeous.”
     
    “I know, but we were just best friends. That’s all. “
     
    “Weird,” echoed Dirk.
     
    “Yeah, maybe, but honestly, she was the one girl I could talk to about almost anything. It was never strange.”
     
    Dirk just stared at him like he was an Alien.
     
    Ben continued. “She always just listened and gave me great advice. I’ve never met a girl like her.”
     
    Dirk smiled. “You never wanted to…you know?”
     
    Ben shoved his arm. “Stop. I loved her…like a friend, darn it! She was just…cool. You know?”
     
    “Yeah, I guess. But still…”
     
    Dirk would never get it. They had just been best friends for the last three years. They each dated other people and then figured out why things didn’t work out after they’d break it off. They’d talk for hours breaking things down. They never would kiss-and-tell; theirs was more of a confident-type of relationship. If anything was wrong or worrying either of them, it was the other who would help them work through it.
     
    “So, what about your job? Sticking it out?” asked Dirk.
     
    Ben’s smile dissipated slightly. “Yeah, I guess. It’s OK for now. We’re going through a merger though, with another firm. Everyone is freaked out.”
     
    “Yeah, I’ve heard mergers can be brutal. You worried?”
     
    “Not really. I did bring in one of the biggest clients last year and I’ve got a pretty good record in court, so I’m guessing I’m safe.” Ben was almost disappointed to have such a great record lately. While others worried about their future, Ben half-hoped they would dismiss him. It was an irresponsible thought; like a fantasy.
     
    “Cool,” said Dirk. “Keep the paycheck coming in. Especially now that Ali’s back in the picture.” He smiled at Ben.
     
    “What’s that supposed to mean?” Ben’s eyes narrowed at his friend.
     
    Dirk just smiled slyly. “You never know, dude. You just never know.”
     
     
     
    ***
     
     
     
    “Shoot!” Ali exclaimed looking down at her dress. She had just spilled an entire box of face powder down it. “Oh why didn’t you get dressed after you did your makeup, dummy?” she asked herself.
     
    She finished her makeup and went to the closet to survey it’s offerings. The red dress? No, too fancy. She wasn’t sure where they were going. Ben just said to be ready at 7:00. The blue dress? Hmm, maybe. She took it out and looked it over. It always brought out the blue in her eyes. Yes, it’ll do.
     
    She changed and looked in the mirror. Good choice, she thought. It’s not too sexy and not too clingy. The sheath dress hugged her