“I should get to my gate, too. I am richer because I met you today, Violet. Peace.” Violet stood and watched as the girl hurried away, then sat back down and ordered another drink. Twenty minutes later she found a pay phone and called Beatrice to tell her she’d be later than expected tonight.

Violet hugged Beatrice and thanked her for watching the house. She sent her home with a bonus and sat down to make some rules for herself. Number One: she wouldn’t answer her phone. If Beatrice was there, she told people Violet was busy and took messages. Violet called her parents back immediately, but every-one else was ignored, including Chet.

Two weeks later she flew from Atlanta to Dublin, driving all over Ireland in a tiny rental car and listening to music in pubs. She danced and laughed and flirted with charming men. She made friends in hotels and country bed and breakfasts. She learned not to care if people stared at a woman traveling alone. She was truly free for the first time in her life, and came home restored and determined to enjoy it.

Beatrice house-sat for her and told her the same gentleman had telephoned several times, but he wouldn’t leave a name. Violet wasn’t surprised when her phone rang late that night. Chet spoke as though he was hiding under a blanket, and she supposed he probably was. “Where have you been? Are you all right?”

“I’m better than ever, Chet. Don’t call again.” She hung up the phone and smiled, knowing she’d be fine.

She heard about him from time to time; he’d send an occasional Christmas or birthday card. Violet never went anywhere without looking for him. Once or twice she spotted a truck like his driving away from her house.

Being without him never grew easier, but Violet had the satisfaction of knowing Chet had rebuilt his marriage and was reasonably happy with Loretta.

Chet mailed Violet a photo of Eric when he graduated high school. She cried that night, clutching a picture of a boy who looked so like the man she loved, grateful he’d grown up with his father by his side. The note accompanying it said:

I’m very proud of him. He’s a bright kid and has worked hard.

The gold tassel means he’s in the top ten percent of his class. Glad Vietnam is over and we don’t have to worry about that. He’s going to learn the business beside me and take over someday.

I never stop thinking about you.

Love,

Chet