In the motel bar, we pretend not to notice each other. Weāve been careful. But the night manager knows.
The crowd swaps partners on the small dance floor before going home to whatever keeps them coming back here.
Her boss’s presence is palpable. The dim lights find his gold Rolex peeking from under the cuff of his monogrammed shirt sleeve. His suit is Italian. He will be the last to leave. He has to protect his territory. His possession.
Sheās not strong enough to leave himā¦ not yet. She has two kids. Private schools are important in this city.
She sits at his table.
I could force her to choose. I’ve been patient.
She looks back at me, then away.
Without hesitation, I shove back from my table and grab the side of her chair. One pull.
Beneath the facade of her tailored business suit, an uncontrollable shiver. The years between us vanish.
She looks at my handāI haven’t let go. Then at his table. He hasnāt even noticed.
She turns back to me. She’s never looked at me like this before. Not the boy she’s been hiding. The man she needs.
Over her shoulder, one last glanceā
We’re not done.
Author Note:
This scene is a part of the Permanence collection.
Jamison, this is brilliant and could be a metaphor for our nation at present, or a marriage on the rocks. The heart seldom forgets it’s one true love. I found myself cheering for the seperated couple. I’m married just 50 years to the love of my life, and I’m all in for, “I Trust in Us.”
Beautiful written from your talented hand and filled with hope.
Blessings to you always.
Sal
Dianne and I will celebrate 33 this year. What a blessing and a bit of a miracle… Congrats on 50!
Thank you, Sal.
Another winner, love the music and the story. You are a blessed man. You have a beautiful wife, perhaps your muse?
She’s the source of everything good about me, Ann. I am indeed blessed.
Bill Sickels and I have been friends since high school and he talked me into applying to The Citadel for which I will be eternally grateful.
Your work is wonderful! I am so thankful he shares it. You two deserve to be friends!
Keep up the good work.
It’s an honor to have you here, Dave. I’m grateful. And I’ll make sure you don’t miss anything going forward.
Wow, the emotions in this short story as well as the music brought me to tears, Jim. You have really captured the moment. Keep writing- you are a natural!
I hope you know how much I appreciate you, my good friend. You make all the effort worth it. Thank you.
I thought it was about rebuilding America. Weāll get it done. I trust in us. Either way, I hope you can get it out there on the radio.
“Rebuilding America” is a very creative perspective, Melissa. I never even thought about thatābut it definitely works.
I’m honored to have you here. Thank you.
JIm, “I trust in us” feels like a quiet promise set to music. You captured that moment when two people recognize each other and decide to believe in what they might find together. It is gentle, powerful and deeply personal. This song, the lyrics, and instrumentals are first rate and needs to be heard. Please publish this song.
I’ve already told you how much I value you, my good friend. Again, thank you.
Every song is better and better! Get that agent and share these songs. Would be perfect for a movie about forbidden/hidden relationships. Go for it Jim!
I’m looking for that agent now… it’s a process. Know this: You will be one of the first to know if it happens. Thank you, Jane.
Forbidden love is a painful experience for all involved. In this scenario it appears that the man and woman are truly in love and the aura that surrounds them is so clear. However, she worries about tearing her son away from his father. Yet she knows regardless of her decision that her son will be loved and be her first priority.
What seems unfair to me is that they are depriving the love that they deserve. That they may regret forever if they don’t act on what seems to be so much more than an affair for the moment.
Sorry, I really got wrapped up in your lovely tale of the affair between this couple. What a beautiful love story.
The things we regret the most are those moments we pass by when we don’t allow ourselves to feel the emotion we have coming to us.
Thanks so much for this lovely piece.
Your ability to read that deeply is exactly what makes these stories worth writing. You always inspire me. Thank you, Debi.
I’d love to hear this on the radio… it’s that good, truly.
Often in relationships it is not possible to be fifty/fifty.
One partner or the other must step up and hold the unraveling threads together until they begin to mesh and weave anew.
“We’re not done I trust in us”
This brought me to tears, Jamison.
Hope and renewal is manifested through your inspiring words and musical creation.
Bravo!
I like this one, too, K. Thank you for sticking with me.