B.E.R.T., Part 1

Tom Randle and his wife were enjoying a quiet evening while their children were visiting the grandparents next door. Tom, a forty-two year old electrician looked lovingly down at the woman sitting next to him and kissed her lightly on the forehead. She rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes.

The phone rang.

"Leave it." she pleaded, but she knew he had to answer. In Tom's line of work, there were no business hours. He was ready to go anytime, day or night, and, though they weren't poor, he could not afford to ignore his clients.

"I won't be a minute." He said. Then, picking up the phone, "Hello. No this is Tom. I'm sorry we're not..." He rolled his eyes, cupped his hand over the receiver and whispered, "A telemarketer."

"Oh, hang it up." She whispered back, but he was still listening to the voice on the other line.

"How much? Mmm hmm. Yes, I'll take one." He and the shameless salesman on the other end of the call talked about price. Tom rattled off his credit card number from memory, thanked the caller and hung up.

"What in the world could you have bought on date night?" She asked, a little peeved.

"Never mind, honey." It'll be a surprise. She gave him a look, trying to be vicious and fearsome. He laughed and said, "I hope I'll be able to handle the surprise when it comes." She smiled back at him and shook her head, rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes once more.

To be continued...