Say Goodbye

                                               

    "You've been drinking again, haven't you, Bill?"

    "Indeed I have."

    "How many this time?"

    "Not as many as I'd like."

    "More than we can afford, that's for sure."

    "I had to buy a couple of rounds. We were having a little going-away party for someone at work."

    "Who...who was it?"

    "No-one you know. Chap called Jack Avery. He's been promoted to Head Office. Bit of a ladies' man, is Jack; there'll be a few broken hearts round here, now he's going."

    "Yes, I know."

    "You know? How do you know? You've never met."

    "Oh, I've met him, all right. I've known him for ages."

    "Is that so? You never told me you knew him."

    "That's why I waited up for you; to tell you."

    "To tell me you know Jack?"

    "To tell you I'm leaving you."

    "With him?"

    "He's leaving his wife."

    "And how long has this been going on?"

    "For years, on and off. I was at school with him."

    "Childhood sweethearts, were we? I can't quite picture that; Jack's not the sweetheart type. Love 'em and leave 'em before the old man gets home-that's more his style." 

    "For Heaven's sake Bill, is that all you can say?"

    "I think I'll have another."

    "I thought you might."
   
    "I can't believe it. You and Jack Avery? The man's got women coming out his ears. What would he want with an old woman like you?"

    "He loves me."

    "I wouldn't be too sure of that."

    "You don't know anything about it."

    "I know more than you think."

    "What? What do you know?"

    "I know what Jack meant."

    "Meant? I don't understand you."

    "It was something he said-just before he went to catch his train. He said, 'Say goodbye to your wife for me.' I thought that was odd, seeing as he'd never met you. But now I know what he meant."

    "So what did he mean?"

    "He's dumping you, and he had the nerve to use me to let you know."

    "I don't believe you..."

    "He had his wife with him. Didn't look like they're breaking up to me."

    "Then he's really going without me?"

    "I'm sorry."

    "What are you sorry about?"

    "I don't know. Sorry I can't be him for you, I suppose. But..."

    "But...?"

    "At least I'm here."