Old Friends

This novella is written in dual first person points of view. Each chapter will be clearly labeled as to who is narrating.

So far, Jameson has called his estranged wife to let her know he is hiring an attorney. Iris met her doctor and he tells her they need to discuss the final stage of her heart condition.

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IRIS

I wallow in pity for a couple of days before I finally pull myself up by the bootstraps. I glance around the house. So much stuff, sitting around, collecting dust. And who wants it? Nobody. Things that had once been treasures in the glass curio or bookshelf, now just inanimate reminders of a past life.

"It's time," I say to no one. I go to the phone and scroll down the list of names I keep in a small book by the phone. I dial the number to my long time friend and lawyer, Mitchell Hatcher.

He was so kind and helpful when Lou passed. He's just the kind of friend I need right now.

With no close relatives, who will get my house, my investments? Who will get the silver my mother took so much pride in? The thought of having it go to nieces and nephews who haven't bothered to call or check on me in years ... well, it makes me sick.

Maybe it's old age and some loneliness mixed in, but I feel like Jameson is somehow connected to me. Maybe he's a convenient replacement for a son, filling that empty spot that Daniel left so many years ago.


**********************************

Mitchell stacks the papers together and looks over his glasses at me. "Well, I guess that's that, then."

"Thank you for getting me in, Mitchell."

He looks across his desk top and smiles with the familiarity of someone who has seen you at your highest peak and your lowest valley. "I've got a lot more free time now."

"Oh?"

"People like younger lawyers, Iris. They gravitate towards youth. Flash and technology have replaced dusty old law books and cigars. Hell, Iris, I still have trouble with email."

I laugh because I totally understand. I smile to myself when I remember Jameson's reaction to my statement about not owning a computer.

Mitchell sits back in his leather chair and pulls his wire rimmed glasses off. "We've known each other for a long time, Iris. What's brought this on?"

"I'm dying."

"We all are."

"Soon. Very soon. I'm in the final stage of congestive heart failure."

He shakes his head sadly. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"It could be worse. This is preferable to a few other ways to go."

"I guess it is. It's a shame we don't get a choice. I know how I'd like to go," he says, winking mischievously. "Her name is Loretta. Runs that little coffee stand in the lobby."

"Ask her out."

"Sometimes the fantasy is better," he says, sighing. "Back to business. I'll get these papers filed for you. Does Mr. Petry know the extent of your estate?"

"No. He wouldn't be comfortable with any of this. This will be our little secret. I'll leave it to you to deal with once I'm," I pause, the finality of the word dead catches in my throat. "Once I'm no longer in the picture."

He slides the papers into a manila envelope and writes my name in bold letters across it.

"I guess I've taken up enough of your time," I stand and hoist my purse onto my shoulder.

"I'll walk you out. It's time for my coffee break." He holds out his arm and I hook mine through it. "There aren't many like you anymore."

"I was thinking the same about you."

He holds the elevator door with his arm while I step in. "If you have a minute to spare, I'll introduce you to the most beautiful barrista in Patterson County."

"I have a few extra minutes. Lead the way."

The kiosk is set off to the side of the lobby. Mitchell orders us both coffee and I'm amazed how quickly an educated and reserved attorney can become a gushing, tongue tied boy in the presence of the woman he's fallen in love with.

"She's lovely."

"She's something special," he says softly, stealing a glance at her.

"You're in love with her."

"What? No. I don't ... We've never even been out to dinner. It's just a silly crush."

"Time is precious, Mitchell. Ask her out." I sip my coffee and watch as he mulls over my words. "You never know what you're missing if you don't take a chance."

"You're right. You are absolutely right, Iris. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go speak with Miss Loretta about a romantic dinner."

I touch his arm. "I need to go. I have one more errand to run."

Mitchell holds out his arms and hugs me. "When you see Lou, will you tell him I miss him."

"I will."

He clears his throat and shoves his hands in his pockets. "I'll send you a copy when I've dotted all my i's and crossed all my t's."

"Enjoy your dinner."

I walk toward the exit and pause just long enough to watch Mitchell Hatcher, attorney at law, become a love struck man.