Steps or Matches

Steps or Matches

“The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which bridge to burn.” Donna Lyons wondered why that phrase was on her mind today. Her grandfather used to say it all the time. It certainly didn’t apply to her current situation. Her life was perfect – almost.Donna worked at her dream job as a magazine editor, lived in a vintage bungalow, drove an expensive car, and had a wide circle of friends. She was engaged to Brooks Graham, a successful corporate attorney. They had been engaged for four years now. And that was a problem.

Brooks was all about appearances and making sure everything was just right. Whenever they discussed setting a wedding date, there was always something. He wanted to wait until he made partner or they had to find exactly the right house to buy. He was loving, generous and attentive - but four years, really?

Today was Donna’s birthday and Brooks insisted they have dinner at his apartment. Cooking was his hobby and everything he prepared was enjoyable. He said he had a surprise gift for her. Maybe this was it. He was ready to set the date. He made partner six months ago and with the increased income, they could afford any house they wanted.

Donna was jolted from her musings by the vibration of her cell phone. She smiled as she read the Caller ID. It was Jeremy Dobbs. Donna and Jeremy met in high school and even though she went to college to study business and he went to art school and then traveled abroad, they stayed in touch and ended up living in the same city. He was a best friend and a confidant.

There were some romantic sparks early on but time and distance produced a trusting, caring relationship. They could talk to each other about anything. He was kind but wasn’t afraid to tell her the hard truth when needed.

“Hey, you!,” Donna said,

“Hey yourself,” Jeremy replied. “Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. Got any big plans?”

“I do. Brooks is cooking and says he has a big surprise for me” Donna said with pride. “I think you might hear wedding bells very soon.”

There was a long silence. “I’ll believe it when it happens.” Jeremy’s voice dripped with derision. “Graham Crumbs doesn’t have any room in his life for anyone else.You are a convenient asset who makes him look good. You’re beautiful, successful and intelligent. You impress his stuck-up friends. It’s all about him.”

“Why do you call him that? He is a good man, just a little cautious. He has high standards and……” Jeremy’s voice interrupted Donna.

“I call him that because he’s all crumbs and no cracker. Listen to yourself, making excuses for him. You can do better. It makes me so angry to see you waste your time with someone who doesn’t appreciate you. I don’t think he really loves you. Does he know your favorite color, your favorite foods, your favorite movie? Does he make you laugh? If you were my fiancé, I’d marry you tomorrow,” Jeremy blurted.

“I’m sorry you feel that way. I wanted you to be friends. You are the two most important men in my life,” Donna stated, her voice shaking with emotion.

“ I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings but I meant what I said.” Jeremy replied somewhat contrite. “Don’t let me keep you. I know you want to look good for tonight. Wear that dark blue two-piece outfit. You look great in that. You know where to mail the invitation. Goodbye.” He ended the conversation abruptly.

The evening with Brooks was perfect so far. He decorated the table with orchids. The Coq Au Vin was delicious and served with the perfect wine pairing. They were comfortably seated on the couch having coffee.

“Donna, I promised you a special gift for your birthday and actually, I have two gifts.” Brooks’ eyes sparkled with excitement.He handed Donna a small ornately wrapped box.

Donna was puzzled as she removed the ribbons and lifted the lid. Laying on a bed of black velvet was a bracelet with two large emeralds surrounded by diamonds. Donna was speechless.

“It’s gorgeous,” she stammered. “I never expected anything like this.” This was such a true statement. Donna didn’t wear much jewelry and if she did it was simple and understated.

“I wanted you to have something special to wear to the big party at the country club next month. After all, I’m a partner now,” Brooks explained.

Donna’s brain was racing. Was the bracelet a gift for her or a show piece for Brooks? Maybe she was overthinking it. Brooks was a wonderful person, maybe a bit insensitive and self-absorbed but a good person. Jeremy’s voice came to her, “ Listen to yourself, making excuses for him.”

“Now for the big surprise.” Brooks continued. “When you become a partner, the firm assigns you temporarily to one of the overseas offices to learn the business. I chose London. I leave in three weeks.”

Donna felt like he had punched her in the stomach. “You took a job in London without even discussing it with me. How long is this temporary assignment?”

“About a year but I plan to bring you over several times to attend some of the bigger social functions and we’ll do a European vacation. I couldn’t turn it down so I don’t understand what there is to discuss.” Brooks sounded genuinely puzzled by Donna’s reaction to his news.

“We are engaged to be married. I thought we were committed to a life together. You don’t make such big decisions without consulting your soon to be spouse. What about our wedding? Is that put off for another year now?” Donna inquired sharply.

“Is a year really that long? It will fly by and then a few more months for me to get reacclimated and we can set the date,” Brooks’ smile was smug and condescending.

Donna stood up and said, “Thank you for a lovely evening but I can’t accept either one of your surprise gifts. This bracelet because it is hideous and not suited for me at all and your new assignment because it is a self-centered, thoughtless decision that is an insult to me and our relationship.” Donna removed her engagement ring, placed it on the table turned and walked out of the apartment

The car had a mind of its own. It knew where she wanted -no needed to go. Jeremy answered her knock and she crossed the bridge to his open arms.

“How can I help you?” Jeremy inquired barely controlling his feelings.

She said, “Do you have a match?”