“Hi, I’m Sebastian’s first wife, Fiona, how lovely to meet you.” A polite winning smile and an extended hand for the obligatory feminine shake. The woman before her, in her designer suit, fur ruff and commanding a long black cigarette holder, is not nearly as old as Sebastian made out.
The clink of wine glasses and buzz of polite conversation fills the room. They’re always tough these work events.
“Fiona, wonderful!” His boss says as if floundering for words, “Sebastian has been such an asset, such an asset. He’s only been with us such a short time but he’s really beginning to shine. He has an amazingly unique take on the work. Such a clear mind. We’re really so pleased to have him with us.” Is there a hint of implied ownership there? He’s with us now...
“Well, I always told him to push himself, stretch his horizons, try new things ...but what do I know?”
“I think it’s wonderful, wonderful the way you two are. I wish I could have that kind of relationship with my ex-husband.”
“Oh, we’re not divorced...”
“Reeeaally?”
“Oh no, ...I just like to keep him on his toes.”
--
194 words
Sebastian’s First Wife (first version)
“Hi, I’m Fiona, Sebastian’s first wife, how lovely to meet you.”
“Fiona, wonderful, Sebastian has been such an asset, such an asset. He’s only been with us a short time but he’s really beginning to shine. He has such a unique take on projects. Such a clear mind. We’re really so pleased to have him with us.”
“Well, I always told him to push himself, stretch his horizons, but what do I know?”
“I think it’s wonderful, wonderful the way you two are. I wish I could have that kind of relationship with my ex-husband.”
“Oh, we’re not divorced...”
“Really?”
“Oh no, I just like to keep him on his toes.”
--
111 words
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