Diamonds Are Forever (Part 1)

Here’s a short fiction I hope you’ll enjoy. Chris

 

Diamonds Are Forever

“You’re such a bore, George,” Sylvia said with a toss of her head.

And just like that, she was gone. Of course, the runner-up for Miss Texas 1978 didn’t leave with only the diamonds on her left hand. The next day while George was at work, Sylvia returned with a moving van, packed everything except his undershorts and the clothes that wouldn’t fit Teddy. Thank God she took Teddy.

That was two months ago.

A week after Sylvia’s departure, Shanghai Oil had called with an offer. It wasn’t hard to accept the job. There was nothing in Houston for him—literally. He didn’t care. It was just stuff. The condo was Sylvia’s idea. The white leather sofa and floating bed suspended from the ceiling were fun because Sylvia was there. George had been warned not to get sucked in, but a wife and family had seemed good after all these years. He had to admit though, when she left, it hurt.

As a specialist in the field of reactor kinetics, George was Shanghai Oil’s top choice for director of engineering. He had brushed up on his Chinese before his arrival two weeks ago, but Walter Wang, another younger engineer, had been assigned to help him find housing and become adjusted to the city. George smiled. Wang’s presence was the government owned company’s maneuver to watchdog the American. And after all, industrial terrorism was an international concern.

Walter Wang had been an admirer of George’s for years. The two men knew of each other through mutual business connections. Stories of George’s exploits were well known in the trade, and his expertise in the petrochemical business opened doors. When Walter heard George might be ready for a change; he had lobbied the oil company for George’s hire.

Today was his official first day at the new position, and Wang had asked him to dine at Shanghai Casino a popular American tourist destination. “What do you think?” Educated at Texas A&M, Walter’s English drawled with a slight Texas twang.

George didn’t care for the Casino atmosphere. “It’s a little noisy for me.”

“I figured, but I have a surprise. Your wife called a few days ago and requested the company set up a meeting.”

George’s brow rose ever so slightly. “My wife?”

“Yes.” Wang had wanted to skip the meeting completely, but the company insisted. “It appears she’s been staying at this hotel for about a week – Room 211.”

Before George could say divorce papers, Sylvia sashayed to the table. The two men stood. She threaded her hand through her husband’s elbow, green eyes fixed on George. “We’ve been separated much too long.” She turned her charms to Mr. Wang. “George’s hasty move to your lovely and exotic country devastated me.” Refocusing on her prize, she added, “I thought I’d surprise you, dear.”

“I think you succeeded.” George pulled out the seat next to him at the table.

Sylvia flashed her Miss Texas smile and leaned to whisper in his ear. “I hope you will forgive me, George.”