Whisper

59

I gave Eva a beer and I sat down. She immediately took my picture.

I put my hand up again.

.

"You really don't like getting your picture taken do you?"

.

I shook my head.

"I guess too many years of a complete lack of confidence, had a lot to do with it."

I sipped my beer.

"Never really been that comfortable with the way I looked."

.

Evangeline put down the camera.

"I don't know why not."

She sipped her beer.

"I mean, you are ...

well, not all that bad looking."

.

I raised my beer.

"Thank you for boosting my sagging ego, even more."

.

Evangeline laughed.

"I was only joking. I hardly even recognized you, without the shaggy beard and the curly hair."

.

I laughed.

"I got rid of that, when I came back home. I want to forget about that part of my life and that look just kept reminding me."

.

She stared for a moment or so and then nodded.

"I like the new look."

.

I knew I was blushing again.

.

She pointed at my face.

"Especially the multi-colored red blush."

.

I stood up.

"Okay. I am leaving."

.

She grabbed my arm, laughing.

"You are a sensitive one, Will Templeton."

.

I sat back down.

"A little," I sighed.

.

There was an awkward moment of silence.

.

"So," I mumbled, finally.

"How are things between you and your husband going?"

.

Evangeline took a deep breath.

"Ex-husband."

.

I turned to her.

"I am sorry. I thought you guys had reconciled?"

.

She put down her beer and took a pack of cigarettes from her breast pocket.

"You mind?"

.

I shook my head, taking out my own cigarettes.

"As long as you don't mind."

.