AS THE MOUSE

OVES©

Tuesday January 9^th 2001
"Look Skeeter I'm not going to argue with you anymore.  If you don't want to file for a divorce then maybe I will," Tiffany said putting on her coat and starting towards the front door of the Washington Park Restaurant to leave.
"So what's the rock on your finger all about then Tiffany?" he asked in his slow southern accent following her towards the front door as he put on his black leather jacket.
"I told you it was my Christmas present," she said pulling on her gloves hoping that it would stop the line of questioning as she pushed open the front door and walked out onto MacDougal Street.
"You're just with that foreigner for the money Tiffany.  As long as you stay with him, I'm not giving you a divorce," Skeeter said as the front door almost hit him in the face as he followed her out into the cold January air.
"Let's talk about you and your women then Skeeter.  You want to talk about that?  Are you seeing Jan Morgan?" she asked quickly turning to face her estranged husband.
"Maybe," he said knowing the truth would hurt her more than his usual lies.
"Oh really?  I thought so.  She's got her nerve arranging to get me fired and then going out with you," Tiffany said feeling her body charge with rage.
"I said maybe.  Until you're honest with me…I don't have to tell you anything," he said realizing that involving Jan could cost him the job she had arranged for him.
"I told you the ring was a Christmas present Skeeter, that's all.  Amir's married."
"A man don't give a woman a big diamond like that unless he's going to marry her.  It'll be a cold day in hell before I give you a divorce Tiffany," he said turning and starting to walk away.
"Fine.  I'll just file for the divorce myself Skeeter," she said watching him walk away.  "I don't need you to get a divorce.  I've got friends here in New York.  I don't have to put up with you anymore," she said getting angrier by the minute as she thought of the reality that he was probably involved with Jan Morgan just as she had suspected.  "I'll get the divorce," she repeated as she saw him turn and start to walk quickly back towards her.
"You better watch yourself Tiffany," he said walking quickly to her and grabbing the arm of her coat yanking her towards his face.
"You let me go."
"That's exactly what you want isn't it?  You really want to play me for the fool.  You left Georgia to come up here and find yourself a rich man.  You leavin' me for that foreigner aren't you?" he said as his eyes narrowed and he tightened his grip on the fabric of her coat.
"You cheated on me…remember Skeeter?  You're the one that went out with my best friend Brenda right after our wedding," she said pulling to try and free her arm from his grip.
"I wish I'd married Brenda instead of you.  I'd probably have a wife now instead of a gold digger."
"Then go back to Georgia and you can have Brenda.  It's just like I thought.  You did have an affair with her.  I bet you're having an affair with Jan Morgan too.  Admit it Skeeter…admit it…you coward!" she said pulling hard to free her arm from his grip.
"You watch your mouth Tiffany," he said grabbing her other arm and pulling her to his face as people walking by on the sidewalk slowed down their pace and turned to watch.
"Let me go Skeeter.  Can't you see that you're making a scene", Tiffany said in a hushed voice.
"Go Tiffany," he said releasing her arms as he pushed her backwards slightly.  "Go back to your foreigner.  I don't want trash like you," he said turning to walk away.
Tiffany quickly picked up her pace for the short distance on MacDougal Street to the front door of her building.  The doorman opened the front door and she stepped inside.
Skeeter stood on the sidewalk a few blocks away watching satisfied that he finally knew where his estranged wife was living.
CONTINUED TOMORROW. MORE PHOTOS BELOW.