Tales of Akron
Chapter 23
by Dard Hansen
[In Chapter 22, Mike broke with contemporary office
protocols and took a photograph of Dan, his life-partner,
to his office and placed it on his desk. Mike's office
friend, Chester, followed Mike's lead and placed a
photograph of his lover on a shelf in his bookcase.]
Mike waited for someone to say something about the
photograph. No comments. At mid-afternoon, Mike received a
telephone call from Chester.
"Anyone notice the new photograph in your office?"
Chester said.
"No one said anything," Mike responded. "I don't know
if anyone saw it. Is this a veil of silence or is everyone
in the office too busy to notice a color photograph in a
silver frame on my desk?"
"That's happening here. I'll keep you posted. Let's
get a drink after work."
Mike continued to work. People walked into his office,
conferred with him on projects and left. Doris, the
accountant, knocked on Mike's open door.
"Doris, come in," Mike said.
"Just checking on your time sheets and travel forms.
Moving toward the first of the month. We need to bill
those hours."
"Doris, you're so efficient. Sit down a minute and
I'll finish today's time sheet and I'll be even with you.
I don't have any travel forms."
"Oh, nice picture frame. Good looking guy. Who is
that?"
Mike froze for a fraction of a moment. This was the
question he wanted. Later, he remembered that his heart
beat didn't increase. He was calm when he said, "That's
Dan. He's my life partner."
"Oh," Doris smiled. "Is that like a lover?"
"Yes, he's my lover."
"That's what Sam, my brother, calls his lover --
lover. I've not heard of life partner. But, that may be
better."
"Where does Sam live?" Mike asked.
"He's in Key West. Sam and Joseph have a bed and
breakfast and an antique shop there. You and Dan should go
to Key West and stay at their place. They give a discount
to people who get their time
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