A Small Flirtation

TJ, Guy and I gathered around the table on the terrace. The two of them just looked at me. I began by bursting into tears. They were dumbfounded. It was such an uncharacteristic thing for me to do. So much for being composed.

While you pull yourself together, dear one, Guy said, you might begin by facing the reality of your daily life head-on this time. OK?

I dont know! I blurted. What I do know is Im jealous of the time Paul spends with her, Kathyhis wife! That remark came from my very soul. I know its crazy, but its the Gods honest truth. I am also disgusted with me. At the same time, I feel taken for granted, and its demeaning. Its all too idiotic. I hate being in this position! I was furious. My inability to control my tears only made me moreangry.

I jumped up from the table and started pacing.

Its no good to berate yourself at this point, Jenny. You took some chances, risked little and had a lot of fun. The only problem is the two of you blundered right smack into the Law of Unintended Consequences.

The what? TJ looked quizzical.

The Law of Unintended Consequences, Guy repeated.

Meaning? Oh, I get itwe fell in love.

Jenny Matthews [single] and Paul Crowley [married] met by chance at OHare airport in Chicago. They were both travelling home to San Francisco.

A SMALL FLIRTATION is the poignant love story of two people each torn by life who had reached a point of seeming contentment. Buoyed by professional successes and personal friendships both strong and enduring, they had made peace with their lives. That is, until they met.