Scotch & Tears
Copyright  1998 Ginger Johnson
All Rights Reserved

"Baby, it was fun while it lasted, but all good things must come to an end. And you'll find lots better than me. I would have ruined your life anyway." He grinned at her, rising from the table. Tom strolled to the door, never looking back.

She stumbled to her feet and followed him to the door. Carly watched him cross the street and slid into the blue convertible next to a tall, sleek blonde. The strange woman kissed him lightly and then pulled away from the curb.

Sobbing, she returned to the bar. The bartender looked at her quizzically.

"A Scotch please... make it a double." Carly's mind raced, discovering gaps she blindly ignored before. Wanting what he offered too much, she ignored the signs. Uncle Tony had tried to warn her, but she had ignored him. Pretended he was too old to understand, she hadn't taken his advice to go slow. Now, it was slapping her in the face. She had no one to blame, but herself.

A memory flitted into her mind and gave birth to an idea. Carly smiled bitterly, reaching for the phone. She punched in the number. Wiping tears away, she batted down the hysteria threatening to consume her.

"Uncle Tony, I've been so stupid. You were right, Tom's been lying to me all along. He dumped me tonight." Her voice trembled, emotions overwhelming her.

"He hurt my Princess? After I warned him not to? You wanna him in the Hudson? He's there. Now you come straight here and Mama will take a care of you." The warm tones laced with ice flowed over her shattered defenses.

" I will, Uncle Tony." Carly replaced the receiver. Uncle Tony would take care of everything.