Snakes

Come into work this morning feeling very refreshed--weather pleasant last night rendering the use of the air conditioner unnecessary (Also renders unnecessary longing for device once seen offered on infomercial and wondered about ever since--the Chillow. In fact two weeks ago during bad night when got up out of bed in delirious fit root around in freezer looking for cold pack, not finding same and then debating with self whether or not ancient bag of frozen chicken breasts wouldn't work just as well as the Chillow--thankfully this impulse defeated.) On entrance, am greeted by the security guard who asks if I've heard about the Contessa and the New Man. Feign ignorance. She raises her eyebrows and says, You didn't hear it from me, but I hear He is leaving the school. Go immediately upstairs to ask the Contessa herself. In elevator, see Romeo the copy machine repairman who says Poor the Contessa but does not elaborate. On old floor Find Libby tidying the Contessa's desk. Ask her what she is doing. She says that she can't help herself and did I hear that the New Man is moving to Denmark? No I did not hear that. We leave note on desk and then go upstairs together. Admit to Libby that am dying of curiosity. Libby does not admit to dying but does admit to Wanting to Clear Things Up. Says she also heard that they Are Engaged. Feel very angry and hurt that wasn't told first until remind self that rumor not verified. Finally receive a call from the Contessa who sounds very distressed--asks, Did you clean up my desk? Tell her of course not. Ask her to please confirm or deny all rumors. She laughs a brittle laugh, says that none are true. Nobody is going anywhere and nobody is engaged. But. Ask, Yes... The Contessa says, But the vice-boss did say something snide about hoping that there would be no musical beds at the office retreat this weekend. Says darkly, I would not be surprised if She was the source of all rumors. Adds with hopeful tone, Maybe the vice-boss will break her anke and the retreat will have to be canceled. Says, but enough about her. Asks, what I am doing this weekend. Tell her that I intend to wrestle down the Murder Mystery and get it under control. She shudders, says it makes it sound like I am talking about Snakes, but that she understands. She's given up poetry writing for the summer.