Daily Flash Fiction Challenge

The letter fell from my trembling hands onto the kitchen table. “I want a lawyer.”

“Why?”

“I’m being audited!”

My fiancé scanned the document. “Sure are.”

“I need a name.”

“Can’t help you. Sorry.”

“A CPA?”

“Can’t think of one.”

“I thought you knew everybody, Steve.”

“You lean Right. My people lean Left.”

My people? What else don’t I know about him? In five months we had we never once talked politics. How did he know I leaned Right?

“They won’t touch anyone in the Tea Party.”

“Oh,” is all I could manage as I fiddled with my engagement ring. “More wine?”

“That’s your third glass, Beth.”

I poured the Merlot (filling my glass to the brim) and changed the subject. “How did the conference go?”

“It went well.” He trapped my hands with his. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I lied.

I rescued one hand and picked up my drink.

Steve studied the letter. “I might know one conservative-minded CPA that could represent you.”

“As in right-minded?” I had to know just how far Left he leaned.

“As in wrong-minded.”

The silence was deafening.

I faked a yawn. “Wow, I’m beat.”

“An IRS audit is a stressor. Depletes B vitamins.”

“No lie.” I rose from my chair, scooping up the missive before he could garner any more information. I yawned again. “Long day tomorrow...”

“I can take a hint.” He winked and kissed my forehead. “Dinner tomorrow?”

“Um-hum,” I lied, smiling like a Cheshire as I guided him to the front door.

“Pick you up at six?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Not!

I blew him a kiss as he skipped down the steps, unaware of the sea change.

I slipped off the ring and placed it next to the letter: my wake-up call.

Bless the IRS.