She smiled.
“Yes, Johan said something about a formal dinner at the mess tomorrow. I don’t think he was very keen, having been away for two nights. But who expects the military to be sympathetic to us poor wives?”
Shirley nodded in agreement and the topic moved on to other wives and partners who had dropped by to say hello during the course of the afternoon.
“I think Bill enjoyed himself today,” said Shirley. “I haven’t seen him like that since before he and Denise got divorced.”
“How long have he and Mitch been friends?”
“Oh, ever since we came to San Diego: so it must be at least four years – we wanted Ches to have some consistency through high school.”
I leaned back in my seat as the conversation continued, letting the tiredness wash over me. I was almost asleep by the time Donna pulled up outside my house.
“Did David mention that I was picking them both up at the airport?” she said.
“Oh, I probably should have read David’s text,” I said guiltily.
“Never mind,” she said, smiling at me. “You’ve got enough on your mind remembering the dry-cleaning.”
I laughed, although I knew the tone was a little off.
“And I have to get into town. Well, thanks for a lovely day, both of you. And thanks for the ride – and for looking after me.”
I gave Donna a quick hug and blew a kiss to Shirley.
“Our pleasure, Caroline,” said Donna.
“We must have another coffee soon,” agreed Shirley. “Maybe at the country club?”
I had no intention of ever going near the place again but I smiled wanly. I waved them goodbye and watched them drive out of sight. They really had been very kind to me. I’d be sorry to leave them behind.
Tiredly, I got into my own car and headed to the dry-cleaners. My phone beeped for a second time but I ignored it.
David’s uniform was ready, the woman at the dry-cleaners proudly informing me that it was their patriotic duty to give precedence to the military. I smiled thinly and thanked her, tossing the plastic-wrapped uniform into the trunk. I was so tired I was about ready to fall asleep at the wheel.
I parked as close to City Beat as I could and jogged the block and a half to the offices.
The reception was in darkness and the door was locked. I rang the buzzer for the intercom and was just considering the wisdom of dropping the films into the mailbox when I saw Carl striding towards the door.
“Carolina, hi! Good to see you! You look well: you’ve got some color on your beach day.”
I realized too late that appearing in a shorts and a skimpy T-shirt wasn’t the most professional attire.
“Oh, yes,” I agreed awkwardly. “It was a lovely day: everyone enjoyed themselves.”
“Did your husband enjoy it?”
His question threw me off balance.
“Er, well, no. He’s away at a medical symposium at the moment.”
“Oh, that’s a pity,” said Carl, although if his expression was anything to go by, that was the opposite of what he really thought. “Well, perhaps you’d like to join me for a quick drink? I was just about finished here anyway.”
I’d definitely given him the wrong impression wearing my beach shorts.
“That’s kind, Carl,” I replied quickly, “but actually I have to go pick him up at the airport now.”
He looked disappointed.
“Are you sure you haven’t got time for one quick drink?”
“Sorry. I really have to go.”
“Okay, well… I guess I’ll see you.”
“Sure. Have a good evening. I’ll be interested to see how the photographs turn out.”
“Drop by any time.”
I waved hurriedly and made my escape. My beat up old Ford made a good standin for a sanctuary.
I decided I’d better check my phone to see what commands from on high David had sent this time.
But the texts weren’t from David, they were from Sebastian. My heart shuddered, an intense mixture of pain and pleasure. With trembling hands I opened my phone. To my surprise, there were three texts, each one more urgent than the last.