As the hands on the kitchen clock crept towards 6 PM, I put away my laptop and notebook, and turned my thoughts towards making dinner. Risotto wasn’t David’s favorite but it was quick and easy.
The moment the hands on the clock were aligned vertically, I heard David’s Camaro pull up outside. I hurried to lay the table and waited anxiously. Would he fight with me about the missed colposcopy before or after we’d eaten?
His face was impassive although I’m sure mine was a little paler than usual.
“Something you want to tell me, Caroline?” he said, his voice unnervingly even.
I felt my courage shrivel under his chilly gaze.
“Such as?”
“Don’t be obtuse. I was talking to Captain Vorstadt today,” he said, emphasizing the title ‘Captain’.
I frowned. Where was he going with this?
“Apparently you were out at the country club this afternoon.”
“It was just a silly thought, David,” I said hurriedly.
“You have many silly thoughts, Caroline, but if people like the Vorstadts are members at the country club, we should certainly join. I’m glad to see you’re making a bit more of an effort for a change.”
I gaped at him.
“In fact Captain Vorstadt suggested we dine there together tomorrow night,” he continued smugly, “so I could see the facilities.”
David looked sickeningly pleased with himself, presumably because a senior officer had invited him – or rather us – to dinner.
He tossed his hat onto the couch and didn’t even ask about the exam I’d skipped. I knew the reprieve was temporary but I was happy to take what I could get.
I spent the evening with anxiety twisting my stomach but nothing more was mentioned. When David finally headed to the bathroom to get ready for bed, I switched my phone back on. Sebastian’s response made me smile: You always make my heart beat faster. Tomorrow?
Yes, tomorrow.
Chapter 8
David was almost cheerful as he left for work. The prospect of dinner with a superior officer had put him in a good mood and kept him there.
“Wear something nice tonight: a cocktail dress. And heels, of course. In fact, buy a new dress.”
“David, that’s really not necessary: I’ve dry-cleaned the green one.”
I’d thought he’d be pleased with my frugality, but, as usual, I was in the wrong.
“For God’s sake, Caroline! I can’t have the Vorstadts thinking I can only afford to buy my wife one decent dress. Get a new one.”
“I had plans for this morning…”
“Such as?”
“Well, writing…”
“You can do that anytime. Buy a new dress. But no more than $150. You don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard.”
Like you’re trying too hard, you mean.
I sighed. There went my plans to spend the morning at the beach with Sebastian. Well, maybe if I went to the mall, I could be done in an hour.
I watched David drive off then picked up my phone to text Sebastian.
* I have to go clothes shopping.
Pick you up later? Sorry. Cx *
Immediately my phone started ringing.
“Why are you going shopping? Don’t you want to see me?”
“Don’t be…” Rephrase. “It’s not that: the Vorstadts have invited us to dinner tonight. David is insisting I buy a new dress.”
“I wish you wouldn’t say that.”
“Say what?”
“When you talk about you and… him. You say ‘us’.”
There was a long silence as I tried to frame a response but Sebastian spoke first.
“Can I come with you?”
“Where?”
“Can I come clothes shopping with you?”
I was nonplussed. “Well, I guess… if you like.”
“Great! See you at the park at our usual time. Love ya!”