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I shiver as I sit alone in this new space I now know as Fenmore’s. Eric told me he would pick me up at eight o’clock sharp, but he never showed. Instead, he sent a car for me. I rode here by myself. I walked in by myself. And now, I’m sitting all by myself. It’s not the chilly temperature breezing through the room that bothers me; I shudder as I ponder what could have my husband so occupied that he not only skipped picking me up like he promised he would but also has him so busy that he can’t answer any of my calls. Where could he be?
Epiphany is also running late, but she did text to let me know she’s on her way. If she weren’t coming, I would get up and leave. I just want to go home at this point. No one would miss me anyway. No one would even care that I was gone. Not even my husband.
I was all set for a night of expensive wine, soft music, spoken complements, and my husband right by my side. As I sit here alone, I stare out to the gallery imagining Eric whisking me out there where he would kiss me under the stars with us becoming one with the soft, bright moonlight.
Ugh, why the hell did he invite me to some cheesy tapas bar only to be a no show? I want out of this place so I can just go home.
“Hey, Katie.”
When I turned toward the staircase, Epiphany was coming up. When she made it up to the lounge, we hugged. She said, “You look so pretty.”
I wanted to say, Of course, I do, sweetie.
“You’re a cutie tonight, too, hon.” That’s defiantly not what I wanted to say looking at her cheap outfit.
“I’m sorry I’m so late getting up here. I stopped downstairs and visited with my friend from the bank. Remember, I told you we worked together at Citizens. I’m so proud of him.”
I thought I don’t care, Epiphany!
“Hey, where is Eric?”
“Eric, he . . . uh. He didn’t . . . He’s running . . .”
“Hello, ladies.”
Just as I was trying to explain another one of Eric’s absences, he walked up to us. He was wearing a cream suit, black dress shirt, and black loafers. I could tell his hair had been freshly cut; his goatee was perfectly trimmed, and his fingernails had a slight gloss to them. I swear he looked like he just stepped out of an editorial of some high fashion Italian magazine. He looks so good standing there, I’m seconds away from forgetting he’s almost two hours late.
“Good evening, Epiphany. It’s always good to see you.” He gave her a hug and a kiss. “Where is Kyle?”
I jumped in with, “She had to work.”
Eric’s dark, sexy eyes were now on me. After he kissed me on the cheek, he said, “Katie, you look beautiful.”
I blushed. “Thank you. You’re not looking too bad yourself.”
After a few minutes of us chatting, Eric said, “Katie, there is someone I want you to meet.” He then turned around with a quick gesture to follow. Seconds later, someone was coming up the small staircase.
He turned back to me once his guest was in route up to us.
“Who is it, Eric?”
Eric instantly introduced us. “Katie, this is Courtney.”
My arm reached for the extended hand, waiting for me.
“Courtney, this is my lovely wife, Katie.”
I smiled as we shook hands. My tone was friendly when I said, “Hello, Courtney . . . it’s so nice to meet you . . .”