On Wednesday night, Mandy guided Blair toward the den in her home by beckoning with her index finger as if she were a temptress. It was the first time since their divorce that she had allowed him past the entranceway. Blair found the house to be the same, yet different. Photographs on the walls had been replaced by abstract paintings. The dining room was stained in a light shade of taupe. The knickknacks were new. As was the jumbo papier-mâché Dora the Explorer positioned near the kitchen window.
Mandy’s pink blouse was practically unbuttoned to her waist. She proffered a glass of champagne, almost forcing it into his hand.
“Where’s Sandra?” he asked. He took a seat on the off-white leather couch.
“Why do you want to know?” came the coy reply as she sat down beside him.
“Mandy?”
“She’s at a friend’s house, sleeping over.”
Blair put the untouched glass of champagne down on the coffee table and went to stand.
Playfully, Mandy pushed him back. She edged closer, slipped a hand to his thigh.
“We were supposed to have dinner,” he said.
“So?”
“The three of us.”
Mandy struck a pose, exaggerating her chest. “You mean, you’d prefer dinner over me?”
Blair laughed despite himself. “Who’re you imitating? Lady Gaga?” He forcefully removed her hand from his leg and stood.
“Where you going?”
He was halfway to the door when he stopped and turned. “Sandra told me what you said. That I chose not to live with the two of you. That I hate you. A six-year-old kid, for God’s sake. What’s the matter with you, Mandy? Why would you tell her such a thing? You are the one who cheated on me. You are the one who asked me to move out. How dare you insinuate that it was my fault?”
Mandy came off the couch and approached him. “Is that what’s got you so hot and bothered?” She went to put her arms around him.
He backed away. “I want you to stop feeding this crap to Sandra, Mandy. I mean it.”
“Okay. I’ll stop.”
He waited.
“I will. I’ll stop.” She paused. “If you give us another chance.”
He looked up in surprise. “Huh?”
“Let’s try again. It doesn’t have to be anything serious. Just a few dates to start with.”
“A few dates?”
“That’s right.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Why not?”
“It wouldn’t work.”
“Yes, it would. You don’t have anyone else in your life, do you?”
“What happened to your doctor friend? You dump him?”
“Not exactly.”
The picture became clearer. “He dumped you, then? I guess you’re never going to learn.” With that, Blair turned for the door and opened it.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mandy quickly asked.
“You figure it out,” he said, stepping outside.