Saturday Evening
Rachel relaxed in the living room, drinking a glass of white wine her husband had poured from the chilled bottle. She called out, “What’s the occasion?” Earlier, she decided if her husband was going to cook dinner, she should dress up a bit. She spent more time in front of the mirror, trying to hide a small bruise on her left jaw.
Joseph stepped out of the kitchen, looking nervous. “There isn’t one. I decided I wanted to do something special for you.” He gave her an anxious smile. “Providing I don’t burn dinner.”
She watched him disappear into the kitchen and wondered about the change in him over the past few days. First, was the discovery of a diet book he had bought, and then the purchase of a gym membership he had purchased. He was still neat in his appearance but had stopped reading the daily newspaper for an hour in the evening, putting it away after a few minutes and initiating a conversation with her.
Rachel didn’t know why the sudden change but was she thankful for it. It made her feel guilty about her affair with Ryan.
“Dinner is about to be served.” Joseph carried out two plates and set them down on the dining room table.
Rachel stood and walked over. “It looks wonderful and smells delicious. Where did you learn to cook?”
He grinned. “Google.” He refilled her wineglass. He sat and continued the conversation. “The truth is, I feel I’ve been neglecting you, or at least not doing more to let you know how much I love you. This dinner is one way to show you how important you are to me.”
Rachel took in a deep breath. “I love you, too. This is wonderful, the dinner, you, I, and a chance to talk.”
She enjoyed the meal. The salmon was a bit dry, and the salad wasn’t properly tossed, but to her it was the best meal she had in a long time. They opened a second bottle of wine, and rather than watch TV, as was their norm, listened to music in the living room.
Rachel gave Joseph a kiss as they sat on the couch. “I’ll be back in a minute.” She went upstairs to her bedroom, undressed, and put on her dressing gown. It was black, lacy, and something she hadn’t worn for years. She checked her hair and makeup and ventured downstairs. She took her time reaching for her wineglass and taking a drink, pleased at his reaction as she stood in front of him. Rachel placed her empty glass on a table and reached for his hand. “Come with me.”
Joseph swallowed and followed her to her bedroom.
Later that night, she listened to his heavy breathing, turned toward him, and cried.
* * *
In the morning, Rachel informed Joseph she would make breakfast, and cooked bacon and eggs. It mildly surprised her he turned down the offer of toast, telling her he was cutting down on certain foods.
“It is either lose a few pounds or buy new clothes. The diet is cheaper.” He chuckled.
“I think you look fine the way you are.”
“Thank you.” He gave her a kiss. “Now, I’m going to make use of my gym membership. I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Perhaps we can take in a movie tonight. I know you like horror flicks, so let’s see that one that they’re advertising on TV.”
“That would be great.” She watched him leave via the door to the garage, and immediately called a familiar number, reaching a voice mail.
“Hi, it’s me. Look, I don’t know how to say this, so I’ll come right out with it. I don’t want to see you anymore. Joseph and I are working things out, and we can’t continue with our rendezvous anymore. Goodbye.”
Rachel closed her eyes, hoping that would be the end of their affair. The problem, she knew, was Ryan didn’t take rejection well. Her hope changed to thoughts of desperation.