11

 

Ed paced at the bathroom door. “Cora, I told them we’d have the car at the body shop this morning.” He glanced at his watch. “You about ready?”

She peeked out the door. “Yes. I just have to get my shoes on. Oh, and change purses.”

Rushing a woman was an exercise in futility, and Ed had learned the hard way. He sighed. “Fine. I’ll be in the car.”

The car radio kept his mind engaged during the wait. The news report, weather update, a stock market summary and five songs later, Cora finally made an appearance. He forced a smile as he leaned out the window. “You follow in the Lincoln.”

They pulled out of their cul-de-sac and made their way to Shifting Sands Road.

Ed squinted and lowered the visor to block the Arizona sun from his eyes. Once he made a left hand turn, he glanced in the rearview mirror to make sure Cora was still behind him.

There are moments when one decides between pursuing a plan or letting it go. Did he really want to go through with this stupid strategy at the Pegasi? The restaurant seemed to be the hub of the problem. Cora’s initial reaction would either vindicate or convict and then she’d have to explain her involvement with other men and why she lied to him.

Anger made his stomach churn. The night before, she trembled in his arms. Their embrace was awkward, and he didn’t feel like protecting her. George Shipley had betrayed him, and he feared Cora had done the same. All things considered, he chose to stick with his plan.

Ed raked his fingers through his hair and frowned. He had so little time to come up with a coherent theory about Cora and George. Either she had done something to him or she had done something and he found out about it. Ed rubbed his forehead as the inner debate relentlessly boggled his mind. Then a thought hit. Maybe George saw Cora and the man at the Pegasi. Ah-ha, that had to be why he blackmailed her.

First things, first. Drop the Lincoln off at the body shop and then let her face the music. By the time Cora joined him in the car, Ed still wrestled with second thoughts. Would this be the end of their relationship? How would he cope without her? He cleared his throat. Sure he’d been on the PGA tour a lot through the years, but Cora unfaithful? The thought never entered his mind. Their drive across town was silent.

Ed pulled into the rear parking area, helped Cora out of the car, and together, they walked to the front of the restaurant. Cora stopped dead in her tracks. She took a deep breath and looked up at the sign. He inwardly smiled. Good, she hesitated. Her guilty conscience finally kicked in. This ordeal shouldn’t take too long and, with any luck, they wouldn’t even need a table. Heh, heh, heh.

He clutched her elbow, and firmly led her into the ornate restaurant foyer where small fountains bubbled on either side of the entrance. Archway insets on the walls depicted bountiful vineyards which stretched into the landscape.

Ed was aware of Cora’s discomfort as she licked her lips and nervously scanned the room. How long until she buckled and asked to go home? After all, her friend might be here, and she wouldn’t want to linger in their rendezvous place. His pulse quickened as the tawdry thought sank in. Their rendezvous place. He mentally smacked his forehead.

A cheerful hostess, with a flaxen French braid, welcomed the couple as they walked to the podium. Ed nodded and smiled. “Reservation for Timms.”

“Timms.” She checked her list. “Yes, here we are. Since it’s a cool day, would you folks like to be seated in the courtyard? We still have one table open.”

Cora’s response was monotone. “That would be nice, wouldn’t it, Ed?”

He nodded and silently pleaded, C’mon Toots, give in, already.

The young woman smiled. “We use it primarily during the evening hours, but it’s nice to take full advantage of it on days like this.”

The hostess escorted them through the indoor dining area. Cora stopped for a second and took in the mural which illustrated a panoramic view of Greece’s brilliant blue Mediterranean waters.

They followed the girl through large Corinthian columns that led outside to a canopied courtyard. Gurgling water trickled from the Pegasus fountain bordered by white wrought-iron tables. She took them to the vacant table in a far corner, and Ed held a chair for Cora to be seated.

The perky blonde handed them small festive menus and stated that Ben, their waiter, would be out soon.

Cora adjusted her posture and perused the list of Grecian delicacies. “Look at the names of these dishes.” She smiled and pointed. “How do you pronounce this? Spa-nak-o-pie-tees?”

“Prob’ly.” What an actress. Ed peered over the top of his menu. She sat stiffly as her eyes darted about the courtyard. He held his breath; wild anticipation grew in his chest. Was she about to break?

Their eyes locked. “Why haven’t we tried this place before, Ed?”

He grunted. His plot was falling apart at the seams. No, more like obliterated.

“Ooh, they have vanilla bean cappuccino. I’ve gotta have some of that.” Cora tapped on a menu item. “Now, this looks good. Chicken Souvlaki. Marinated and grilled chicken breast. Comes with a choice of soupa, salata or French fries. I’m guessing the salata is salad. I think I’ll go with that.”

Disgruntled, Ed didn’t look up this time. “Whatever,” he mumbled and flipped the menu over. Cora was certainly giving an award winning performance. It was almost believable. He rubbed the back of his neck. This was going too far. Who’s stupid scheme was this, anyway?

As if to answer his question, she said, “Look honey, it was your idea to come here.” She leaned closer. “You’ve only said a few words to me since we left the house.”

He tried to quell the rising anger, and gritted his teeth. “Obviously not one of my stellar ideas.” How was he going to keep his temper? Cora acted so nonchalant. Did the woman have no shame? Or, was she playing a game, confident he wouldn’t confront her in public?

Cora continuously kept her eye on the other patrons. He felt for the photo inside his breast pocket. Was she looking for him? Or the young stud she left with yesterday?

Then she turned and studied Ed’s face. “You don’t like it here, do you? We can leave, they haven’t taken our order, yet.”

“Would you mind?” Ed looked up. A muscle worked in his jaw. “I see the waiter coming. I’ll just tell him we have to go.”

The young man in black slacks and white dress shirt with the Pegasi logo came to their table. Before Ed could get a word out, the waiter said, “Hello. My name is Ben. I’ll be your server today.” When he turned to Cora, his face lit in recognition as he poured water into their blue goblets. “Well, hey there, good lookin’. Sure didn’t expect to see you back so soon. I’ll bet you’d like your Vanilla Bean Cappuccino, wouldn’t you?”

Cora’s face revealed shock at the young man’s question, and she cast a startled glance at Ed. She simply nodded in response while her foot tapped against the table leg. He settled back in his wrought-iron chair and scowled. This was a new wrinkle. How would it play out?

The waiter casually shrugged and turned to him. “And you, sir?”

Ed threw hot eye daggers in her direction. The waiter knew her. If that wasn’t proof positive that she had been here before, he didn’t know what was. She was toast. He cleared his throat several times to keep his temper at bay.

“Sir?” the waiter stepped closer, leaned down and raised his voice. “Would you like something stronger than coffee?”

Ed looked at Ben’s commiserating smile. “I’m not deaf, son, and as tempting as your offer might be, I’ll just take regular coffee, with cream.” Then as an afterthought, he added a terse, “Please.”

Ben nodded in compliance. “Thank you. I’ll be back in a few minutes to take your order. He threw Cora a puzzled look, and promptly left to get their coffee.

They sat in silence for several minutes.

Cora’s face suddenly contorted. “Oh no. Ed, we have to get out of here, right now.”

Ed stymied a smile. Showtime!

“Now, Ed.”

“Why?” He fought the urge to stand, and crane his neck in all directions like an owl on the hunt. Who did she see? Was he coming this way?

“It’s that busybody, DeeDee Hockenheimer, from the county treasurer’s office.” Cora donned a plastic smile and returned an enthusiastic wave as the woman in a mini-skirt rose from her seat. “She’s coming over here. Listen, we have to act like we’re having a good time or she’ll spread rumors all over the county.”

Ed smirked. “Wonder if she was here yesterday?”

“What?” Cora shook her head. “Aw, never mind. Here she is.” Cora stood and her voice raised an octave. “DeeDee-e-e-e! How long has it been?”

“Since you stepped down as county treasurer.” DeeDee lightly hugged her and kissed the air beside each cheek. “It’s been almost two years. What have you been doing?”

Ed sipped his water, choked, and sipped again. That was the million-dollar question.

Their anorexic tête-à-tête was thankfully interrupted when DeeDee glanced over her shoulder. “Hogan’s tapping his Rolex. Looks like he’s in a hurry to leave. Well, it was good to see you again. Give me a call, we’ll do lunch. Bye.” She turned on her five-inch heels and carefully teetered her way to her husband.

A large entree was presented to a middle-aged couple seated near Ed and Cora. The server set the platter down. “As with Greek tradition,” he announced, “Cheese Saganaki is flamed before your eyes.” With a soft click of his lighter, the main dish was instantly ignited in a fiery whoosh. The courtyard diners were enthralled with the glowing display.

In spite of approving cheers from onlookers, intermingled with rousing ethnic music, a brittle silence once again loomed between Ed and Cora.

 

****

 

Cora toyed with the cloth napkin on her lap. “I’ll bet that burning cheese dish is good.” She looked at her husband. “Have you decided what you want, yet?”

When no answer came, Cora made no further attempts at small talk. She stared at the prominent Pegasus fountain. This pretense was becoming more difficult, and Ed’s sour attitude only fed her discomfort.

She took another glance around the dining area and shivered. Were they being watched? Would the caller show up and confront them? Her stomach clenched tight. She felt like a caged animal, confined, and scrutinized.

“I can’t take this any longer.” Cora dabbed her eyes and left the table, her fragile composure at its breaking point. The heels of her cream-colored pumps echoed on the stone floor as she stormed toward the powder room.

Relieved to be alone, Cora dropped her purse on the counter and mumbled under her breath, “That man. I hate it when he clams up.” She stared at her reflection in the mirror and was taken aback at how the dim lighting accentuated her wearied appearance. Her face was pale and pinched thanks to weeks of fatigue.

Cora roughly unzipped her handbag. She rooted around for lipstick, and added the light matte tint to her lips. The minute Ed mentioned coming to the Pegasi, her instincts screamed “no,” so whatever possessed her to agree to it? She ripped a tissue from a nearby dispenser, leaned over the sink to get a closer look in the lavatory mirror then blotted her lipstick.

She’d been resolved to take advantage of their day away to finally unload what had been gnawing at her conscience. Ed was so testy right now, she couldn’t tell him anything…let alone something of this magnitude.

Suddenly her heart skipped a beat as a new thought occurred to her. Was he acting that way because he suspected something? Or, had George disclosed her secret after all?

Her mind continued to process different ways of clearing the air. How she dreaded the impending consequences.