Page 71 of Stars Shine In Your Eyes

Still, she was happy. Why wouldn’t she be? She had everything she could ever want, like the diamond earrings Lewis had given her on their tenth wedding anniversary. He’d made sure she knew how much they cost, and the sum had made her eyes grow wide. She was glad they were insured, or she’d never be able to wear them outside of the house in case she lost one.

Glancing over at where Malcolm was sitting beside Josie, holding her hand as though he’d never let it go, she wondered if she’d ever been as happy as those two were.

For a moment, she wondered whether she might ask Josie to suggest some books she might read. Not that she had a problem, of course. Her life was perfect, but sometimes there was an ache inside her.

Could she explain that to Josie? And would the bibliotherapist be able to prescribe a course of books that would help her find contentment?

Her phone buzzed. Lewis hadn’t been able to come tonight. He’d had a squash game with a client. Now he was on his way home and asking that she join him there for dinner.

It wasn’t a command, of course. He worked very hard and understandably liked to find his wife home and dinner ready to serve when he returned after a long day at work. She had left homemade moussaka warming in the oven and a Greek salad in the fridge. All she had to do when she got home was warm the bread and pour the wine.

She rose, wished Josie well in her reading retreats, and left. When she glanced back, the windows were lit from within, and she heard the sound of happy laughter. For a moment, she was tempted to turn back.

Then she shook her head at her own foolishness and got into her late model Jaguar. She checked that her makeup was perfect and her hair in place. Lewis hated it when she didn’t look her best, and even more when she was late.

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