Page 96 of David

“You’re seeing them more than you’re seeing me,” I say.

“You’re right,” she admits, and I cut her off with a small gesture as our eyes connect.

“Don’t need to say anything else. I know you’re busy juggling so many things. Besides, I don’t want to sound ungrateful.”

She weighs her words for a few seconds.

“I’m not seeing anyone much these days. It appears like I’m seeing them more than I’m seeing other people. The reality is we meet because of our husbands. Their husbands, and my future husband.”

I gesture at her again, feeling bad about our conversation.

“Please forgive me for saying that. I’ve been in a funk lately. I’m sure my life will be just as busy at some point.”

A slow smile tilts her lips.

“Are you trying to tell me something?” she says.

Unsettled, I give her a laugh.

“Like what?”

“Like you’ve… met someone?”

“No. That’s not what I was talking about,” I say, unable to stop chuckling, raising her suspicions.

“What’s going on, Liz?”

“Nothing is going on.”

She looks behind me.

“Is there someone else over there?” she asks, amused.

“No. How can you say that?”

“Why wouldn’t I say that? You’re an attractive redhead with brown eyes and the body of an exotic dancer. Why wouldn’t you have someone in the room with you?”

“Uh… Really? Do I look like an exotic dancer?”

“I didn’t say you looked like an exotic dancer. I said you have the body of a dancer. Come on. You knew that.”

I pick up the tips of my hair and study it.

“My hair is not that red anymore.”

“Well, if you dye it, it would look phenomenal against the tone of your skin.”

“I’ll do that. Anyway… So you say this gathering is informal? I don’t need to wear a gown or anything?”

She breathes a cute laugh.

“Shut up. Of course, it’s informal. Her backyard looks amazing––already decorated for Halloween. We’ll have delicious snacks and drink coffee. Or fruity tea, in your case.”

“Did Terry rat me out? How do you know about my tea habits?”

She nods.

“Yes, she did.”

---