Page 49 of Something Old

I laugh again. I love his sense of humor.

“Well, I want to really grab her attention with this gift. So fuchsia it is.”

“You’ll be grabbing attention alright.” He snorts a laugh. “Alright. I’ll head over there now to chat to the guy. I’ll let you know the outcome.”

It takes three days for the car to be ready. Including the paint job which they do brilliantly. I head over to the warehouse to make sure it’s up to my standards and I can’t find a single thing wrong with it.

I nod, satisfied and the guy tosses me the keys. “It’s all yours.”

“Thanks. My girl is going to love it.”

The engine growls as I rev it, then pull out of the warehouse and speed all the way home. Leora is out for the day, still avoiding me, still playing it cool when she is around me - but when she gets home, there is going to be something special waiting for her.

I park the Corvette right in front of the stairs leading to the front door, then wrap the giant black silk ribbon around the bonnet.

All that is left is to wait for her.

I’m not the most patient man in the world, so I hardly get anything done as I pace up and down the house continuously listening out for her.

Finally, just before sunset I hear the driver arriving and I hurry to greet her at the door.

I can’t even hide the massive grin on my face as she climbs out of the car and her entire face looks shocked when she stares at the bright pink car waiting for her.

The driver pulls away to park the town car around the back and Leora is left alone on the driveway with her new Corvette.

I walk down the stairs towards her.

“Do you like it?” I am still grinning.

She looks from me to the car then back at me “What is this all about?” She asks.

“Just a little gift for my wife. Something fun, and beautiful - like you.”

“Fun - and beautiful. I see.”

She walks around the car slowly, tracing her finger over the smooth paint finish. I follow her, waiting for her reaction. I think she is a little shocked. Maybe overwhelmed by the gift.

“Do you want to take her for a spin?” I ask, pulling the driver’s side door open. “You can take me for a sunset drive.” I gesture for her to climb into the car.

“Actually, I think I am going to head upstairs to have a shower. It’s been a long day. We can go for a drive another day.”

My mouth drops open in disbelief. She doesn’t look impressed in the smallest bit. She doesn’t look excited or happy about the gift at all. She is just being her now normal cold and distant self.

I felt my jaw muscles clenching.

Leora is halfway up the stairs heading inside the house when she turns around and smiles.

“Thank you for the gift, Masaccio.” She says formally.

I sigh as she turns away again. “It’s a pleasure.” I mutter under my breath, then stare down at the keys in my hand.

I guess, maybe she’ll enjoy it once she takes it for a drive.

I leave the car parked there. If she goes out tomorrow, she can take it.

But I feel angry inside. Disappointed. Let down.

I know I said in the beginning that this was nothing but a marriage for show - but I’ve changed my mind now.

---