Chapter 3

Kate had prepared honey-glazed salmon with steamed veggies. The table was set, she had light jazz playing in the background as she put the finishing touches on the chocolate cake she had baked.

She wore a pair of denim jeans and an off-the-shoulder blouse. Her hair was cut short and sort of spikey in the front as it tapered shorter in the back and sides. Allen had just walked inside, “There you are, did you get the wine?” she asked.

“Bree got it.”

Her head tilted.

“I happened to meet her at the store. She was there buying wine and ran into me.”

She smiled, “What did you think?”

“Of what?”

“Her, isn’t she gorgeous.”

He walked over to her and kissed her lips, “I think you’re gorgeous.”

She laughed, “That doesn’t answer the question. Since when are you afraid to be honest with me?”

He shrugged, “She’s pretty. I mean any man with eyes can see that.”

She touched his nose, “That wasn’t so hard now was it.”

He chuckled, “I’m going to go take a quick shower and change.”

“Okay, dear.”

Moments later, the doorbell sounded and Kate answered. She saw Bree holding a bottle of wine, “hi come in,” she said as she stepped aside allowing Bree to enter.

Bree looked at all the amazing nature photos on the walls and smiled, “I love your photography, did you take those?”

“Allen did. He’s into photography.”

They walked into the kitchen and talked, “So Allen said that you were from New Orleans, I’ve always wanted to visit.”

“Yeah, I am. I think you should get out there. It’s a fun place.”

“How’d you end up in Tampa?”

“School and later a job. I met a guy there and he was promoted and sent to the Raleigh area, so I followed him, and now ... I’m here in Greensboro.”

She nodded, Allen walked in, “Hello again,” he smiled.

“Hello again,” she said. Her face was radiant under the fluorescent lights, her hair fluffed out. Her breasts looked plump and delicious.

Kate noticed how Allen looked at her. Their relationship was one of honestly. They would often tease each other when they noticed someone attractive. She smiled inside, could this be the answer to my problem, she thought. “Shall we eat?”

“Yeah. I’m starved. I’ve been working in that house all day. I still have to go get groceries.”

“We can go together tomorrow if you want.”

They sat at the table, “That would be great,” Bree responded.

As they ate, they had a casual conversation. They each spoke about where they were from. Kate was from the Triad, which is where she met Allen. Allen had moved there for work.

After dinner, they went to the living room and drank more wine and talked, “I saw your garden in the back yard, “I’m so impressed.”

“Kate loves to grow her vegetables.”

“You have to teach me your ways.”

She smiled, “Of course, I can do that tomorrow as well.”