Chapter 12: Dale’s Frilly Date

Dale waited for his wife to appear for their date. When she did appear, he whistled in appreciation. It was her best dress, formal, a deep burgundy satin. It hugged her ample curves but still had enough looseness so she could move.

Rosemary reviewed her husband’s conservative blue-black suit. At least his tie was colorful. “I thought you were going to wear something ‘frilly,’ Dale.”

“You just can’t see my underwear beneath this suit.”

In the kitchen, Erika and the boys were getting ready for their dinner. Coincidentally, their pizza was from the same place as Dan went, but their house was close enough for delivery.

When the boys’ parents walked in, Rosemary got an immediate reaction from Allen: “Mom, you look great!” David added, “Yeah, you do.”

For her part, Erika looked them over and judged, “Very nice.” She wasn’t yet completely accepting of Dale’s new post-jail life, but she knew that Rosemary and the boys were now happy with him. So she was still being formal, but a lot of the previous coldness was gone.

Dale had selected the best restaurant he could find that was still in the city of Madera. At the table, each setting had two forks, the wine list was extensive, and the service was excellent. To finish, the desserts were perfect, advertised as being made on the premises.

The couple left the restaurant happy, figuratively rubbing their bellies.

“That was so much fun, Dale. Thank you. If we can afford it now, I want to do this more often, like once a month. What do you think?”

“If you wear that dress, I’ll take you anyplace, anywhere, any time. You look more delicious than that dessert.”

“Oh, Dale, I love you too. I’m ready to get in bed with you as soon as we can check on the boys and send Erika home.”

They pulled in and parked the Durango next to Dale’s dumpy old Fusion. “Every time I see that car, I remember how you gave up your beloved pickup for us. You could have taken the money and at least bought a used truck. Instead, you just got something basic and cheap. I won’t forget it.”

When they walked into the kitchen, they found Erika sitting at the kitchen table. Rosemary noticed immediately that she was upset.

“Dale, check on the boys and then go on to our bedroom, I will take care of paying Erika and I will be with you in a little while.”

After he left, “Erika, I can see you’re upset. Let me first pay you, because money is always therapeutic.”

“Do you want the $5.60 balance left of the pizza money?”

“Oh, shut up, of course not. Now, two boys, three hours, that’s $90.”

“No, wait, it’s supposed to be $60.”

Rosemary was counting out four twenties and two fives.

“Erika, you get time-and-a-half because you’re working on a Friday night, when you could be out with your boyfriend.”

Erika’s face crumpled and she began weeping.

“He, he dumped me. Tonight.”

“What an idiot! Did he give you a reason?”

“I can’t say.”

“Sure, you can. We’re both adults. It was about sex, wasn’t it?”

Erika cried harder. “Mark said it was because I, I was busy tonight. But I know it was because I haven’t had sex with him.”

“Forgive me for saying so, Erika, but why not? You’re in college, obviously over 18.”

She put her wet face down on her forearms, and mumbled something.

“What, Erika? Tell me.”

Louder, clearer: “I’m a virgin, and I’m afraid.”

Rosemary put her arm over her shoulders, feeling them shudder as she cried.

“Oh, sweetie, it’s going to be alright. Will you come back here Sunday? We’re going to have a big family supper about 4:30. My daughter and her boyfriend will be with us. And you and I can have a nice long private talk. You’re enrolled at the University of California, so you’re on their Student Health Service. You will be amazed what they can do for you. Trust me.

“Will you come back here on Sunday?”

“Yes, I will. And thank you. I didn’t mean to explode all over your kitchen like that.”

“Think about this, until you’re back. You have some idea what I’ve been going through with Dale. Infuriating as men can be, they can also take you to heaven. Dale has reformed, and our love is strong again.

“It won’t be Mark, his loss, but when you find the right man, you will be so far past all this present unhappiness, I promise. Now, go on home, and think about what you want in the next guy. I’ll see you Sunday at 4:30, OK?”

After she left, Rosemary came back to the bedroom. Dale was smiling and naked on the bed, a pair of her frilly panties draped loosely over his crotch.

So, after briefly telling him that Erika was joining them for Sunday supper, Rosemary wiggled out of her dress and promised him another night to remember.