“Good to meet you,” Robert said as they shook hands.
“Same here.”
All Angela could think was yesterday’s kiss; it was so vivid in her mind. She felt a pang of guilt.
Madison hopped between them to investigate the fish. She was thrilled; in heaven, looking at the colors; moving oranges and yellows.
“You like my fish?” Michael leaned down to her level.
“Nemo,” she said, pointing to the orange fish.
“Well, that’s Frank actually but you can call him Nemo if you like.”
“Thanks for having us over,” Robert offered.
“Thank you for coming. Dot will be happy to see you,” he said as he stood up and looked out in the distance. “Help yourself to drinks and appetizers. It’s all right there.” He pointed at the pony tailed woman by the table meticulously organizing the appetizers.
“Yep. Sounds good.” Angela looked for a dessert table but there was none to be seen. She was comforted by the knowledge of looming birthday cake.
He took off, determined to stay away from Angela for the rest of the evening as he had told her he would, the previous night. Seeing Robert in the flesh made him feel guilty. He had kissed this man’s fiancé; this man who had offered his hand with a smile, who had thanked him for inviting them. On the surface,he seemed nice enough; not like the brute he had imagined. More than ever, he was determined to stay away from Angela.
People quickly made their way to the party. By five, there must have been about forty guests or so. Angela and Robert were introduced to a few people including Michael’s brother and his family. Angela had the chance to chat with Irene who she had met the previous night.
“Did you enjoy the art show?” Irene asked her.
“I did,” she told her plainly.You have no idea.
Irene introduced her to her two teenage daughters who were stunning, with long flowing hair, the same auburn shade as their mother’s.
Madison enjoyed running with the few other children, although they were all a bit older than her.
It was about ten past five when Dot made her grand entrance, accompanied by Paul.
“Oh, my goodness, what is all this?” she touched her hand to her lips, feigning a look of surprise. “My, what a surprise,” she said, enthusiastically scanning the garden and all its decorations and smiling guests.
She seemed to enjoy the attention. She was seated at the table of honor, by the large maple. Everyone made their way to her to wish her a happy birthday. Angela and Robert waited until she had talked to her family before taking their turn. Angela was happy to finally introduce her to Robert.
“It’s nice to finally put a face to a name. I’ve heard so much about you,” Robert told her.
“Uh-hum,” she said, scanning him from head to toe.
Angela introduced her to Madison. Dot gave the little girl a quick smile.
Dinner was a nice Cornish hen served with baby potatoes and vegetables. There were also chicken fingers and restaurant style high chairs for the little ones. Angela, Madison and Robert wereseated at the edge of the garden, next to a tall cedar hedge wall. Every detail was taken care of. Everything was perfect.
After dinner, Michael and his brother came in with a huge lit birthday cake. Thankfully, it was not a windy day and the candles remained intact. Angela guessed there were about eighty candles on the cake. She was surprised the tall maple didn’t catch on fire. They walked slowly over to Dot, singing happy birthday, assisted by the whole crowd. Dot needed the help of her sons to blow out the candles; between the three of them, they managed. The cake was moist chocolate layered with raspberry filling served with fresh raspberries and vanilla ice cream topped with melted chocolate; to die for. This by far, was the best part of the evening. Angela always thought that maybe some day, somehow, she would be rewarded for her good deeds and this; this was it. It was all worth it. Seeing Michael looking fantastic in a tailored black suit was also a highlight of the night.
After cake, Dot opened her gifts, slowly, very slowly. People were getting up to rest their legs, go to the restroom. This was an eighty-year-old woman after all. Or was she seventy-five. Angela still didn’t know. Angela paid attention when Dot opened her gift; she seemed to like it. Robert and Angela got to chatting with the folks at their table. There were two other children. Although they were slightly older than Madison; they quite enjoyed her.
Angela and Robert left a little early; not long after dinner, wishing Dot a happy birthday and thanking Michael for the evening.
“Well, I’m glad you enjoyed yourself,” Michael said softly. He was exhausted. The day had been a long one; first with all the business with his mother, then the planning and preparations and finally, catching up with old acquaintances. He had barely had any time to think of Angela. But now looking at her as he said goodbye, he couldn’t believe how beautiful she looked. He couldn’t help but stare at her just a little too long. Hegave Robert a firm handshake; the man who was marrying the woman he was in love with.
On the way home, as Angela sat dazed, looking at the fields pass by, she couldn’t stop thinking about Michael; the way he had looked at her as they said their goodbyes. His gaze had made her knees weak.
“That Dot is an interesting lady,” Robert said, his eyes focused on the road. “She’s not so bad.”
“She was on her best behavior tonight,” Angela explained.
