Page 114 of Insidious

It has been the three of us together for so long that it feels like something is missing. It feels like we don’t exist without Amelie. But the drive into town feels strangely intimate.

Isaac turns the volume down for the 90s station, which is the only one we listen to. I watch as streetlights slide golden lines across the dashboard. Isaac keeps one hand on the steering wheel and the other resting loosely on my thigh.

I feel the warmth seep through the thin fabric of my dress. Every now and then, his thumb strokes absently against me at red lights.

The restaurant glows warm against the dark evening when we arrive.

Soft golden light spills across the marina water outside, reflections dancing against sleek boats tied along the docks. The smells of garlic butter, grilled seafood, smoked paprika, and fresh bread drift into the street like a siren’s song. Low music hums beneath the clink of glasses.

Isaac parks the car and comes around to open my door before I can do it myself.

“Such a gentleman.” I tease.

“I’m trying to seduce my wife,” he admits.

I arch a brow. “The way to a woman’s heart, huh?”

“Carbs and foot rubs. I’ve done my research.”

“That might just work.”

His grin flashes quick and bright as he pulls me close and tucks me into him.

***

The food is delicious.

Somewhere between the patatas bravas and the grilled seafood platter dripping in garlic butter, it starts to feel like the old days again. Effortless, like it has always been between us. I slip my foot out of my shoe and let it climb slowly up his pant leg before sliding it down. The way he startles is gratifying and enough for me to aim … higher.

We end up laughing more than eating at some points, enjoying the simmering tension.

Isaac insists on ordering “for the table”, and it fills up with all my favourites.

“You haven’t changed,” I tell him when he steals a calamari ring from my plate.

“That’s not true,” he says seriously, popping it into his mouth and chewing thoughtfully. “I’ve evolved to understand that you would like me to make takeout decisions.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. I also know how to load the dishwasher and to find your clit without a map. And while we are on the topic, do you have panties on?”

I snort wine through my nose and refuse to answer.

The conversation drifts back to Amelie, the centre of our universe.

“She is loving tummy time,” Isaac says proudly.

“I think she might roll over any d day now.”

He points a finger at me. “She is pretty amazing.”

“She’s definitely ahead on a few things.”

“That’s because she’s a genius like me. She has my looks and my brains.”

I roll my eyes. “She gets that from me.”

“Absolutely not.”