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They watched Dave unbuckle little Davie from his car seat and hoist him up on his shoulders. The kid had so much energy and was so fast that the only way they could control him was to keep him on his daddy’s shoulders unless someone wanted to run after him.
“I guess we’d better get the paint up off the floor,” Chris said.
“Don’t worry. We are only here to see the progress. I promise we won’t stay long,” Katrina said, coming through the door.
While the men took the tour, Katrina sidled up to Annie. “Did you confront Chris?”
“I didn’t have to. He brought it up right away. He said he didn’t want to ruin our first night together and that’s why he didn’t tell me Friday night. I’m resigned.”
“I’m so sorry, Annie. I guess it means your wedding will be put on hold?”
“Yeah, it sounds like it. But honestly, I’m ready to dispense with the big wedding. I’m not sure why it was important to either of us, to tell you the truth. But he’s regretful he took the new job now, which really bothers me. He took the job so we’d be together.”
“Try not to overthink it, if you can. Why not suggest you elope? Just do it if being married is important to you.”
“Katrina, of course it’s important to me,” Annie said, her voice quavering. “I need that security with him. I can’t imagine not being married.”
“The guy bought a house for you, Annie. He quit his longtime job and took one close to you. How much proof do you need?”
“I need the ring,” she said, getting choked up. “It means something to me. He’s willing to delay our wedding to care for someone he was with twenty years ago. He is still honoring those vows, Katrina.”
“Honey, I think he’s just a nice guy who probably feels obligated because of his kids. Don’t you think that’s it?”
“I’m sure it is but who knows for sure? I feel like his ex got sick on purpose.” She was being sarcastic and laughed. “But what happens if she dies? Is he going to be on a guilt trip?”
“She wanted the divorce, if I remember the story correctly,” Katrina said. “He got home from the service and wanted to go back to college, and she wanted him to man up and get a job and be a husband and father. When I heard the story, my first thought was that she’s a real bitch.”
“I know! Me, too. But now we’re going to change everything around,just in case.”
“Ugh.”
“Where’s my compassion? That’s what is bugging me. She’s worried about dying and I’m worried about my man spending too much time with her.”
“Is that really going to be a problem, Annie? It might not be that bad. I don’t think you can predict what’s going to happen.”
“I hope her current husband steps up to the plate. It sounds like he left at the first sign of trouble. Anyway, I’m sick of talking about it. So! What do you think about my house?”
“It’s gorgeous! My entire cottage could fit in this great room. And your view is to die for.”
“Do you want a soda?”
“I’d love one. I’d really prefer wine if you have it.”
“I thought you weren’t drinking?” Annie asked, frowning.
“I never said that. I’m waiting to go on the wagon until Lent. Then everyone will give it up and I won’t feel like I’m missing out.”
“When did a glass of wine become so important to us?”
“When the threat of not being able to have one hung over our heads,” Katrina said.
“Well, we didn’t bring wine, sorry.” Something in the window caught Annie’s eye. “Now who’s this?”
They looked out the window at a burgundy minivan pulling up behind Dave’s pickup.
“It’s got Alabama plates,” Katrina said.
“Oh fuck! It’s got to be his wife.Ex-wife. Look, with two young men who are dead ringers for the Chastain boys.”
