AllFreeNovel
Share Us
David watched in fascination as fur sample after fur sample was handled, cheek-rubbed for softness, and smelt. Finally a two-tone longish honey-brown fur was selected.
Next came the type of animal she wanted, initially a bear was the favourite then a unicorn but suddenly it changed to a kitten and the subject of fur was revisited. Far from being annoyed at the length of time the selection process was taking, David relished watching while his animated wife enthusiastically chatted to the kindly patient assistant. A long grey and white fur was finally selected.
Next in line, the choice of stuffing materials. Having decided on a kitty-cat Penny explained that she wanted the animal to be cuddly soft. Eye colour was a surprisingly quick decision, emerald green eyes. They moved on. Penny quickly chose pink paw pads. The assistant fetched a tray of twinkling cat collars.
“The beauty of these is that they can be changed so you could potentially change your kitty’s collar every day of the week,” she explained.
“I like this one, no, this one! Oh, that one is gorgeous!”
He listened to Penny exclaim over each bejewelled collar, until worn down, he offered to buy her two, which turned into three.
Then they were proffered a little red satin heart for each of them to kiss, which would be stitched inside the kitten forever.
In the end they left the shop with seven collars, one for every day of the week. As soon as he’d heard the salesgirl mention changing the collar daily, David already knew the outcome, but did he mind? Not one damn jot!
Back in the car he listened as his girl chattered nonstop about her decisions for building her kitten and even began to talk about her next choice of toy. He listened and made the occasional noise of approval in his throat. Enjoying her light-heartedness, he admitted that he loved to see her this way. Perhaps he’d take her out to lunch and make a day of it. Running through restaurant options in his mind he remembered a small French place, La Reine, that served the most delicious bouillabaisse, and he headed there.
“Where are we?” she asked as he turned the car down between two buildings.
“A little French restaurant. You are going to love it; they serve the best bouillabaisse outside of France.”
“What’s that?” she asked.
He swivelled his head and stared at her in surprise. Then he remembered, this was a different Penny.
“Fish-based stew, heavenly, you’ll love it,” he told her confidently. Backing into a parking space, he switched off the engine.
“Eeww, sounds horrid!” she grumbled.
“You’ll love it!”
“What, becausesheloved it?” Ouch, that sounded snippy.
He frowned. “When I take my wife out for lunch I expect her to behave. You may order what you like for your lunch.” He injected a stern note into his voice and stared her down. She flushed from the neck up and nodded her understanding before she unclipped her seatbelt and exited the car.
* * *
Tasting his fish dish, Penny realised her mistake. She should have trusted him on this, the bouillabaisse tasted sublime; still, her own dish was delicious too. It was only as they ate and had an adult conversation about the next line of furniture they should design that Penny realised she had slipped back into the age-play role at the Build-A-Bear shop. Had David taken her there to make a point? She watched him as he spoke, his charisma unleashed in every engaging grin. She noticed that the waitress hovered nearby, her eyes resting on David with an intensity that gave away the woman’s attraction to Penny’s husband.
Taking a deep breath, she was about to tackle him about his motive for taking her to the toy shop when his mobile chirruped, and he looked at the screen.
“Clare,” he answered, “Yes, she is here with me now, okay, hang on...”
He passed the phone over to her.
“Hi, Clare,” she said.
“Penny, I thought you’d want to know the scan was completely clear. No sign of anything abnormal showed up in your brain.”
“That was quick! It’s a huge relief, thank you,” she replied.
She thumbed up David who mouthed, “Great news,” back at her.
“I told you I’d push for results; I agree, it is good news. Allie wants a quick word, hold on...”
“Hi, sis, how is Honey?”
“She’s good, thanks, still at the vet’s recovering but coming home soon. David took me out for lunch... Oh, hang on a tick, he’s signalling me; he wants to talk to you...”
