The kids scurry off, each picking a book to look at while they wait for their classmates. Before long, the entire group has completed their worksheet and is sitting on the rug. I get today’s snack ready, setting the cheese and crackers at each chair, as well as a carton of milk. I give them my full attention, but it’s hard. The small envelope and card are practically burning a hole in my pocket. I’m dying to know what he wrote, but I won’t give in until my students are safely tucked away in their parents’ vehicles and on their way home.
Finally, at 3:10 p.m., the bell rings. I make sure all of today’s work is in their take-home folders and placed in their book bags. When the final child is released to their ride, then and only then do I finally give in to the excitement. With my classroom door firmly shut, I head over to my desk, taking my first real opportunity to smell the gorgeous blooms that were delivered this afternoon. Roses and lilies—two of my favorites, and he knows it. A smile breaks out on my lips as I pull the card from my pocket and take the seat behind my desk.
* * *
My dearest Winnie,
I hope your day was as amazing as you.
Your presence is requested at The Corner Grill.
Six o’clock.
Date night with my two favorite people in the whole world.
You and Peanut.
Until I see you, my love.
H
* * *
I can’t help but notice he’s already referring to our unborn child as a person. Our little person. The one we created together. Yeah, the circumstances of the conception are a bit scandalous for this small town, but it doesn’t matter. Nothing matters. Just us.
Our little family.
I shove the card into my desk drawer and gather up my belongings, all while wearing a smile on my face. The Corner Grill has always been a favorite of mine. That’s something he’d remember too. I have to admit, Harrison is doing quite well on this whole “dating” thing. My favorite flowers, and now my favorite restaurant.
It’s hard to juggle my bag and the vase of flowers, but I manage and slip out the side door of the school, effectively avoiding any of the other teachers at our small preschool through fifth-grade school. Lady luck must be on my side as I belt in the vase to the passenger seat of my newly acquired rental car, hop behind the wheel, and pull out of our lot. Surely word has gotten around to my colleagues that I had a special delivery this afternoon. It was only a matter of time before everyone and their brother “dropped in” for a friendly Friday after-school chat.
Slowly, so that I don’t spill the water, I make my way to my house, loving the fragrant scent of flowers that fill the car. You couldn’t scrape my smile off my face with a putty knife. When I pull into the driveway, I notice Harrison’s truck is gone. Since I went back to work Wednesday, he did as well, but he’s almost always arriving home at the same time I have been.
I park in my spot and climb out. I slip around and unlock the back door of the house, leaving it open to let the spring breeze in, and head back out to retrieve the vase. My nose instantly drops down as I inhale such a wonderful scent. Oh, yes, he definitely earned a few bonus points for this one. They display beautifully in the center of the table, especially when the sunlight hits the pink glass.
Heading back to my bedroom, I think about tonight. What does my ex-husband have planned? Is it just dinner or will there be something afterward?
And then my mind goes to afterward.
Our relationship hasn’t progressed past a few stolen pecks on the cheek or brushes across my lips. He’s held my hand and has welcomed me into his arms for snuggling during a movie last night, but that’s it. I know he still wants me—the proof was plastered on my leg earlier in the week—but he hasn’t acted on anything or led me to believe more is coming soon.
Do I want more?
I’m pretty sure that answer is yes, but how soon, and will I regret it when it happens?
I never really regretted it when we fell into bed mere minutes after our divorce was final, but how can I regret something that created something so wonderful? Even after we got past the awkward stage and he left, I never felt an ounce of guilt or remorse. Instead, I felt a slight bit of comfort and a little bit of closure.
Of course, all that has been thrown out the window now, hasn’t it?
After making sure the door is locked, I head to my bedroom, strip off my work clothes, and move to the bathroom. The garden tub is calling me, and I’m fortunate to have plenty of time to get ready for the evening. The room starts to fill with the calming scent of lavender as I drop a bath bomb in and grab a fresh razor. Making sure my hair is up and won’t get wet, I slowly slide into the warm water, grateful for this extra time. I can’t stay in long, knowing I had to give up hot baths when I became pregnant, so I make sure the water is at a slightly cooler temperature than normal. Just enough that I’m still able to relax. It’s heaven.
Before I finish my bath, I take a few minutes to shave my legs, armpits, and other lady bits, as well as run my loofah and body wash over every square inch of my body. When I deem myself finished, I carefully step out, mindful of the baby nestled in my lower abdomen. After smearing lotion everywhere, I head to the closet for tonight’s outfit. What exactly does one wear on a date with her ex-husband, with whom she happens to be having a child with?
Yeah, I don’t know either.
I settle on a pair of fitted jeans, wedge heels, and a blue flowy top. It has short sleeves, so I make sure to grab a black sweater too. By the time I’m completely ready, the alarm clock on my nightstand says 5:45. I also notice I haven’t heard Harrison come home. After securing my watch and throwing in the stud diamonds he bought me for our first anniversary, I head off in search of my date.
His room is empty.
Panic starts to set in.
Did he change his mind?
Move out without letting me know?
But when I spy his deodorant and aftershave sitting on top of the spare dresser, I know that he’s still here. Well, maybe not here here, but living here. Staying here. Whatever.
When the clock hits 5:50, I realize I have a choice. I can wait here for him, assuming he’s coming to pick me up, or I can head out and meet him at the restaurant. His card didn’t indicate how I was getting to The Corner Grill, just that it starts at six. That must mean I’m supposed to meet him there.
Grabbing my purse and sweater, I lock up the house, head to my rental car, and back out of my driveway. It’s only a few minutes to the restaurant, so I arrive with just enough time to get inside before the stroke of six. With my shoulders square and a flutter of nerves tickling my stomach, I head inside.
To the man in the corner booth.
To our first official date.
I can’t wait.
Chapter 11
Harrison
* * *
I arrived early to ensure we could get a booth with privacy. This one in the corner is exactly that. I have a clear view of the door, and yet still tucked away in the back corner. Speaking of the door, I’ve had my eyes glued to it for the last fifteen minutes. Glancing at the clock, I see it’s six o’clock exactly. Wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans, my nerves kick in. What if she doesn’t show? Damn it, I knew I should have gone to the house and picked her up. I’m just about ready to reach for my phone to call her like the crazy stalker ex-husband that I’m becoming. What if she’s sick, what if something happened to the baby? I’m making myself sick with wor
ry when the door opens and she walks in.
Winnie.
My eyes drink her in, taking notice of her fitted jeans, and the blue top that makes her tits look incredible. Not that they’re not already in a league of their own. I’ve read that with pregnancy, they’re going to get bigger. I bite back a groan just thinking about it. Shaking out of my thoughts, I stand to greet her before my cock makes it so it’s impossible to do so.
“You look beautiful,” I say, leaning in to place a kiss on her cheek. “How are you feeling?” I ask, my hand resting on her still flat belly.
“It was a good day. A bout of nausea, but not enough to ruin my day or anything.” She slides into the booth as I take my seat across from her.
“Good.”
“Thank you for the flowers.”
“You’re welcome,” I say awkwardly. I don’t know why I’m so damn nervous. This is Winnie, my Winnie. Shaking off my nerves, I forge ahead. “I ordered you water. I wasn’t sure what sounded good to you, and I know you mentioned limiting caffeine because of the baby.”
“Water is perfect. Although, I might order a chocolate milk. You think they have that here?”
“They do, I asked our server. I just didn’t want the milk sitting and waiting for you.”
“Look at you,” she smiles brightly, “looking ahead.”
“I’ve been doing that a lot lately, Winnie. So much, in fact, that I feel like I’m living in the future. In our future.”
“Harrison.” She whispers my name softly.
“We can do this,” I assure her. “I know we can.” Reaching across the table, I place my hand over hers. “I never once stopped loving you. We shouldn’t be here. Divorced.” I shake my head, disgusted with what I’ve let us become.