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forehead.
    “ You see, it’s not hot in here, and you’re sweating like you stole out the church offering basket.” My mother’s southern drawl had an added dose of concern.
    “ Oh Frances, don’t go starting that. Not now.”
    I turned back around. From the corner of my eye I watched Walter gnash his teeth.
    I reached over and squeezed his thigh. “Hang in there, baby. In a few weeks you and I will get away and really relax. Just the two of us.”

Chapter Five - Tracy
     
    Walter’s cell phone chimed while we waited for the restaurant valet to park the car. He snatched the phone off his belt loop and looked at the display.
    “ I thought you didn’t like silly ring-tones. Whose ring is that? It sounds childish.” I asked, trying to ignore the sudden chill washing over my body.
    “ One of the salesmen—a royal pain-in-the-ass. I gave him his own ringer so I’d know when he called.”
    “ You promised you weren’t working today.”
    “ Tracy, I’m always working. What can I do?” He accepted the call, then covered the mouthpiece. “Why don’t you and your parents go in? I’ll end this call and be right there.”
    I searched his face for a moment, not sure what I expected to see. Happiness. Disappointment. Love. He blinked twice before looking away. I opened the car door and stepped out.
    It took several seconds before my eyes adjusted to the dim lighting inside. A server rushed by, carrying a large tray of drinks balanced on the palm of her hand.
    I made my way to the hostess stand and gave her our name.
    “ Your table will be ready in a few minutes. Your party can wait in the bar if you’d like. I’ll come find you.”
    I signaled to my parents, and followed the carpeted path to the wide oak bar. I dropped my clutch on the counter and signaled the bartender. Without hesitating, I ordered a sour apple martini, then turned to my parents. “What would you like?”
    “ Let’s see.” My father scratched his chin, as if stimulating his brain. He always ordered scotch and water, but I played along with him.
    “ I’ll have a white wine,” my mother piped up while my father continued to stroke his chin.
    “ I want scotch and water,” he said.
    “ Yeah, I knew that’s what you wanted.” I poked his ribs with my index finger. He kissed my cheek and winked. Being an only child gave me special moments with my father. But the secret winks made me feel most special. Like we shared a secret my mother would never be privy to.
    Walter walked into the bar as the server returned with our drinks. He ordered a glass of ice water. I closed my eyes, hoping he wasn’t being cheap, but rather a responsible designated driver.
    This day needed to be special. I wanted to imprint it on my memory as the day our daughter began her new life, and so did Walter and I. Unlike some women, I didn’t need to be beautiful to everyone, having them turn around to adore me as I passed by. I just wanted to be beautiful to Walter. For him to be happy he chose me. For him to rush home at the end of the day, to be with me. For me to be the only one for him.
    My parents moved to the far corner of the bar and sat at a small table with cushioned seats. I climbed onto the padded barstool. Walter shoved his hands into his pockets, his attention focused on the door like he wanted to bolt. There was probably a sports games competing for his attention.
    The shy college sophomore I fell in love with had morphed into such a dashing man. Back then he couldn’t get enough of me. We had snuggled in the twin-sized dormitory bed, talking until the early morning hours. I thought our love would last forever. How naïve. Now we were strangers and no matter how I tried, I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about my co-worker, Mario. Bits of conversations with him popped into my head at odd times. Often late at night while waiting for Walter to come home, images of Mario lying next to me kept me entertained. But, they were only fantasies, nothing I’d