Black Lace

I came across them by accident.  To avoid the backup at the construction zone, I cut across the parking lot of the grocery store. It so stunned me, seeing them together, that I stopped dead in the middle of a thru lane.  1

   I watched him walk...my eyes drawn to him, as they always were.2

He had the long languid stride that tall men often do.  She was tall, also, not falling behind him as they moved.  She looked nothing like I had pictured her. She was blond, elegant.3

   I  saw nothing in her of the angry woman he described.  She even smiled up at him, at  some comment or remark of her own making.  I felt a pang...deep and dreadful, as he turned toward her, smiling himself.  I knew the sound of his laughter, the way it rang.  Even now,  my heart quickened, seeing him so unexpectedly.  4

   He reached forward to open the door for her,  his other hand5

at the small of her back.  I knew the touch of that hand, how gentle the pressure, how safe it had always made me feel.6

   As they disappeared inside, I couldn't help myself.  I pulled into the nearest space, followed them.  Not intending any confrontation.  I only wanted a glimpse into his real life.   The outsider, wanting in.  I heard him, the tall shelf hiding me from their view.  I stopped, pretending to look at canned carrots. They talked of prices, of brand names vs. store brand.  Her voice lilting, refined. There was no laughter now.  Only talk of the business at hand.  I stayed parallel to them, as they negotiated each aisle.  He pushed the cart, she stopping him now and again.  Sometimes, I would hear the sound of cans being positioned, or the crinkle of cellophane.7

   After a few moments, their talking ceased.  Shoppingin earnest.  8

He was the first to break the silence.  9

"Lane, I'll be going out of town next week." 10

"Oh?"  she said.  More a question that a comment.  11

"I'll need to get your shirts out of the cleaners." she said.12

"first thing in the morning."  I could hear her disappointment.13

"What do you need?" again her "While we're here.  Shaving cream?"14

"Ummmmm"  he sounded deep in thought..nothing I can think of."15

"Remind me to go to the bank...get you extra cash."  She sounded near16

tears.  17

"Lane..." his voice was tender as he sometimes sounded with me. "It's only a week."  18

"I know."  she was crying now,softly.  "But, you're always gone." 19

"It's business, Lane.  You know that."  his voice so gentle,patient.20

"I know." she struggled for control. "But you are always so different21

when you return.  So distant.  It seems we just begin to fall into some22

semblence of normalcy...when you have to leave again."23

"I'm sorry, Hon."....her voice became muffled.  "You know how much I love you."  I didn't have to see them, to know he had taken her into24

his arms, was comforting her. I knew exactly how those arms felt.  Strong and warm.  I felt the slight rise of desire, deep inside.25

I could barely hear her muffled sobs. 26

    I knew I should feel guilt.  Remorse ...something.   I didn't though. All I could think of was that I would have him to myself for a week.  A whole week. 27

   I sat the can of carrots down, in the midst of the cereal aisle, and turned to walk back to my car.  Black lace....I must definately find28

black lace.29