"So how long will you be gone?" he asked grudgingly, as he loaded her suitcase into the trunk of the car.
"I don't know," she replied gently with a soft smile. "For as long as she needs me, I guess."
He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and scowled at the ground. When he looked up again, she was watching him with an amused grin on her face. He raised an eyebrow and tried not to smile back.
"Oh come on," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. She leaned close to his ear and whispered, "I've asked the new neighbour to stop in and check on you. She assures me that she can take care of all your needs."
He held her out at arm's length and looked at her inquisitively. She grinned impishly and winked. He leaned in and kissed her long and hard before letting go of her. She got into the driver's side, started the car and soon was around the corner and out of sight.
He stood for a long time watching the car drive away, then cast a long, ponderous look at the neighbour's house before going inside.
A couple hours passed and he was pouring himself a glass of wine when the doorbell rang. Despite what his wife had said before leaving, he was still mildly surprised when he saw the buxom redhead standing on the step, holding a pan of brownies. There was a brief moment of awkwardness, followed by cursory introductions and then the invitation to come inside.