Chapter 1: Sneak Attack
The host seated Michelle and Gary at an out of the way table. When he made the reservations, months ago, Gary made sure that they would be as secluded as possible. He wanted a private table, not because he had anything naughty planned, after 20 years of marriage they were beyond the quickie in the restaurant, that was old hat. Gary wanted to the evening to be very special with have lots of private time, undisturbed by cell phones or loud conversations. After all, you do not celebrate a 20th wedding anniversary every day.
"Wow! Look at this place. It is fabulous," Michelle said to Gary.
"Yes it is. It was rated the best in town and I had to make reservation six months in advance to get such as great table," he replied with a boastful smile.
"Hello -- My name is Mo and I will be your server." Gary and Michelle looked up at a youthful, freckled face framed with bright red hair and a top a svelte frame. "Mr. and Mrs. Horne, the chef has been informed you have been seated. Lubo wanted me to tell you that he will be preparing the meal himself and has taken the liberty of selecting the wine. I will be back shortly with the wine and some bread."
"Oh My! I am duly impressed. You have certainly thought of everything. So what are we having?" she asked.
"If I tell you it would ruin the surprise," he replied. Mo soon returned with a plate of fresh-baked bread, dish of herbed olive oil, and a bottle of wine. She opened it, offered the cork to Gary, who approved. As she filled their glasses, Mo informed them their salads will be out shortly.
"I want this evening to be memorable. You have had to put up with me for more than 20 years and I through I could start to thank you with dinner at the best restaurant in the area."
"I have to admit that at times it was tough. You are lucky you have such a fine ass and are a great lover or I would not have put up with it," Michelle responded, sarcasm dripping heavily from her words.
"Rumor has it that it was my butt that caught your attention on the first day of orientation all those years ago? I have to admit, you cut a fine figure yourself, even if you were naΓ―ve."
"I thought you liked dumb women," she replied sipping her wine for effect.
"Innocent, my darling ... not dumb. Dumb women are high maintenance. And you, love, are nowhere near dumb. Here's to the last 20 years and for 20 more." They clinked glasses.
"And yes it was your butt in those black slacks that caught my attention. It if wasn't for that fine ass and your cooking skills, I would have serious doubts in the first weeks we were dating. You were such a jerk then."
"Not a jerk. Confident!"
"Oh! So that is what you called it."
"That's my story and I am sticking to it. So, if you had your doubts, why did you invite me over for dinner that Friday? It could not have been just my ass and you could not have known of my loving skills at that time. That first week was very busy and I doubt you had time to know the real me. So what prompted you to invite me over?" Gary inquired.
"Just your ass and that is MY story and I am sticking to it," Michelle parried with a twinkle in her eye. "However, my suspicions were confirmed during the cross country season when you wore those tiny running shorts chasing your team around. Why do you think I came to the meets and watched? It was not for the school spirit, it was to watch you in those shorts! Besides, the jerky first impression had worn off by that time."
"OK you win! I had a fine butt," Gary conceded. "I never noticed mainly because I concentrated on your ... um ... curves; which, I must say, have grown better and more appealing over the years. I am glad you got to know the real me."
The conversation paused as Mo arrived with their salads. A simple wilted spinach salad with a warm apple cider vingerette dressing.
Gary reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope. "Do you remember this?" he asked as he withdrew a picture.
"Oh my, where did you find this? Was this was the hurricane day. I am so glad that storm moved out to sea AFTER 5:00 in the morning. I laugh every time I remember it. Judy called and informed me that school was cancelled and asked if I would call you. I simply had to nudge you. I wonder if she knew we were sleeping together at that time." Michelle said, almost as an afterthought as she looked at the picture. "My goodness, look how young we were. Your right, I did cut a fine figure!"