Dinner for Two

The

750 Word Project 2022

; after ==== there are 750 words, the minimum allowed for a story, and the maximum for this challenge.

R A Plant; James Patrick Page: "There's a sign on the wall, but she wants to be sure. 'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings"

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I'd arrived a few minutes before Lizette, my wife of five years. Waiting for the reservation gadget to buzz my hand only took a few minutes. There were plenty of tables open but I guess they were short-staffed.

Lizette had texted that she had a few more spreadsheets to finish but she was on her way. We'd met at a frat party and married shortly after graduation. Both of us survived the pandemic slowdown although I had my hours cut. Plans for starting a family had been put on hold until this craziness was over.

With our drink order in, I perused the menu. Why? I don't know as I always order the patty melt.

As I sat there I heard a man's voice "Spencer?"

Although the couple, scooting into their seats in the booth adjacent to mine, seemed familiar I didn't immediately connect the dots.

It felt awkward reaching to shake his hand and he obviously understood my predicament.

"James Bordine and my wife Sharon; Bordine and Waters."

"Of course! My apologies. Out of context I just couldn't place you," as I gently shook her hand as well.

"Not a problem. I doubt we've met more than a few times. Are you here alone?"

"Temporarily. I'm waiting for Lizette. She just texted that she had a few more spreadsheets to finish but is on her way. You've been keeping her busy!"

"Well if this is a romantic setting we can move as I'm sure being seated next to the owner of the company she works for could dampen the atmosphere."

"No, no, no, please stay. Tonight was my turn to cook, and I don't cook, so we eat out on those nights. We can move if yours is a romantic night out."

Sharon hopped in. "Hardly. Those are few and far between, AREN'T they dear?"

Now it was James' turn to squirm as he calmly replied, "Now is neither the time nor place sweetheart. Here's Lizette now!"

Lizette looked shocked "Mr. Bordine! What are you doing here?"

"Eating dinner. I can ask you the same question."

"Um, well, eating dinner. With my husband. Spencer, you remember the Bordines? James and Sharon! Hello Sharon. Excuse my manners."

I acknowledged "Yes, we've been chatting."

Lizette's face and eyes were contorting in ways I'd never seen before.

James was curious. "So you've been spending time working on spreadsheets? Spencer made it sound like you were working overtime."

Now I turned a curious eye towards Lizette. She was clicking her heels together as if trying to make it back to Kansas.

Lizette was starting to sweat and she turned a bit pinkish. "Well that was a white lie as I was actually out shopping."

Lizette slid into our booth across from me.

Sharon reached into her oversized purse and pulled out a folder, which she handed to James.

While James slid the folder to me he stared at Lizette "That would be another, what'd you call it, a 'white lie'?"

He continued, "More like spreading your legs for Cody Williams wasn't it Lizette?"

My mind tumbled into a jumble of panic, rage, shock, and confusion. I couldn't help myself "You've been doing WHAT?"

As Lizette tried to get up Sharon put her hand on her shoulder pushing her back into her seat.

James took on a very businesslike tone "Cody works as a designer. He, as is your wife, are now unemployed. My apologies Spencer, to spring this on you. The folder in your hands is the private investigator's report, including pictures from an hour ago. Sharon and I found out from our investigator that this is where you planned to meet for dinner tonight. Lizette I'm very disappointed in this as I had high hopes for you. However, I can't risk the success of my company on people who can't be trusted. Shall we order Sharon? Spencer, I'll pay for your dinner if you want to eat."

Turning to James "Thanks but I think I've lost my appetite."

I wanted to puke. Lizette's face was even more contorted as she fought off the tears. She spoke with a quivering voice "I'm sorry Spencer. I've been foolish and extremely stupid. Mr. Bordine I understand your position. Spencer, can we go home now?"

"Lizette, I think I'll stay at a motel tonight and review this report. If it's as bad as it sounds I'll be moving out."

It was bad enough. Once is a brain lapse but several times means you just don't care.