It was late November, time for the annual Military Ball. My husband, David, would be receiving an award, as was our best friend, Robert.
David was dressed in his Service Blues, and he was absolutely preening at himself as he examined his reflection in the hallway mirror. I stood in the shadows, admiring the fine figure he cut, noting the broad shoulders, narrow hips, and short red hair that all together made for a very handsome man. These thought made my blood run cold and my heart constrict with pain because it made little sense—why did I not love him at all?
He turned to look at me then, and his face broke into a wide, appreciative grin. I was wearing a green dress that shimmered black in different lights, with a fitted waist, short, flared skirt, and delicate spaghetti straps. My breasts were high and full and my long black hair fell in ringlets, the sides pulled back into a knot high on my head, with loose waves framing my face. A black garter belt and black thigh-highs completed the look, and my sandal heels made me two inches taller than my usual 4’11.
“Are you ready, lover?” David asked, circling me in his arms and kissing my forehead. I nodded, hugging him back, and then pulling away to get my coat. “Absolutely,” I said, lightly, “I’ve been looking forward to this.”
We drove to the base in silence, each of us lost in our own thoughts. I suppose he was thinking of his award and speech, I, on the other hand, could only ponder the reasons why I felt the way I did, and what to do because of those feelings.
The parking lot was already full and we were quickly absorbed by a crowd of David’s coworkers and their wives. I smiled my hellos, feeling out-of-place and very young in comparison. The wives were all in their 30s and 40s, and I was only 19, a full ten years younger than my husband.
David wrapped and arm around my waist, sensing my disquiet. “Come on, honey, relax,” he whispered. “Try to have some fun.”
We moved inside the dance hall, which was decorated with orchids. I stopped to admire one, closing my eyes and inhaling its fragrance. It smelled of the islands were I had been born.
At last we were seated at the long tables, and everyone was talking animatedly around me. I was able to relax and take in the surroundings better. Suddenly, a jolt of electricity shot through me as my eyes locked with a set of hazel ones across the room. I felt myself pale as I saw him rise and move towards me, dressed in his navy whites and looking as gorgeous as I had remembered him to be.
“Don’t I know you from class?” He asked, smiling, his eyes filled with laughter as my face flushed with embarrassment.
I felt David tense beside me, and saw him watching us out of the corner of his eye. “I think so.” I murmured, averting my eyes.
“Sherry, isn’t it? It must have been 5 months!”
“More like seven.” David muttered, without turning our way.
“Hello, My name is Bruce.” He said, leaning over to shake David’s hand. David examined him coldly, his jaw setting as he looked Bruce over, remembering, without a doubt, that Bruce had been my lover for about a year. I had told him before we had married, and clearly David did not like the thin façade Bruce was playing.
Bruce settled into the seat beside me, totally oblivious to the impropriety. The laughter and conversation around us was loud, and I felt myself pale as he leaned forward and whispered into my ear, “My god, you look unbelievable. I’ve missed you, Sherry.”
