Bill wasn't the most intellectual person on this earth. He makes mistakes the same as anyone...more so than some. But, he knew that he had enough brains to figure out why Eileen was so cranky today. It wasn't because she had started PMS or even her period, that was two weeks ago. He knew her well enough to know that wasn't it. But her sullen, edgy attitude since breakfast was not hard to miss. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he had better do something soon as she was getting more snappy as the day moved on.
He had to think about what has happened today, or even last night, that would put her in such a bad mood. Did he do something that she was upset about? He had been her partner for nearly 9 years, and he knew what pushed her buttons. He had not thought of a thing that he did out of the ordinary. He tried putting an arm around her waist when she washed up the dishes at noon, like she did every day on the weekends, to keep them caught up. His way didn't suit her, she had told him years ago and that she didn't mind doing them. But, she pushed his arm off her well-shaped mid-section. OK, she didn't want touched. That was unusual, even when she's cramping from her period.
Two o'clock rolled around, and Eileen just sat watching TV, not really showing interest, when he walked into the room. She didn't even look his way. He sat beside her on the couch anyway...not too close, nor at the opposite end. After a few awkward moments, he turned and said. "Is there something we need to talk about?" She just stared at the TV, but didn't say a thing until a couple of commercials went by. "Can you remember the last time you put your arm around me in bed?"
"Ooooohhhh," he thought out loud. It was an immediate memory flash for Bill. Actually, what he remembered is that he could NOT remember the last time he had done that. It certainly was not intentional, but still, it was one of those daily life events that had gone by the wayside without notice...unnoticed by him anyway. "I suppose that if I were to cuddle you now it would not be a good thing, right?" She did not need to answer; her silence told volumes.
So, he sat back and put his hands on his lap, not knowing what else to do with them, or any other part of his body for that matter. Besides the TV, the silence was maddening. He rose and headed for the kitchen to get a drink of iced tea. He poured it out, and sipped a few times, thinking over how he could smooth this one over without acting like an inept schoolboy. An idea came to mind. He walked back to the living room and sat beside her this time.
"Let's take a drive and get out of here for a little bit." She didn't budge, but he wasn't going to give up. He set his glass down and stood up. Bill put out his right hand toward her, halfway bent over. She finally looked at him and took his hand. Instead of standing to meet him, she pulled him abruptly onto the couch. He caught himself with his knee on the couch. With one swift movement, Eileen lifted her head slightly and met his mouth with hers. Bill was not going to reject her, as she was an excellent kisser. Besides, if this was her answer to the problem, he was more than willing.