"Okay guys, we're off!" Mom said dragging the last of her suitcases behind her. "Be good, have fun! We sure will."
"And just the one bottle, honey," Dad shouted from the car.
Mark stood on the cold looking tiles of the kitchen floor. It wouldn't be long until the afternoon sun warmed them up. Turning around, he tossed his car keys onto the countertop.
"They could have at least told me they were getting a taxi to the airport."
"Could be worse," Alice said, pulling a tray out of the oven. "I've kept the pie warm. Can't let you leave hungry."
"With gravy and onions? Smells great!"
"Yeah, I was gonna set the table all nice for myself; light a candle, pour myself a glass of Dad's expensive wine - the works. You might as well tag along so your evening isn't a total waste?"
Mark watched as she set down another plate. It was a small table covered with a purple cloth. Red liquid trickled into his glass as candle wax started to melt.
"Can't say no to that," he said, taking his seat.
"Good," Alice said as she dished out the food. "Looks like I've got my partner in crime."
Having just come from work, Mark yawned and hung his suit jacket on the back of his chair. His jet-black shirt matched his hair, pants and shoes. Alice displayed a more casual look. She wore a pair of light blue jeans, and a baggy t-shirt. Stretching to open a cupboard, bulging bra cups were obvious under her shirt.
"Who you texting?" she said, sitting down. "Sorry, none of my business."
Mark continued to tap his phone screen. "Just letting Linda know I'm having dinner here."
He clinked Alice's raised glass and sipped the rich beverage.
"Just the one bottle," Alice said mockingly. "What's the point in having something if you can't bloody enjoy it."
"That must get annoying -- their house, their rules bullshit. I thought you were gonna get a place of your own?"
"Mark, have you seen rent prices lately? I'd just be chucking my savings into a bottomless pit. Besides, got the place to myself for ten whole days!"
"I see. To be honest, it's good to be out of the house for a while. Pretty chaotic with the new arrival," Mark said.
"I guess that's to be expected. You guys are coping though, right?"
"Yeah, I mean it's tough, but we're getting through it. Just never realised how much work having a kid is."
"C'mon now. It's pretty easy for the guy," Alice said with a wink. "Seriously though, you guys should come over some evening. Leave the cooking to me."
"Might take you up on that. Might do Linda some good."
Alice swirled her glass and waited for him to continue.
"The whole having a kid thing has taken a lot out of her. I dunno, she's changed...doesn't seem to have much time for...
"Wifely duties?" Alice said, sliding the fork between her lips.
"Yeah...Ugh...This food is delicious, sis. The wine compliments it perfectly."
"Sad thing is, this is going better than most of my dates!"
The flame flickered and Alice lay the back of her hand down across the table. Accepting the invitation of her open palm, Mark rested his on top. Shovelling pie into his mouth, there was no awkwardness between them. Alice and Mark had always been close. With blonde, chin-length hair, blue eyes, and a button nose, Alice was very different from his wife. It wasn't that Linda wasn't pretty, but the poor woman barely had the energy to shower these days. He slid his thumb down her wrist and circled the small tattoo. Her quickening pulse surprised him.
"Ha! Date night." Mark said. "It's been a while since I had one of those."
"As I said, you're better company than most. That must say a lot about my taste in men."
"Go on. Tell me about your worst date?"
Alice drained her glass and stained her lips a wonderful red.
"I'm talking generally. Most guys are just mumbling fools. It's like they haven't a clue how to converse with a woman. Even the smooth ones are so predictable."
"That's probably because they're too preoccupied with trying to get inside your pants...Y'know...as men tend to do, generally speaking."
"Generally speaking?" A grinning Alice replied.
Mark noticed her pulse had returned to a steady rhythm before she slid away from him.
"Excuse me a moment, please," she said as she left the table.
Mark tucked away the rest of his food and refilled their glasses. The late afternoon sun had skirted around, giving the room a warm, red, glow. He was feeling guilty for not being home with his wife and child, but desperately needed a break from the chaos. He also started to become concerned about Alice's absence. Her delicious pie was just sitting there getting soggy, and at the mercy of a hungry brother.
***
The clack of heels sounded her return. Soft hands caressed his tense shoulders. He could see the tips of her shiny fingernails slide briefly down his chest. Alice came back into view as she returned to her chair.
"Wow.." Mark uttered.
"Even for a pretend date, a girl can still make an effort. That's half the fun!"
Alice had gotten rid of the t-shirt in favour of a light V-neck sweater. The jeans didn't change, but were considerably improved by her white high heels. Mark was aware that he was starting to gawk.
"It's only a bit of eyeliner and lip-gloss," Alice said, tossing food into her mouth. She cleaned gravy off her lips with her tongue and smiled. "Oh yeah. We both know I'm getting a second date!"
"Second date? Ah! So, this is all about validation for you, is it?"
"Shush. Stop analysing me."
Bold eyes stared at him over the rim of her glass. He was just glad she thought he was analysing her mind, rather than her generous display of cleavage.
"Like I can talk," he said, tucking his chin into his chest. "I'm not as lean as I used to be - as I'm sure you could tell."
"Relax. We're both getting older, bro."
Looking her over, Mark rolled his eyes at her attempt at modesty. She shrugged her shoulders in reply.
"You want to know my secret?" she said. "No babies!"
"You haven't changed a bit, sis. The five years may as well be five months. Now, where were we," Mark said, offering his hand.
