Eric was once again Erica, by the time Robert got home from the showing. She and Carla were sitting in the kitchen, sharing a bag of Doritos.
"We close on the house, Monday morning," Robert announced as he walked into the kitchen. "That means, tonight, we celebrate."
"That's great!" Erica said, giving him a kiss. Something was different. Erica didn't have the same stirring as before, when she kissed him. She still loved him, of course, but something was different.
"That's really great news, Robert," Carla said, handing him a beer from the fridge and giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"Yes, it is great news," he said, sitting down to the table and downing half his beer. "So, what would you ladies like to do tonight, to celebrate?"
"Can we go out for dinner?" Carla asked.
"You know, I think that's a really good idea. You two are always cooking meals around here, or we order out. It would be nice to take the two of you out for a change," Robert said, smiling. "Would you like that, Erica?"
"It sounds wonderful," she said.
"Are you okay?" Robert asked. "You seem a little preoccupied.
"I'm fine, dear. I'm just still a little tired, I guess." She lied. She was still thinking of what she and Carla -- or to be more precise, what 'he' and Carla -- had done, earlier.
"Okay. Do you feel like going out for dinner tonight?" Robert asked.
"Yes. I think it would do us all some good to get out of the house for a change," Erica said.
"Good. I love you," Robert said.
"I love you too," Erica said.
At 7 p.m., they were all dressed and ready to leave. Robert wasn't concerned about appearances. Erica and Carla both were very passable. And besides they had decided on a little restaurant a few miles out of town, so they wouldn't run into anyone they knew and have to come up with introductions.
Robert was dressed in a suit and tie. Erica in a sleek, blue dress that was very form fitting. And Carla in a slinky, little black dress, playing against her brown skin. Robert would be proud to be seen with them.
The drive was quiet, with Robert doing most of the talking. He was still noticing a difference in Erica. She seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. Carla tried to engage her in conversation, resulting only in one word responses.
They pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. It was a nice little Italian place. Not very crowded. They got out of the car, Robert being a gentleman and opening doors for each of the girls. He felt like a king. A beautiful young lady on each arm.
They were seated in a corner booth. The lights were dim. Just enough to add ambience. Candles in little red jars on all the tables. It was nice, nothing too upscale, but nice. They enjoyed their meals, while making small talk. Erica started to loosen up a little but still seemed somewhat quiet. Robert hoped it was nothing serious. He loved her so much.
After they had finished dessert, Erica excused herself to go to the ladies room. After she was gone, Robert asked Carla if she knew what was bothering Erica.
"Do you know what's wrong?" he asked.
"No. She was okay all day today. I don't know what's come over her," she said, easing a little closer to Robert.
"Well, something's bothering her. She's never this quiet," he said.
Robert felt Carla's hand on his crotch. It caught him by surprise. She started rubbing him.
"Carla, no. Not in here. Someone may see you," he said, looking around at the other patrons.
"Come on, Robert. Where's your sense of adventure?" she said, with a wink.
"Not here," he said, removing her hand from his crotch. "Please?"
"Okay, Okay," she said, with a mischievous smile.
An hour later, they were back home. Robert tried to talk to Erica but she continued to tell him nothing was wrong. He knew better. Maybe by tomorrow morning she would be in the mood to talk to him.
"Why don't we go to bed and get a good night's rest. We'll talk tomorrow. Ok?" he said.
