Mike returned home from the office after the latenight corporate do, just as the sun was threatening to rise. His wife, Emma, was snoring away soundly, completely unaware of his stealthy entrance. He slipped into bed beside her, pulled the blanket up, and promptly drifted back to sleep.
When Emma finally rose at dawn and shuffled to the bedroom, she discovered a strip of bright red lipstick on Mikes shirt. At the same moment her phone buzzed with a new text: Morning, love! She stared at the message, then at the lipstick, and a startled gasp escaped her.
Ten blissful years of marriage had passed, and the couples two charming daughtersLily, five, and Sophie, ninewere still tucked in their own room, deep in dreamland. Emma felt a sudden urge to launch a fullblown confrontation, but she swallowed it down and headed for the bathroom.
There, in front of the mirror, she let a few tears fall before coaxing herself into composure. The simplest thing would be to give him a good talkingto, she muttered, but a spat now could open a door Im not ready to walk through. If he walks out, how on earth am I to raise two kids on my own?
She took a quick shower, toweldried her hair with the dryer, tossed her hair into a decent knot, and then set about making breakfast. Mike awoke a little later, near lunchtime.
Oh, this is a right pain, he complained, stretching his arms.
If you like, I can brew you a cuppa, Emma offered with a strained smile that required a bit of effort to look genuine.
After managing the perfect mug of tea, Emma turned the conversation toward the next day. Mike, I hope you wont be stuck at work tomorrow. Ive got the evening shift, and Ill need to pick Lily up from nursery.
Of course, of course, he replied, nodding eagerly.
Emma worked as a hairdresser in a bustling salon in Manchesters city centre. The following evening, after her second shift, she arrived home clutching a pretty box of chocolates.
What, feeling a sweet tooth? Mike asked, eyeing the package.
Just a client gave them to me, she said, Hes one of the regulars who always comes in for a trim.
Mike turned the box over in his hands. Those arent cheap! Why did you take them?
Nothing mysterious, love, Emma replied. He didnt ask me out on a date; he just handed them over.
The topic was dropped, and a few days later Emma returned from work with a lavish bouquet of roses.
Is that from the same chap? Mike asked as he stepped through the doorway.
Mike, Emma said, pausing, you stayed late at work yesterday, and I never asked where youd been or who you were with. And this is just a bunch of flowers.
A couple of weeks later, after finishing another evening shift, Emma stepped out of the salon and spotted Mike waiting outside.
Mike, did you leave the girls on their own? she fretted.
Dont worry, I tucked them in. I thought Id meet you in the car, he replied.
Honestly, its only a fiveminute walk, Emma tried to protest.
When they finally got back home, Mike turned to his wife with a halfgrin. Emma, can I make a habit of meeting you after my second shift?
Are you jealous, or what? she teased.
Exactly, he admitted, chuckling. Men dont just get freebies for no reason.
Fine, Ill meet you then, Emma said, softening. Your attention is nice, but Im a little jealous of your overtime toowhat if someone else appears?
Honestly, I dont need anyone else, Mike said, reassuringly. The workloads finally sorted. Theyve installed new software on the computers, so Im getting everything done during office hours. No more late nights.
Trust slowly stitched itself back together. Yet, now and then, when Mike returned from work, Emma would set a fresh box of pricey chocolates on the kitchen table. Whenever he gave her a reproachful look, shed flash a smile and say, My clients give me these sweets from the bottom of their hearts, and I cant possibly turn them down.
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