Part 240 (1/2)

”Next time,” he said and cut into his steak.

They lingered over the meal until twilight. She'd forgotten what it was

like to talk about unimportant things, to laugh over dinner with music

in the background and a candle flickering. The dog, sated with half of

Emma's steak, snored by her feet. Nerves, strung tight for months,

smoothed out.

He could see the change. It was a gradual, almost a muscle-bymuscle

relaxation. She never spoke of her marriage, or the separation. He

found it odd. He had friends, both male and female, who had gone

through divorces. During the process, and long afterward, it had been

their favorite topic of conversation.

When Rosemary Clooney's seductive voice drifted from the radio, he rose

and pulled Emma to her feet. ”The old ones are the best to dance to,”

he said when she took a step in retreat.

”I really don't-”

”And it'd give Mrs. Petrowski such a thrill.” Gently, he drew her

closer, forcing himself to keep the embrace friendly and undemanding.

Emma moved with him automatically as Clooney crooned out ”Tenderly.”

Closing her eyes, she concentrated on staying relaxed, on ignoring the

emotions that were creeping into her. She didn't want to feel anything,

unless it was peace.

There was only a flutter of a breeze now as they danced across the

gra.s.s. The shadows were long. When she opened her eyes on a long,

careful breath, she could see the sky in the west glowing in sunset.

”When I was waiting for you to come, I figured out that we've known each

other about eighteen years.” He brushed a finger over the back of her