Max’s words still sound pretty ominous to me. But so long as no harm comes to Grace, I’m fine with whatever exterminator they decide on.
Good thing I didn’t mention Grace’s father has started sniffing around.
I pullup in front of Grace’s house with my overnight bag on the passenger seat and a ridiculous amount of hope in my chest. I step out, already smiling… and freeze.
Her front door swings open, but instead of my wife, I’m greeted by her mother and Winnie, both standing there like a welcomingcommittee. Winnie’s grin is wicked. “Well, hello there, Mr. Honeymoon,” she chirps.
Her mother beams. “Grace will be back in a minute, sweetheart.”
“She just ran out to grab a couple last-minute things,” Winnie says.
Her mom leans in conspiratorially. “Apparently, they were very important.”
Winnie snorts. “I offered to take her shopping for nice new underwear. You know, honeymoon underwear.”
I choke a little on my own breath.
“But,” Winnie continues, eyes dancing, “Grace said she’d rather pick those out herself.”
I glance between them. By the look on Winnie’s face, that was probably a very good call.
Grace
I get home later than I planned. I’m already rehearsing my apology in my head when I open the door and freeze.
Elvis is blaring “Burning Love” through the speakers. Well, that part is normal. What isnotnormal… is what’s happening in the living room.
Ben is on the coffee table. Dancing. On. The. Coffee. Table. In his socks.
Winnie has her hands on his hips and is physically rotating him from side to side like she’s directing a workout video. “You need more hip action!” she declares.
“Winnie!”
“Oh, hi Grace. We’re just giving your man some lessons.”
“What kind of lessons?” I choke out a laugh.Manhandling 101?
Ben tries. Truly. But his version of “hip action” looks like he’s attempting to dodge invisible bees. His shoulders are stiff. His jaw is clenched in total concentration.
“I feel ridiculous,” he mutters.
“Again!” Winnie nudges his arm. “Loosen up! Pretend you’re Elvis.”
Ben squeezes his eyes shut like he’s bracing for impact and tries again.
A sound slips out of me, not quite a laugh, not quite a gasp. “What on earth is happening?”
Ben scrubs a hand over his face. He’s such a good sport.
Winnie nods solemnly. “He lacks pelvic confidence.”
I snort before I can stop myself.
“Don’t laugh,” Ben groans.
I drop my bag and walk closer, tilting my head as I smile up at him. The man I married, currently marooned on my coffee table. “You’re up here because you love me?” I question.
He exhales. “I am up here because I love you.”
