That's the last time. It was amazing. So what went wrong?!
Perhaps nothing. He's just being paranoid. She's probably just really tired and not in the mood. Tomorrow will be fine. Tomorrow…. Saturday morning they'll be cuddling and snuggling again.
He was awakened by the rustling sound at the foot of the bed. Forcefully opened an eye and checked the alarm clock on his bedside table…5:30 am.
"Good morning, Babe. Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." Elizabeth looked at him while tying the shoelace of her running shoes. She went around to his side of the bed to give him a peck on the lips. He was about to cup her face for a longer kiss but she's quick. He was left hanging…
"Where are you going? It's Saturday." he asked as he lied back on his elbows.
"Will run and catch some fresh air at the park. You go back to sleep, will be back in an hour." she grabbed her phone and typed something
"You should have had told me…we can run together, you know." staring at his wife.
She put back the phone on her bedside table, "It's ok, Babe. Mike B's running with me. I gotta go. Bye. See you later."
She's by the door when she looked back… Catch some more sleep, Henry. You need it. I will be back…" and her voice faded down the hall.
He dropped himself on the bed, one arm across his forehead. "Mike Barnow! Pufffffff!"
Just then the white iPhone flickered. Curious. He reached for it and read the message.
Mike B
Already here, Liz. Waiting for you! heart emoji
Henry tried to open and read the previous correspondence.
(8:10 pm)
M- Ey, Liz…thanks for lunch. Perfect. **smiley emoji*
E- haha I should be the one thanking you. Aside from the luscious take out, you are a great help. You're really brilliant.
M- Wanna run tomorrow at the nearby park…catch some fresh air? I know it's been toxic in the state office lately. Say 5:45? wink emoji
E- Sounds great. See you, then.
(5:33 am)
E- Good morning, Mike. Am about to leave the house. See you in a bit.
M- Already here, Liz. Waiting for you! heart emoji
Henry clasped the phone tightly. "What the heck was this man doing?!"
He scrolled the message inbox and tapped his name. "Did I ever use an emoji?!" – he wondered.
No, he never…simply a xoxo at the end of his every message to her…same with hers to him.
It was almost 10 am when Elizabeth got back. Henry and the kids were all in the kitchen having breakfast.
"Wow! Waffles?" she exclaimed kissing the kids on the cheek one after the other.
"Super Dad fixed it!" Alison proudly beamed at Henry.
"Babe, this one's for you…ready in a minute." he flipped the waffle iron maker. He's trying to control himself from asking what took her so long to come back. She said she'd be back in an hour.
"Oh…thanks Babe, but Mike B and I grabbed cinnamon rolls from Maggie's...
"The one with cream cheese on top?" Alison exclaimed.
"Yup! Perfect with black coffee while sitting on one of the benches at the park." Elizabeth said as though she could still taste the cinnamon rolls in her mouth.
"Wow…sounds like an early Saturday morning date!" Stevie jested…but no one reacted. Henry's quiet.
Elizabeth gave a stern look at her eldest then turned to her husband.
"Babe, you can just give my share to Jace…since he wants to bulk up for his soccer team. And, hmmmm…listen..I have lunch meeting with some of my possible campaign donors so obviously I won't be joining you for lunch today but…."
"With Russel?" Stevie cut her off.
"No, with Mike B….but I'll definitely be home for dinner. What yah cooking tonight, Babe?" she gave Henry a light massage on his shoulders.
"Well…I heard "definitely" so that means "NOT"….we'll probably be just ordering pizza." his voice was cold. He walked away from Elizabeth and handed the plate with waffle to Jason.
"Ohhhh..I like!" Jason blurted out as he squeezed whip cream on his waffle.
"Okay, pizza night then. I'll go up and get ready." Elizabeth shrugged as she felt her husband's coldness. She wanted to confront him but t probably it's not the right time. Probably later when the kids aren't around.
The girls noticed the cold treatment of their Dad to their Mom and it's unusual but neither of them made a comment about it. He's probably just tired.
"Hmmm..since we're not complete for lunch, can I just go to the mall? I'd like to check this new brand of lipstick by a famous artist." Ali asked.
"I'll go with you!" Stevie offered.
"Oh, thanks! That would be fun!" Ali ran upstairs to get ready.
Henry was unloading the dishwasher when Elizabeth came down. She's wearing a sleeveless floral dress. The tip oh her hair was curled perfectly in place. He could smell her from where he's standing. Her sweet minty scent….damn..he wanted to grab and devour her. Only, Jason was just there playing.
"Where's your meeting?" he asked ..not looking at her.
"In Fogo De Ciao…I gotta go now. Mike's already there." she went to Jason and kissed him on the cheek.
"Bye, Babe! See you later." she kissed her husband on the side of his lips and walked away.
He watched his wife strode towards the front door.
He swallowed...it's bitter.
He's hurting.
Why?!
He's jealous.