"Jack," Kate smiled, stepping closer. He looked handsome in khakis and a green sweater. "Where's Madeleine?"
"She had plans with Michaela."
"Oh, they both should have come; Aaron would have loved to see them supporting him."
"Relax, Kate," Marcus put his hand on the small of her back. "It's just a Christmas play, not anything special."
"It's special to Aaron."
Even with her head turned to Marcus, Jack knew the angry expression she had.
"Do you have the tickets?" Jack asked.
"We only bought ours," Kate's eyes were wide. "You and Madeleine were supposed to buy yours."
"We can get them at the door," Marcus shrugged.
"It's sold out," Kate and Jack said at the same time.
"Here," Marcus handed him a ticket. "Take mine. Aaron would be crushed if you weren't there."
"Marcus," Kate whispered "that's so thoughtful." Jack could feel Kate melting at his actions. Her weakness had always been watching him with Aaron; was she having the same reaction to Marcus doing the same?
"I can't tell you how much I appreciate this." Jack stretched his hand out, shaking his hand.
"I'll catch you after the show." Marcus grabbed Kate suddenly, kissing her passionately, so passionately that Jack assumed it was to show that she was his now. What it showed him was an uncomfortable Kate. She put her hand on his chest but he didn't stop. She opened her eyes, watching Jack as Marcus kissed her.
"You looked really into that kiss," Jack quipped when they were alone. "Why did you look at me?" He half smiled in amusement.
"I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable."
"You were the one who seemed uncomfortable." He watched as Kate nervously adjusted her turtleneck, tugged at her wool skirt and tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. "You seem uncomfortable now…"
"I'm sure you'd feel the same if I watched you and Madeleine?"
"I think you'd still be the most uncomfortable," he teased.
"Funny," she rolled her eyes. "I don't think I'd even notice," she lied.
"Really?" Jack moved closer to her. "I'll bet you've thought of it, of Madeleine and I." He wagged his eyebrows as he spoke, "I've thought of it, of you and Marcus…"
"Jack!" Kate smacked him playfully, but Jack knew she wasn't really mad.
"If I had to guess, I'd say Marcus can't satisfy you," he chuckled.
"You have no proof," she rolled her eyes. "Now let's go inside."
As they walked, Jack put his hand on the small of Kate's back. "It's written all over your face," he whispered. He craned his neck so his lips were practically touching Kate's ear. "I can practically smell your arousal."
"Jack!" She hissed but made no attempt to move away from his touch. She knew he was right and she knew Jack knew he was right. After a few steps, she inched closer to him. "Are… Is…Does she satisfy you?" She managed.
"Not in the slightest," he chuckled. "But who is going to measure up to you? You set that bar pretty high…"
"We set the bar pretty high," she agreed.
They made their way into the auditorium slowly, as everyone seemed to stop and greet one or both of them. Eventually, they found their seats. An overweight man sat on the other side of Kate, his body brushing against Kate's. She pressed herself as close to Jack's seat as she could.
When the lights went down, Jack let his hand move to the hem of Kate's skirt, which rested along her knee. Kate leaned her head towards him and he heard her slow and steady breaths. He couldn't be positive but he swore in the dark auditorium he saw that look in her eyes, the look she'd given him when they were in love.
He wanted to say something to her; he wanted to sneak off with her and rekindle their love. But he knew it wasn't what she wanted. She'd ended their relationship. She'd ended their affair.
He tried to enjoy every second of the moment, unsure if he'd ever have Kate by his side again. He closed his eyes, committing the feel of her knee to memory. He took deep breaths, inhaling the scent of her perfume. He watched her in the darkness, studying her perfect profile.
Sitting in the dark, staring at her, he wondered if he'd ever get the chance to be this close to Kate again.
