Sam paused a moment as she watched the car pull into the driveway and park. With a nervous breath she continued scrubbing at the kitchen bench she was cleaning, as she watched him climb out from his car, open the back door and take out his briefcase. She finished wiping the bench, and placed the cloth to one side before tending to the food cooking on the stove.
He followed his usual routine, opened the front door, stepped through, closed it behind him, placed his briefcase down, removed his jacket and hung it neatly on the hook by the door, picked up his brief case, went into his study. Meanwhile Sam dished out food onto the two waiting plates, placed them on the table already set, and poured out a red wine to accompany the meal. Exiting his study, he entered the dining room, and she waited for the small smile to alight his lips. When it did, she felt a small twinge of nervousness lift as he approached the table.
He placed a hand at her waist, dropped a light kiss on her temple and sat down at his usual seat head of the table. Sam sat at his left side, placing a napkin on her lap as he did his own.
"Looks delicious Sam," said Jonas
Sam gave a small smile and waited for him to start eating before she started her own.
"How was work today?" asked Sam quietly as she picked at her food
"Hectic as always" replied Jonas, pausing throughout his meal for a moment to drink a sip of wine and run a hand over his chin "And it isn't over yet. I've got some associates coming over tonight to discuss some final details on a closure which is going through"
"Tonight?" said Sam
"Yes tonight" said Jonas resuming his eating
"It's just..." started Sam nervously "I was going...Janet and I, we had plans"
"Then I suggest you arrange your plans for another night" replied her husband, pausing once more for another sip of wine "Perhaps one we've both agreed upon. I don't remember us discussing your going out with Janet this evening anyway"
The meal continued on in silence, Sam pondering on thoughts of having to call Janet Frasier yet again and cancel plans. When both had finished Jonas stood and headed back for his study as Sam cleared the dishes and started loading the dishwasher.
"Our company will be here at seven. I suggest you get this pace tidied up, and pretty yourself up too, I don't want my associates to think I'm married to some lazy stay at home slob of a wife who cares neither for herself nor the home" said Jonas over his shoulder before closing the study door.
Sam paused in her work for a moment, leaned on the bench and closed her eyes, swallowing the lump building up at the back of her throat. She mentally kicked herself, knowing she shouldn't have mentioned the plans with Janet. Why couldn't she have stayed quiet, it would save her a few bruises she would gain for herself by this time tomorrow.