Relationship Repairs

by elsiecarson

Harry returns from his business trip and is relieved to see his family at the airport to pick him up. He knows he and Karen have to talk things through and he's worried, but he knows he has to be honest and face the consequences, whatever they may or may not be.

2. Drinks and Relaxation

"Come with me." Harry says as he stands up and pulls Karen with him. He's missed Karen desperately and it's been too long since they've been this close to each other.

"Where are we going?" Karen asks as her body crashes against Harry's.

"We're going to pour ourselves a drink and go sit outside on the backyard swing and just relax until I fall asleep. I'm about eight hours behind everything here. I'm finally starting to feel the jetlag." Harry says as he stands up and pours himself a whiskey. "What am I pouring you?" he asks softly.

"I'll have a gin and tonic. I can't believe we resolved all our issues so quickly." Karen says taking her drink from Harry.

"Well, I'd already resolved my issues because I'd promised myself never to treat you the same way again. I still can't believe I betrayed our marriage so badly. Besides, we've known each other for long enough that we should be able to read each other fairly well." Harry says as he puts his arm around Karen's shoulders. "If you ever need to talk to me about all of this again, please know that you can do that."

"Oh, Harry, I feel so much better now that we've talked. I didn't think I could forgive you, but you have reassured me. I have listened to that Joni Mitchell C.D. so much since you left. It was a lovely gift, actually, but I didn't recognize it at the time. That was a very thoughtful gift from you. It's certainly better than a scarf." Karen says as she and Harry sit on the swing outside. Karen shivers in the cool winter air. "It's cold." She whispers.

"Well, it is the beginning of February. Maybe sitting outside wasn't such a good idea." Harry says as he pulls Karen close to him trying to keep her warm. He loves being able to do this considering he thought he'd be packing his bags right now to move out.

"Why don't we go sit inside by the fire? We'll be warmer and we'll still have some alone time." Karen says as she shivers in Harry's arms. She hates being cold.

"It's sexier, too. We can have much more fun in front of the fire." Harry says as he gives in to Karen's request. She's usually more practical than he is.