Janine rose when she heard the car pull into the garage. Finally her husband was at home. He had been working late so many nights lately that they rarely saw each other.

Tonight, she vowed, would make up for all the anger and resentment in their marriage.

At the suggestion of Sara, their next door neighbor, Janine spent all evening cooking a fabulous dinner, complete with candles, hoping to surprise Corbet when he arrived home. She knew how hard he worked, trying to make a living for the family, and wanted this evening to be as romantic as possible. She knew, deep down, Corbet still possessed a romantic soul. When they first met, he took her to every possible romantic place he could think of, and often presented her with roses and chocolates; every girl's dream.

However her dream came true when he proposed. It was truly the happiest day of her life. Finally, someone loved her beyond measure. True, the romance had definitely gone out of their marriage, especially due to Corbet's demanding work schedule and their six children.

But tonight was going to change both of their lives forever, and he would realize how much he loves her.

Now, she could feel her heart beating in anticipation of her husband's arrival. She had borrowed a gorgeous blue silk dress from Sara, and had her hair highlighted just for the occasion. She knew she was beautiful; Corbet used to tell her many times before. He hadn't said it in years, but just the memory of those words kept her going.

The key clicked in the lock, followed by the unmistakable turning of the knob. Quickly, she dimmed the lights and pushed the remote control on the CD player. The tender music was brought to life, filling the room with beautiful harmony.

When the door opened, she moved out of the way, eager to catch a glimpse of her husband's face.

He gazed around the room, silently taking in the romantic ambiance.

"What's this?" He threw his keys onto the entryway pillow.

Seductively, she stepped into his path. "Welcome home, Darling." She whispered. "I missed you."
Instead of sweeping her into his arms, he flipped on the hallway light. "What is all this?"
Trying to hide her disappointment but determined to make this night special, she walked to him and kissed him on the cheek.

"It's for you, Darling. To show you how much I love you."

"Where did you get that outfit?" He asked.

"Oh..." She ran her hands down the smooth material. "I-."

"Did you buy new clothes after I specifically told you not to? Damn it Janine!"

Her heart sank. "I didn't buy anything. I-I borrowed it from Sara."

"Where are the kids?"

Moving toward him, she ran her hand across his neck, and down his back. "She offered to let them spend the night with her so we could be alone."
He looked at her in disbelief. "Are you crazy? Janine, it's a school night! No wonder our kids are failing their classes!"

The all-to-familiar tears welled behind her eyes. Instead of offering a retort, she whispered. "Your dinner is getting cold. I spent all day making dinner just for the two of us. Do you want champagne or wine?"
He sighed, as though he were frustrated. "You know, I had a beer and a burger after work with Jim, so I'm just gonna head up to bed."

"You already ate? Corbet, why didn't you call me? Do you know how long I've been in that kitchen?"

"Why do I have to run everything by you?" He yelled. "You certainly don't ask me for approval. You just come and go as you please. And frankly, Janine, now that we're on the subject; I'm getting tired of it."

She had to fight to keep her tears at bay. "Do you want me to reheat something for you?"
"Didn't you just hear me? I said I've already eaten."

He pulled his suit coat off, and threw it over his shoulder. "I'm going to bed. It's really late."
Hot tears burned her eyes, finally spilling onto her cheeks. Leaving the kitchen in disarray and the table set, she blew out the candles and quietly padded up the stairs.

After checking on the kids, she walked into the master bedroom, where she found her husband asleep.

It was then that she made her decision...

(Much later that night...)

Alone in the garage, Rooney worked diligently to get the car fixed as quickly as possible. It was well past midnight, but truthfully it felt much earlier.

He was so engrossed in his work, that the knock on the door startled him.

"What the hell?"

Who would be at a garage at this hour?

"Hey Pal, we're closed!" He yelled to the figure in the window.

The knock came again, louder this time. Hesitantly he opened the door.
"Did you hear me? I said we're cl-."

"Oh my God... Janine?"

His eyes widened at the sight of her tear streaked face. Gently he took her hand.

"Are you okay? What happened?"

She took a deep breath.

"I-I left Corbet."