Chapter 4
Alex had noticed it first, the slow down in Mr. Hart's work day. "You know Mr. Hart, if you would like to spend a little more time with Mrs. Hart, I could cover for you?" Alex would jest with a wink.
Jonathan knew it was becoming noticeable to those around him. He wasn't up to the long days anymore. The naps crept up on him, and he knew they worried Jennifer. Luckily she hadn't noticed his lack of appetite or weight loss yet. Jonathan didn't want to lie to her, but something wasn't right with him. It was time to see his doctor, and talk to his wife.
"Darling how about dinner out tonight?" he inquired, "something simple and out of the way?'
"That sounds nice. What did you have in mind?" Jennifer replied.
"Valentino?" "That sounds lovely, I'll go change- give me a minute." Jennifer looked beautiful in the dark blue silk dress she selected for the evening. It was prefectly fitted to her curvey figure, not the mention the low "v" neck line. She dabbed on a little lip gloss, as Jonathan drove towards Santa Monica. The drive was buying him some time to think about what to tell Jennifer. To much information might cause her to worry, and to little would raise her suspicions. In the end I should just come clean and tell her everything. But when during, before, after dinner? God, I think for the first time in my married life I wish I could lie to my wife. But it's no good, I look in her eyes and the truth tumbles out of my mouth. After being seated in a tucked away corner, Jonathan ordered one of their favorite wines, Chateau Le Fete Rothschild '71. After ordering a light supper, and a few sips of wine, Jonathan began to bring up the subject of visiting his doctor. "Ummm…that vintage never fails to please. Just like you my darling." Jennifer said with a impish smile. Jonathan returned her smile, but she could tell he was struggling with some thing. He was peroccupied in the car and almost ran a red light. "Jonathan, are you all right? I get the distinct feeling that you are with me but you are not here. What's going on?" Well at least Jennifer had opened the door for his news. "Well, I wanted to talk with you a little about…." "About what Jonathan?" his reluctance was unsettleing. "About me Jennifer." He said as looked down into his glass of wine, swirling the contents. "You? What is it darling. I can tell something has been bothering you for the last few days, please tell me?" her eyed pleaded with him to unload his burden. "Well, I haven't been my self lately, in fact for a while." Before Jennifer could interject Jonathan held up his hand, "please darling let me get this out before you say anything." Jennifer sat back in her chair and waited. "It all started with the tiredness. At first it was a quick cat nap here or there, but lately it's everyday. I am exhausted. Then the weight loss." Again Jonathan held up his hand to remind Jennifer to let him finish. "And now this strange, well uncomforatable sensation when I eat a large meal. So I called Marcus. He wants to see me on Monday, just for a few routine tests, bloodwork, EKG, mostly a repeat of my Executive Physical from 6 months ago. It's probably nothing but I just wanted to let you know about the appointment." Just as Jonathan was finishing up his news, dinner arrived. Jennifer sat quiet, and stared at her dinner plate. Jonathan began to cut into his steak, when Jennifer finally spoke up,"Thank you darling for telling me. I am sure it's nothing but if you don't mind I would like to go with you?" How could he say no, "Of course, I want you too. That way I don't have to repeat the doctors report to you a dozen times. And am sure you'll have a few things to add to his diagnosis." Jonathan said with a cheeky smile. "Are you saying I am pushy, Jonathan Hart?" "No…not pushy, just assertive." And he winked at her. With her feathers ruffled, Jennifer dove into her salad a little peeved at Jonathan, "Pushy, assertive." She thought. I'll show him pushy and assertive, when I get him home. Jonathan was finally able to relax a bit. Jennifer knew about his symptoms and the doctors appointment. He slid off his sport coat and laid it across the chair in the dressing room, loosened his tie, and kicked off his shoes. From behind him a very familiar yet sultry toned voice spoke to him, "Pushy and assertive Hmmm." Jonathan turned to see Jennifer standing nude in the door way, her hands poised just at eye level and her left foot crossed over her right, with her weight shifted to accent the firm and ample curve of her backside. Jonathan's breath caught in his throat, "Yes" he raspily replied, "very assertive." "Then you had better come here, I feel the need to be assertive tonight." As Jonathan did what Jennifer instructed him to do, all his worries of the coming Monday slipped away.