After our brunch with Carol and Andy, Ann and I drove back to her place. Carol and Andy went their separate way. "That was nice wasn't it Fred?" Ann asked as she snuggled close.
"It was."
"What did you think of Andy?"
"I really wasn't thinking about him."
"What were you thinking about?"
"Posing for Carol. What are you two up to?"
"What makes you think we're up to something?"
"Aren't you? You've been nothing but surprises."
"Don't be silly, Carol is a legitimate photographer, Freddy. She has a reputation to protect. She won't publish anything that would bring shame to you or her."
It was almost two o'clock by the time we returned to Ann's place. "The girls will be back about five; want to come in for a few minutes?"
I didn't have to think twice. As soon as we entered I deposited my clothing on the chair and made my way to the couch. Ann went straight to the kitchen. "Help me straighten up! I don't want the girls to see a mess when they come home." Ann called out from the kitchen. "Are there any dishes out there?"
"No." I replied as I walked into the kitchen.
"Can you fill the dishwasher and start it? Wipe down the counter and table and then join me upstairs, OK?"
"Sure."
"There's an apron in the top drawer on the right if you'd like one."
I didn't. After tidying up the kitchen I went up to the bedroom. Ann had already cleaned the bathroom and was making the bed. When she was satisfied that everything was in order she asked me to take the laundry downstairs. I followed her to the kitchen. On the way through the living room she found the soiled towels tucked in the couch cushions. She put the sheets and towels in the machine that was in a small hallway off the kitchen that led to the back door. Her clothes and some from the kids room she left in the basket.
She was all business as she went back to the closet by the front door. "Be a dear and do the carpet." It wasn't a request, it was more like an order she barked out handing me the vacuum from the front closet. While I vacuumed she gathered up all the pictures she had taken and put them in an envelope which she tucked into her cavernous purse. Looking around she seemed satisfied with the condition of the apartment.
As I continued vacuuming she went to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine. Returning to the living room she sat in a rocker opposite the couch and watched as I continued to work my way around towards the front door.
She sat silently and every so often I would catch a glimpse of her as I worked. She had an almost imperceptible smile on her lips. Not a mean smirk but one of contentment. "What's so funny?" I blurted.
"Funny?" She replied sipping her wine. "What do you mean funny?
"You look like you are about to laugh."
"Freddy," she explained, "I'm just happy. I haven't felt this way in a very long time. I guess I just can't believe I've met someone as nice as you."
"Nice?"
"Yes, nice! You're not super aggressive like a lot of men and you know how to treat a woman. You're good in bed but you let me lead the way when I want!"
"Most guys call that getting lucky." I laughed as I said it.
"Maybe. You're very sweet, Freddy, and a lot more confident that you realize. When we met you seemed very reserved, like you were depressed. Is your divorce stealing your confidence?"
"Are you a shrink now?" I put he vacuum away and asked, "Where's my wine?"
"No drinking and driving for you, buster! You'd better get dressed; the girls will be home soon."
"Now that's depressing!" I joked half seriously as I went to put my clothes on. "We don't have time for a quickie?"
"We just got this place cleaned up!"
"I know, but it's been at least seven hours. Aren't you even a little bit horny?"
"Who's the addict now," Ann giggled.
"Would that be so bad?"
"To be co-dependent?"
"Maybe it's a match made in heaven."
"I'm too old for you."
"I'd agree if I was sixteen and you were twenty-eight."