I spoke up after smiling to Dave, dividing my attention as evenly as I could between my three dinner companions.

"We're good. Dave moved into a those new apartments across from the Town Centre last week. He's on the 15th floor and the view is absolutely amazing..." I paused and took a sip of water, my throat feeling as parched as the desert as I tried to bring some life and cheer to the table.

I felt Dave's eyes on me, and when I glanced at him they seemed to simmer as he watched my lips puckering on the frosty glass.

Jen beamed at us from across the table. "Sounds amazing. We're still over on Bridge Street but you already knew that. Nothing new. I spend all day at home while Ken runs his businesses. It's the life of a rich man’s wife, it seems." Jen always dropped the T off of Kent’s name. It forever annoyed me, but I always kept it to myself.

Dave laughed softly, "So, do you sit around and watch TV and eat bon-bons all day? That's what stay-at-home wives do, isn't it?"

I laughed softly at the question and shook my head. I was curious what Jen’s response was going to be and snuck a glance at Kent, catching him smirking briefly.

Kent spoke up first, "Ordering movies on pay-per-view, going shopping, ordering things on the internet… I think that about covers it, wouldn't you say?" His arm was on the back of her chair as he looked at her.

She frowned a little as she reached over and puckered his cheeks between her fingers. "You forgot cooking, my dear. I make a mean frozen pizza."

Jen winked at Dave and Kent shook his head, his gaze firmly on Jen.

"Oh yes, Mr. P's for the win,” he muttered.

Dave gave Kent a once over and shrugged. "Doesn't look like she starves you. How is it having a wife as hot as yours waiting at home for you every night?"

He put his arm around me and tugged me gently against his side. I winced briefly but smiled to cover the discomfort of leaning over the space between our chairs.

"Some day soon I hope I'll have a wife of my own at home." Dave stared down at me and I glanced up to meet his eyes.

He had that look there. A look of longing, of promises. I was starting to feel a bit panicky. I pressed a kiss to his lips and then pulled back.

"It's wonderful. I look forward to it every day when I close up the shop. It’s something everyone should wish for. Elly would make a good wife." Kent leaned over to try to give Jen a kiss on the cheek but stopped. "Right, make-up. Excuse me while I go to the restroom." Kent slid his chair out and stood from the table just as the waiter dropped off our drinks.