The town car was waiting for them at the valet station. Again, the driver opened the door and ushered Chi-Chi in. Cullen followed.

Chi-Chi intuitively took Cullen’s hand and held it the entire drive to her house. Both had few words to say. The energy and mood between them spoke volumes.

When they arrived at her house, the driver opened her side of the car. Cullen jumped out. “I’ve got it from here.” He walked her to the door.

“I would invite you in, but as you know, my nosy brother is in town, and I do not know when he will be coming back. I could hope not until tomorrow, but Abeo can be unpredictable, as you discovered with his early arrival.”

“I’ll take a rain check.” Cullen didn’t mind. It would give him something to look forward to.

Chi-Chi took both of his hands. “But I would like to invite you to kiss me good night. Or allow me to kiss you good night.”

“Permission granted.” Cullen pulled her close and accommodated both requests. The fireworks between them was like the Fourth of July. They had been standing in an embrace for several minutes when they were startled by her brother opening the door.

“Ka a ale!” Abeo blurted with his big baritone voice.

“Abeo! Where is your car?”

A chipper voice from inside the house rang out. “Hellooo. . .” It was the familiar greeting from none other than Jennine, the pottery queen.

* * *

Tori arrived home around dinnertime. She felt light and invigorated. The creative spirit of the origami workshop was stimulating. Chatting with other people came much easier than she had thought it would. They had something in common, whether it was wanting to learn the art of paper folding or finding a respite from the busy world. She hadn’t finished the mobile yet. She still had a few more animals to work on, so she decided to go again the following month. She realized she would probably be showing a baby bump at that point. Meanwhile, she had to figure out a way to tell her husband all the things that had been festering for the past twenty years. Twenty years is a long time, she thought to herself, but then again, it goes by lickety-split. She knew she should have spoken up years ago, but she hated confrontation. She also knew that was no excuse. Put on your big-girl pants. She giggled, thinking she would need them soon enough.

Her husband wasn’t home yet from wherever he had been, so she sent him a text.

Hi. Just got home. Dinner?

She was surprised at his rapid response.

Be there soon. Need anything?

Tori looked twice at the number. It was his. How odd. He rarely, if ever, asked.

Dessert?
Anything in particular?
Surprise me.

As if she wasn’t already surprised by his interaction. She supposed it was guilt.