A Cold Wife, Sweet Husband

―Do you do that a lot? ―I have to muddle through it twice a month. Most of the time my uncle gives the speeches. ―What do you speak about? He accidentally stepped on her foot. He winced. ―I'm fine, she assured him. He seemed relieved.

―I'm sure I'll step on your feet a couple more times before the dance is over, she warned him. ―I won't tell anyone if you don't tell them that I step on your feet too, he said. ―It's a deal. She was beginning to feel better about dancing. She noticed that other people had joined them as well. Realizing their focus was no longer on her and Leo, she could relax.

―What do you have to talk about when you work?

―Some of what I do is a sales pitch. I have to convince men that a certain stock or bond is worth buying, but most of the time, I have to show them how their investments are maturing and if they should keep or sell them. I sent some investment ideas to your father. I think they'll prove profitable for him. She realized that he didn't get paid for doing that since her father could barely afford to pay for his train ticket and living allowances as he began his life in Oregon.

―Thank you for doing that, she replied. ―It wasn't a big deal. I just told him what I invest in. She suddenly realized that he was humble. He probably did things for people without expecting anything in return. After a couple of moments of silence, she said, ―I wouldn't want your job. It was bad enough talking to the preacher. ―That's why you looked like you were ready to bolt for the door. She glanced at him. He didn't realize that she wanted to bolt because she didn't want to marry him. She would have to wait until later to explain that to him.

―I guess my father and brother were right. You are a good man. And it was going to make it that much harder to do what she needed to do. ―Well, from what I hear, you're an outstanding woman. I'm a lucky man to have you as my wife. A momentary flicker of guilt raced through her. He wasn't going to think that after she asked for an annulment. The dance ended and she looked back at the table. She noticed that Mary and Julie seemed to be arguing.

―Do you mind if I see what is troubling my friends? she asked him. He turned his attention to the two women who were upset. ―No, I don't mind. He led her back to the table. ―I'll leave you alone with them. He pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit. Then he lightly kissed her on the cheek before leaving so he could speak with his uncle.

―Mary, Julie, what's wrong? she asked. Mary shook her head, her irritation apparent on her pretty round face. She brushed back her wavy shoulder-length blond hair from her face. She stared at Julie.

―Tell her, she demanded. Jessica had the overwhelming urge to flee but remained still in her chair. Julie hesitated to say anything. Mary narrowed her eyes at their friend.

―She'll find out sooner or later. She might as well find out from you. Jessica looked at Julie who shifted uneasily in her chair.

―I don't know what the problem is, the dark blond finally stated. ―Jessica, you're married to Leo now. From what I hear, he's a wonderful man. You'll be fine. ―Tell her, Mary ordered through clenched teeth.

―Harrison asked me if he could court me and I said yes, Julie admitted. ―But you're not even available so it's not an issue.

―Tell her the other thing, Mary pressed. ―I told her what she needs to know. ―No, you didn't. Mary turned to Jessica.

―Harrison has been making his affections known to Julie for the past two months. I just found out when I saw Harrison drop her off at the church. I overheard them talking. Little do people realize that when windows are open, voices carry. Jessica waited until the room stopped spinning around her before she spoke.