Gladys stood at the window, staring out. She wasn’t seeing what was there. In her mind, she was seeing Edward and reliving memories of their night at his flat. It took them half-hour to get there from the banquet. As soon as he opened and locked the door, he pulled her against him and kissed her feverishly.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him back. They stood there for a while kissing and then, he broke it off to scoop her up into his arms and carry her to his bedroom.
When they got there, he set her down beside the bed and quickly removed his clothes. His smoldering gaze raked her before he reached out and hauled her dress down her body, exposing her breasts. She gasped and closed her eyes when he pressed urgent kisses against her neck and across her chest before he took each nipple in his mouth. Her hand went up and she clutched his head, her eyes closed.
Breathing heavily, he raised his head and pushed her down on the bed. He dragged off the dress and her underwear. He parted her legs and she cried out when he put his head between them. For several minutes, he pleasured her, driving her wild until she shuddered against him. He positioned himself so that he could enter her. Her hands gripped his arms as he thrust himself inside her. The lovemaking was hot and passionate. Afterwards, they lay entwined in the tangled sheets, satiated.
The ringing of the doorbell interrupted her thoughts. She glanced at her watch. It couldn’t be Edward. He wouldn’t get there so quickly. She went to answer the door and was surprised but pleased to see her brother, Derrick standing there. They hugged. “Hello,” she said as she preceded him to the living-room. “It has been a while since the last time we saw each other. How are you?”
“I’m fine.”
“And Amelie?”
“She’s fine too.”
“How are things between you, Derrick?”
“Better. We have been going for couples’ therapy.”
“Good. I’m happy to hear that.”
“It was Amelie’s idea to get help.”
“That’s because she really wants to save your marriage.”
“Yes. I don’t know what I would have done if she had decided to get an annulment.”
“She would have been within her right to do so.”
“Yes. On the grounds of my adultery.”
“But, instead she chose to stay with you and go for therapy.”
“Yes. Am I’m so thankful.”
“Amelie’s a good woman, Derrick.”
“She’s the best of the best,” he said with conviction.
“I’m glad you realize that.”
“I realized something, Gladys. Even though I was in love with Cate, I would never would have left Amelie for her. Amelie is my life.”
“And you are hers. She never would have left you or annulled your marriage. She loves you too much.”
“I don’t deserve her.”
“I agree.”
“Are you going out?” he asked, changing the subject. “You looked all dressed up.”
“As a matter of fact, I am. He should be here soon.”
“He?”
“You might as well know. Edward Hardwicke and I are seeing each other.”
Derrick looked stunned. “Cate’s brother?” he exclaimed.
“Yes.”
“Since when?”
“Since January.”
“Wow. I didn’t see that coming at all. I wonder how Cate feels about it–“
Gladys grimaced. “It doesn’t matter how she feels. Edward is a big boy, he doesn’t need her approval.”
“Is it serious between you two?”
“I believe so.”
“Well, I hope it works out. You deserve to be happy, Sis.”
“Thanks. I know I can find happiness with Edward.”
“Good.” Derrick hugged her. “I’d better be going. Enjoy your date.”
She followed him into the foyer. “I’ll call you during the week.”
“All right.”
“Please give my love to Amelie.”
“I will.”
She opened the door and let him out. They hugged again and then, he walked away. She closed the door and leaned against it, relieved that Amelie and he were still together. She was no longer worried that he would pick up with Cate again. The fear of losing Amelie had taken care of that. Cate was history. And hopefully, in time his love for her would fade too.
Notes to Women 