Chapter Eleven
R iley couldn’t take her eyes off her husband as they sat across from each other at a small table, eating delicious food. She also couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she listened to him.
They sat at the table for close to two hours. It was one of the most memorable dates she’d had with Rick. Maybe because she thought she had lost him not that long ago. She shoved the thought away because she didn’t want to darken the night with him.
“How about a short drive before we go home?” Rick said as he paid the check.
“I’d like that. It’s beautiful out.”
Her husband drove them around town for an hour before heading to their house. Most of the time they sat in silence, holding hands, enjoying peace, and appreciating the fact they were together. That they hadn’t let anyone, especially someone like Gloria, break them up and destroy their world.
Rick pulled into the garage, turned off the car, and pushed the button for the overhead garage door.
“Are we going to work tomorrow?” she asked.
He studied her a moment. “You look rested, and if you feel up to it, you can.”
“I think I’d like to. I need to keep busy, and I miss my kids,” she told him.
“Then I think it’s okay. It’s not too late. You have time to call your principal.”
“I’ll do that.” She waited until he came around the car and opened her door. It was something he’d done from their very first date and something she was used to, and she appreciated the gesture.
Once in the house, she placed her purse on the counter and pulled out her phone. It rang a few times before Donald, her principal, answered.
“Hi, Donald, I’m sorry if I’m calling too late.”
“No, you’re fine. I hope you’re feeling better.”
The man was in his late sixties but had more energy than a teenager. He was the type of principal who actually came out of his office and mingled with the kids and staff. Every child thought of him as their best friend. He was always there to talk, no matter how mundane. He really cared about the kids.
She smiled. “I do. Thank you for asking. Would it be possible for me to come back to school tomorrow?”
Donald chuckled. “Absolutely. Your kids miss you.”
“I miss them, too.”
“Did that friend ever get in touch with you?” he asked.
“What friend?” she asked.
“A woman came to the school office the second day you were home sick. She said she was looking for you, and I sent her to your house,” Donald said. “I told her you didn’t feel good. I hope that was all right?”
Riley tensed, and her hand trembled. “That’s fine. Did she say her name?”
“Oh, yes ... Gloria.”
Riley felt her stomach twist with nerves. Her mind raced for something to say. “We’ve talked.” She didn’t have to tell him when.
“Good. She seemed concerned about you.”
Riley gritted her teeth. I’m sure she did. “That’s very sweet. I have a lot of good friends. I will be at the school bright and early.”
“Okay, great. It will be good to have you back in your class.”
“Thank you, Donald.”
She hung up and stood there for a moment. She took several deep breaths to calm the anger brewing in her. God, that woman was a piece of work. Gloria actually went to her place of business to check on her. She wanted to see if her plan had worked and how distraught she was.
She jumped a little when an arm came around her waist.
“What’s wrong, Sweetheart?” Rick asked.
She looked over her shoulder at her husband. “Donald told me Gloria stopped by the school to talk to me.”
Rick instantly scowled. “Jesus. She’ll stop at nothing, won’t she?”
“She has some balls,” Riley said. She smiled when that caught Rick by surprise, and then he chuckled. She rarely said anything like that.
“Yes, she does have balls. But now, she’s got nothing.”
Riley nodded and laughed. Just talking about it made her stomach ease and the anger diminish.
“What do you want to do right now?” Rick asked.
“I thought I’d get ready for bed and read. We both have to get up early tomorrow.”
“That sounds good. I’ll get more work done and be up.” He pressed a kiss to her lips.
They walked through the house, her going upstairs and Rick going farther down the hallway to his office.
Riley took her makeup off, brushed her teeth, and slipped into a short, silky nightgown with thin straps. She didn’t usually wear anything to bed and knew when her husband came up, the gown would be taken from her, but for the moment, it was comfortable. She grabbed the book she started and settled onto the bed with the pillows stacked behind her.
The next time she glanced at the clock, she was surprised to see it past ten. She closed her book, set it on her nightstand before reaching and turning off the lamp. She arranged her pillows and got comfortable and immediately drifted off to sleep.
Within an hour, Rick came to bed. She felt the bed dip, and then her nightgown pulled over her head. If she hadn’t been so tired, she would have laughed.
Rick dropped the gown on the floor, moved so he had her back to his chest, and then she heard his sigh.
“Good night,” she said softly.
She felt him kiss the back of her head. “Good night, Wife.”
She smiled and drifted back to sleep.