Frida rechecked her wristwatch to verify the hour. It was late! She should have left for the gallery twenty minutes ago, if it hadn't been for the women's lunch that Mrs. Henz organized and she saw herself obligated to attend, she wouldn't be pressured. "Damn it!" She coursed out loud when she bumped into the rug, luckily she managed to keep the balance. Hurriedly, Frida grabbed her purse, the new paint case and the car keys. She better speed if she wanted to arrive on time.
The way downstairs meant no major inconvenience, even though being this hurried and wearing the heels from earlier sure enough she would have ended up with a broken bone. Frida was heading towards the entrance when Henry's call stopped her. "Yes?" She turned to face him.
"Are you leaving?" He took slow steps towards her; dressed on a brown jean and beige long-sleeve shirt.
"Yes. Remember I told you I have painting lesson?" She checked the hour again. "And I'm late."
"Sure, I remember." He tickled his head, looking at her as if deciphering a riddle. Frida swallowed hard, feeling instantly restrained.
"Something happens?" She asked in a little voice.
"Yes." Henry nodded slowly. "I'd like to know what you gossiped about in the meeting."
Frida raised an eyebrow, he never cared about women's talk, what changed? "Oh, nothing special."
He mocked darkly. "Nothing special for you or me?"
"Henry..."
"What?"
"It was really nothing special. But if you want to know i'll tell you everything when i'm back."
"Why the hurry?"
"I am really late!"
Henry rolled his eyes dramatically. "Woman. Okay, okay! Go to your annoying class and we'll talk once you are back." He made a disparaging hand gesture and turned, walking away.
Frida took a depth breath and prayed for patience. She would deal with her husband and his interrogation later, for now, she needed to get to her class on time.
Little missed to break the throttle, but fortunately Frida arrived in one piece and without any major inconvenient to the gallery, in addition to be on time. She could finally breathe in peace once she sat in the same place as the first day, almost everyone was already in the room, yet the professor was missing. Frida took advantage of the spare time to order the materials on the tiny wooden table. It filled her with illusion to see her new belongings, like a little girl with new toys.
Out of nothing, Frida overheard the women's murmurs in the bottom of the room. She lifted her head to peak and watched them all looking at the entrance, discreetly, Frida followed their gazes. There in the entrance, holding a paint case and casually dressed, was nothing more and nothing less than Benny. Really?! Something in her chest danced with happiness as she could not help but smile. What a surprise! He was definitely a man of surprises. Benny looked around the room, he sure was looking for a place, Frida knew it by his weak frown. Shyly, Frida waved at him, and smiled wider when he found her and happily walked towards her.
"Hi!" Her voice sounded shrill to her liking, result of her excitement, her face became hot and totally flushed. Wow Frida, calm down!
"Hey, Frida!" Benny reached her and greeted her by kissing her left cheek. "How are you?"
"I am fine." She chuckled, still dazed. "And this surprise?"
"Well... I followed your advice," he held up the painting case and winked at her.
