A Change of Heart

Chapter 23

I head back to the table and see that Ms. Dixon's date (who goes by just Roger) is talking about his career as a real estate agent.

“Hillary and I have been thinking of buying a vacation home that we can settle in for retirement,” Mr. Renyolds says.

“I work in San Francisco, maybe you'd like to settle there,” Roger smiles. 

“Maybe,” Mrs. Reynolds replies.

I notice glasses of champagne on the table. I take a seat and drink mine.

"Gladice, wouldn't you like to tell us about your date?" Joanna asks.

"Well, if you must know," Ms. Dixon smiles.

"I met him when I went to Thailand."

"We've been dating for a few weeks, but we're still deciding whether we want this to be serious," he explains.

"It'll be nice for you to finally get back in the game," Ms. Flowers suggests.

"I think the decision has already been made," Joanna mumbles.

"People can change Joanna. You should know that since you took a step in the rink," Ms. Dixon replies.

"Well, Dinner will be ready in a while. So, why not head to the garden? I hired a photographer for a photoshoot," Ms. Flowers exclaims.

"A great way to pass time. Wonderful idea Caroline," Mr. Diaz tells her. Yeah, Mr. Diaz definitely likes Ms. Flowers.

We walk out to the garden. Close to the gate, there's a giant shimmering backdrop and the photographer is adjusting his camera. There're tons of equipment around him.

"Who wants to take pictures first?" Ms. Flowers asks.

"I'd love some photos!" Ms. Dixon says with glee. She rushes to the backdrop, dragging Roger with her. Ms. Dixon does a bunch of poses like a runway model, while he just tries to not look awkward next to her. She rushes him off and takes some pictures alone.

"Ms. Dixon is really enjoying the photoshoot. She might finish the camera's memory," Mrs. Reynolds says.

"That's cause it's the closest she's getting to being a model," Joanna says.

"Maybe if she grew a few inches and lost weight," Mr. Reynolds suggests. These people are really judgemental.

"At least she gets to feel like a model," I say. Ms. Dixon and Roger come back to the rest of us.

Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds take a few pictures, then we go.

Joanna wraps her arms around my chest and tilts her head on my shoulder. I hold her waist with my back hand and smile. She really wants to milk this for all it's worth.

In the next picture, I hold her waist from behind. Then the next, she kisses me on the cheek. By the end of all the posing, I'm famished. Can we eat now? Mr. Diaz and Ms. Flowers take some pictures together and we go back inside for the main course.

"Chicken and fennel with grapes," the butler says. It looks really good. 

Everyone starts digging in. I take the dinner fork and steak knife. I learned which utensils are which so that I can show Joanna that I'm 'cultured'. I take small portions so that I don't eat like I have 5 stomachs.

"The fennel is immaculate!" Mr. Diaz grins.

"The grapes add a lovely touch of acidity," Mr. Reynolds says.

"You're too kind," Ms. Flowers blushes.

"You're not wrong, Caroline," Joanna comments. Ms. Flowers' smile fades.

"Joanna, maybe you should keep your comments to yourself, not everyone wants to hear them," Ms. Flowers tells her.

"She's not wrong. The meal is good, but you could have chosen something that matches the appetiser. You can't pick 2 completely different dishes, it throws the whole thing off," Mrs. Reynolds explains.

"Well, I thought it would be nice to bend the rules a bit. It can be a bit boring following the same regulations. You should know that, right Hillary?" Ms. Flowers replies. Mrs. Reynolds keeps quiet.

Everyone finishes eating and drinks the wine Ms. Flowers has offered (I declined). I head to the bathroom again. Now that they're getting tipsy, things will be getting much worse.

After 10 minutes I walk out of the bathroom to find Ms. Dixon in the hallway.

"Howard, I just want to ask some questions," she smiles. I walk over to her.

"Did Joanna pay you to pretend to be her boyfriend?" she asks. I look at her dumbfounded.

"No, she didn't pay me," I answer.

"Then is she black mailing you, holding someone dear to you hostage?" my heart drops, thinking about Maya.

"Ms. Dixon, are you drunk?" I ask.

"Joanna has never been a lover, and suddenly she's bringing a "boyfriend" from Chicago to parties? This is definitely fake," Ms. Dixon rambles.

"I know it seems shocking, but we are dating. I guess I was able to show Joanna that a little love won't hurt you," I explain. Ms. Dixon's face softens.

"Just don't break her heart, it's good to see her doing more with her life than just work," she smiles.

"Don't worry, I'm not leaving her anytime soon," I say. It isn't a lie. It's going to take a while for her to agree to let Maya go.

The dinner ends on a good note. No big fight broke out, and I didn't have to speak too much. Mr. Reynolds even invited me to play golf "the next time I come to visit." Everyone says their goodbyes and we drive off.

"You did well Howard," Joanna says. I smile at her. I stop in front of my house and walk to my door.

"Howard," Joanna calls out. I look back at her. She holds my face and kisses me. It's much more gentle this time. I actually find myself enjoying its delicacy. It sends shivers down my spine. She pulls away, completely expressionless.

"Goodnight," she says.

"Goodnight," I reply. She walks back to her car, and I go inside. The dinner ended on a good note, but the night itself is a different story.