Deadly Lovers

The Dinner Party

"Okay, everything looks good" I stepped back from the newly set table admiring my hard work. I had created the perfect menu for the evening and  I was almost disappointed our guest wouldn't be making it to dessert. Dale strolled in carrying a white wine and a sharp smile, I glanced down at the bottle and scowled. "Of all the things you could get wrong you chose the wine" I said snatching it from him and storming to the wine cellar. He was hot on my trail stammering apologies but I was in no mood to ear them. I had worked tirelessly to prepare those beautiful steaks with roasted potatoes and seared asparagus. I searched the shelves looking for the perfect red wine to pair, when my eyes fell upon the open space where the specialty wine should have been. "What did you do?" I sighed exasperatedly rubbing my temples, "well.... um.. " Dale stammered his face turning red. I pushed a stray strand of my auburn hair behind my ear avoiding eye contact. I reached for another bottle trying to remain calm, "it's fine" I said my tone even " we just need to have a red wine with the steak and maybe next time you can remember not to drink the special red wine okay?" I walked back toward the dining room without waiting for a response. Our guest were due to arrive any moment and I needed to be as warm as possible for this to go right. "I made sure to get everything ready and set our escape just in case" Dale said smoothing his shirt. I smiled widely " well dinner prep may not be your thing but I know what is". The doorbell rang indicating our guest had arrived, I sent Dale to the door while I fussed over a few minor details on the table. I could hear the excited voices as the door closed followed by coats being removed. Stella walked in wearing a light blue cocktail dress with a pair of simple white heels. Her smile was a bit dim as she entered which alarmed me slightly. "Welcome Stella I'm so glad you could make it" I said walking over to hug her. We embraced for a moment  before she stepped back and looked over at the table her hands seeming unsteady. A tall man with black hair and a peppered beard entered with Dale, still chuckling at some joke I missed at the door. "This is my husband Jack" Stella said her smile wavering still. I stuck my hand out in greeting which Jack seemed to barely acknowledge. I pulled my hand back clearly my throat as my husband and I exchanged a look. " Well I'm Dales wife Sadie" I said pulling Stella towards me. Jack nodded but said nothing as he eyed the table critically, he straightened a fork with a small grunt before returning his attention to Dale. "Shall we sit down and enjoy this lovely meal your wife has worked so hard to prepare?" he asked pulling out a chair. Dale nodded pulling out the chair next to him motioning for Stella to take a seat. " Stella would you help with the wine please?" I asked suddenly giving her a warm smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "Oh, um of course." she turned toward the kitchen not even glancing at her husband. "Please take a seat we'll be right back" I said quickly turning away.

I entered the kitchen Stella hot on my heels an unreadable expression on her face. "Is there something going on?" I asked grabbing the freshly polished wine glasses, I placed them in between us and began pouring the wine slowly. Stella bit her bottom lip anxiously glancing over her shoulder before leaning close to me. "He wants a baby" she said her eyes wide and glassy, I paused a clear look of confusion on my face prompting her to elaborate. " I gouty tubes tied a few weeks before our wedding so I wouldn't have to have kids with him, I have never loved that man and I certainly don't want to raise any little brats with him" she said angrily. I paused again setting the wine down " does he know?" Stella shook her head, "he's going to find out in a few days, he already made an appointment at the fertility clinic for next week!". "Honey!? how much longer the foods getting cold" Dale called to me. " Be right out!" I responded, " we'll have to continue this later" I whispered to her grabbing two glasses and passing them to her. She nodded rushing back toward the dinning room with me following right behind her. "Ah there you two are" Dale said smiling at me as I placed a glass in front of him. "Sorry the wine bottle was giving me some trouble and I didn't think to just ask for help" I said taking a seat on the opposite   side of Stella. Jack glanced over at her nudging her slightly, she quickly straightened up he eyes placed only on her plate. " Let's eat shall we?" I said grabbing my fork and cutting into my steak. Everyone nodded in agreement and followed suit.