The Crying Bridge

The Crying Bridge--Chapter 22

 After Jenny left, Del carefully put her gown in the back of her closet. She would find a place to get it cleaned tomorrow, but she didn't want Evan to see it. She realized that he would be home in thirty minutes or so and rushed to the kitchen to decide what to fix for dinner. She was worn out and did not want to leave the house again just to eat. She was running low on supplies again and would also have to go to the market tomorrow.

She finally decided on eggplant Panini sandwiches. She had gotten some fresh eggplant form a local farm stand a couple of days earlier, so she peeled it, sliced it and salted it. She heated some olive oil in a large skillet and breaded the sliced eggplant and carefully placed the slices in the hot oil until they were crispy and golden. Evan walked into the kitchen just as she was assembling the sandwiches and heating the Panini press.

"What smells so good?" he asked, kissing her.

"Eggplant," she answered. "We're having eggplant Panini sandwiches with fresh mozzarella and a sundried tomato and basil aioli. I think there's a couple of bags of chips in the pantry. Can you grab a bag? Whatever kind you like."

"Can I grab you first?" he asked, pulling her away from the Panini press. "I really missed you today."

She allowed him to take her in his arms and she returned his kisses with enthusiasm. "Okay, I missed you, too," she said. "But I don't want to burn dinner. Grab the chips and open some wine, please."

"Red or white?" he asked.

"I think I'd like red," she said.

A few minutes later they were seated at the table, sipping wine and enjoying the sandwiches.

"How was dress shopping today?" Evan asked.

"Very successful," Del replied.

Evan raised his eyebrows. "Really?"

Del nodded. "Yep. The dress has been secured."

"Wow, I'm impressed," he said. "So do you have to go back for fittings or whatever?"

"Nope," Del told him. "I was able to buy the sample, so I got to take it with me today. I have to have it cleaned, but other than that, it's a go."

"So we can make reservations? Like tonight?" Evan asked.

"We can," she said. "I imagine it will take a few days to have the dress cleaned, but we can pick a date at least a week out and be safe."

"There's a lot going on at the youth center the next two weeks and I'd hate to leave them short-handed. What would you say to doing this shortly after the fourth of July?"

"I think that sounds perfect," Del said. "Will you be able to take enough time so that we can spend a week or so in Jamaica?"

"As long as I give them notice, I can take as much time as we want," Evan said. "I was thinking maybe ten days. When we get back we'll still have several weeks before you have to start work."

"I still can't believe this is happening," Del said with a smile. "I hope you're as excited as I am."

"Are you kidding? I can't wait to marry you."

"I love you," she said.

"I love you," he replied.

"Are you willing to move out here?" Del asked suddenly.

"You don't want to move in with me?" Evan asked. "My place is a little bigger."

Del laughed. "You're place is a lot bigger," she agreed. "But...I just really love this place. I like the privacy. You have to admit that aside from the ghostly stuff that we've been blessedly spared the last several days, the place has its charms. I love that we can make love on the front porch without having to worry about anyone seeing us."