What's Fair in Love and War?

What should I be thankful for?

CHAPTER 5

“What should I be thankful for?”

She looked in the mirror putting on some finishing touches to her make up. Lastly, applied her favorite lipstick and smacked her lips together; then ran a finger through a blonde curl until it bounced up around her face. Satisfied with the way she looked; she smoothed down the front of her black cocktail dress and made her way downstairs.

“I’m ready.” She said to her husband.

Blake turned around to see his wife walking towards him. “You look beautiful Cindy. Now can we get going; we’re already late.” He said opening the front door.

She laughed, “Okay okay, they live just down the street.”

It was the night before Thanksgiving and Blake’s boss had invited them to his house for a dinner party. He had also invited Blake’s two friends Greg and Carlos, so atleast she knew some people who were going to be there. Blake held the front door opened for her to walk out and locked it behind them.

It only took them five minutes to walk down to the Xavier’s house and she was excited to finally meet the infamous Mrs. Xavier. Mostly everyone on their block were in the military and they all knew each other except for Blake’s boss’ wife. They had been living there for almost a month now and no one had really seen her so this was her chance to make friends with her. Hopefully she was nice she thought.

After a couple knocks on the door, it opened and John stood there beaming at them, “Blake, Cindy; You guys made it. Come in come in.” he said stepping aside so they could enter. “Welcome to our humble abode. Please make yourselves comfortable.” He said handing them each a glass of wine. “Excuse me while I go find my wife.”

There were eight other people standing in the living room talking amongst each other including Greg and Carlos. When they saw them, they walked over.

“Cindy, you look lovely as always.” Greg said giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you Greg, you don’t look so bad yourself.” She lightly laughed.

“Hey Cindy.” Carlos said giving her a hug and then shook Blake’s hand, “Sup man. Didn’t think you two would make it.”

“Someone decided to try on her whole closet.” Blake nodded towards Cindy.

She lightly punched his arm. “So Carlos; who’s this lovely girl?” Cindy asked him looking at the skinny blonde bombshell on his right.

“Oh guys, this is Sharelle. She’s my date for the evening.” he introduced them. Greg was in the back of him rolling his eyes and leaned into Blake whispering, “Carlos’ flavor of the month.” Blake almost choked on his wine trying not to laugh.

Cindy ignored them and reached out her hand to the girl, “Nice to meet you Sharelle, I’m Cindy.” She said shaking the girl’s hand.

John came in then and announced to the group that dinner was ready, “Can you all please make your way to the dining room and take a seat anywhere you like. Excuse my wife’s absence; she’ll be back shortly.”

They all filed into the spacious dining room and took their seats at the dinner table. It was beautifully decorated with an elegant laced white table cloth. A red cloth running down the middle of the table and white china in front of every seat. Silverware rolled in white napkins tied with a red bow adorned each plate; and the table was lathered in platters of food to feed a small army.

Cindy found herself seated between Blake on her right and Greg to her left. Across from her was Stan, another one of Blake’s coworkers. To his right was a beautiful Spanish woman, then Carlos and his girlfriend. At that end of the table was Lieutenant Black and on his right was his wife Betty. John took the seat at the other end of the table to the right of Blake, “If you all don’t mind waiting a couple more minutes my wife should be back. I apologize for the wait.” He apologized.