Convenience

Part 42

Before doubts crept in again, David ushered her forward. David told her. "They do great Italian here." He saw her scowl and wondered if she disliked Italian cuisine. He imagined most people would find it odd that he did not know his wife's tastes and preferences over something as simple as food. But then that's what today was about. He was going to learn about his wife. He was going to have to do something before she changes her mind. "And their coffees should be classified as drugs. Once you get the habit, very difficult to quit." They ambled away toward a booth.

Despite her slight ability to handle David, she wasn't sure whether she could keep pretending he didn't matter to her. Was it because he ignored her before and now he was taking notice of her? Obviously she meant nothing to him: Until now. Why?

Of course, she knew, intuitively and through her research on him five years ago, he was one of the good guys, most of the time. She would not marry a man unless she knew he was a good man. A kind man. He was charming when he wanted to be. She knew, he had the strong silent type down to a T, given their previous experiences. He had stood beside her during their wedding. Strong. Silent. Apart from answering the questions during the ceremony. She, for her part, had remained silent. Again, apart from answering the questions during the ceremony. 

He had done his best to steer well clear of her.

Yet, here she is: his wife, no really relationship, and a husband that wanted a divorce. Before now.  As the years had passed, Beatrice had grown into a lovely, independent woman, who had decided that her best course of action was to ignore her husband. Until now.

They were shown to a small booth that was far too intimate a space as far as Beatrice was concerned. The waitress placed a well-worn plastic coated card menu in front of them, and rattled off the specials for the day. She then volunteered the information that she'd bring them some water and promptly disappeared. David loosened his tie and shucked off his jacket, dropped his jacket on the seat, moved closer toward her. That was enough to start her panicking. This was far too intimate a space. Far too cosy. Way too destabilising. What were they doing here? Why was she here? Ok, she had made a mistake, coming to this lunch. She was emotionally not ready to deal with David. Let alone dealing with his mind games: First he didn't want a divorce and now he wants to keep his wife.

"The calamari is great. The marinara pizza is good. Carbonara pretty special too." David told her without reading the menu. He glanced around and noted the place was getting busy as the early lunch crowd appeared.

"You come here often?" That surprised Beatrice. While the place was clean, and the aroma of food was amazing, it was hardly trendy and given the state of the menu card not exactly up market. Clearly the ambience of the place in terms of appearance was subdued. But the aroma from the kitchen was amazing. No wonder the place was busy.

"Most weeks." David nodded and his eyes did a quick survey of the room. He recognised a couple of faces. Recognised one that usually irritated him but might just work to his advantage today.

The waitress returned with a bottle of chilled water and two glasses. "Want anything else to drink?" Came the blunt question. David looked over at Beatrice. She shook her head. "Ready to order or need more time?" Came the direct question from a waitress who clearly hadn't been to the charm school.

Once again David looked over at Beatrice.

"Marinara pizza, please." She said and smiled up the waitress. Not that it made any difference to the waitress' demeanour.

"Same please." David added, and also smiled. He received a smile in response. Typical thought Beatrice and did her best not to roll her eyes. Were all women susceptible to his brand of easy going charm?

The waitress picked up the lunch menus and disappeared. David reached forward, unscrewed the bottle of water and poured out two glasses of water.