Michael stumbled home from the office party at the crack of dawn, halfasleep and smelling faintly of cheap champagne. His wife, Eleanor, was snoring like a freight train, completely oblivious to his return. He eased onto the bed beside her, let out a sigh that could have been a sigh of relief or a sigh of surrender, and promptly fell asleep.
When Eleanor woke up that morning, she discovered a streak of bright red lipstick smudged across Michaels shirt. At the same moment her phone buzzed with a text.
She snatched it up and read: Good morning, love!
The message made her jump out of bed faster than a cat on a hot tin roof. She hadnt expected a love note from her husband at all.
Ten happy years of marriage lay behind them, and two delightful daughtersnineyearold Poppy and fiveyearold Maddiewere still tucked away, dreaming in their own room.
Eleanor felt an instinctive urge to give Michael a piece of her mind, but she managed to swallow the protest.
She padded into the bathroom, wiped away a tear, and tried to compose herself.
This is the easy part, she thought. Getting angry is simple. But a fight now could just pave the way for something worse. If he leaves, can I really raise two kids on my own?
After a quick shower, she dried her hair with a hairdryer, gave herself a decent hairdo, and set about making breakfast. Michael awoke around lunchtime, rubbing his eyes.
Oh, this is hard, he complained.
Fancy a cup of coffee, dear? Eleanor offered with a smile that required a lot of willpower to appear genuine.
She brewed the coffee, then turned to Michael.
Mike, I hope you wont be late at work tomorrow. Ive got the afternoon shift, and I need to collect Poppy from nursery.
Of course, of course, he replied.
Eleanor worked as a stylist in a bustling salon on Deansgate. After her second shift the next day, she came home with a box of chocolates.
Whats the sweet craving? Michael asked, eyeing the parcel.
Just a client gave them to me. Hes a regular; he thought it would be a nice thankyou.
Michael twirled the box in his hands.
These arent cheap! Why did you take them?
Its not a date invitation, Eleanor replied. Just a little gift.
The conversation fizzled out there.
A few days later, Eleanor returned from work clutching a lavish bouquet.
That from the same client? Michael asked as he stepped from the hallway.
Mike, Eleanor began, you lingered at work yesterday. I didnt ask where youd been or with whom. And now you bring me a bouquet.
After her second shift that week, Eleanor walked out of the salon to find Michael waiting by the car.
Mike, did you leave the girls on their own? she fretted.
Nah, I tucked them into bed. I thought Id meet you here instead of driving all the way home.
Theres only a fiveminute walk, Eleanor tried to protest.
When they finally got back home, Michael turned to his wife.
Eleanor, can I keep meeting you after my second shift?
Whats that supposed to mean? Youre jealous? she teased.
Jealous, yes, he admitted. Because men dont just get gifts for free.
Fine, meet me then, Eleanor said, smiling. I do love the attention. Truth be told, Im a little jealous of those overtime hours of yours. Who knows what else you might be doing?
Honestly, its only you I need. The office has finally sorted out the software upgrades, so Im not pulling any more late nights. No more overtime, I promise.
Soon enough, trust slipped back into their routine. Still, on occasion Michael would come home to find another box of pricey chocolates on the kitchen table. When he gave her a reproachful look, she would grin and say,
But my clients give me these sweets from the bottom of their hearts, and I cant refuse them.
Gift baskets
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