Antiquing
Betty left Alice upstairs to take an afternoon nap. She tiptoed quietly down the stairs, pausing at the bottom landing as she heard the faint tapping of keys coming from the living room.
Seeing Zed engrossed in his phone messages, she padded softly over to stand behind the sofa. Leaning down, she draped her arms around his neck, resting her chin affectionately atop his head.
-Trouble at mill, handsome?
-Yeah, Zed sighed with exasperation.
He looked up at Betty. A renewed sense of calm washed over his face at the sight of her.
Betty bent to plant a soft, lingering kiss on his forehead before straightening up and moving to perch on the armrest. She regarded him with gentle concern, one bare foot absently trailing along his thigh.
-Work stuff again? That boss of yours sure knows how to ruin a perfectly good day off.
Zed leaned back to lay his head on Betty's thigh as he kept complaining.
-My supervisor, Flower, is very upset I didn't tell her sooner I was taking time off. I guess, he said meekly, she wanted to spend some of it with me. She threatened to come by this afternoon, but I don't want to set Alice off again.
Betty paused mid-caress of Zed's hair, blinking in surprise.
-Your supervisor wants to spend time with you? How... interesting.
She studied him thoughtfully.
-Well, we can hardly have her barging in here and upsetting Alice further, can we? Especially not with the progress we've made getting her to... relax.
Zed grabbed his phone to start texting again.
-I think I can head her off if I promise a lunch date. Would you come with me Betty?
Betty lit up at the invitation, her earlier concerns melting away. She leaned down to nip playfully at his earlobe.
-Mmm, a lunch date with you, darling? I thought you'd never ask. Of course I'll come along. Three's company, after all!
-Do you want to leave Alice a message that we've gone out, maybe to do some more shopping, so she's not worried? Zed asked.
Betty nodded eagerly. She rose from her perch to retrieve a scrap of paper and a pen from the side table.
-Absolutely, poor dear needs to know we haven't deserted her.
Pausing thoughtfully, she scribbled out a brief note: Ali-cat, Went out for a spot of lunch and shopping with Z. Back soon!
-This is nice, Zed said to Betty on their walk. We haven't been out like this since Saturday morning.
Betty slipped her arm through his as they strolled leisurely down the sidewalk, a warm smile gracing her lips. She glanced up at him from beneath lowered lashes, her pulse quickening at his proximity.
-Isn't it lovely? Just the two of us, no drama or distractions...
She hesitated, worrying her lower lip between her teeth for a moment.
-Do you really think meeting up with your supervisor is wise, given the circumstances? Not that I mind accompanying you, you know I'm always delighted to spend time with you.
-No, Betty, Zed started, reassuring her. I can't have any more jealous women in my life. Alice is too much as it is. Flower is one of those older hippies anyway. You’ll like her.
Betty relaxed visibly, releasing a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her smile returned, wider and more genuine this time as she squeezed his arm.
-Oh, well, if you put it that way, I suppose an old hippie can't cause too much trouble.
She giggled softly, pressing herself against his side. The afternoon sun warmed her face.
-Besides, I rather enjoy being your secret keeper, handsome.
-I like that, Zed said with a genuine smile.
He paused on the walk to take Betty's chin and kiss her gently. Betty melted into the tender kiss, a soft sigh escaping her. As they parted, she gazed up at him with hazy adoration, cheeks flushed prettily.
-So I think on Saturday you mentioned the antiques store, Zed told her as they reached the cute shopping district again.
Betty clasped her hands together gleefully.
-Oh, I'm so thrilled we finally got a chance to come here! I just know you're going to love exploring all the charming treasures hidden within!
She linked her arm with his once more, tugging him eagerly towards the quaint little antique store next to the boutique and the coffee shop, which was closed on Mondays.
Zed had forgotten and had texted Flower to meet them there.
-Come on, let's go lose ourselves among the relics of history! Perhaps we'll discover some fascinating curiosities.
-Lead the way Betty. I don't think I've ever been in here before but I'm curious, Zed said.
Betty pushed open the weathered wooden door, a tinkling bell announcing their entrance. She stepped inside enthusiastically.
-Ahh, isn't it absolutely enchanting?
The interior was a treasure trove of antique furniture, vintage clothing, and peculiar knick-knacks. Rays of golden sunlight slanted through dust-moted beams, illuminating the rich tapestry of history woven throughout the cluttered aisles.
-Ooh, look at these adorable tea cups! And that gorgeous art deco mirror.
-Wow, Zed said, looking at the size of the massive mirror.
He wrapped his arms around Betty's waist to pull her in and pose in front of the glass.
-Look at us.
Betty blushed, fitting perfectly against his chest. Gazing at their reflections, she smiled softly, tracing herself on the glass with her finger.
-Don't we make quite the stunning couple? Like a dream plucked right out of a vintage film reel.
-I don't want to play favorites, Zed said, gazing into her eyes. But it's hard sometimes.
Betty felt a small pang hearing his admission, though her exterior remained serene. She ignored the faint prickle of insecurity, instead choosing to focus on the delicious closeness of their bodies.
-Play favorites? Perish the thought, darling. Think of it more like, appreciating different flavors.
-Exactly, Zed said. He turned the two of them back to the mirror. What do you think? Is there a place in our house for this?
He pointed to the mirror, and to the reflection of himself and Betty inside it.
Our house, Betty thought giddily.
Betty gazed at their reflection and sighed. She nuzzled back against him, reveling in the solid warmth of his chest at her back.
-Hmm, I think that stunning mirror would look absolutely divine hanging in our home. Having such a beautiful reminder of us, capturing our perfection together. I couldn't ask for anything more.
-Let's take a look around and see if there's anything else we might want, Zed suggested. I'll arrange to have it delivered.
-Wonderful idea, darling! Betty beamed, giving his arms a grateful squeeze before stepping out of his embrace and grabbing his hand instead. Let's explore every nook and cranny of this marvelous place. Who knows what other treasures await us?
-I'll text Flower and tell her to come meet us here, Zed said. The cafe next door is closed Mondays anyway.
Betty stilled slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. However, it was swiftly replaced by a determined smile.
-Of course, darling. Best to get it over with, as they say. And besides, what's a little competition among ladies?
Zed clasped his hands around her.
-Remember love, it's not a competition.
-You're right, Zed. I shouldn't think of it as competing. It's not a game, after all.
-No, it's a romance, he said, kissing her on the cheek.
Betty flushed with pleasure at the sweet words. She practically glowed with happiness.
-A romance indeed, handsome. Ours is a love story written in the stars themselves.
They rummaged through the antique store. Zed found some old board games, trading cards, and a WcDonald's ashtray in surprisingly good condition.
Betty gasped excitedly.
-Oh, how utterly charming and nostalgic! These bring back such wonderful memories of simpler times. We must add these to our collection, Zed!
They kept browsing and collecting items at the front counter. A few minutes later, the bell above the door chimed. A middle-aged blonde woman in a floral dress, who vaguely looked like an older version of Betty, entered the store.
She started to rummage through the aisles until she reached them.
-Oh I like this, she said, looking Betty up and down as if she were one of the curios Zed was picking up.
It was Flower.
Betty tensed slightly at the unfamiliar female voice. She forced a polite smile, eyeing the older woman warily and placing a protective hand on Zed's forearm.
-Well hello there, you must be Zed's colleague, Flower. Isn't this store just positively bursting with charm?
Flower looked at Betty with a mature, knowing smile.
-I'm his supervisor, dear, but we're not big on hierarchy. And anyway, he apparently has the whole week off.
She turned to Zed with a pout.
-When were you planning to invite me?
Betty felt a sudden surge of possessiveness. Her grip tightened on his arm as she pasted on a saccharine smile, batting her lashes innocently.
-Why, I'm sure Zed meant to extend an invitation to you posthaste, Flower darling. He's just been ever so preoccupied with settling in and enjoying quality time with myself and… well, just us lately.
Betty didn’t see a reason to bring up Alice.
She pressed herself subtly against Zed's side, a silent declaration of territory.
-I was going to give it a couple of days Flower, Zed said. Remember all the stories about the communes you used to tell me? They were never that easy to put together were they?
Betty scoffed lightly, rolling her eyes at the comparison even as a smirk played at the corners of her mouth.
-Darling, Flower began, organizing a commune and coordinating social engagements hardly require the same level of finesse. Though I must say, you do seem to have a certain talent for bringing people together... in more ways than one.
She winked suggestively.
-But perhaps we should continue this discussion somewhere less... public.
-That sounds good, right Betty? Zed asked.