The Date
When Kameron left the bar, he spent the next few hours walking the beaches for the perfect scene for their date. He bought what he needed and ran home hoping she’d be keen.
“A picnic! This is beautiful, Kameron! Is this where you’ve been all day?”
Though he couldn’t see her face, he could tell by her voice what she looked like. Her eyes were wide and glassy from tears she wouldn’t allow to fall, and her smile was a wide as the ocean. But, behind the innocence of that question laid an accusation that filled him with guilt. He was so quick to run out and do whatever he wanted or needed to do while she remained at home tending to the children. Because he worked at night, she dealt with the children’s bedtime shenanigans alone now that Mel was gone. Kameron had to admit to himself he did not think about her needs much, and it hurt.
“I made a new friend today,” he said as they sat.
Nadia’s cocked head and squinted eyes said so many things. She was curious about this mystery man yet jealous over the time and freedom he had to develop a new relationship. When was the last time she went out with her friends? How did he mess this up?
“He gave me lots of good advice, but it brought up some things … Things that don’t reflect well on me. I need to apologize to you.”
The anticipation of hearing the story and repairing their marriage was written all over her gorgeous face.
“I haven’t been as good to you as I should. I’ve taken you for granted much longer than I care to admit. I love you, Nadia. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’m sorry if I’ve ever made you feel used or like I don’t care. I do. Very much! I promise I’ll do better.”
“Thank you,” she said smiling through tears.
He hated that she suffered in silence for so long. Part of him wanted to know how long, but the answer would twist the dagger already jabbed in his heart. Gathering her into his arms, he squeezed tight. His own tears threatened to fall, but he choked them back. “I love you so much.”
“This is the sweetest thing you’ve done in a while.”
“Remember the fight?”
She sighed. “I’d rather not.”
“Yeah. That was definitely not my finest hour. I see so clearly now how bad that hurt. I thought about when you used to babysit Mel long before I asked you to move in. You’ve invested so much of your time into her…and me. I didn’t consider that. I haven’t considered many things about you, and I apologize.”
Her silence spoke columns. He had to make up for so much.
“Is there anything in particular I can do to make you feel more appreciated?”
“You could ask me how I am from time to time,” she said not missing a beat.
“Ouch. I don’t do that?”
“Not really. Not like you used to.”
“Anything else?”
“No. Just like you said…consider my needs more.”
“I will. I promise. I’m sorry, again.”
“I won’t say it’s ok because it’s not. But, when you told me your story, it explained so much. I wish I could have had that insight sooner, but I have it now. You’re a good man, Kameron. Don’t beat yourself up. I know you’ll do better. You always do.”
