Free 1 3 7 – ZOË by C. De Melo Page A

mother and I were not big on gossip, we listened more than we spoke.   Later in the evening after everyone had gone home, I approached Michael in the kitchen.  He was picking at a piece of cold turkey.  Maria and Juana were busy doing the dishes and putting leftovers in smaller containers.  I remembered how much Michael loved making sandwiches the day after Thanksgiving.
    “I think dinner went rather well. Did you enjoy yourself?” I asked.
    He looked down at me.  “I did.”
    When he said nothing more, I shrugged.  “Well, I’m going upstairs.  Are you coming up?”
    “ Not yet, but you go ahead.”
    I knew something was bothering him.  “Are you all right?”
    “Fine.”
    I went upstairs.  Michael had moved back into the master bedroom shortly after the park incident in September.  I waited for him to come to bed, which he did a half hour later.  The king size mattress placed him at an arm’s length away from me.
    “What’s wrong, Michael?” I asked.
    “Nothing,” he replied as he settled comfortably on a pile of pillows.
    “Oh, come on,” I said, leaning on my elbow.   “Something has been bothering you since dinner.  I wasn’t born yesterday, you know.”
    “Actually, it was less than a year ago ,” he retorted.
    “Very funny.  N ow will you tell me what’s eating away at you?”
    He took a deep breath and finally admitted, “I saw how you and Lance looked at each other.”
    I looked at him incredulously.  “What?”
    He shrugged and repeated himself.  And then he added, “I’m just an old fool, princess.  Forgive me for being jealous…I know it’s silly of me.”
    “ It is indeed silly,” I agreed.  “Besides, you know how friendly Lance and I have always been with each other.”
    “I’ m not accusing you of anything, princess.  It’s just that Lance is young, handsome and charismatic…he went from being an awkward boy to a distinguished man.  He’s not a kid anymore, Zoë.  It’s only natural if you feel attracted to him.”
    “Michael, please! ”
    He met my gaze levelly.  “I know about your little rendezvous.”
    “What rendezvous?”
    “Your little museum outing and lunch.”
    I sat up in the bed.  “You had me followed?”
    He looked genuinely hurt at my insinuation.  “No, Zoë.  One of my business associates saw you at the museum restaurant and he mentioned it to me.”
    I sighed in frustration.  “Michael, all we did was visit the Smithsonian and have lunch.”
    “Then why not tell me about it?” he asked softly.
    “Because I know you and Lance have not been on speaking terms.  The last thing I want to do is make you upset…especially after everything you’ve done for me.”  It was the truth.
    Michael was nodding with a sad expression on his face.  “I understand.  In the future, just be honest.”
    “I’m sorry, ” I said.
    “Let’s just forget about this.”
    “Yes,” I agreed.  “And you have no reason to feel jealous of Lance.  As far as I’m concerned, he’s still the same, silly boy I’ve always known.”  That was a bald-faced lie. 
    “Okay.”
    “I’m happy you made up with your brother today.”
    “Me too .  Goodnight, princess,” he said.
    “Goodnight,” I responded, feeling a bit guilty.
    He turne d off the light but I couldn’t sleep.  As I stared into the darkness, I really didn’t know what to make of Michael’s jealousy, especially since it had never been a problem in the past.  Ironically, I had always been the one with the twinge of jealousy due to the long line of beautiful, sophisticated women Michael had dated prior to meeting me.  In addition to this, I knew Michael had not remained celibate for the last twenty years.  I didn’t ask and he didn’t confess anything, but I’m not stupid.  My husband is handsome, powerful and rich- three of the most potent aphrodisiacs to women.
    After breakfast the following morning, Michael announced he had to meet someone downtown.  He also