Cheryl lit the last candle and looked around with satisfaction. The candles cast a glow around the room. The mood music was soft and sweet. The fragrance of the flowers was subtle but noticeable. She thought about the bedroom with the satin sheets. The kids were at Grandma’s for the night. Cheryl had on a nearly sheer gown.

Dave noticed the candlelight as soon as he walked in.

“Did you forget to pay the electric bill?”.

No, Cheryl thought, I won’t let him spoil this. It's different and he doesn’t know how to react.

“What’s that crap playing. Turn on some golden oldies, will you?”.

No, Cheryl thought, I won’t let him spoil this. It's different and he doesn’t know how to react.

“Jeez, it smells like a funeral home in here”.

No, Cheryl thought, I won’t let him spoil this. It's different and he doesn’t know how to react.

“Dave, why don’t you go take a shower while I finish the dinner?”

Dave went up to the bedroom, got undressed and took a shower. He thought about shaving but didn’t. He cursed as he sat on the bed and slipped off. He threw on his ripped joggers and went back downstairs.

“Hey, Cheryl, I almost broke my butt sliding off those sheets. What are they, plastic or something?”.

No, Cheryl thought, I won’t let him spoil this. It's different and he doesn’t know how to react.

Cheryl told him to open the wine while she brought the dinner in.

“Wine? How about popping me a beer?”.

Cheryl brought him a beer. As Dave sat drinking it and thinking about watching ESPN that night Cheryl brought in the dinner and dropped it in his lap. The dinner was hot but Cheryl wasn’t anymore.