CHUTERONE PLANNING FOR DINNER
“Leon, hi!” Laura winced at the overly cheerful tone in her voice. “How’s your day going?”
There was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by the sound of shuffling papers. “Busy,” Leon replied, his voice distracted, ” What’s up?”
Laura twisted a dish towel in her free hand. “I was wondering it you’d be home for dinner tonight. I thought maybe we could eat together. I’m planning something special.”
Another pause. Laura held her breath.
“Tonight?” Leon asked, sounding uncertain.
“Yes, if you can make it,” Laura said quickly. “I know you’re busy, but I thought it might be nice to have a meal together. Just the two of
She heard Leon sigh, and her stomach clenched. “I don’t know, Laura. I’ve got a lot to finish up here.”
“Please?” The word slipped out before she could stop it, laced with more desperation than she intended. “I promise
e it’ll be worth it.”
There was a long moment of silence, and Laura was sure he was going to say no. But then, to her surprise, Leon’s voice softened.” Olcay. I’ll try to wrap things up early. What time should I be home?
Relief flooded through her. “How about 7:00? Is that doable?”
7:00,” Leon repeated “Til do my best to be there.”
“Great!” Laura couldn’t keep the excitement out of her voice. “I’ll see you then. I love you.”
“Yeah, see you later,” Leon replied, then hung up
Laura stared at the phone for a moment, her emotions a mix of hope and disappointment. He hadn’t said “I love you” back, but he had agreed to come home for dinner. It was a start.
With renewed determination, Laura set about preparing the meal. She marinated the steaks, chopped vegetables for a salad, and began the process of making the chocolate mousse. As she worked, she found herself humming softly- a habit she’d nearly forgotten she had.
The kitchen filled with delicious aromas as Laura seared the steaks to perfection. She arranged the table with their best china and crystal glasses, adding a small vase of fresh flowers as a centerpiece. Stepping back to survey her work, she felt a spark of pride. Everything looked beautiful.
Laura glanced at the clock–6:45 PM. Just enough time to change into something nicer and touch up her makeup. She hurried upstairs, shedding her comfortable housework clothes in favor of a dress she knew Leon liked. It was a simple navy blue wrap dress that hugged her curves in all the right places.
As she applied a touch of lipstick, Laura studied her reflection. The woman in the mirror looked hopeful, almost glowing with anticipation “Please let this work,” she whispered to herself.
Back downstairs, Laura lit a few candles and dimmed the lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. She poured herself a small glass of wine to calm ber nerves and waited.
7:00 PM came and went. Laura tried not to watch the clock, but found her eyes drawn to it every few minutes. By 7:30, the steaks were getting cold, and the salad was starting to wilt. She sent Leon a text: “Everything okay? Dinner’s ready when you are.”
