Chapter 18
Nora stopped by the local cafe the next morning, on her way to visit her dad in the hospital. She was waiting for the barista to whip up her cappuccino, when Violet Heffernan entered the cafe. Nora’s muscles stiffened instantly and she turned with her back facing the door, because she couldn’t bear to talk to Theo’s wife in that moment.
“Hello…Lucy!” she heard Violet’s sultry yet high-pitched voice and kept her back turned. Then she felt a tap on her shoulder and had no other option but to turn around.
“Aren’t you Lucy? The girl sitting in her lingerie with my husband?” Violet said, with a broad grin on her face. She had spoken loud enough for other people in the cafe to hear and Nora felt embarrassed.
“My name is Nora,” she said to her, trying to smile despite the rage that was coursing through her veins. So, Violet had noticed her that day, and had taken note of what she was wearing! That nonchalance was an act.
“Sure, Nora…but it is you!” Violet said and placed her perfectly manicured hands on her hips. Nora noticed the luxurious golden hued makeup she was wearing. The patent leather handbag dangling from the crook of her elbow. The high heels and tight dress. She was jealous of Violet of course, but she was also angry at her.
“Wait here. I’m going to grab a coffee. We should get to know each other,” Violet said and before Nora could reply, she had turned and walked to the lady taking the coffee orders. Nora’s cappuccino arrived and keeping a firm eye on Violet, she sat down at a small table by the window.
She had no interest in getting to know Violet anymore. She had made her judgments about the woman well enough and yet she was curious now. She watched as Violet paid for her coffee and then weaved through the tables towards her and sat down with a graceful thump.
“So, Nora. How are you darling?” she asked, smoothening her dress as she crossed her endless legs under the table. Nora was in an old floral printed chiffon dress that reached her ankles. She hadn’t bothered with any makeup and was wearing simple leather sandals. She felt underdressed and unattractive as she sat in front of Violet.
“I’m well. How are you?” Nora asked, sipping her cappuccino. Violet’s black coffee arrived in a mug and was placed in front of her and Nora noticed how the woman didn’t bother thanking the waitress.
“I returned from a trip and found my husband missing from the house,” she said and leaned over the table conspiratorially. “Tell me, dear Nora, did you have something to do about his disappearance?” Violet asked, her voice dripping with forced humor. From her eyes, Nora could tell that the woman wasn’t exactly making a joke and was entirely serious.
“Not exactly. My dad suffered a stroke and Theo helped me bring him to the hospital,” Nora replied, holding Violet’s fiery gaze.
“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that dear,” Violet said, pouting her lips. “Is he alive?” she added and Nora flinched from her choice of words.
“Yes. He is in recovery,” she replied curtly and Violet sat back in her chair, stirring a wooden spoon in her coffee even though she hadn’t added any milk or sugar to it. Nora watched the motion, wondering what else she could possibly have to say to her.
“And did you both stay in the hospital?” she asked and Nora took in a deep breath.
“No, he stayed in the house to keep me company. My dad and him are best friends. Although, wouldn’t it be a good idea to speak to your husband directly?” Nora asked and Violet puckered her lips and smiled.
“It wouldn’t be this much fun though will it? I’m enjoying watching you squirm and wriggle in your chair, darling,” she replied and Nora did her very best to not roll her eyes at the woman.
“I really should get going. My dad is in the hospital,” Nora said and tried to stand up but Violet had clasped her hand on Nora’s wrist, forcing her to sit back down again. Violet’s eyes had narrowed and that sarcastic smile had disappeared from her face.
“My husband and I have an understanding. I look beautiful and he has to remain faithful,” Violet hissed, while Nora tried to wriggle her wrist out of her grip. “We’ve been married for seven years darling, and Theo has never cheated on me once. I’m not going to allow some twenty-something to come in and scoop his attention,” she said and Nora finally managed to tug her hand out of her grasp.
“You need to speak with your husband, Violet,” she said, standing up from her chair with a jerk. Violet rolled her eyes and that grin formed on her face again.
“And you should stay away from my husband,” she said in a snarly voice, loud enough for everyone in the cafe to hear. Nora looked up at the people who were looking at her from the corner of their eyes. A few of them were familiar locals and she colored deeply. Grabbing her coffee cup off the table, she clenched her jaw at Violet…debating whether to say more. Then she decided against it, turned and stormed out of the cafe.
She rushed to her dad’s parked car and got in, banging the door shut behind her. She sat, breathing hard for a few moments, trying to regain her composure. As much as she hated Violet and as embarrassed as she was, the truth was that Theo was somebody else’s husband. Bound to her by law if not by love. And she had slept with him.
Nora started the car and drove to the hospital, furious and embarrassed the whole way and now regretting her decision to remain in town a while longer. Now that some time had passed since that fateful night, she was beginning to realize that there was no hope for Theo and her and that she should be anywhere else but here.