“Okay,” London said, reaching for them. While London made her way toward the steps, I noted in Vivian a hint of mischievousness, her good mood evident.

“Two cupcakes, huh?”

“What can I say?” I shrugged. “They were tasty.”

She began reaching for more bags, handing four to me. “It sounds like the two of you had a good time today.”

“It was fun,” I agreed.

“How are your parents?”

“They’re all right. Mom’s worried about Dad having the cancer again. She said he had trouble catching his breath the other day.”

“That doesn’t sound good.”

“There’s more to the story, but I’m pretty sure it’s nothing to worry about. He seemed fine to me. Mom’s right, though. He does need to get a checkup.”

“Let me know when you round up the team of wild horses you’ll need to drag him in there. I want to get a photo.” She winked before glancing at the front door, her way of flirting. “Would you mind bringing in the rest of it?” she asked. “I want to visit with London.”

“Of course,” I said.

She kissed me again and I felt the flicker of her tongue against my lips. Definitely flirting. “There are some more bags in the backseat, too.”

“No worries.”

I began reaching for the bags of groceries as she walked away. Absently glancing toward the backseat, I expected to see more of the same.

But it wasn’t groceries. Instead, the backseat was stacked with bags from various high-end department stores and I felt my stomach lurch. No wonder my wife was in such a good mood.

Trying my best to ignore the sensation in my gut, it took me three trips to unload the SUV. I set the department store bags on the dining room table and I was just about finished putting away the groceries when Vivian wandered into the kitchen. Opening the cupboard, she pulled out a couple of glasses and retrieved a bottle from the wine refrigerator below the cabinet.

“I assume you need a glass even more than I do,” she said while pouring. “London told me you played Barbies with her.”

“She played. I was in charge of wardrobes.”

“I feel your pain. I was there yesterday.” She handed me a glass and took a sip from her own. “How are Marge and Liz?”

Though the shift in tone was subtle, I nonetheless detected a lack of interest in her question. Vivian’s feelings for Marge mirrored Marge’s for Vivian, which was one of the reasons why Vivian tended to get along better with Liz. That being said, although Vivian and Liz were civil and polite to one another, they weren’t exactly close either.

“They’re fine. London really enjoys spending time with them.”

“I know she does.”

I nodded toward the dining room table. “I see you went shopping.”

“London needed some summer dresses.”

My daughter, like my wife, would leave the house dressed as though she’d strolled out of a catalog. “I thought you already bought her summer clothes.”

She sighed. “Please don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Fuss at me about shopping again. I’m so tired of hearing it.”

“I haven’t fussed at you.”

“Are you kidding?” she asked, a hint of frustration surfacing. “That’s all you ever do, even when I take advantage of a sale. And besides, I also had to buy a couple of new suits for my interviews this week.”

For a second I wasn’t sure I’d heard her right. “You have interviews this week?”

“Why do you think I’ve been running around like crazy all day?” She shook her head, seemingly amazed I hadn’t figured it out. “And that reminds me – you’ll be able to watch London, right? On Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning? For maybe three hours each day or so? I’m supposed to interview with a slew of different executives at the company.”

“Um… yeah, I guess,” I said, still trying to wrap my head around the word “interviews.” “When did this happen?”

“I found out today.”

“On a Sunday? On a holiday weekend?”

“Believe me, I was as surprised as you are. They weren’t even in the office on Friday. I was on my way to my hair appointment when they let me know.”

“Why didn’t you call me?”

“Because after that, I was rushing from here to there and I could barely believe it myself. Isn’t it incredible? I think we should celebrate tonight, but first how about I show you what I bought?”

Without waiting for an answer, she led the way to the dining room and pulled out both suits – one gray and one black – draping them over the chairs. “What do you think?”

“They’re very stylish,” I said. I tried to avoid the sight of the price tags but I couldn’t help it. My stomach did another flip-flop, then flopped again. Dollar signs danced in my head.

“The fabric is fabulous and I love the cut,” she said. “And I got these, as well, to go with them.” Reaching for another bag, she pulled out four blouses, setting them first against one suit, then the other. “The blouses match both suits – I was trying to save as much money as I could.”

I wasn’t sure what to say to that. Instead: “I’m still a little confused as to how the interviews came about. Last I heard, you were just putting out feelers.”