“I’m sure whatever it is, he will snap out of it soon. He’s probably got a lot going on at work or something. Maybe just give it a little time.” I felt like a shit talking to her as though she was a five-year-old. Cynthia obviously wasn’t born yesterday.
“I know. You’re right.” She smiled. “Maybe it’s just a phase and he’ll be over it soon. I don’t know.” She sighed a little and looked out the window for a moment. “Deep down, I know he has cheated on me.”
She looked away, giving me the impression she felt guilty for accusing him of this. Either that or she felt ashamed. He’s the one who should feel ashamed, the stupid prick. And I, for one, am going to tell him that shortly. I was getting fed up with his stupid bravado anyway. He needed to be taken down a peg or two.
“Listen, I’ll have a word with him, shall I? He knows he can speak with me about anything. I’m sure whatever it is, I can iron it out with him and he’ll feel much better for it. I’ll remind him of just how much he’s missing at home.” I gave her a cheeky smile and she blushed a little.
“You’re so kind, Dean. I knew I could come to you. You’ve always been there for every one of us. Even our girls. I see the way you look at them and I know that you’ll make a great father one day. They even call you Uncle Dean.”
I smiled at that. It was probably because I bought them expensive presents every birthday and Christmas, but they were always great to be around. They were a rich family, but the girls had never been snotty about it. They were always down-to-earth and ready for anything. They were smart and outwitted their father on a few occasions. I certainly had to give them their due on that score.
“You have two of the most amazing girls there, Cynthia. You should be proud of them.”
Getting out of her seat, she came and sat down next to me. She crossed her legs and fluttered her eyelashes at me. “Do you really think that way about me?” she whispered.
“What way?” I kind of knew where this was heading, but had to make sure.
“You know,” she said, diverting her eyes. “That comment about making him realise what he’s missing at home.”
“Of course,” I smiled. “You’re a very attractive lady, Mrs. Carmichael. Anyone would be lucky to have someone like you as a wife.”
Cynthia fluttered her eyelashes at me again. “Really? You think so?” She came in a little closer and the suffocation soon set in.
Oh shit. “Um, yes. Of course.”
“It’s been so long since someone has complimented me like that, so it’s nice to hear. It makes me feel like a woman again.”
I couldn’t believe that. It was hard to comprehend how blind her husband was. “Maybe Aidan just needs a little reminding,” I suggested.
Suddenly clasping my knee, she squeezed it suggestively. “Or, maybe, I could have someone else remind me.”
Shooting up out of my seat, I paced the floor. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Carmichael. I know you and your husband are having some issues, but I don’t want to be the cause of them.”
“Don’t you want me?” she asked with a pout.
Looking over at her, I knew that I would take her in any other circumstance, but she was a married woman. I just don’t touch married women.
Or, you just can’t deal with the fact she’s not Tyler.
“Of course I want you, Mrs. Carmichael. Who wouldn’t? I just can’t do that to both of you. You’re my friends and I’m there for you in any way I can be, but please. You can’t ask this of me. If it wasn’t for Aidan, I would happily oblige, but you have to understand that I can’t do that to you as a family.”
Seeing the tears in her eyes made me feel like an even bigger dick.
She covered her mouth and turned her head. “I’m sorry,” she sobbed. “I don’t know what came over me. I’ve never cheated on Aidan before. It’s pathetic, really. The minute you pay me a compliment, I’m all over you like a hussy.”
I had to chuckle a little at that, even though this situation was far from funny. “Cynthia,” I said, sitting back down next to her and grabbing her hand. “There is no way in hell’s chance that you should feel ashamed about what happened. It’s not your fault your husband has forgotten what a wonderful woman he has. Why don’t you surprise him one night? Suggest a night away and go buy some lingerie. I can guarantee that usually always works.” I gave her a suggestive wink and she smiled. “In the meantime, I will talk to Aidan. I’ll remind him of how much family should mean to him. Don’t worry. I won’t mention our conversation, but I certainly can’t leave this knowing how upset you are.”