Grace places the plate of eggs in the center of the table and wipes her hands on the apron protecting her dressing gown. As she hears her husband coming down the stairs, she reaches for the coffee percolator and fills his cup.
“Good morning, sugar.” John appears in the kitchen, leans over to peck her cheek, and takes his place at the table.
“Good morning, dear.” She smiles and turns back to the range to turn down the sizzling bacon.
“This looks delicious.”
She sets the plate and a brown paper bag on the table next to him.
“Tuna salad, your favorite.”
“Well, aren’t you just the best?” His eyes narrow and she sees he’s spotted the book resting at her spot on the table.
“Well, no wonder! You’ve been doing some reading. Wasn’t that a perfect wedding gift?”
“Absolutely, dear.” She picks up the book and hugs it to her chest, displaying the title, Everything the New Wife Needs to Know. 1953 Edition. She forces a smile.
When his plate is empty, his coffee drained, and his briefcase in hand, he heads to the door and turns to her. “Dinner at 5:30?”
“Yes, dear.”
