Cold Feet novel Chapter 30

RICK

I think of my parents a lot these days. They were both unfaithful to one another. I don’t know who was unfaithful first but it doesn’t really matter. They divorced and I spent my weekends with one or the other until I graduated and left for university. I watched them with different partners and came to believe that the institution of marriage is nothing but a lie. Why tie yourself to one person legally? I didn’t know what caused more damage, their infidelity or fighting in the divorce. Never mind the fact that they both tried to use me as a bargaining chip in the process.

After my experience I realized how many of my friends were in the same situation. It was then that I decided to become a divorce lawyer.

They say if you become a doctor or a teacher, you’ll always have work. People will always get sick and there will always be education right? Well you can add being a divorce lawyer to that as well. People will always get married and divorced. As a divorce lawyer, I will always have work.

I’ve always had relationships on the basis that my parents had after the divorce. Never stick around. Hit and run.

But my perceptions are beginning to change, I think.

After I run into Viola I’m wracked with guilt. I can’t stop thinking about her and it makes my guilt worse. I lie awake at nights looking at Christine. Her long beautiful hair spreads out on the pillow around her face and she looks so peaceful. I know how hard she works and the things she does for us. I’d be a fool to let her go.

I try to make an effort to push Viola out of my thoughts and decide it’s time for me to commit.

The next day I visit a jeweller and pick out a ring. It’s expensive but she deserves it. It’s classy. The diamond is not too big.

I book dinner for us at the Inn of the Seventh Ray. It’s considered as the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles and I think it’s perfect.

I tell Christine that I have booked dinner for us but she says she can’t make it so I reschedule for the next evening at seven. I tell her to wear something nice but not too formal. When I pick her up, she’s ready and waiting for me. She’s full of questions about what the occasion is and where we are going. I know she’ll know the restaurant immediately considering she’s a wedding planner so I don’t tell her.

As we pull in to the restaurant, Christine looks at me in surprise.

“I’m impressed, Rick. You found the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles.”

“Is it?” I ask feigning ignorance. “A friend suggested it. They said it’s a good place for a great meal as a couple.”

“Well, your friends have excellent taste,” Christine says falling for my explanation.”

“I’ll tell them you said so,” I smile. I get out and open the door for her. She steps out of the car. She’s looking more beautiful than ever tonight, I think. She wears white strap sandals with heels and a body hugging spaghetti strap dress. Her hair is braided and pinned up on her head revealing her soft neck. All I want to do is kiss it. I take her hand and lead her inside. We are shown to our table which is outside under the stars. It’s a perfect evening and we can see some stars despite the glow of the city below us. Our table is beside a stream and it trickles and giggles over rocks beside us adding to the calm and peace of our dinner.

We enjoy our dinner and when we finish the main course, I excuse myself and go to the men’s room. When I return I sneak up on her from behind and then softly place my hands on her shoulders. She jumps and then relaxes.

“I’ve got a surprise for you,” I whisper in her ear.

“What is it?” she asks.

“A necklace. I just couldn’t resist getting it for you. Shall I put it on?”

“Yes,” she smiles.