She dressed in her smoke-black dress suit and twisted her hair up into a loose knot. A little make-up and she was ready. Seven o’clock on a Saturday night. Without really even thinking the words, she thanked God that her schedule was so free that she hadn’t even had to worry about changing plans. She checked her watch as she grabbed her purse and headed out to the car. There was plenty of time, but she didn’t want him to think she had forgotten. The dark suit. The white shirt. The black tie. They were all so formal, all so somber. Ben checked his reflection once more in the full length mirror on his closet. He looked about as good as he was going to. The air escaped from his lungs in a long, protracted whoosh. If he could just keep his nerves from overtaking him, he’d be all right. Grabbing his wallet and keys, he headed out to the car, trying not to remember how much he was hoping she would actually show up. He knew that wasn’t what he was supposed to be thinking about at this juncture, but it was better than the alternatives.
