Thirty minutes after Gordy’s departure, she still had to force herself to breathe normally. It annoyed her. Hyperventilating wouldn’t solve anything. She had to remember he was as committed as she was to keeping their affair secret. She crossed busy Newbury Street. Breathing in the spring afternoon air helped. Being among people. She entered an upscale coffee shop and ordered an espresso, the normalcy of her surroundings helping her at least to begin to relax. She sat at a small table in front of the window and inhaled the pungent scent of the coffee. She took a sip, trying to identify the different flavors, as if it were a fine wine or whiskey. She swore she tasted citrus, chocolate, perhaps a touch of black pepper. She welcomed the round, velvety feel of the espresso as she savored every drop. Slowly, she felt a restored sense of calm and purpose. I’ll be fine. She trusted herself to make the drive to southern Maine without devolving into a fit of uncontrolled breathing and passing out at the wheel.
