William trudged home ravenous after a long shift. Finding his wife absent, he dashed into the kitchen, hoping for a hot meal. Instead of food, he found a note on the stove:
“Darling, I’m at Susan’s. Just chatting. Ring if needed.”
He peered into empty pots, then raided the fridge, piling every edible onto the table. Sated by sandwiches and tea, he flopped into bed and dozed off.
Emily returned at nine. William stirred instantly.
“Em, d’you think we could have dinner?”
“I can’t eat late,” she said sternly. “I’m watching my figure.”
“And I’m nearly starved,” he grumbled. “I’ve had a grueling day driving. Can’t I have a proper bite, Em?”
“Fine,” she sighed, huffing. “I suppose I could whip something up. Though I already had a bite at Susan’s.”
“Ah, and what did you tuck into?”
“Her cousin sent a country goose,” she said. “She shared it with me.”
“Roast goose?” William perked up.
“With apples?”
“Yes.”
“Is that why you’ve been visiting Susan so often?” he teased, licking his lips. “She’s been feeding you, while I get your乏味 pasta and sausages?”
“No,” she protested. “I go because she’s alone. Want me to ask if she’ll share it with you now?”
“Mad, are you?” William spluttered. “Go to her house at this hour to eat? It’s rude.”
“Rude? Susan’s terribly hospitable,” Emily said, already dialing. “She’ll love having you.”
“Don’t call her!” he near-yelled. “I’d rather die hungry!”
But Emily was already chatting.
“Hello, Susan, crisis at my place. William came back famished, and we got chatting… Could he pop over? Without me? It’s awkward, but… Oh, thank you! He’s been craving goose for ages. Oh, you’re a lifesaver!” She giggled. “He’ll be there soon.”
She hung up and declared, “Off you go—she’s dishing up.”
“Madness,” William muttered. “I’m not going!”
“Yes, you are.”
“Then come with me,” he snapped.
“Can’t. I’m in the shower. You’ll eat properly. Go on, Susan’s waiting. It’s that succulent goose you love.”
“Fine,” he groaned. “But only for the goose… Wait, can’t I go with you?” Susan’s alone, it’ll seem odd.”
“Just go,” she laughed.
William left. Emily lingered, showered, then settled on the sofa, flicking on the telly. Fifteen minutes passed. Then another fifteen. William hadn’t returned.
She switched off the TV, listened, then crept to the hallway. A gnawing suspicion tugged at her. But what if Susan minded her showing up? It’d look jealous. Still, anxiety won. She dialed William’s number, trembling. His muffled voice crackled through.
“Em, Susan’s got the best roast—just incredible!”
“Who’s ‘Susan’?” she hissed.
“Susan! You know—sweet, lovely Susan!” he laughed. “I’ll stay a while. She’s brilliant!”
“Oh, you’ll stay, will you?”
Emily hung up, stormed out, and after five minutes, William slunk home, sheepish.
From that night, Emily stopped visiting Susan.
