Listen, Im feeling a bit sheepish about this, David grinned apologetically and tapped the table with his fingers, I left my wallet at home, all the cards are in there. Could you cover the bill? Im really sorry, its a hassle for you
Emma, holding back a surprised sigh, reached for her handbag. Sixty pounds for a dinner for two wasnt the most exciting expense, but it wasnt a big deal either. Shed been earning enough for a while now that a little amount like that didnt make her nervous.
Sure, no problem, she said.
The waiter brought over the card terminal, and Emma slid her card in. The screen flashed green, confirming the payment. David gave a grateful nod and helped her to her feet, steadying her by the elbow.
Outside a chilly wind was cutting right through them. Emma shivered and tugged her scarf tighter around her neck. David walked beside her in silence, as if he was mulling something over. He stopped near a streetlamp and turned to her.
Actually, theres something I need to tell you, he began, his voice taking on an odd tone. The wallets actually with me. The cards too.
Emma froze. A cold, uneasy feeling crept up her legs.
What do you mean? she asked.
It was a test, David said, pulling a sleek black leather cardholder from his jacket pocket and twirling it. I wanted to make sure you werent with me for the money. You get it? Now I know youre not materialistic and youre independent.
Emma let out a slow breath. Inside, a tight knot formed. She felt a laugh stuck somewhere between her throat and chest, but forced a smile and relaxed her face.
Glad I passed your test, she said as gently as she could.
David laughed with relief and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Emma leaned into him, tucking her face against his chest so he wouldnt see the tension in her jaw. Inside she felt like everything was being turned upside down. It was humiliating, petty. Shes an adult, and hes treating her like a schoolgirl.
The next few weeks went by in their usual rhythm. Then David popped the question. It was all proper and romantic, and Emma said yes.
Wedding plans kicked off almost immediately. Emma bought a creamcoloured lacesleeved dress from a boutique. They booked a venue for forty guests and sent out the invitations.
Davids mum, Margaret Thompson, dropped by every weekend, praising her son as if she were hawking him at a market stall.
Davids such a responsible lad, she chirped, pouring tea into delicate, almost translucent cups. He always helps out, never forgets his mum. Emma, youre lucky he chose you.
Emma nodded and smiled, though Margarets words drifted past her without really sinking in. She learned to tune out the motherinlaws endless monologues.
Two weeks before the wedding, David suggested Emma move in with him a brandnew flat on the fifteenth floor of a riverside development, complete with panoramic windows. Emma agreed, even though a tiny voice inside her balked. She started boxing up her things, and the cardboard piles grew, filling her cosy onebedroom flat.
On moving day Emma lugged the first box of decorative cushions and photo frames. David met her at the lift, helping her drag the load up.
The flat smelled of fresh paint and new furniture. Emma set the box down in the hallway, straightened up, rubbing her sore lower back.
David took her hand and led her onward.
Come on the balcony, I want to show you the view, he said.
They stepped onto a narrow balcony. The wind tossed Emmas hair, and she squinted against the bright sun. Below, the river glittered, reflecting the sky, and the city stretched out to the horizon.
Suddenly David asked, Hand me your phone. Id like to snap a picture of you with this backdrop.
Emma fished her smartphone out of the pocket of her jeans and handed it over. David glanced at the screen, then, without warning, spun around and tossed the phone over the balcony rail.
Emma froze. Time seemed to stop. She stared down at the tiny dot that vanished into the bushes by the buildings entrance. A chilling calm settled over her.
What now, love? David chuckled, crossing his arms.
Emmas gaze shifted slowly from the ground back to him. Inside there was no panic, just a cold, detached calm.
You need to go down and fetch me a SIM card, she said evenly, almost dispassionately.
David burst out laughing, pulled the phone back from his pocket, and waved it in front of her face like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat.
Surprise, he said, enjoying the moment. Looks like you dont mind. Here you go. I just wanted to see your reaction my old phone decided to take flight.
Emma took her phone, noted a scratch on the screen protector, and ran a finger across it. A wave of irritation rose, dark and heavy, filling her thoughts. She lifted her eyes to David.
Im not a piece of equipment for you to test, she whispered.
Davids laughter died. His face stretched, eyebrows shot up.
Come on, it was just a joke. Dont be upset. I love you, he pleaded.
Emma slipped a gold ring with a tiny diamond from her finger and handed it to him.
What are you doing? David recoiled as if shed offered him a snake.
Returning it, Emma said, placing the ring in his palm. Your little tests chip away at my selfrespect. Im not going to marry someone who behaves like a petty child.
Emma, seriously? Over a joke? he asked, his voice tinged with hurt.
She turned and walked back into the flat. The boxes were still stacked untouched in the hallway. She felt a small relief that she hadnt started unpacking yet. Grabbing her car keys, her bag, and the lone box, she headed for the door.
Emma! Wait! David chased after her down the corridor. Lets talk about this!
Theres nothing to talk about, she tossed over her shoulder. But I can explain it in your own language. David, you didnt pass the test.
She shoved the box into the boot, slipped into the drivers seat, and turned the ignition. David stood at the staircase, watching her disappear. She drove away, heading home.
At home the familiar aromas of coffee, old books, and lavender air freshener greeted her. She slipped off her shoes, floated to the kitchen, and put the kettle on. Her phone buzzed a call from David. She let it ring, then a text arrived: Sorry, I was wrong. Lets meet and talk.
She deleted the message, then another, and another, finally blocking the number and silencing the phone.
In the days that followed David kept calling from unknown numbers, messaging on social media, asking mutual friends to tell her he was sorry and would change.
Emma ignored everything. She didnt care about the money spent on the wedding, the booked restaurant, or the invitations already sent. What mattered was not having to bow to someone who thought he could test her worth.
The cream dress hung in the wardrobe, wrapped in its protective cover. Emma pulled it out, smoothed the lace sleeves. Her niece, Katie, had recently asked for help picking a prom outfit. This dress would be perfect for her. It would look better on Katie than on a bride who never got to walk down an aisle.
Emma settled on the sofa, hugged her knees, and stared out the window. The sky darkened, lit by the last rays of sunset. The city below buzzed, alive and indifferent to personal dramas. Somewhere, David was probably in his new flat, baffled why shed cut things off so abruptly, not understanding that such tests are humiliating, that love and trust arent experiments.
The phone buzzed again from an unknown number. Emma didnt answer. She turned on some music, curled under a blanket, and closed her eyes. Inside there was a quiet calm a lightness after the weight of a longcarried backpack finally set down.
Two days later Katie burst into the flat, squealing with excitement at seeing the dress.
Aunt Emma, is this really for me? she pressed the lace fabric to her chest, twirling in front of the mirror.
Its yours, Emma smiled, watching the delight light up her nieces face.
You wont need it any more?
No. Ive got other plans.
Katie wrapped Emma in a hug, smelling of floral shampoo and teenage exuberance. Emma returned the embrace, running a hand along Katies back. It felt good the dress hadnt gone to waste, that shed stopped in time, that there was no lingering regret only a gentle sadness for the time and hopes that had slipped away.
But that chapters over. Shes free now, and that matters more than any test anyone could ever devise.
