“Oh…” He understood her intentions now though he corrected her with a smile as he thought of Cherish, “Cherish actually. Though, Charity is nice too. We met her in Emily’s third trimester, and she was very taken with her.”
"Oh, well that's nice to know. It’s so nice of you to give her a handout." She stated as the elevator opened on the lobby floor. Susan stepped out and paused. She glanced back at Simon who stayed behind, "Simon? What is it? Did you want to ride together?" She asked.
Simon caught on to Susan’s questions, how she regarded Cherish at the baby shower, and the “mistake” of her name on several occasions. The look of disappointment on his face caused her own expression to drop. She already knew what he was going to say before he opened his mouth.
Even though he tried to keep civility, when she said handout, that made him not to go with her at all, “Look, Susan. I don’t know what has rubbed you the wrong way about Cherish, or if you’re just looking out for us, but I promise you that she can be trusted. She’s a wonderful person. So please, ease up on her. I’m sure if you got to know her, you’d love her.” He said. Sighing, he stayed behind and tightened his grip on the briefcase, “I’m going home. Thank you for offering, but I’m going to take a rain check on lunch.” He said.
Susan turned her body to face him and held her hand out between the elevator doors. She was taken aback by how he stood up for a female he barely knew, and not a colleague he’d worked closely with before. Still, she struck a nerve with him and that was unacceptable in her book. Her tone quickly changed sweeter while she cleared her throat, “Oh Simon, I didn’t mean the way it came out. It’s just I do worry about you with all that’s happened. So…forgive me that I’m looking at this situation with a critical eye. I am simply seeing this whole circumstance in a different light than you…” She cleared her throat and swallowed her resentment, “…and I’m sure Cherish is a lovely girl.” She replied. She wasn’t going to try and push him away. Pulling her hand away, she stood there and gave him the best smile she could muster, “I understand if you need to get home. We can plan a better time for lunch. I’ll hold you to that rain check.” She stated.
To Simon, Susan’s explanation and reasoning was just as he thought. He was glad to know that she did care and looked out for him and his family, but he was sure Cherish was someone he wanted in his life and who he could trust. He was relieved that Susan let him off the hook so easily, stayed put, and gave a friendly wave, “I’m sure you will. Well, have a great night Susan and I’ll see you the next time I’m in the office.” He replied.
Susan gave him a reserved smile which turned to bitter resentment after the doors shut, “I’m sure you will.” She stated.
Simon felt as though he was home free. He placed the gifts on the floor in front of the passenger seat and his briefcase on the cushion beside him. Driving home, an excitement that he couldn’t deny welled within him. For the first time in forever, everything was looking up for him, but somewhere, in the back of his mind, realization hit him. He was happy to be home and Emily wasn’t there.
Suddenly, he felt overwhelmed with guilt.
He was a terrible husband and he wondered if he was ever worthy to love her if he could move on with the world so soon. Although his first day of work wasn’t how it usually would be, there was a sense of calm which had returned. Everything and everyone was moving on without her, including himself, and he felt weighed down by the idea.
Pulling over, he fumbled with his glasses and tossed them on the dashboard. With both hands over his face he sobbed and apologized to the woman he loved repeatedly. Some time later, after he’d released the pressure of his grief, Simon’s tears dried, but he was numb; again. Putting the car into drive, he was on autopilot until he pulled into his driveway and parked. He gripped the steering wheel, he got out, and lugged the gifts inside with him. He purposefully bypassed the side door and took the long way around to the front to give him time to reestablish himself.
Taking a deep breath, he prepared to face his mother and Cherish. Walking through the door looking worse for wear, he set everything onto the floor and took a couple of steps inside. All he sought for was Jr. and Jasmine. He needed them.
The atmosphere inside of the home was calm and quiet. The television played a soap opera that his mother had years of investment in. She faithfully watched or recorded it at the same time every day no matter how ridiculous the storyline had deviated. The babies, having just been fed and cleaned, were side by side in their swings facing the sofa. There were takeout containers on the countertop and his mother sitting there with a plate and fork in her hand.
She glanced over towards the front door oddly and looked at her son, “Hello Simon. How was…” Seeing the state he was in, Margaret paused the television and stood. She set her plate down on an end table and rounded closer towards him. Catching sight of the gifts, she paused before cautiously speaking, “What are those?”
“My employees send their condolences. There are treats in there if you want some. I know how you love brownies.” He answered. Margaret glanced down at the desserts wrapped in plastic and tied with a bright, red
