Andrew made a wonderful dinner.
Eric and I had seconds, Marco had thirds.
Gloria just picked at hers. I don't think she liked Drew being there.
The dinner went by without incident.
Drew came from the kitchen with a chocolate cake.
Gloria looked at it. "It looks a little small. Did it fall in the oven?"
"For heaven sakes, Gloria," said Marco, his mouth full of food. "Shut up and eat! This dinner was great." He took his wife's hand. "Almost as good as your cooking. Almost."
"I'm glad you liked it," said Drew, beaming.
The show was about to begin.
I stood up and looked at Eric. "How could you!"
Eric feigned shock. "I don't think this is a good time to talk about it."
He motioned at his parents.
"Well," I said. "I think it's a perfect time to talk about it."
"What is it, kids?" Gloria asked, anxiously. "Can we help?"
"Yeah, it can't be that bad," added Marco.
I paused, my eyes welling with tears (of joy) and announced-- full of dramatic intent-- "It's over."
And stormed out the room.
I sat at a bar table, later, sipping a glass of wine with Drew and Eric.
"A toast," said Drew, lifting his glass. "To the best actress of the year. Frances Charleton."
I stood up and took some bows.
Drew and Eric whooped it up.
I downed my wine. "I'm glad that's over. So fill me in-- I want details. What happened after I left?"
"Well," said Drew. "I thought Gloria was going to have a stroke. She sat there for a few minutes, then went and locked herself in the guest room. Marco pounded on the door, begging her to open up. You could hear her crying and Marco telling her it would be all right."
I ordered another wine. "Did she come out?"
"No," said Eric, gulping down his beer. "Dad told us to leave. It's all a big mess."
Drew grinned at me. "What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive."
Eric calmly put his glass down. "That's funny. Coming from you."
They stared each other down in silence. I heard the boxing bell ring ROUND 1 and knew it was time to get out of Dodge.
"Good night boys." I finished my wine and left them alone.
I went into the night air a free woman.
Free at last. Free at last. Thank God almighty. Fran's free at last.
