Florence could never have been a trophy wife. And if he’d ever considered marriage then it would have been to her and she would have been so much more than arm candy. She’d have been his. And they’d have done great things. The Golden Era he’d called it, and it wasn’t an overreaction. They’d been amazing in every way that had mattered. It was why he’d gotten so angry at that stupid reporter insinuating his second was a girl for no other reason than lust. Did they really think he was that shallow? ...In truth he knew the answer was yes. Sadly.
“I only saw her do the Hungarian once.” he said amused. He’d had no idea what she was saying of course but the occasional jabbed finger in his direction had given him somewhat of an idea. “She went on for at least five minutes and all I understood was the occasional ‘Yankee’ Lovely woman your Mom” And she’d thought him nowhere near good enough for her Florence. Bet she’d have hated the Commie even more given what had probably happened to her husband. But that wasn’t something to throw in Florence’s face. Not now. Not ever if he wanted to keep her.
When he kissed her though he worried at the lack of reaction. No, there was a reaction. She froze. She actually froze nervously. She didn’t want that to happen yet. Was she trying to prove a point? Prove that she didn’t need him after all, or was this whole evening a tease? A year ago he’d have shouted at her, ranted that she couldn’t treat a guy like that. But things were different now, they had to be. He had to be. So he said nothing and sat back when the kiss was through. It’d be up to her how the evening went if that’s how she wanted it. Maybe that was how these things were supposed to go.
Besides they weren’t far from the restaurant.
“Next left” he finally said, to the driver more than to her and sat back suddenly more awkward than he wanted to be in this situation, he was usually so at ease with her. But he’d kissed her and she’d practically flinched away. Freddie didn’t show it as obviously as she did, he supposed it was cause she was a woman and they did that sorta thing. But he was nervous too. And if anyone could really see past the exterior it was the woman he was with right now.
And that was a little worrying. So many years trying to cultivate the perfect wall of arrogance and 'I don't care'. And he'd put himself out there for the one woman who'd ever torn that wall away before. The car pulled to a halt outside the restaurant and Freddie steeled himself for the night ahead before climbing out of the car and round to her side to open it for her.
Who said Americans had no social graces. Oh yeah. Her Mom once. Apparently.