The Gift

The Gift

Peter stands on board a cruise liner in the middle of the bay, watching the full moon. He stares at it for a few minutes, then shrugs and walks back to the lighted dance hall. Inside is a thronged crowd of party goers in tuxedos and evening gowns. The air is thick with perfume and cigar smoke. Laughter greets his ears as men and women throw dice on green felted tables. Grinning, Peter adjusts his bow tie, and walks among the crowd searching for someone. And then he sees her at a craps table-- a young brunette woman in a light blue dress, her curves betraying a slight bulge in her belly. Peter taps her on the shoulder. The woman spins around.

"Oh there you are!" she gushes. "Where were you?"

"Outside." Peter said.

"But why darling? All the fun's in here." Giggling, she takes a sip of pink champagne from her glass and then sets it down on the table again.

"Oh, I know Susan. But I just needed some time to think."

"Think? At a time like this? She rolls her eyes and giggles again as she throws the dice on the table. The crowd around her cheers. Smiling, she turns back to Peter. "Sometimes I just don't understand you."

"You don't have to understand. And besides, I brought you a gift."

"Oh? A gift?" Susan looks curiously to him. "What is it dear?"

"Open it and see." Peter replies as he hands her a small black box.

Susan opens it. Inside is a sapphire ring set in 14 karat gold. Susan gasps and holds a hand over her generous bosom. "Oh, it's so beautiful! I love it." Then her lovely green eyes narrow and a flash of fear passes through them. She creeps closer to Peter and whispers in his ear.

"Won't your wife find out?" she asks breathlessly.

"Does she need to know?" Peter grins.

"No." Susan says softly. Then she smiles.

starlight

the gleam of her eyes

when she smiles