“I see.”
Alexis could see that Janice was dying to rush off and tell all her friends the things she’d learned about her. Maybe she should pretend to be mute. Laryngitis could spring right before each of these parties! Then she’d be sure never to embarrass Dirk. “I think it will be the perfect solution for us.”
“Would you like me to introduce you to some of the other wives?” Janice asked.
“Certainly.” As Alexis was drawn further away from Dirk, she hoped she was as circumspect as he wanted her to be. She had a feeling she was never going to fit in with these women. They weren’t going to make her happy.
By the time they sat down for their meal, Alexis had met four of the other women. She didn’t like any of them. They were all as old-fashioned in their beliefs as Janice, and they looked like carbon copies of one another.
The next time she came to one of these—after she’d made a good first impression—she was going to wear whatever she wanted to wear and just let them gossip about her. They were a bunch of busybodies, and she did not need women like that in her life.
She and Dirk were seated together, and he squeezed her hand under the table. She wasn’t quite sure if he was trying to subdue her or if he was giving her support. Either way, she felt more connected to him.
During the meal, the women were mostly silent as the men talked about work. The department head—Dr. Johnson—was there, and the other men definitely agreed with everything he said.
As Alexis observed Dirk in his “natural habitat,” she understood a great many more things about him than she had before. She understood why he was so obsessed with what she wore, for starters. She would have felt ridiculous wearing any of the clothes she normally wore. No, he’d been right to pick out her clothes for her, though she felt hideously frumpy in them.
Also, it made sense why he was so obsessed with his reputation. Just as she made that conclusion, she realized every eye at the table was on her. “I’m sorry. Did I miss something?” she asked. She’d spaced out the conversation just as quickly as her brain would allow.
Dr. Johnson smiled at her. “I was just asking how you and Dr. Blanton met. He’s not known for dating a lot of women.”
Alexis smiled, feeling his hand squeeze hers under the table again. “We both enjoy hiking a great deal,” she said softly. She knew he would be mortified if she explained they’d met at the altar as part of a match made by a crazy purple-haired woman. “We saw each other on trails multiple times, and finally started talking.”
His hand relaxed in hers. “Yes, that’s true. She was so beautiful that it was hard for me to strike up a conversation, but I finally managed it, and we started seeing each other.”
“That’s a nice story,” Mrs. Johnson said. Obviously, it was all right for women to talk as long as they were talking about non-marketing things.
“We also love doing jigsaw puzzles together. It brings us closer. We can talk or work together in silence.”
“How nice.” Janice smiled at her. Alexis could see on her face that she’d already been talking about them. Lovely.
“I think so,” Alexis said sweetly. “I never dreamed I’d marry someone like Dirk, but the differences just melt away every time he touches me.”
Dirk squeezed her hand at that point, letting her know she’d said too much. “There’s always something comforting in the touch of the one you love,” he said.
Alexis smiled at him adoringly, thinking about the conversation she was going to have with him later. These women…they weren’t like her, and that was good in her opinion. Being compared to them would break her heart.
“Well, I’m happy to see that Dr. Blanton is happy now. You seem like the perfect addition to the wives of the department,” Dr. Johnson said with a smile.
Janice frowned. “I’m not so sure about that,” she said softly. “Mrs. Blanton not only works, but she doesn’t plan to stop once children come. She said that she and Dr. Blanton have made a compromise, and she will hire a nanny to watch the children in her office.”
Alexis bit her tongue, trying her best not to be rude back to the harridan. “I don’t have a doctorate, but I do have a master’s degree, and with the time I spent in higher education, I’d like to have something to show for it.” Her eyes landed on Janice, her smile cold and calculated. “Did you not have a nanny or anyone to help with your children?”
“Well, of course, I did, but it wasn’t so I could work outside the home. I was planning parties and doing charitable work. There’s a big difference.”
Alexis nodded. “There is a big difference. I’m doing something real with my life, and you’re putting on airs to show everyone how much better you are than them.”
Janice gasped in shock. “Well, I never!”
“Maybe you should. It might help you get that huge stick out of your butt.” Alexis took a sip out of her water glass, completely ignoring the wine that was beside her plate. “And maybe if you bothered to get to know Dr. Blanton a little bit, you’d realize he’s a vegetarian, and he hasn’t eaten a bite of the food given to him. Even the salad has been covered with bacon and ham, which makes it inedible in his opinion. You’d think that his friends would care to learn little details like that about him.” Alexis didn’t dare look at Dirk after her little speech. She was sure he’d be furious with her.
There was an unpleasant silence around the table for a moment, before Dr. Kippa stood up. “Let me get you a fresh salad without meat on it, Dr. Blanton.” He took the other man’s plate and left the room, and Mrs. Kippa simply glared at Alexis.
Dr. Johnson frowned at Dirk. “Why did you never tell us you were vegetarian?”
“I did. Every dinner party for the first two years I was in the department, but then I gave up on saying anything, because there was never anything I could eat. I watched all of you eat and pretended.” Dirk wasn’t sure if he was grateful to Alexis for her little tirade or upset with her. Either way, it didn’t change anything. He would have to go forward.
“I’m very sorry that we didn’t make you feel more welcome than that.” Dr. Johnson shook his head. “You do a lot to get along with others, and you shouldn’t have to sit through long, dreadfully boring dinners with nothing you can eat.”
Dr. Kippa returned to the room, placing a fresh salad in front of Dirk. “I have a veggie tray in the refrigerator and some frozen veggies we could steam for you if you’d like.”
“I appreciate the offer. I’m just happy to have something I can eat for a change.” Dirk picked up his fork and took a bite. He didn’t like to be the center of attention, but it wasn’t Alexis’s fault.
The conversation slowly started again, but Dirk was more included than he’d ever been. He’d always felt like an outsider within his own department, partially because he was a bachelor among married men, but also because he was a vegetarian, and no one seemed to care at all.
When it was time to leave, Dr. Kippa walked them to the door. “I am sorry I never realized that we were starving you at these things. I asked my wife to call everyone with dietary preferences, but I don’t think she ever did.” He turned to Alexis. “And I’m very sorry about the way my wife spoke to you.”
Alexis shrugged. “I’m different than she is. A lot of women are intimidated by anyone who is even a little different. And I’m a lot different.”
“I see that. You seem like a remarkable woman, Mrs. Blanton. I hope you’ll come back.”
“Maybe the next meal should be at our house,” Alexis said softly. She’d rather host something ridiculous like this than have to attend. At least if she hosted, she would be able to make sure everyone was able to eat.
“I think we’d all like that. I look forward to your invitation.”
As they walked to the car, Alexis waited for Dirk to scold her. She had words saved up to tell him what a pompous ass he was, but she’d wait until he said something rude.
Dirk pulled out of the driveway and around the corner before moving the car to t
he side of the road and putting it in park. “Thank you.”
Alexis stared at him in shock. “Why are you thanking me? I didn’t humiliate you?”
He shrugged. “You certainly made me the center of attention, which I don’t particularly like, but you made everyone realize how they were dismissing me. They won’t do that again.”
“No, they won’t.” She grinned. “I’m glad you’re not angry with me.”
“You thought I would be?”
“I really wasn’t sure. I figured you would. I mean, you made me wear this hideously frumpy outfit so I’d fit in with the other wives—”
“I thought you’d prefer to fit in!”
“You did?”
Dirk nodded. “Why else would I care what you wear? I think you look beautiful in anything. But especially in nothing.”
Alexis grinned, leaning over to kiss him softly. “Why don’t we go out for a real meal? I’m still hungry, because I was only able to pick at my food realizing that hideous woman was watching my every move.”
“Janice?”
Alexis nodded. “She acted like I was beneath her because I work. I think that’s absolutely ridiculous. I work hard because I choose to work. Not because I am forced to.”
“I know that.” He cupped the side of her cheek. “I’m really proud of you for standing up to her. I know it couldn’t have been easy for you.”
She shook her head. “It was easier than you’d think. The hard part was keeping my mouth shut for as long as I did. I am the first one to tell my clients that if they don’t speak up for what they want or need, it’s their own fault when they don’t get it.”
He smiled. “I’m certainly glad you’re on my side and not against me.”
“Pizza?” she asked.
“Yes, but let’s go to a different place. I think we’ve scarred poor Jessica enough. She still comes to class, but she always looks like she wants to hide under the table.”
“Maybe there’s another waitress we could find who knows us both. We could torment her too.”
“I like the way you think, Alexis. I really do.”
As they drove, she realized she might have assumed things about him that were wrong. He had certainly not reacted to her outburst at dinner the way she’d expected. Maybe he wasn’t as uptight as she thought he was after all.
She wanted to shout with joy. She didn’t know if he’d changed or if she was simply bringing out a new side of him. Either way, this Dirk was so much more likable than the one she’d first married. Dr. Lachele did know her stuff. Dirk was perfect for her, even if she wasn’t perfect for him. She’d have to call her and let her know.
He kissed her again before going into the restaurant, and her hand was held tightly in his. They were married, and neither of them cared who thought anything about it.
Ten
When they got home that evening, she changed into pajamas and joined him in the living room where he was sitting with his laptop, typing something. She had her Kindle with her, and happily sat beside him reading while he typed away.
When he was finally finished, his eyes met hers. “I’m sorry I made you go to that party tonight. I knew you’d hate it, but I wasn’t sure how to get around it.”
She shrugged. “I did hate it, but it’s one of those things you do for someone you love.”
His eyes widened for a moment, but then he nodded. “You meant to say for the man you’re married to, correct?”
“Not at all. I meant the man I love. The day we married, I was certain Dr. Lachele had lost her mind, but the kisses…well, after kissing you I knew that she was right. We belong together.”
“Are you really trying to tell me you love me?” he asked, astounded. He’d never seen himself as a lovable person. Even his parents had only really loved him because they were supposed to.
“I’m not trying. I’m doing it. I love you with everything inside me, Dirk. I want to strangle you in your sleep about half the time, but I don’t do it out of love. It’s not even fear of prison anymore!”
His lips curled up at that. “I’m having a little trouble believing you could love a man like me, but I’ll go with it.” He took her hands in his. “I love you too, Alexis. I was sure I’d made the biggest mistake of my life for the first week we were married, but I really enjoyed having made it. Now, I know that we really are meant to be together.”
“Yes, we are.” She took his laptop from him and replaced it with herself. “I hated that party tonight. You were right about that. But I’m glad I said what I did. Our marriage is no one’s business but ours. Whether or not I stay home with our children is no one’s business but ours. Janice told me we were going to be close, but I don’t see that ever happening. When I want to strangle her, there’s no love inside me telling me not to do it.”
He threw back his head and laughed. It was the first real, belly laugh she’d heard from him. “I don’t know why you make me so happy, but you really do. You help me see the world in a different way. You help me feel things I never knew I could feel.”
She wiggled her brows at him. “I didn’t think I’d ever feel those things either. They are nice, though.”
He laughed. “I mean emotionally, not physically. Though, you make me feel some pretty wonderful stuff physically as well.” He pulled her to him, kissing her softly. “I’m keeping you by the way. And not just for the year I said I’d keep you for in that silly contract Dr. Lachele had us sign. I’m keeping you forever.”
“Good, because you couldn’t get rid of me if you tried.” She shook her head. “If someone had told me on our wedding day that less than a month later I’d be sitting on your lap feeling so many emotions…good emotions…toward you, I think I’d have called them a liar. But look at me now.”
“I like looking at you…” He winked. “Maybe you should take off your top and I can look a little closer.
She giggled, but jumped off his lap when there was a knock on the door. “Are you expecting someone?”
He shook his head. “No, and I wish I could say they’d go away, but both cars are in the driveway. They know we’re here.”
She sighed. “Go see who it is.” She didn’t feel comfortable sitting there with no bra on with someone else coming in, so she grabbed a blanket off the back of the couch and covered herself with it.
“Mrs. Kippa. We weren’t expecting you tonight.” Dirk wanted to tell her to go away, but he knew better. She was there to apologize, or at least she’d better be there to apologize. The woman was a menace.
“I’d like to speak with Alexis, please.”
“Yes, of course.” Dirk led her into the living room where Alexis was sitting waiting for him to come back.
Janice looked at Alexis. “I’m here to apologize for acting as if you were beneath me simply because you want to use your degree. It was wrong.” She looked at Dirk. “And I want to apologize to you for never listening when you said you needed a vegetarian dish at our dinner parties. I really should have.”
The words sounded forced to Alexis, as if they’d been written out for her and she’d been forced to memorize them. “I forgive you,” Alexis said quietly. She knew it was the only acceptable response. Shoving a pillow down someone’s throat after they apologized just wasn’t socially acceptable.
“I forgive you as well,” Dirk said. He just wanted the woman gone so he could drag his wife off to the bedroom, and they could do his favorite newlywed thing.
“If you want or need help throwing that party you mentioned, let me know. I’ve planned a variety of parties over the years, and I’m happy to do anything I can to make the whole process easier for you.” Janice smiled at Alexis, and though the smile looked a bit creepy and forced, Alexis nodded.
“Thank you for the offer, I may need to take you up on it. I’ve never planned an academic dinner party before.” And when Alexis did plan one, it wouldn’t be nearly as boring as Janice’s had been. She already had some ideas for games to play before and after dinner. The men
could talk boring during dinner, but as far as she was concerned, that was enough shop talk.
Janice smiled. “I will look forward to hearing from you then.”
After she was gone, Alexis rolled her eyes at Dirk. “How long do you think it took her to memorize the apologies Dr. Kippa wrote out for her?”
“Well, she’s not terribly bright, so I’d say at least an hour…” Dirk grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the bedroom. “I’m done talking to and about that woman. She’s not going to ruin the evening for me. My wife told me she loves me, and it’s going to be the best night of my life.”
Alexis laughed. “Well, my husband told me he loved me, so I think we should sit and watch romantic movies and light candles so it feels like a special night.”
“Maybe later,” he said with a grin.
When they got into the bedroom, he pushed her into a sitting position on the bed. “One thing I feel like we missed out on by marrying at the altar was a special proposal. Do you ever worry that you can’t tell our kids and grandkids about how romantic it was when I got down on one knee and asked you to marry me?”
She shook her head. “Not worried about that at all. I’m more worried about making it through until those kiddos are born.”
“And what you’ll eat while you’re pregnant.” He sighed. “My kids are going to be carnivores.”
“It’ll be all right.”
He slowly stripped. “I’m sure it will.”
When Alexis woke the following morning, she was alone in bed, which surprised her. She and Dirk had been quite active during the night, and she’d been sure he’d sleep late too.
She noticed a note on his pillow and read it, marveling at the bad penmanship of her mostly perfect husband. “My love—Went to the store really quick. I’ll be back by eleven. Let’s go for a hike today. Will you pack us a picnic lunch? Dirk the Daring”
She giggled softly. He’d signed his note “Dirk the Daring?” What had gotten into that man?
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