Chapter 26

Sandra smiled as she checked herself up in the mirror and blew her reflection a kiss. Oh my, she looked so beautiful. She glanced at the incoming call on her phone and smiled again, nodding to herself. Bruce was also proceeding with plans at his end. 

She knew he was smart but she had no idea she would enjoy the conversation with him as much as she did and she blushed as she realized that she had had what was close to an enjoyable date with a man in months because her friend left her husband's house and they were trying to get them back.

"Bad Sandra." She chuckled at herself. 

Others assumed she was proud and picky with men but she knew she had a standard for the kind of man she would like to have in her life. She felt it amusing that Bruce was the one to get her heart to sing in a long time.

She giggled, winking at her reflection as she danced on her toes. He was smart, handsome, bold, humorous, and had a kind heart. She shook her head at where her thoughts were heading to and grunted, clearing her throat. The day was not about her, it was about Veronica and Adam.

Veronica grinned at the expression on Sandra's face. "What is that smile on your lips?"

Sandra snorted, pretending it was nothing. She knew what Veronica would say if she told her about Bruce. She would say she was getting infatuated with him because it had been long she had a man in her life. No, she shook her head. It was better she didn't tell her.

"Are you almost done?" She replied instead.

Veronica smirked.  "You said you just want to take me out for lunch so I can get a breeze of outside air and also get to exercise for me and the baby's health. Why do I get a feeling that this outing is much more than you are telling me? Something tells me men are involved."

Sandra paled. Had Veronica heard her talking with Bruce and promising that she would bring Veronica while he worked on getting Adam out?

Veronica giggled. "Look at you all pale. I was only kidding. I haven't forgotten that you have sworn yourself to celibacy. I was just teasing you because you are taking extra care to look good despite saying that it is just a friendly lunch date for me and you."

Sandra scoffed. "I always take extra care to look good everyday." And yeah, it is a friendly lunch date for me and you but that didn't mean we would be eating together.

Veronica smiled. "I know but not this much."

Sandra smiled and cleared her throat. "Are you ready?"

"Minutes ago. I've been waiting for you all along." Veronica chuckled.

Sandra blushed and picked her bag. "Let's go then."

Adam frowned as he walked towards the car. "I don't want to go anywhere."

Bruce chuckled. "But you will because you know I can pick you up now and throw you into the car, leaving you no choice. This is your chance to save your dignity and walk into the car yourself."

Adam chuckled. "I don't need a gust of fresh breeze. I am perfectly fine staying indoors."

Bruce hissed. "But I am not. I am sick of watching you  work yourself to the bones every day and gulp on alcohol every night as if you want to run yourself into an early grave."

Adam sulked. "I am not going to die. I know Veronica is coming back home. She is just not thinking right with grief."

Bruce nodded. "I believe you but spare me your sob story while you wait for her. I'm tired of listening to it every night when I would rather have quiet."

Adam scoffed. "I left your house to give you peace but you chose to come here with me. I am perfectly fine telling my stories to the walls, they won't complain of being bored."

Bruce shook his head. There was no getting through to Adam. He snorted. "As if I can leave you alone. Let's go out to unwind. Who knows? We might run into Veronica."

Adam grinned. "That sounds like a good idea. Let's go."

Veronica stopped in her tracks and turned to Sandra with a wild look in her eyes. "Did you know Adam was going to be here? Did you bring me here to see him?"

Sandra shrugged, giving her an innocent look. "Did I? Well, even if I did, is it a bad idea to walk up to them and say hi? He is your husband and you can't ignore him in public." She said, smiling at where Adam and Bruce were seated.

Veronica shook her head. She should have known Sandra couldn't be trusted with the unexpected offer to treat her to lunch outside. She made ton turn back before Adam saw her and stilled as she heard her name. No, such luck, she winced, biting her lips.

"Veronica," Adam breathed her name as he saw her. 

She was moved. The pain in his voice lunged at her heart and her eyes misted with tears. "Adam." She called back as she walked up to him, her lips shivering.

Sandra and Bruce winked at each other and smiled as Adam stood up and stretched wide his arms for an embrace as Veronica walked up to him. Bruce grinned and knew Adam didn't even realize him when he left his side.

He smiled in delight, hiding his surprise as Sandra hugged him the moment he got to her side. She cleared her throat, moving farther from him the moment she realized what she had done and his smile got wider.

"I am sorry." She said to him. "I got lost in the excitement." She motioned to Adam and Veronica.

Bruce nodded, smiling at where Adam and Veronica were seated, talking and smiling, their hands clutched to each other's. He shook his head. Those stubborn mules. Who knew they loved and missed each other that much? They could have made amends by themselves but stubbornness and ego wouldn't let them.

He smiled at Sandra beside him, staring at the couple as they talked, like it was their first date after being estranged in years and was glad they had been able to help them. He had had no doubt that she would help as he had always known her to be loyal and as someone with a good heart. 

He turned to Sandra. "Shall we go somewhere else? It seems like the couple has forgotten that we exist. We can't stay here looking at them. Let's go have fun."

Sandra nodded, beaming at him, glad he had said that.