The Affair

Dinner Date

Marlena pulled up to the valet station. She took her ticket and walked into the restaurant. Roman was waiting at the bar. He leaned over and kissed her.

”Hi, Doc. It’s only a few more minutes and our table will be ready. Can I get you something to drink?”

“I’ll have a glass of chardonnay.”

“Bartender a glass of chardonnay for the lady and I’ll have another beer. He turned to Marlena and said, “You know Doc I’m really glad we have this time together. Lately our schedules have not been conducive.”

She knew he meant their love making. It had only been once in the last two weeks. She hated he felt guilty about that. She only felt relief.

“It’s ok Roman. I know how busy you’ve been with this case.”

“Well Doc it’s almost over and I promise you my attention will be focused on you.”

Before she could say anything they heard their names being called. “Boaty, party of two.”

Roman and Marlena walked over to the maitre d’ and were escorted to their table. Roman sat facing the entrance and Marlena sat across from him. It was his cop training. He always sat facing the door. Once while they were dating she asked him why he always preferred that seat. He told her it was easier to see trouble coming your way and prepare yourself for it rather than being surprised by it.

As they were looking over their menus, Roman looked up and said, “Well I guess we aren’t the only ones out for a night on the town.”

“What do you mean?”

“John just walked in. I don’t want to be rude, but do you mind if we don’t ask him to join us? I want tonight to be about us.”

At the mention of John’s name her heart began to pound in her chest. Trying to sound calm she said, “No that’s fine.”

“Too late, he’s seen us and he’s walking over.”

Marlena didn’t think her heart could beat any faster or louder.

John walked over and shook Roman’s hand. “Hello Roman, Marlena” He knew Marlena was having a difficult time with both him and Roman together. He wouldn’t stay long.

“Hi John. I’d ask you to join us but tonight is the first time in a long time that Doc and I have had a chance to get out together.”

Even though it was painful to hear, John didn’t show any reaction. “That’s ok. Actually I’m waiting for someone.”

“Well in that case, join us for a quick drink while you’re waiting.”

He didn’t want to stay but he didn’t know how he could refuse. He pulled out a chair and sat down next to Marlena. Marlena hadn’t said a word. Not wanting Roman to sense the tension between them he turned to Marlena and said, “How’ve you been Doc? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

Picking up on his cue she answered, “I’m fine. I think the last time I saw you, we were at the Titan Board Meeting.” She regretted the words the minute they were out of her mouth. Instantly flashes of her and John raced through her mind. It was such a vivid memory that she shivered. John knew what she was thinking or more accurately reliving. He was doing the same thing.

Roman saw her shiver. “Doc are you cold?”

“No I’m fine. Just a slight chill.” Actually she was the complete opposite of being cold. She was on fire.

John knew better.

With the tablecloth covering their laps, John reached over and squeezed her leg. She looked at him immediately. She looked in his eyes. He was trying to let her know everything was fine. He would not cause any problems for her. She began to calm down.

He moved his hand the minute he saw her regaining her composure.

The waiter came over and took John’s drink order. John and Roman made small talk about the police force. John purposely steered the conversation towards police work so Marlena wouldn’t really have to participate. She could just sit back and relax. She knew what he was doing and she was grateful.

Once the waiter brought John’s drink Roman proposed a toast. “To love and happiness. May we all have plenty of both in our lives.” They all raised their glasses.

Just then John noticed someone had entered the restaurant. “If you’ll excuse me, my party has arrived.” Marlena turned around in her chair and saw a tall beautiful brunette approaching their table. This was John’s date. Before he could leave the table, his date walked over and stood next to him.

“Roman, Marlena this is Rebecca Morrison. Rebecca this is Roman and Marlena Boaty.”

Roman stood up. “Counselor.”

John looked at Roman. “You two know each other.”

Rebecca answered, “Our paths have crossed on different occasions. We’re both into putting the bad guys away.”

“I should have made the connection. Roman is Salem PD and you work for the District Attorney. Small world.”

Marlena had yet to say a word. She was speechless. She was feeling emotions she hadn’t expected to feel. Jealously. She was jealous of this woman standing next to John. She knew she had no right to feel jealous and she should be happy for him, but she wasn’t happy. She was jealous.

Clearing her throat Marlena put her hand out and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Rebecca shook her hand and said, “Likewise.”

Feeling a little awkward John put his arm around Rebecca and steered her back to the maitre d’. “Let’s go check on our table.”

Roman sat back down and looked at Marlena. “That was a surprise. Did you know he was seeing someone?”

Marlena shook her head. “I had no idea.”

“I hope it works out. John needs someone in his life. It’s about time he started dating again. Isabella has been gone for a while. He needs a mother for Boaty.”

“Roman, we don’t even know if this is serious. This could be their first date.” Marlena hoped she didn’t sound like a jealous lover. Roman didn’t seem to notice anything strange about her tone of voice. She didn’t want to believe that John was serious about anyone. She knew it was selfish but she couldn’t help it.

“From the way she is looking at him I’m guessing she wants it to be serious.” He nodded over in their direction. They were standing by the bar. She was laughing at something he said and she leaned in and put her hand on his arm. It was an intimate gesture.

Marlena turned in her seat and saw her lean into John. She didn’t think she could take anymore. “Roman, would you excuse me for a moment? I’ll be right back.” She stood up and went to the ladies room.

Even though John was listening to every word Rebecca said, he was also paying attention to Marlena. He knew she was upset. He saw her leave and head toward the ladies room.

Marlena entered the restroom and leaned on the counter. Except for her, the room was empty. Roman could not know why she was upset. She had to get control over her feelings.

John excused himself and made his way to the ladies room. He hoped she was alone. If there were any other women, he would pretend he walked into the wrong room. John opened the door and walked in. The minute the door opened she looked up. Some how she knew it would be him.

“John, what are you doing?”

“I’m sorry Doc. I just wanted to make sure you‘re ok.”

He walked over and put his arms around her. She leaned into him. It felt wonderful to be in his arms. But she knew she couldn’t stay there.

“John, I’m fine. You can’t keep doing this. What if someone walks in?”

“I know Doc. You’re right. I just wanted to check on you. I’m going. But remember, I’ll always be here for you.”

With that he let her go and turned around to leave.

Just as he was about to open the door Marlena said, “John.” He stopped dead in his tracks. “Thank you.” He just nodded his head and walked out the door.

Marlena waited a few minutes and made her way back to their table. She was so intent on getting back to Roman before he noticed she was upset, she didn’t see the couple seated at the next table. Marlena sat down and picked up her menu. When she looked up she saw Rebecca. They were sitting at the next table.

“Doc do you know what you want for dinner?”

Marlena had suddenly lost her appetite. She wasn’t hungry. In fact, the only thing she really wanted to do was leave. “You know I’m not that hungry so I’m thinking about something small.” She was hoping this would be a quick meal.

Roman, however, had other plans. “I skipped lunch today so I’m going to have a steak.”

‘So much for a quick meal,’ she thought.

Roman ordered a steak with a baked potato and she ordered soup and salad. She felt a headache coming on. It would be hard to stay but she owed this to Roman. He was trying so hard. She needed to concentrate on him and not worry about John and Rebecca. She would just have to suffer through her headache.

“Doc, did hear me.? I asked you if you wanted to dance. They’re playing our song. Unchained Melody. You look like you’re a million miles away.”

“I’m sorry Roman.” She needed to pay attention to him, not John. “I was thinking about a patient.” She hated to lie, but she had no choice.

“I was asking if you’d like to dance.”

“That would be nice.”

They both stood up and walked to the dance floor. She put her arms around him and closed her eyes.

When she opened her eyes she saw John and Rebecca dancing together. John was facing her, looking at her. Now their eyes were locked onto each other. She couldn’t break away from his piercing stare. Images of them dancing to this same song floated through her mind. This was a song she and John both loved.

She remembered one time in particular. They were married at the time. Everyone thought he was Roman. He was a detective on the police force. They were out to dinner with a couple of other detectives and their wives. She was sitting to the right of him. Everyone was laughing and having a good time. Suddenly she felt a hand on her thigh. She knew it was him. Slowly he moved his hand up her leg until it was right at her panties. He never stopped talking. No one would ever guess what he was doing to her. He didn’t stop. He took his fingers and moved her panties to the side until he could get his hand there. She was already wet. She had become wet as soon as he put his hand on her leg. Marlena for her part never said a word. She picked up her glass of wine and took a sip. Once he got his fingers inside of her panties he started to rub her. Slow and easy. Every once in a while he would slip two of his fingers inside of her. Now it was getting harder for her to maintain control. Her breathing was getting faster, her n*****s were getting hard and her neck felt like it was on fire. She bit her bottom lip and took another sip of her wine. She put her hand on his leg and squeezed it. He knew she was telling him to stop before she lost control. He slipped his fingers in her one more time and slowly pulled them out. Then he moved his hand and readjusted her panties. During the entire time, he never lost track of the conversation. Just then Unchained Melody came on and he asked her to dance. She was so turned on she didn’t know if she could move. He took her hand and led her to the dance floor. He put her hand inside of his and moved it over his heart. They were in their own world. The entire time they danced they looked into each others eyes. All eyes in the place were on them. Everyone in the room could feel the heat between them. Just before the song ended, he leaned in and placed a kiss on her neck. Then he kissed her lips. It wasn’t a long kiss but it was one that gave a clear message. As the song ended they walked back to the table and sat down. Marlena finished her wine and he finished his beer. He asked her if she was ready to call it a night. Her answer was yes. It was one word, but the tone she used spoke volumes. There was desire in her voice and desire in her eyes. Everyone at the table saw it. Every man envied Roman Boaty for leaving with her and every woman envied Marlena for leaving with him. They didn’t see any of that. They only had eyes for one another. They made love all night long.

John knew she was remembering all the times they danced to the song. It was definitely one their favorites.

When the song ended the spell between John and Marlena was broken. They returned to the present. Roman led Marlena back to their table and John and Rebecca returned to theirs. The waiter returned and Marlena ordered another glass of wine. She needed to calm down.

At the next table John and Rebecca were finally ordering their food. Even though he enjoyed talking to Rebecca, she was not Marlena. John knew he would never love another woman the way he loved her. He didn’t want to hurt Rebecca or Roman but he knew it was bound to happen. Eventually Marlena would realize she belonged with him. Until that day came, he would patiently wait for her.

Finally Roman and Marlena’s food arrived. Just as they began to eat, Roman’s beeper went off.

“I’m sorry Doc. I just have to check in. Go ahead and eat. I shouldn’t be long.”

“I can wait for you Roman.”

Roman made his way to the telephone and Marlena sat her table alone. Now she had a clear view of John and Rebecca. She could tell Rebecca was interested in John. It was the way she laughed and the way she would touch his arm. Marlena tried not to stare at them but she was having a hard time. Just then Rebecca reached in her purse and pulled out her beeper. She was being paged. She gave John a smile and excused herself from the table.

John looked up at Marlena and said, “Looks like both of out dates have left us alone.”

“Roman should be right back.”

“Looks like you’re right. Here he comes.”

Roman walked over to the table but didn’t sit down. “I’m sorry Doc, but it looks like I’m going to be longer than I thought. Go ahead and finish eating. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He turned and walked back to the telephone.

The waiter returned with John and Rebecca’s food. “Should I put the food down or should I wait for your party to return?” he asked.

“Tell you what. Why don’t you wait until she comes back? In the mean time, I’ll take another glass of wine.”

John put his napkin on the table and moved to Marlena’s table. “You don’t mind if I join you, do you? It seems silly to sit at separate tables.”

“John I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“Doc we’re just having a conversation. I promise I’ll leave as soon as Roman returns.”

“You’re right. We’re just talking.”

They talked about the children. John asked about the twins and Carrie. He still loved them as if they were his own kids. Marlena knew how much he missed them. She asked about Brady. They were actually having a real conversation. Talking about the children was safe.

John looked up and saw both Roman and Rebecca walking back towards them. “Looks like they’re finally finished.” He made an attempt to get up but Roman stopped him.

“Doc, this case I’m working on has a few complications and it looks like I’m going to be tied up for the rest of the night. I’m really sorry about this.”

“That’s ok Roman. Let’s just go.”

“No. Stay and finish your dinner. There’s no sense in you going home right now. The house is empty. John, can you drop Marlena off on your way home?”

Before John could answer Marlena said, “I have my car.”

“I know Doc, but I don’t have mine. I got a flat tire and it’s in the shop. Bo dropped me off. I figured we would go home together and tomorrow you would drop me off at work. I’m going to need your car.”

“I don’t want to inconvenience John or Rebecca.”

Rebecca spoke up, “Actually I’m working on the same case as Roman and I’m going to have to cut our evening short. I took a cab here. I was going to ask John to drop me off at headquarters but if Roman is going that way I can ride with him.”

“Well that’s all settled. Rebecca can ride with me and John can drop you off Doc.”

Marlena looked at John and said, “John I don’t want to put you out. I can take a cab.” She was afraid to be alone with him.

“It’s no problem Marlena. I just have one stop I have to make. I’m going to look at a piece of property I’m thinking about buying. Tonight is the only time I can see it. I was going to stop by on my way home, but I’ll drop you off first and then go take a look at it.”

“Don’t be silly. If it’s on the way I’ll go with you and then you can drop me off.”

Roman interrupted their conversation, “Doc I hate to cut this short but we really have to leave now.” He leaned in and kissed her goodbye.

Rebecca turned to John and said, “I’m really sorry about this. I was having a good time. I hope we can do this again. Call me.” She kissed him on his cheek.

Marlena stiffened at the sight of Rebecca kissing John. Luckily Roman didn’t see a thing.

Roman and Rebecca left the restaurant.

“I guess it’s just the two of us Doc. Before you say anything, I didn’t mean anything by that.”

“I know you didn’t. John, I’m not really hungry. Do you mind if we leave?”

“No problem. Let me get the check and then we’ll go.” He motioned for the waiter and handed him his credit card. He told the waiter to put both checks on his card.

“Oh my gosh. Roman was in such a hurry he forgot to pay the bill.”

“Doc it’s already taken care of.”

“John you don’t have to do this.”

“I know. I want to.” The waiter brought the credit card slip back to John. He signed and they left the restaurant together.