Something Like Gold

Chapter 6

That wasn’t the last time she saw him, though. Every day of her shift, Fred would show up for a massage. If Avril passed the resort’s restaurant, she’d catch him eating alone. She wondered why his wife wasn’t with him. Still, she tried to push him out of her mind so she could concentrate.

Yet it was impossible to focus when, night after night, he booked her specifically. She had no choice but to comply.

One evening Avril finally asked sarcastically while massaging him, “Sir, does your body ache every single day? I think you qualify for a frequent massage card, you know. Maybe you can bring your wife next time — then I can massage both of you.”

She rolled her eyes slightly, trying to control her frustration.

He replied, “My wife is missing me right now.”

She froze. “Huh?”

“I don’t have a wife, Avril,” he said.

Avril stepped back when he sat up on the bed. Her jaw dropped as the towel that had been covering him slipped, exposing his backside. Quickly, she turned around so she wouldn’t see.

“What are you doing, sir? We’re not finished.”

He exhaled behind her, then wrapped the towel around his waist and surprised her by hugging her from behind, breathing in her scent.

“We’re not finished at all,” he murmured against her ear. “You walked out on me.”

She gasped when he kissed her ear. Desperate to get away, she kicked backward so he’d release her. Once free, she whirled around and he was now holding the towel in place.

“I didn’t leave you, sir,” she said. “I simply ended my job with you. Now please leave me alone. My life… life is peaceful.”

Avril was relieved that the next day she had no shift. She doubted Fred would stay at the resort forever, so she tried to calm herself. He hadn’t searched for her in seven years, so she struggled to believe anything he said. He’d probably married that Alexandra woman — after all, Alexandra wouldn’t have caused a scene back then if she didn’t intend to marry him.

When Fred’s day off arrived, she took her children and Aunt Matilda out just as she promised them. They went to a big mall.

“Mom, let’s eat at the place with the Bumblebee!” Ria exclaimed, holding Avril’s right hand as they walked. Aunt Linda followed with a tote bag.

Leo frowned. “I don’t want the Bumblebee place! I want the place with the clown. It’s delicious there!”

“Mom,” Ria complained, “that place is ugly,Leo! I want the Bumblebee Place!”

Leo stomped his foot. “Mom, let’s go to the clown place. Their fries are the best!”

Avril sighed. “Stop, both of you. We’ll decide where to eat later, okay? You both aced your exams, so we’ll get what you want — but let’s talk about it calmly.”

The twins cheered and ran from one aisle to another. Aunt Matilda smiled at Avril. Avril smiled back, relieved the kids were happy. Even if she constantly worried about money, the twins at least knew they couldn’t buy too much.

“Mom,” Ria pointed to a display, “I want this pink dress with the Barbie design!”

Avril let go of her daughter’s hand and grabbed the dress on the hanger. She gave it to Ria, who lit up with excitement.

“Mom, this looks like it will fit me! I also want hair clips so I can be pretty at school.”

Leo suddenly tugged on arm and made her lose her grip on the dress.

“Hey Mom! I want that too!” He pointed to a mannequin wearing novelty underwear.

Avril nearly choked. “Son, that’s not your size.”

“I want SpongeBob boxers and a Spider-Man design, Mom!” Leo insisted.

“Okay, okay. We’ll see,”Avril said.

Just then, Ria pulled Avril back to the dress area.

“Mom, don’t go with Leo yet! Help me pick hair clips with crowns on them so I can look like a princess!”

Meanwhile, Leo stomped his foot. “Mom! My SpongeBob boxers!”

He tried to drag her away again. Other shoppers glanced at them. Avril was so embarrassed she almost wished she could split herself in two so she could help them both at the same time.

At last,Avril had each child select their items without her hovering so they’d stop fighting for her attention. They were both overjoyed to pick out what they wanted, as if they were super rich.Avril knew she’d be broke by the end of the day.

Aunt Matilda whispered, “Whew. Having twins is exhausting. They’re so lively.”

Avril laughed softly. “Yes, Aunt Matilda , but it’s okay. When they grow up, I’m sure I’ll miss how energetic they are.”

Aunt Matilda’s tone grew more serious.

“Don’t you ever plan on telling the father about them, Avril ?”

Avril froze. The memory of Fred came rushing back. He was here — somewhere. Fear twisted in her stomach at the thought of seeing him again. She told herself he wouldn’t stay in this city long.

Avril forced a smile. “It’s better this way. If I told him I was pregnant back then, maybe he would have claimed them. Or maybe not. Either way, it’s better that my kids and I have lived peacefully all these years.”

Aunt Matilda fell silent.

Soon, Ria finished her shopping and came over to show Mary what she got.

“Mom, can I… can I add something else?” the little girl asked. “I know we don’t have a lot of money, but—”

Avril’s chest ached, feeling guilty. Because she knew — if Fred were here, money wouldn’t be an issue. But she hid her feelings.

“We’ll save up for it next time, okay?”

Ria nodded