I looked at Sam.
Tall.
Handsome.
Silver beginning to show at his temples.
My husband of eight years.
He looked uncomfortable.
But said nothing.
Then Vanessa raised her glass.
“To Sam! Some women may come and go, but first loves are forever!”
Everyone laughed.
Except me.
My face burned.
I looked at Sam one last time.
Still nothing.
I couldn’t sit there another second.
I grabbed my handbag.
And turned toward the exit.
That’s when I saw them.
Two cakes stood on a trolley near the kitchen.
One was the chocolate cake I’d ordered.
The other had white frosting and pink roses.
Across the top, in red icing, I could make out the words.
“Welcome Back, Vanessa!”
I pulled the waiter aside.
“Who ordered that second cake?”
He checked his notes.
“Mrs. Patricia. She requested it be served immediately after your husband’s birthday cake.”
Suddenly, everything made sense.
