I picked up the bags and ignored the fact that Ginny didn’t bother to say hello to me. I saw Brian using the phone in his den on my way to our usual bedroom. It was typical for him to ignore me as well, that is unless he was bragging about something or showing off to my wife. I was surprised he wasn’t in Washington, but I didn’t care either way.
I closed the door, set the bags on the bed, and took a seat on the chair in the corner. I opened my phone and began to read Kalimaxos’ newest ebook.
Two hours later, Jane walked into the room and said, “We’re going out to dinner. Get dressed.”
I looked at the slacks I was wearing, and asked, “What do you want me to wear?”
She looked at me and shrugged, “Put on a dress shirt.”
“I didn’t bring anything except polo shirts.”
She groaned, “Oh, well. You’re going to look like a hillbilly.”
She turned and left the room.
I looked in the mirror and thought I looked good. I was wearing one of the eighty-dollar Nike golf shirts she bought for me with a two-hundred-dollar pair of slacks. If I’d had my way, I’d have been wearing jeans and a t-shirt, but Jane wouldn’t stand for that.
My thick black hair was styled short, my full beard was freshly trimmed and had sharp lines, and my shirt was even tucked in. If I looked like a hillbilly, I was a damn well-dressed one.
*****
Ginny drove us to the opulent steakhouse in her new Mercedes, and I didn’t bother to ask why Brian wasn’t with us. They didn’t speak to me on the way anyway.
The restaurant was packed and many people were waiting for tables, but the Senator’s wife was ushered in without a reservation.
They lavished us with attention, and Ginny made a big deal out of ordering a bottle of Cristal for us. I got a glare from my wife when I ordered a scotch on the rocks.
“What kind would you like, Sir?” The waiter asked.
“Johnny Black,” I answered.
Ginny groaned and said, “Good Lord, get him Blue Label neat.”
“No,” I argued. “I’ll have the Black on the rocks. Make it a double.”
The waiter winked and walked away. He must have known how much of a bitch Ginny was.
Jane kicked me under the table, and I ignored her as I perused the menu.
I was halfway through my drink when the seafood tower appetizer they ordered without asking me arrived. When I saw Brian approach the table, I downed it and ordered a second.
“Oh, waiter!” I called out. “Could I also get some stuffed mushrooms, please? Thanks.”
Brian sat and said, “Sorry I’m late. I was talking with President Brown.”
I smiled, “What’s that asshole up to today?”
“Vivian!” My wife shrieked, and I didn’t care.
Brian frowned, “If you must know, he’s doing well and is planning a trip to Chicago soon.”
“Wonderful!” Ginny grinned. “Will we be able to see him?”
“We’re working out those details. He will definitely have me on stage with him when he gives his speech at a new manufacturing plant.”
“Wonderful!” Ginny clapped. “That will be great for your national reach.”
Brian smiled and nodded before stuffing crab meat into his mouth.
The rest of dinner was uneventful, and I wasn’t included in any of the conversations. Once I’d finished my steak, I excused myself to use the restroom. No one noticed.