Beside the luxury car, the man gently steadied the woman with one hand. He stepped forward and opened the door for her, then placed his palm above her head as she got in, making sure she wouldn't bump it. Every move he made was thoughtful and tender.
Even after she was seated, he leaned in and spoke softly, like a man reluctant to let go, more attentive than most husbands would be.
Not far away, Gilbert sat in silence in his car. He didn't move until the luxury vehicle pulled away. Then, without warning, he hurled the bag of fruit in his lap to the floor and started the engine, driving off and disappearing into the traffic.
In a warm, softly lit Italian restaurant, Claire sat across from Alvin.
