Page 47 of Proof

Luna put down her glass of wine, took Chris’s hands, and started to move back and forth with the music. That prompted Cullen to do the same with Chi-Chi. Wylie wisely moved out of the way. A dreamy dance party was taking place in the living room. The next song on the album was “Manhã De Carnaval,” a slow, repentant song known in English as “A Day in the Life of a Fool.” But Astrud Gilberto sang it in Portuguese, which was so much more romantic. The two couples were in sync with the music and each other. Luna’s eyes began to tear. Chris lifted her chin and said, “You okay?”

She rested her head against his chest. “Never been better.”

Chris hoped his news wouldn’t taint her mood later, but he had to tell her. She was part of his life, and if he intended to keep it that way, he had to lay the cards on the table. Things were about to change.

The couples danced to the alluring music for almost an hour. It wasn’t until the music stopped that they realized no one had spoken the entire time.

Chi-Chi was the first to say something. “I am sorry to break this beautiful mood, but I must see what trouble my brother has gotten into.”

“I don’t know if you really want to do that,” Luna said. “Maybe you should call to be sure he’s not at your house with you-know-who.”

Chi-Chi nodded and pulled her phone from her purse. “Should I text him?”

“Probably a good idea,” Cullen encouraged her.

Chi-Chi typed: Abeo, are you with Jennine? And not at my house?

“Now we wait.” She sighed. Several minutes went by with no word.

“Maybe he’s busy.” Luna raised her eyebrows.

Chi-Chi sighed again. “I do need to get to sleep.”

“Here’s an idea. Why don’t you drive past Jennine’s house and see if her car is there?” Luna offered. “I have her address.”

“I’ll follow you if you want.” Cullen looked at Chi-Chi.

“If Abeo is there, I do not want him to see my car,” she answered.

“We’ll leave your car at the Stop N’ Go. He doesn’t know my car.” Cullen was happy to oblige in the reconnaissance mission.

Chi-Chi’s eyes grew wide. “That is a marvelous idea.” She hesitated. “But what if they are at my house? Then what do I do?”

Luna and Chris looked up at the ceiling.

“You can stay with me,” Cullen offered. He quickly added, “In the guest room.” He wanted Chi-Chi to feel comfortable, should the situation arise.

“Thank you.” Chi-Chi gave him a weak smile. She was anxious to find out if her house was her own that night.

Everyone said their goodnights. “It was a lovely evening. Thank you,” Chi-Chi said, with a bit more confidence.

Cullen followed Chi-Chi to the store, where she parked her car by the side of the building. She then joined Cullen in his car. As they approached Jennine’s house, Cullen slowed down. “Is that her car?”

“Yes! Yes, it is.” Chi-Chi was feeling less anxious. She slumped down in the passenger seat. “Can you see anything?”

Cullen peered over the steering wheel. “The lights are on, but, oh dear. Oh my.” He stepped on the accelerator and moved quickly past the house.

Chi-Chi had her hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter. “I suppose they were there? Together?”

“Oh, yes. Very together.” Cullen was blushing over the sight of Jennine doing some kind of fan dance in front of her guest. “Wow.” It was the word of the day.

Chi-Chi couldn’t stop giggling. “Now you know how I felt when I found them in my living room.”

“And you can’t un-see something like that.” He shuddered. Yes, Jennine was Blanche from The Golden Girls, for sure. Cullen drove back to the mini-mart. “Let me follow you home. It’s late.”

“Thank you. That is very thoughtful of you.” She got in her car, and Cullen proceeded to tail her.

When they arrived at Chi-Chi’s, Cullen got out and walked her to her front door. He stopped her as she was about to turn the key. “Chi-Chi, there’s something I have to tell you.”

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