“Even after all the money I spent putting together that party and inviting all your friends? He muttered.
“What did you say?”
“Well, you accepted and enjoyed the birthday. Do you know how much that cost? You‘ll take my money but not me?”
Gladys caught back a gasp and he immediately regretted the thoughtless words at the pained look in her eyes.
“Edward, you didn‘t just say that?” She choked out. “You think I want your money?”
She couldn‘t believe that the birthday party had been meant as a bribe? Well he could stuff his money and date it too. She wouldn‘t care after this. She got out and slammed the car door. The same fate befell the gate as she marched into the house.
Edward sat without a word for a full minute staring hard at the quiet street in front of him. It took the gateman‘s gestures close beside his window to remind him where he was. He gunned his engine into life and stepped on the accelerator.
**********
Gladys cried her eyes out that night. Her phone rang several times but she refused to pick it up. She knew it was Edward. She read the text messages he sent and hardened her heart. Let him stew in it, how could he accuse her of being with him for the finer things in life he could grant her? She was from a poor home but she wasn‘t a greedy person. She was content with whatever she had and he should have known better.
After the soothing message in church that Sunday, she finally picked when he called that evening. Edward had just got back from a game of tennis and now sank on the nearest chair.
“Hello?” She murmured so that he barely heard her.
“Are you home…can you talk?”
“Yes I can.”
Her voice was quiet. “Sweetie, I am sorry. I didn‘t mean to say what...”
“Do you think I‘m in this for money Edward? You think I only pretend to love you to collect your gifts? Do you take me for a gold-digger?” “I know you‘re not. Did you not read all the text messages I sent to your phone? I said I am sorry and I mean it.” The disbelief and hurt in her voice lashed at him. In his frustration he‘d wanted her to hurt so she would know how he felt. Now he wished he hadn‘t allowed himself to get carried away. He should have kept his mouth shut instead of being in this situation of trying to shut the barn door after the horses had bolted.