Seven o'clock on Sunday night, he got ready to leave her flat. He put on his suit coat, straightened his tie, and ran his hand through his straight black hair.
Virginia counted out money and gazed into his sky-blue eyes.
"Take it. I want to help."
"Thank you. I really appreciate it.” He took out his wallet and slid in the bills.
"How much longer to get your divorce?"
"Going back to court this week."
"I hope it's not thrown out for some technical reason, again."
"Virginia, you know how judges can be."
"It's just— you know how much I adore you and want to get married." Virginia threw her arms around Leonard's neck. They kissed.
"Be patient."
"It's been five years."
Virginia drove Leonard to the airport so he could catch a flight to Las Vegas.
Leonard liked to brag about his public relations job at the Mint Casino, which impressed Virginia.
She dropped him at the curb in front of the terminal. Then drove home to wait for his telephone call. Leonard always wanted to make sure she was at her apartment.
As soon as she opened the door, the phone rang.
Virginia dropped her soft leather handbag and keys on the kitchen table and ran to answer it.
"Hello."
"Good. You're home."
"Yes, sweetheart. Safe and sound."
"I already miss you."
"Me too."
"See you on Friday."
"Of course."
"Gotta go catch a plane. Love you."
"I love you, too."
"Good-bye."
A soft, "-bye."
With airplanes droning in the background, Leonard swaggered out of the airport. He lit a cigarette, proceeded to the parking lot, got into his car and hastened across town to go home to his wife.