The Weekend

It was a bright and sunny Saturday morning in Montreal. It promised to be a hot July day. Steven and Nancy had each packed a small travel bag the previous night. They were now headed for Quebec City for the weekend.

Quebec City is two and a half-hours from Montreal along the St-Lawrence River. Steven decided to drive along the scenic south shore of the river. The north side was rather dull, and he wanted things to be perfect this weekend. He thought Nancy would prefer the more scenic route.

Steven and Nancy were both in their mid-forties and had been married for twenty years. Nancy had been running a writing and editing business called “The Right Writer” for the past five years, and Steven worked as a regional manager for “Visionary Valve Inc”, an industrial distribution house.

It was Steven’s idea to get away for the weekend. Since opening the business, Nancy worked long hours. He missed spending time with her.

“When was the last time we got away like this Nancy?” asked Steven.

“It’s been at least five years, since starting the business I guess,” Nancy replied. She knew there would be serious talk about their future this weekend, but she wanted to avoid conversation right now. She gazed out the window and didn’t say much. Steven figured the timing wasn’t right for heavy discussions either. He kept his eyes on the road and said little.

Steven had planned a nice weekend. They would check-in at the hotel, shower and change, stroll the streets of old Quebec. They would visit the historical museums near the Plains of Abraham, gaze at the hundreds of sailboats in the harbour. Then he planned a romantic candlelight dinner at the fashionable La Diligeance Restaurant.

Sunday morning they would sleep in, he would order champagne, strawberries, and coffee, and they would have breakfast in bed. Finally, they would drive up scenic route 362. They would have lunch at the Manoir Richelieu along the shores of the majestic St-Lawrence River. After lunch they would drive slowly back to Montreal. Steven just knew this would work out.

Suddenly, coming from the briefcase in the back seat, Nancy’s cellular rang.

“Excuse me Steven, I have to get that,” said Nancy, as she reached back to open her briefcase. It was Nancy’s secretary. Nancy paid her well, so she often went to the office on Saturday mornings to catch up on paperwork. When Nancy hung up, Steven was upset.

“I thought we agreed. No work this weekend Nancy.”

I know Steven, but you know Linda, calls me for everything.”

“Why the hell didn’t you turn off the damn phone, if you knew she would call?” asked Steven, raising his voice.

“Oh stop bitching will you, it’s just a little phone call.”

“One little phone call here, an extra hour or two there, weekends at the office. It’s been going on for five years,” said Steven. “Why the hell don’t you slow down, so we can have a marriage?”
Nancy shot back, “In case you haven’t noticed, I haven’t been complaining.”

“Of course not, you’re too damn busy with everything else in your life to pay any attention to us,” said Steven

Nancy folded her arms and looked straight ahead thinking, what’s with him all of a sudden? Steven was having second thoughts about this weekend, but decided to keep driving toward Quebec City.

Once in their hotel room, Nancy said, “Steven, I’ve been thinking. I turned off my cellular. Linda can handle things by herself.”

Thanks, maybe now we can spend the weekend talking with each other,” said Steven.

“Yes, perhaps we can,” Nancy replied

As planned, they changed and headed for old Quebec, a short walk from the hotel. They walked the narrow cobblestone streets, rested and drank an exotic beer in a little French bistro. They sat around a small white table with parasol overhead, alongside a narrow sidewalk and admired the jugglers in their costumes of red and green, and black and white. They smiled at the stilted clowns handing out balloons to excited children.

At sunset they headed back to the hotel and changed for dinner. It had been a good afternoon; they were both relaxed. At the restaurant, they sat in an isolated, semi-circular corner booth. The seats were padded and had high backs. It felt like they were sitting in a comfortable living room.

After ordering drinks – alone, comfortable, and relaxed – the words came easier than they had for a long time.
I’d forgotten how beautiful Quebec City looks in the summer, Said Nancy.

“And I haven’t seen you this gorgeous in a long time,” commented Steven.

Nancy’s shoulder length auburn hair shone in the offset candlelight. The thin straps of her black evening dress exposed delicate shoulders. The dress scooped down dramatically exposing the tops of her firm breasts. Her red lips and dark sparkling eyes gave Steven thoughts of love.

“I can’t wait to get back to the hotel room with you,” said Steven, grinning foolishly.

Nancy smiled and said, “Not until you and I talk about a few things.”

As the night wore on, the conversation got serious…and tender.

“I know the business means a lot to you, honey, but you know, it’s only a business and we’re not getting any younger. We’ve done a good job raising both our daughters. Now it’s just you and me. Problem is I miss you. We don’t talk, I mean we talk, but we don’t communicate…you’re always working. We haven’t made love in months, do you realize that?”

“I know the business is time consuming, Steven. But I thought you wanted me to start this business, you’re the one who encouraged me remember?”

If I had known that the business would eventually destroy our relationship, I never would have encouraged you,” said Steven, lowering his eyes.

“I didn’t know you felt this way Steven,” said Nancy.

Steven looked straight into Nancy’s eyes, “Do you still love me Nance, because I still love you.”

“Yes, I still do silly,” she replied.

“Then how come you never show it?”

Nancy sighed and said, “I promise I’ll try.”

They spent the next several hours in the restaurant, talking, laughing, reminiscing, touching. They went for a late night stroll, barefoot on the lush grass of the Plains of Abraham. Back at the hotel, passion and soft whispers lasted late into the night. They finally fell asleep, exhausted, legs and arms entwined.