LaShawn Malone looked up from her menu as her husband approached the table. LaShawn offered to buy him lunch if he would just meet with her and confirm the rumors she was hearing all over town. Randall stood and looked down at his wife. LaShawn felt the old familiar stirrings, but she had to calm herself. She was almost a free woman, but she was only human.
“Sit down, honey," LaShawn said as she dropped the menu. “I ordered the seafood special for us both. I hope you don’t mind?” Randall shook his head and reached for the glass of water that the waitress sat down before him. He had not seen his wife in 2 weeks, and the sight of her did not cheer him. He couldn’t wait until the divorce was final. “What do you want to see me about, Shawn?” Randall asked, in an emotionless, though no nonsense tone of voice. Whatever it was, Randall wanted to be done with it, eat his lunch and get the hell out of there. When LaShawn didn’t answer, Randall looked at her, astonished. It was the first time since he had any dealings with her that she seemed lost for words.
“Are you seeing Lureen?” LaShawn asked her estranged husband. Randall blew air out of his lungs and sucked his teeth. “Yes,” he whispered. LaShawn closed her eyes tight. She felt like pouring her whiskey sour over her head. She couldn’t believe this. First Jack, and then Lureen? How could Randall do this to her? LaShawn didn’t mention Randall’s dalliance with Jack. Randall wasn’t aware that she knew about it. But now Randall is seeing Lureen? There must be some mistake. “So it’s true, then?” “Yes,” Randall repeated, louder now. LaShawn hung her head. “Okay, I just needed to hear it from you.” Randall was silent. Not a word was said when the waitress brought the seafood to the table. But Randall grabbed the server’s arm just as she was about to retreat. “I’ll have mine to go,” Randall told her. LaShawn’s eyes were wet with hurt, and Randall couldn’t take it. The waitress nodded and left to fetch a to-go container. When his order was wrapped up tight, Randall kissed his wife on her forehead. She watched, silently, as he walked out of her life for good.