I thought having recurring dreams about Kath in another time and place was weird enough but now things got really complicated.
Enter a Mystery Woman...
Like a vamp in a play and right on cue, she suddenly appeared as the stick in the spokes of Fortune's Wheel.
I had enough to cope with struggling to make sense of this rift in time without having to fend off the advances of a temptress.
Maybe this was a one-off and I'd be spared the embarrassment of having to mention it to Kath, but somehow I knew it had been a prolonged relationship in Brad's past and I now inherited it.
Yep, Lucky me.
Just after 4 pm I heard Charlotte's car pull into the drive accompanied by the girls' laughter and rustling of packages.
It had been a pleasant outing for them and I was glad―I couldn't ruin it by telling Kath about the strange girl in my dreams...
At least, not yet―not when she had finally relaxed. It was not the time to rain on her parade, no pun intended.
"Sounds like you two had fun," I smiled when they came in.
I stopped in mid-sentence when I saw Kath―she looked absolutely beautiful.
"it's not too much, is it?" she asked, uncertainly, "I'm not used to wearing makeup."
I shook my head and smiled. "You look lovely―very feminine."
I turned to Charlotte, "Thanks, Char―were there any problems?"
"Only trying to wean Kath off floppy hats and long floral dresses," she giggled. "We settled on a more classic look."
"You did well," I said, hugging her.
"Your credit card held up―I kept all the receipts."
"I'm not worried about that. I'm glad you both had fun."
Charlotte looked pleased. "I've got to run―I've got a meeting. I'll stay in touch and if anything comes up, call me."
"Will do," I smiled, though inwardly troubled by the latest turmoil roiling inside me.
I desperately wanted Charlotte's advice, but I had demanded much of her time today and I didn't want to push it.
After Charlotte left, I approached Kath and took her into my arms. "I meant what I said―I know fashions have changed, but you just don't look good―you look stunning. Maybe I should take you out for dinner and show you off."
"Oh, puhlease!" she protested, "these high heels Charlotte insisted I wear are killing me. Can't we just stay in and spend a quiet evening together?"
"Of course, Love. I can't think of anything I'd like better."
She melted into my arms and snuggled in close to me.
It was perfect―she fit right beneath my shoulder as if made for me, but it made me think―was I perfect for her?
What if she didn't know about Brad's cheating on her―did I really want to be the bearer of bad news?
On the other hand, what if my dream wasn't a glimpse into Brad's past, but a vision of my own future?
Would I ever cheat on her? The mere thought of hurting her made me sick from guilt.
But I hadn't done anything―yet...
but what if Brad did?
Withholding the truth was just another form of deceiving her, no matter how well-intended.
And besides, I should inform her because I might need her help, especially if her rival somehow followed her into the future.
My head was spinning with all the possibilities filling me with doubt and uncertainty.
What a mess I've gotten into―and it could just get worse.
