One Wish

“Oh my God,” I groan. I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve had a burger, but it certainly feels like a long time. I close my eyes, my mouth bursting with saliva at the sting of my hunger. I could seriously eat two of these.

Alyson watches with surprised interest as she more timidly takes her burger in her hand and bites into it. She groans as well, making me smile and nod my head.

“It’s good, isn’t it?”

“Oh yeah,” she answers with a laugh, both our mouths filled with food.

We have a little giggle together, a silent conversation going on between us as we eat. A mutual appreciation of something cheap, but cheerful. I’ll take this over Alessandro’s creepy salads any day.

For a good five minutes we don’t talk, just eating our meals like they’ll be our last. Eyes are upon us, and I sense a phone camera or two as well, but luckily no one is trying to interact with us. I think they’re probably too busy still trying to figure out whether I’m really Kendra Banks or not.

“I think I’m going to have to hit the gym every day for a month to work this off,” Alyson groans, taking a good sip of her milkshake. “But it’ll be totally worth it.”

“Totally worth it,” I agree.

“You’re seriously not that bothered, are you? It’s written all over your face. I know I keep saying it, but you’re being so weird. The last thing I thought I would ever be doing this afternoon is sitting with you in a McDonald’s.”

I shrug my shoulder. “Sometimes you just have to be adventurous from time to time.”

She eyes me up and down. “Also, I don’t think I have ever seen you in jeans.”

So that’s why they look brand new. But then again, everything in Kendra Banks’s wardrobe looks brand new.

“Again… adventurous,” I reply with a wink, taking a sip of my milkshake.

Alyson glances down at her watch and her eyes widen. She gasps. “Oh, shit, I’m supposed to be at Jessica’s at five.”

I have no idea who Jessica is, but I nod my head. “Okay, do you need Craig to take you? I don’t mind. I have nothing else to do this afternoon.”

I remember the message I received from some strange man about a meeting in a hotel room. I shudder at the thought, wondering if I should message back—at least to tell him I’m not coming. I can’t fathom why I should be polite to someone who’s waiting for me naked.

“Would you?!” she shrieks, taking away those salacious thoughts.

“Yeah, sure. Why not? Can’t have you late now, can we?”

She nods her head in agreement. “Yes, I really hate being late. I always have to turn up at least fifteen minutes early to everything. It annoys people at times, but you know me… it’s just the way I am.”

I smirk, remembering Craig mentioning this earlier. “Come on, then. Let’s get going.”

We get up out of our seats, and the whole time I spot a camera phone on us, following our movements. I feel a sigh of relief that at least no one approached us as we get to the door, but the two girls that passed us on the way in are outside waiting. When they spot me, they spring into action. The first girl, a tiny blonde with denim skirt and crop top, giggles as she comes closer.

“Excuse me, but are you Kendra Banks?”

“I am,” I reply, feeling so odd for admitting it.

The little blond girl turns to her friend. “I told you it was her.” She glances back. “Can we please get a selfie with you?”

“Sure.”

They start giggling, but soon get into a pose next to me, the blond girl getting her phone out to take a photo. This, of course, causes more people to stop and stare, their phones soon out too.

“I think you’re absolutely beautiful,” blond girl says. I’m about to say thanks when she says, “And you’re so lucky to be married to Eli. I bet you pinch yourself every day.”

I smile at that. “I sure do.” I have a feeling I’m going to be pinching myself a lot until I finally wake up. I’m still pretty certain I’m locked inside some kind of dream.

Both girls giggle again, but then they’re quickly taking a couple of photos with their phones. They say thanks, but Alyson’s quickly pulling me away, towards the car. I didn’t realize until now that there’s quite the crowd gathering.

Craig opens the passenger door and we quickly get in as the crowd starts to come closer. He drives off the moment we’re in the car.

“Phew, that was close. I don’t know where all those people came from,” Alyson says, fanning herself.

“Are you okay, Kendra?” Craig asks from the driver’s seat.

“I’m fine,” I answer, wondering what all the fuss is about. “Can you take us to… where do you want to go?” I turn to Alyson who then rattles off an address to Craig as I settle in, feeling both sated and off at the same time. The meal may have quenched my hunger, but my thirst for knowledge is still gnawing away at my insides. Excitement and trepidation hang in the air as I wonder what the evening will bring. Will Eli be home when I get back? Will he even acknowledge me if he is? Those and a million other questions are at the forefront of my mind as my eyes linger upon the blue skies ahead.

Love is gained through time, trust and nurturing, but at some point, I lost Eli to that potent word which never should have died. Sadness consumes me as I wonder where it all went wrong. As I continue to stare out of the window into the streets of LA, another thought comes to mind… is it possible to make your husband fall in love with you all over again?