Andrea stared out the window at the house across the street from her and shook her head. What the hell did these people do for a living to afford to live in luxury like this, she wondered. She moved away from the window and padded softly across the plush rose-colored carpet into the foyer.

“Hello.” She said to no one and listened for the echo. She giggled when she heard it. It was kind of cool, this house. Big, monstrous beast that it was. She went to the front door and opened it, an icy breeze blasted her face and she slammed it shut again. She went down the hallway towards the kitchen area. She stared at the walls and the layout, imagining it in different colors and patterns. It was a rustic design, the tile on the floor and the walls, Italianate. She envisioned a cream on the wall, or better still, maybe an orange. Just then the doorbell rang. She sprinted towards it. When the door swung open, Dom stood smiling.

“Come in!” Andrea said pulling on the front of his jacket. She slammed the door closed once he was in. Dom whistled as he looked all around.

“Check this out!” He said, impressed.

“Here,” She tucked her arm inside his and led him down the walkway towards the kitchen. “Let me give you the five cent tour.” Andrea led him around the house, telling him about her plans for each room. Though he felt extremely jealous that not even he, a surgeon, could afford a house like this, just walking through it, his body pressed against hers, her arm in his, was heaven. “This ...” She said, walking into a large room with a vaulted ceiling and skylights. “Is the master bedroom, our bedroom.” She unhooked her arm from his and walked around the room. Dom felt heat sweep through his body. He pictured a large, four-poster bed against the outside wall, across from the fireplace. It would be decorated in a jungle-theme, white chiffon netting draped across the bed. Andrea disappeared into the master bathroom and continued talking.

“I was thinking about doing the bedroom in a powder blue. Maybe something in a ‘country’ theme ...” He waved that blue, powdery thought away and envisioned the walls in olive, green, leafy plants all over and best of all, Andrea, lying on the bed, naked, covered in a faux tiger stripe fur blanket. There would be a roaring fire in the fireplace, two glasses of champagne on the side table which was made of wicker. There would be soft music playing and he would come to his bed and slide in under the covers next to his bride, Andrea, and then make love to her slow and sweet. Suddenly she came back into the room, “I’m not sure if Brent would like it though. He’s not one much for stripes and ruffles.” Dom cleared his throat and was about to speak when the doorbell rang. Both their heads turned and then they headed to the door. The furniture was delivered and it only took an hour for all the empty rooms to be filled. When the last piece had been put in place and the delivery men were driving away, Dom and Andrea collapsed together on the couch.

“Wow! That was fun? What should we do next?” Dom said, Andrea giggled.

“How about we have something to eat?” At the thought of food, her stomach growled loudly. Dom chuckled. He slid his hand into hers and tightened his fingers.

“It would be my pleasure to escort you to a fine restaurant, perhaps Benihana, my dear.” Andrea smiled at him and sighed.

“I would love it!” She said, exhausted. After checking all the rooms and locking the house, the two headed out to Oak Brook for a delicious, well-deserved meal.

The phone was ringing as Andrea opened the door to the old house and ran for the phone in the dark, nearly stumbling over Rory on her way. She picked up the phone as the answering machine was about to speak.

“Hello!” She said, breathless.

“Annie?” Brent said. “Where the hell have you been?” She dropped her purse and keys down onto the kitchen table and started turning on lights inside the house.

“I was at the new house all day, they delivered your furniture.”

“You mean our furniture?” Brent said, correcting her.

“Oh, right, our furniture!” Andrea retorted, somewhat mocking. “Yeah, I forgot.” She pulled off her coat with one hand, the other holding the phone.

“Very funny. Where were you just now? The furniture was to be delivered a couple hours ago.”

“I went to dinner with Dom.” There was silence on the other end. Andrea sighed. “Hello???”

“Why did you?” Brent asked after a few moments.

“Because he helped me with all that furniture earlier.”

“Oh did he?”

“Yes, Brent. Listen, I would not have been able to do it by myself. Dom offered to help me and I took him up on it and then bought him dinner.”

“Well, isn’t he nice?” Andrea sensed the annoyance Brent was exuding and was not about to tolerate it. Not tonight, anyway.

“Knock it off Brent. Where are you? Are you here, helping me? No! You’re way out in New York, playing the guitar and singing. At least Dom was here to help me.”

“Oh, I’m just out in New York, playing? I’m making money, babes. Why couldn’t you ask your brother for help?” Andrea blew air out her mouth.

“I did! He was busy. Anything else you want to say about it, Brent? Because I want to finish this conversation and get into the shower so I can get some rest, I’m extremely tired.” There was a long pause at the other end.

“How does the furniture look in the new place?” Brent asked, quietly giving in.

“It looks great. I can’t wait for you to see it. When are you coming home?”

“I was thinking of coming back in a week or two. I’ll let you know.” Andrea nodded and headed towards the bedroom, Rory at her heels. They spoke a little longer and then they hung up, Andrea showered and then crawled underneath her covers. She clutched her pillow to her chest and settled herself in. She went over the events of the day in her mind. The furniture did look great in the new house. It was classy, she had to admit. She found she had trouble falling asleep since she lay there and went through the rooms, one by one, coming up with decorating ideas and planning colors. The last time she looked at the clock before falling asleep it was nearly two.