The No-Kids Club by Talli Roland Page B

must have better things to do on a Friday evening than play on the Xbox. God, tonight of all nights, Michael had to be pally-pally with his workmates. He used to say he reserved Fridays for her. When had that stopped?
    ‘Sweetie, can you grab me another beer?’ Michael asked, not even averting his eyes from the screen. ‘Guys, you want one, too?’ The other men nodded, and Anna turned on her heel and made her way to the kitchen. For goodness’ sake, she hadn’t even taken off her coat yet! An unfamiliar flicker of anger rose within her, and she switched on the light, blinking as the gleaming steel appliances came into focus.
    It’s not Michael’s fault, she told herself as she grabbed three cans from the fridge. He had no idea what she’d planned. She drew in a deep breath as she walked back to the lounge. It was only five, and if the guys left in the next hour, there’d be plenty of time to catch the plane. Maybe she’d pack Michael’s case now to save a few minutes. Anna handed over the drinks to the monosyllabic men, then padded up the stairs, listening closely for the sound of the door opening and closing as she kept one eye on the clock.
    Fifteen minutes passed, then half an hour, then forty-five minutes . . . Finally, when she’d folded Michael’s underwear more times than necessary and she couldn’t prolong the packing any longer, she perched on the side of the bed. She hated to barge in on the fun downstairs, but they couldn’t afford to wait much more. Rushing turned Michael into a ball of stress, and she wanted to start their weekend on a good note.
    She was about to stand when Michael appeared at the bedroom door. A whoosh of relief went through her. Oh phew, they must have finished. Now she didn’t need to interrupt their fun.
    Michael’s gaze fell on the open case beside her on the bed. ‘Aw, thanks, honey. I could have done that myself, though.’
    Anna’s brow furrowed. She hadn’t said anything about going away. So why was he thanking her?
    ‘Did you put in my green jumper? It’s the warmest I have, I thi nk—it gets quite cold, even at this time of year.’
    Had he somehow discovered their destination, Anna wondered, confusion sweeping over her? But how? Spring nights in Venice could get chilly, but she was certain she’d left no trace of the getaway anywhere.
    ‘Ah, there it is.’ Michael looked up from rifling through the case. ‘Thanks so much. You’re a star!’ He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. ‘I reckon we’re almost ready to set off, then.’
    Anna’s mouth fell open and she snapped it closed, trying to cover her surprise. He’d obviously found out . . . God knows how. But however he’d uncovered her plan, at least he seemed happy and excited. Part of her had worried he’d balk at going away. ‘I guess so!’ She reached up and touched his cheek, smiling at the thought of the weekend ahead. ‘Just let me print off the hotel details and directions.’
    ‘Oh, no need.’ Michael waved a hand in the air. ‘Mo’s got everything sorted. He’s a little obsessive that way.’
    Anna drew back. Mo? What on earth was Michael talking about?
    ‘Anyway,’ Michael continued, ‘Mo’s been there a there a few times before, so he knows the route. Best place to golf in Scotland, he says!’
    Anna’s heart dropped so fast she could swear it crashed through the floor into the room below. Best place to golf in Scotland? The shouts and laughter of the men drifted from downstairs as she frantically tried to assimilate her husband’s words.
    ‘I didn’t know you were going away this weekend,’ she finally managed to croak.
    Michael didn’t seem to notice the choked way the words left her mouth. ‘What? Really?’ Now it was his turn to look puzzled. ‘I’m sure I told you when we booked it a couple months ago.’
    Anna shook her head. ‘No, I don’t think so.’ Michael leaving his video games for a whole weekend was an event she’d definitely have