Thirty-Six

VALERIA

Dimitri's car swept up the drive and pulled into the garage. I went downstairs immediately. He came into the house a while later, swinging his briefcase, with a scowl on his face.

"I want to talk to you," I said.

He registered my presence and his scowl deepened.

"You're okay, aren't you?" he growled.

His tone implied that I would have him to answer to if I wasn't.

"That's not what I want to talk to you about," I said, matching his grouchy tone.

"Then what is it? Wait, aren't you even supposed to be upstairs, resting?"

"Now that's exactly what I want to talk about. Dimitri, I can't stay here, relaxing forever-"

"Why not? There are stay at home wives and mothers aren't there?"

"I'm none of those things," I pointed out.

"It was just an example."

"Look, I am feeling much better now. I have to resume work soon-"

"Like hell you do! You don't have to do anything. You heard the doctor-"

"I heard him, but I have to work, make myself useful."

"Know what I think?" Dimitri closed the