Today I was meeting her, and dreading it!

” Stop worrying about it.” was Sally’s advice, as she sat munching toast in the kitchen of the flat we shared.

” I can’t help it, she’s a big part of Max’s life, and if she doesn’t like me, it could wreck everything!”

” You are keen on him.” remarked Sally , as she put on her jacket and headed through the door in her usual whirlwind style. ” Got to go now. I’m meeting Richard in town, and I’m late.”

The door survived her less than dainty onslaught, and peace once more reigned in the flat. I smiled to myself. Sally had been a great friend when Jack and I had split, with her happy bubbly personality, and I would miss her when she moved in with Richard. They were out now, choosing furniture for their new home.

I showered and dressed, choosing a light summer dress, and I wore my long hair loose today. Max was, by his own admission, a little old fashoined. He liked to see women in dresses, not trousers, and I was pleased at how feminine I felt when I was ready.

We had been together for a year now, and today, for the first time, I had been invited to his home to meet Emily. Most of our dates had been spent out, he enjoyed walking like me, and going to the theatre, and he had taken me to some wonderful restaurants. He visited my flat occasionally, and I was really looking forward to seeing his home.

I really wanted Emily to like me, but he had been completely honest about her faults to me.

” It’s been 12 years since Sandra died, and she moved in with me soon after.” he  had confessed. ” She thinks she owns me.” he said ruefully. ” I’m afraid she’s very dominating and selfish, but she eased my loneliness, and now I feel I owe her a loyalty.”

” I see, poor you.” I had said sympathetically, secretly wondering how he could allow such a situation, but I knew the answer. Max was a kind and good natured man. I could see how it had happened, but I loved him too, and I had competition.

We had got on well right from the start. I had met him in the office, but I already knew about him from Sally.

” He’s a widower, his wife died in a car crash .” she had whispered whilst he was on the ‘phone one morning .