Since high school, Sadie and Lori had been best friends, and Lori had nearly become Sadie’s second daughter. Sadie’s mother would often ask, “Is Lori coming over for dinner tonight?”
Eventually, the couple wed Benjamin and Keith, two close friends they had met in school. Sadie had initially believed that Benjamin would be her match, but as time went on, Keith won her over, and Lori matched up with Benjamin.
Keith’s birthday was being celebrated with a joint trip. Lori said, “Sadie, arrange our stay while Ben and I take care of the meals.”
The journey went quite well, and the evening was full of beverages and laughs. Benjamin and Sadie were left alone on the balcony at one point.
Lori and Keith were in there doing karaoke. “Sadie, I’ve been setting up a surprise for Lori,” Benjamin leaned closer.
Sadie questioned, “Ben, what are you planning?” out of curiosity.
“It’s not public knowledge! If I shared, I’d have to have faith in you to keep it. It’s been difficult for me to hide bottles from Lori.
Which bottles?
Benjamin laughed, his words a little slurred from the drink.
Because of her father’s struggle with alcoholism and her decision to prohibit alcohol consumption at home, Lori and Benjamin usually abstained from drinking.
What’s the matter with both of you whispering? Lori showed up out of nowhere. Benjamin suddenly veered off topic to tell Keith about getting stuck in an elevator.
He recalled, “We just waited it out on the floor.”
“I recall that you informed me as soon as you returned,” Lori retorted. And with that, she went back inside.
Later, Sadie confided in Keith in their room. “What actions should I take?”
“Do you believe Ben meant it?” Keith thought to himself. He appeared to be inebriated.
“Is that not just him being honest?” Sadie thought about it. “Alcohol can sometimes reveal the truth.”
“Sadie, perhaps you should speak with Lori if it’s bothering you. If something were to happen, you would solely be responsible for it.
During a walk the next morning, Sadie told Lori what Benjamin had said.
“Really?” Lori asked. “Do you really think he said ‘bottles’?”
Indeed, but it’s merely an idea. I just thought you should know. I understand your worries, particularly over your father.
Ben has been reticent, Lori said. “But it’s not what you’re thinking, for sure!”
They made a stop at a café after their journey before returning home.
“You saved my life,” Lori texted Sadie the next day. I’ll give you a call later.
Lori disclosed that she had left work early to look over their residence when she called. “I had to find out what Ben was concealing.”
Then she noticed a gas stench coming from their house.
“Sadie, what if I had just turned on the stove?” Lori let out a cry. “There was a real chance we were in danger.”
Have you discovered anything? Sadie asked.
Yes, Lori answered. “Tucked away in our cupboard behind towels.”
“What did they look like?”
“Those are bottles,” clarified Lori. “But not alcohol.”
Lori went on, “Sadie, those are vintage perfume bottles.” Not all; some are different types of antique bottles that are marked and appear to be rather valuable.
Sadie was perplexed as she was aware of Benjamin’s fascination with antiques but was not aware of his plan to benefit from their sale.
“Lori, we’re getting closer to our goal with every bottle we sell. When pressed, Benjamin admitted, “I’ve been planning a surprise trip to Paris for our anniversary.” “I purchased these antique bottles online and made a profit on them.”
“And the bottles of perfume?” Lori enquired.
Benjamin grinned and said, “They were meant to be your first gift.” “The second was to be Paris.”
“Maybe it’s his method of showing his affection,” Keith subsequently proposed to Sadie. “Lori has always loved her classic movies.”
How do you feel? We would adore hearing from you.