He thought for a minute, then asked, "Susan, how are things with your husband? Are you getting along these days?"
Richard, Jon's dad was sitting next to her, mimicking her every motion. From the way her crossed leg bobbed slightly, to the way she leaned into the mirror to apply a fresh coat of lipstick. Richard, over the years of playing the game, had played quite a few women, so wearing high heels (like he was now) and putting on make-up wasn't difficult, but he did like to practice when his subject was around so he could get it just right.
Susan closed her eyes and sighed. Over the years since marrying Andrew their relationship had been less than story-book. Sure, they'd been head-over-heels for the first few years, but that was then and this was now. She'd tried everything, reading self-help books to therapy, but it seemed that as they got older, their relationship had lost it's spark.
"Not so hot," she finally answered, realizing that she'll have to open up for the sake of the game. "We're not fighting or anything, but we're not exactly lovebirds either." She sighed again. "Listen, hon, I love my husband, and I'm sure he loves me, but we're pretty far apart at this point. More like roommates than lovers. Try not to bring it up in front of Sarah, though, I don't want her to worry. I'm sure we'll work it out."
Richard looked at the beautiful thirty-five year old mother of one sitting beside him and wondered what could be wrong with her husband to not go crazy for her. That kind of thinking, he realized, would not be helpful. He suppressed his own inclination to think that Andrew McMillan could be an idiot, and tried to see things through her eyes. She loved her husband, and so would he.
Richard leaned into the mirror and applied the same shade lipstick that Susan had applied a moment earlier.
"Very good!" Susan was amazed at his skill. "I think you'll do just fine!" She lightly touched his arm, resting on the white chiffon blouse that he had been given to wear.
He smiled his best 'Susan McMillan' smile and said, in his best 'Susan McMillan' tone, "Thanks, hon. Now, I think it's about time!" He handed her the keys to his house, holding her hand in his as she took them. "Don't you worry about a thing. We'll be just fine here."
Susan, feeling satisfied that her family was in good hands, and looking forward to a week of relaxation, took the keys and slipped out the door, leaving Richard Madison, father of three, to live her life for a seven days. She took the Madison's car back to their home, let herself in, and started her holiday.
Meanwhile...
