Alex paused typing on his laptop and sat back int he chair. He raised his reading glases and squeezed his eyes, tired from staring at the screen for far too long. He checked his watch and the time sparked a sudden memory. She would be here soon. They'd known Beth and Gary for ten years or more and in that time they'd watched their daughter blossom from a precocious child into somethingmuch more self aware and self-possessed. Alex didn't know why this visit had pricked his mind anymore than the previous times they'd all been together. Perhaps it was because he and Sam were going through a few mariage problems. She was a driven woman at the best of times, a VP in her law firm and used to being ballsy, but recently she seemed to be bringing this attitude home. She had always implied that she felt her job was more important than his. They'd had a few rows and for the last 3 weeks hadn't had sex. Now there would be another female in the house, a younger one, full of potential.
Alex stood up and made his way upstairs. He decided to shower before their guest arrived. Naked, he looked at himself in the mirror, not bad for 45, largely down to the sport and exercise. Dark hair, dark brooding eyes, he was still attractive enough to have students try to flirt with him. He soaped himself down, dried off put on jeans and a t-shirt and went to fix himself some single malt dutch courage.