As Luck Would Have It by Jennifer Anne Page A

comedy. What do you think?”
    Marcus was just about to sit on the couch when the food arrived. He wheeled the cart to the dining room and began to sit at the head of the table. Abruptly, he changed his mind and sat on an end.
    Sydney observed him picking his chair. “What was wrong with this chair?”
    “Just decided I didn’t want to sit there. I’d rather sit across from you, unless you want to sit at the head of the table?”
    Then it hit her. Are you reluctant to sit the re because of my late husband?”
    Marcus hesitated. He wanted to make sure he chose his words carefully not to upset her. “Well, I didn’t want you to feel like I was trying to fill his spot.” Not sure if those were the right words, he grimaced.
    Sydney looked at the chair then at Marcus. “Typically, Philippe would sit at the head of the table.” She walked around to the other side of the chair. I have to learn to live with his death and move on. I’m not looking for a replacement husband. I’m looking for someone I can spend the rest of my life with. And I choose you.” She leaned down to kiss his lips. “Now, would you please sit here so you’re not so far away from me?”
    Marcus got up and switched seats without further discussion. They sat and had a lovely dinner discussing what they liked to eat, who their favorite actors and actresses were, but nothing too in depth.
    “Since we’re sort of playing twenty questions, can I ask you something personal?”
    Sydney was not fazed by the question. How much more personal could he get? “Sure, shoot.”
    “Would you ever consider piercing your body?”
    She thought for a second. “Marcus, I’m not piercing my clitoris, no way.”
    Although the thought had never crossed his mind, it would be cool. “No sweetness, would you get a belly ring?”
    She had wanted to pierce her belly button years ago, but it wasn’t something Philippe liked. “I would have maybe fifteen, twenty years ago, but now, I don’t know.” She looked indecisive.
    “Are you afraid?”
    “Fuck no, I’ve had four kids. Did you forget?”
    “You’re not going to tell me you’re self-conscious about the way your body looks again, are you?”
    “Well, no. It’s just that I don’t want other people to think I’m too old or out of shape to have it.”
    “You’re not too old, and you have the shape of a twenty-five year old. So will you do it?” He waited anxiously for her answer.
    “Yeah, I guess. When?”
    “When we finish eating, we can go back to Planet Hollywood. There’s a place called Club Tattoo in the mall. They do piercings.”
    Sydney hesitated. “What would I get? I don’t want anything gourdy. It has to be feminine and classy. Maybe a dragonfly or butterfly.”
    “I’m sure they have a great selection.” He hoped they had what he wanted, a plain ring with a diamond either on it or dangling from it. If she wasn’t ready to take her wedding rings off, then maybe she’d wear his ring in her belly till he could replace the ones on her finger.
    Later, as they stood in front of Club Tattoo, Marcus grabbed her hand. “Syd, you sure you’re okay with this? If you’re not, please don’t think I’ll be mad.” He sounded a little worried.
    “Whatever, it’s just a hole in my bellybutton. If I don’t like it I can always let it close up.” Grabbing Marcus’ hand she tugged him into the store, “Let’s get this over with.”
    She picked a very small dragonfly attached to a steel bar. As she was lying on the table, waiting to be pierced, her mind was going a mile a minute. First you have sex with a complete stranger. Granted, he’s no stranger anymore. You’ve had sex in places we won’t ever mention again. And now you’re piercing your belly button. What the fuck is up with me?
    Before she knew it, the ordeal was over. Sydney admired the dragonfly shining at her navel. Now that the scary part was over, she really liked it. She found Marcus leaning against a jewelry showcase in the