Because (Seven Year Itch #4)(33)

“Since when?” He questions.

“A couple days ago. Shayla went to stay with her parents.”

“So, she left you?” He seems intrigued.

I shrug. “I guess. It’s all some ridiculous attempt to fix what she thinks is broken. I don’t know. I’m just going along with it for now.”

“Do you want to work things out? I know she makes you miserable sometimes.”

“Yeah, I mean, she’s the mother of my child. I love her. She’s crazy on occasion, but she’s not terrible.”

I’m trying to convince him I’m happy and the more I speak the worse it sounds.

“Have you considered it’s for the best? She’s never been what you want, not since high school, man. I hate to say it, but it’s true. She’s always on your back about something. She accuses you of cheating and me being the worst example, even though I haven’t done shit to hurt your marriage. I don’t know what happened to her, but she’s different. You’re never happy, dude.”

This guy has been my most trusted friend, but as he sits here and pulls apart the failures in my marriage I’m forced to see what I’ve been ignoring for far too long. “Yeah, it’s not as bad as you’re making it.”

“All I’m saying is that maybe this time apart is a good thing. You’ll be able to reevaluate what’s important. Some people get along better when they live apart.”

I’m not that optimistic the distance between Shayla and I can help us. Our problems are more involved than being in time out.

“Speaking of which, I guess I might be in need of a lawyer in the future if things get ugly.”

“I’ve got your back, man. No worries on that front. I’ll hook you up with the best for half the cost.”

I snicker. “Gee, thanks, I think.”

“I’m kidding. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

Imagining fighting for custody of Aberdeen causes me to cringe. I can’t even begin to fathom how my wife would handle such a thing. Hurting her isn’t my goal. Sure, I want to teach her a lesson, but not damage us more.

“I’m sure it won’t.”

I follow him into the kitchen and immediately change the subject. “So, have you set a date?”

“We’re thinking about this spring.” Cara says while handing Aberdeen a spatula of cake batter to eat. “We’ve been talking and we want to get married sooner than later. Since I’m set on one place in particular, I need to make a decision.”

Toby pops a piece of cooked chicken in his mouth. “I just do what she says.”

“Yeah, it’s the only way to keep the peace with women.”

Cara adds her two cents. “Seems like you haven’t been taking your own advice, Bran. Did I hear you right about Shayla?”

I smirk, but make sure Ab isn’t upset regarding the topic before responding. “It’s temporary.”

“I hope it works out.” Her words leave me with worry. If these two people have doubts, why haven’t I considered them too? It is that obvious my marriage sucks? Have I been blind to what Shayla’s been saying for years?

After dinner the three of us sit in the living room. Ab remains in the dining room coloring while Cara’s tablet plays an episode of her favorite show.

I’m not worried about hearing from Shayla, so I don’t bother checking for messages. Right before it’s time to take my daughter home and get her ready for bed I come up with an idea. I direct my question to Toby. “Hey, do you think you could swing by Target one day this week and accidentally bump into Shayla?”

“Yeah, but what for?”

“I think it’s time to scare the shit out of her.”

“Hasn’t it only been a couple days?” Cara asks.

“Yeah, but she needs to know I’m not going to sit around and wait for her to make her mind up.”

“Do you have someplace else to be?” Toby says with an amused cackle. He knows me too well. “Is it that busty chick at your work? Has she finally gotten into your head.”

I shake my head. “Fuck off, man. I told you I’m not interested in that hussy.”

“I’m kidding. She’s scary.”

“Toby, be nice.” Cara seems annoyed he’d bring up another woman when I’m asking for help with my wife. I’m not offended though. In the past, when I was considering being unfaithful, he was the rock that kept me on the straight and narrow. I’d never tell Shayla he helped me, because she’d use it against me. It’s best that she thinks he’s partial to me being happy doing whatever I find amusing at the time.

“Just nonchalantly mention you’ve seen me since the separation. Tell her it’s about time, and that you think it’s for the best. Tell her I seem happy.”

“Wait,” Cara interrupts. “Are we trying to end your marriage or help you fix it?”

“Fix it. Shayla needs to think I’m not going to wait around. Don’t go and tell her I’m screwing other people, just imply I’m not moping around the house waiting for her to return.”

“I think you’re crazy.” She’s not seeing the big picture, though I haven’t brought Shayla around enough for her to know how she is.