Because (Seven Year Itch #4)(34)
“I’ll stop by and fill her head with enough to warrant a call to you.”
I snarl at his comment. God only knows what he’ll say to her. “Thanks.”
“If this backfires, it’s not on me though, dude.”
“It won’t. Trust me.” I’m asking him to do something to annoy my wife in hopes she’ll come home instead of staying away indefinitely.
Later that night, when I’ve gone home and tucked Aberdeen into bed, I sit on my bed looking around the room. Shayla’s things are still everywhere in the house. That’s when I get another idea that will surely cause a reaction. When I’m done with this I’ll know where she stands, and be able to figure out what to do next, if anything at all.
Chapter 16
I feel like I’ve been hit by a train.
I’ve been working out with my father for three days now. It’s already Friday and I’ve managed to go over twenty-four hours without talking to Brandon. I miss him like crazy, but the longer I go, the easier it’s becoming to refrain from reaching out. In the back of my mind I’m wondering if he’s doing the same or if this is his way of showing me he doesn’t care if I ever return. I know he’s mad I haven’t spoken to him since our encounter the other night. Nothing good will come if I bring it up, so I pretend it never happened.
As far as my progress goes, I feel like I should be proud of what I’ve accomplished thus far. My doctor says I’m taking the right steps in order to rediscover the person I know I can be. When I got on the scale this morning I’m down seven pounds. It’s not just falling off because I’m exercising. It’s mostly from stress and forgetting to eat. I’m too emotional to care about consuming food. Still, I’m excited and hopeful the weight will continue to fall off while I desperately find a new lifestyle I can manage on a day to day basis.
After my talk with Aberdeen, I’m determined to get her for the whole weekend, but it’s going to require me to sneak into my house while Brandon’s at work to gather enough clothes for the days she won’t be coming home. He’s been keeping me from spending a lot of time with her and I’m about to end that.
He’s going to flip out when he discovers my plan, though I know I’m not going to tell him until she’s with me. I’ve made arrangements to stay at my new friend Char’s house while she travels across the Bay Bridge to spend the weekend with her family. Since Brandon doesn’t know her, he won’t be able to track us down and harass me until I bring her home. I want this weekend to be special, without distractions, so I’m taking extremes to ensure it happens.
Stopping by the house seems like I’m committing a crime. Since I know what time he goes into work, I head there before my shift at Target begins. I pull into the empty driveway and make my way inside the home. There are still dishes in the sink, but they appear to be different than the other night. The kitchen table has school work on it, and as I make my way in each room I find things out of order.
I start in my bedroom, making the bed and putting away the clean clothes still in baskets at the foot of it. I wipe down the countertops in the bathroom and scour the toilet and shower. I vacuum all the floors and fold the throw blankets in the living room. When I start doing the dishes I see someone pulling in behind my car. It’s my mother-in-law Susan. She’s getting out of her car with a grocery bag in her arms. Of course she would assume her son couldn’t manage on his own. In her back pocket is a pair of rubber gloves. I want to laugh, but I’m too annoyed.
When she steps in the kitchen and sees me washing the dishes she stops dead in her tracks. “Mom, what are you doing here?”
“I could ask the same from you. I was under the impression you weren’t living here.”
“I told you I was taking some time, not moving out. I still have responsibilities to my family.”
She sits down a bag of groceries and begins pulling out items such as milk and eggs. “Well, I just figured I could help out a little while you weren’t home.”
I toss the dishrag in the soapy water and cross my arms. “Mom, Susan,” I’m too pissed to consider her my parent. “What’s going on between Brandon and me is between the two of us. Your son is fully capable of grocery shopping and cleaning if I don’t come around to do it. As you can see, I’m not going to leave him high and dry.”
“I’m sorry I assumed. I’m only trying to help.”
“I get it. I do. I’m just frustrated. Part of the reason I left is because Brandon doesn’t appreciate the things I do. It’s important he knows about the little details of taking care of a child and a house, as well as managing the bills and feeding the family. He’s not going to learn otherwise.”
She puts her hands in her pockets. “You’re right. I didn’t consider that’s what you were trying to get across. I apologize.”
“It’s fine.” I can’t stay mad at her for trying to keep the peace. “Thanks for picking up a few things. Since you’re here I want you to know I won’t be dropping Ab off tonight. I’m taking her to the movies.”
“Oh. Brandon didn’t mention it.”
“I know. I’ll make sure he’s made aware.”
She walks over and hugs me. “I love you, Shayla. I do hope this separation is only temporary. You’ll always be a part of our family.”