Because (Seven Year Itch #4)(39)

Them being Tyler and some chick he picked up. That chick wasn’t with me. I know what you think you saw, but you’ve got it all wrong. – Bran



Now he’s trying to use another one of his friends to take responsibility so he looks like he’s innocent. I’m viciously angry and frustrated he’d go to such extremes to cover up his own actions. If she wasn’t with him, and he drove her and his friend to our house, how did they get back to their car? He’s blowing smoke and I’m not falling for it. As much as I wish this wasn’t true, I know what I saw. Plus, I also know what Toby told me on Friday when he saw me at work.

Aggravated and unable to let it go, I hit the call button and wait to hear his voice before I take over the conversation.

“Just give me five minutes to explain.”

“There’s nothing to say. My mind is made up. I can’t live like this anymore, Bran. I don’t trust you, and I probably never will. Seven years. That’s how long these ill feelings have been lingering in my mind. I think it’s best if we call a spade a spade. I’ll never be able to get past all the bad to look forward to the little amount of good we could have if we stay married. You and I are better off ending things now. I’m willing to be fair when it comes to Aberdeen. We can make arrangements to fit both of our schedules.” I pause when I hear sniffling.

Is he crying?

I’ve never heard my husband break down, but it can’t be mistaken. “You won’t even let me plead my case.”

“I’m sorry. This hurts me too. I love you. I think I always will, but I can’t do this anymore. I want to be happy, Bran, and you don’t have the capability of making it happen. I hope we can remain friends for Aberdeen’s sake. I think she’d like it if we could do things as a family once in a while, especially holidays and special occasions. She needs to be our first priority.”

“She always will be,” he manages to get out. “I don’t want this to end, Shay. I love you.”

The moment he says it I can’t hold in my own emotions. It’s the end of a future I swore I’d never give up on. I can’t begin to assume how long this is going to hurt. “It’s not enough.”

“I didn’t cheat on you,” he says.

“It doesn’t matter now. I didn’t call you to hash out this weekend. I wanted to be fair and let you know what I plan on doing. If we can come to a fair agreement I won’t get a lawyer.”

“I want you to move into the house. I’ll get my things out. Ab needs to be here, and I can’t keep up with it and work full time. I’ll still pay the bills, so you’re both taken care of.”

“I won’t let you do that forever, but I think it will help our daughter if she’s able to be in her own home while we transition to living apart.”

“I’ll stay at my parents.”

“Okay. I’ll bring her home tomorrow. I think I might keep her home from school until I know she’s okay.”

“Does she hate me?” He asks.

“No. She’ll never hate you. Once I’m calmed down I’ll make sure she knows this isn’t your fault. I’d never want her to have animosity toward either of us. It’s bad enough we’re breaking her heart.” Saying it makes me bawl. I can’t keep my composure while imagining my daughter distraught.

“I’m sorry I hurt you, Shay. I never meant to make you miserable.”

“Let’s just get through the next couple weeks and get on a good schedule. For once let’s try to work together.”

“I’ll do whatever you need.”

“Good. At least we can agree on something. I’ll have Ab call you later on.”

“Okay.”

“Goodbye, Bran.”

When I hang up I feel as if I’m going to puke, even though I have nothing in my stomach. I can’t remember the last time I ate, and I’m certainly not in the mood to rectify the situation. My marriage is over. I’ve failed at being a wife. I feel like I’m worthless.





Chapter 19




“She left me,” I say to Toby when he stops by. He’s worried I didn’t make it home after the wild night we had. While he and Cara were able to get to their apartment on their own, our other friend Tyler was in no condition to get behind the wheel. Since they’d come out in an effort to cheer me up, I felt responsible for making sure everyone was safe. Him bringing a chick with him wasn’t the plan, but both were too drunk to convince otherwise.

“She’ll come around.”

“No.” I shake my head. “She won’t this time. I screwed up. I shouldn’t have told you to taunt her at work. I think that’s what sent her over the edge. Then she walks in on that girl Ty brought here last night. She thinks I was f*cking her. I don’t even know her name.”

Toby can’t believe it. “No way.”

“Yep. She came in and saw her standing in the kitchen half-dressed. What would you think if it happened to you?”

“I’d think my sexy husband was having his cake and eating it too,” he teases.

I’m not amused. “Screw you. Anyway, the damage is done. I’ve sent her a ton of messages and she refuses to respond. You should have seen her face. She was shocked. I’ve never seen her so upset. What am I going to do now, man? How can I get her to understand it was a mistake?”