Because (Seven Year Itch #4)(46)

You’re very attractive. Want to chat?

Truth be told, I’m terrible at this. I sit staring at the screen for the longest time before realizing he’s probably talking to his parents or checking on Aberdeen since it’s his night to have her. She enjoys spending time with her grandparents, so I don’t get overwhelmingly upset if he goes out for a few hours with his friends, or in this case, stops by to see me.

I should hate him.

But I don’t.



I’m not sure how long I lay on my bed waiting for a response. I fall asleep and wake to the sound of an alert. The confirmation that he’s written me back makes my stomach churn. I’m talking to my estranged husband as someone else. He thinks I’m Char.

This is crazy.



You’re very beautiful. Tell me more about yourself.

I promise myself I’m not going to get upset. This is one of the reasons we shouldn’t be together, but I need more proof than a compliment. I need to take this as far as it will go.

I moved here a few months ago for college. I just got out of a terrible relationship with my fiancé. I’m looking to meet new people and start over with my life.



Me too. I’m new to this site, so you’re the first person I’ve been in contact with.



Why that makes me feel better is beyond me. Brandon thinks he’s talking to a stranger. He’s doing this right after asking me to attend a wedding with him.



To be honest, these sites scare me.



Would it be better if I gave you my number?



Oh my god! He’s so forward. I can’t stand it, but I also know I can’t give him my cell phone number. He’d know it was me. Then I remember all the free texting apps that can be used for people without phones. I quickly sign up for the first one I can find on the app store. I send a message to my phone so I have the number. Then I respond to his message.



Yes, sure. I guess that makes it easier.



I’m shocked when a number pops on the screen I’m not familiar with. This is worse than I thought. He has a secret phone I know nothing about. I wonder how long he’s had it, and how many women he’s been in contact with during our marriage. I’m determined to get to know this side of Brandon, even if the truth destroys me.



Against my ill feelings, I send him the fake number and await a text.



It works. Nearly two minutes later I get a message.



Does this make you feel better?



I dive right in. Yes! Thank you. So tell me more about you. Have you ever been married? Do you have kids? Do you like them? Pets? Am I getting ahead of myself?



Thankfully I haven’t scared him away. No. Not at all. Yes, I’ve been married. I’m going through a divorce. I love kids. I have a seven year old daughter. No pets, but I’m not against them. How about you?



I want to see if he’ll be honest. Wow, how long were you married? I’m newly single. No husband. No kids.



Seven years.



He’s very short with his answer. It could mean he doesn’t like talking about it, but that’s too bad because I’m not done. You must have married young.



I met my wife in high school. When she got pregnant we married. Do you really want details?



Sure. I’m getting to know you.



What do you do for a living?



I make something up. Aside from attending school I work in the fitness field. Do you work out?



Does typing work orders count as finger exercise? I’m too busy to join a gym. I share custody of my daughter and she keeps me in shape.



That’s sweet.



She means everything to me. She’ll always come first.



My heart flutters when I read it. I already know how much Brandon loves Aberdeen, but seeing he’s willing to share that part of him warms my soul. No matter what happens between us, or even anyone he might date in the future, she’ll be his number one.



According to your profile you live in the Easton area. Do you like it there?



I’ve lived here my whole life. I like the slower pace as opposed to city life. How about you?



I grew up on the Western Shore of Maryland. I’m used to traffic and congestion.



This must be a huge change for you.



Yes. So is online dating.



I agree. I better get back to my child. Can I message you tomorrow?



Sure.



Okay. It was great meeting you.



You too.



When I know the messages have stopped I sit on my bed and consider calling him and giving him a piece of my mind. He’s obvious lying to me, or trying to have his cake and eat it too. That’s not going to happen. My days of letting him between my legs are over.




The next morning I fill Char in on my conversation with Brandon. She doesn’t seem shocked that I went through with it. I can see she’s curious to see how far I’ll take this. I’m still tempted to call him out on what he’s doing, but refrain, because I know I’ll be able to use this against him later. The more dirt I’m able to dig on him, the better.