Because (Seven Year Itch #4)(47)

It’s afternoon when I get my first message of the day from him. It’s only a friendly hello, but he’s making the effort now. I’m furious. He’s sitting at work with nothing else to do than message strange women.



He asks me how I feel about talking for a while before we decide if we want to meet. Then he proceeds to give details about how his wife accused him of cheating for years. I ask if he was ever unfaithful to her and he replies with an answer I’m not sure I believe.



I’ve never had a physical relationship with another woman since before I started dating my wife. I’ve talked to women, but I never took it to the next level. I’m telling you this now because it’s one of the reasons my wife left me. I don’t want secrets, because I know how they can hurt people.



I’m about to call him out when my real phone vibrates with a message.

It’s from Bran, and it sends me off the deep end.



I’ve been thinking about you all day. I know it’s not a date, but I can’t wait for you to accompany me to the wedding.

PS: You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever laid eyes on. – Bran



I want to throw my phone out the window and watch it get run over by a truck. I’ve wanted him to talk to me like this for our entire relationship and now he’s going to pull this shit.

I don’t respond. I have nothing positive to say to him. If he showed up at my door I might punch him in the face.

He’s a liar. He’s a terrible person. I want nothing to do with him.



Yes, okay, I still love him, but it’s a lost cause.





Chapter 23




“Guess what, kiddo?” I say to Aberdeen after she climbs in the car from school. I like picking her up sometimes instead of my mother. When we’re slow at work I skip my lunch break in order for this to happen.

It’s been almost a week since I asked her mother to accompany me. I’ve kept my distance, but it’s taking a toll on my sanity. I’ve been keeping a journal. I read somewhere it helps when dealing with feelings. Usually I doodle, but this past week I’ve written paragraphs. I want to look back on this one day and appreciate how it turns out.

“What?” She’s just as excited to hear what I have to tell her.

“Mommy is going to come to the wedding with us. I asked her last night.”

“Like a date?” She questions.

I shrug. “I told her it wasn’t. We’ll keep that a secret between you and me. I’m thinking we should get her flowers when we pick her up. Do you think she’d like that?”

She’s smiling ear to ear. “Yes. Are you going to tell her you love her? Do you think you can move back into the house?”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Your mom is a tough one to crack. I’m going to take my time and prove how much she means to me; to us. How does that sound?”

“Good.”

“Perfect. Now, what would you like for dinner?”

“Potato chips.”

I cackle. “You can have chips as long as it’s accompanied by a vegetable and some meat. Do we have a deal?”

I look in the rearview mirror and watch her nod. Finally I have something to smile about too. Things are looking up. There’s a chance I’m going to get back into my wife’s good graces and I’m determined not to screw it up.



The next several days blow by. I’ve had to pick up my tuxedo and get everything done so I can take off that Friday to prepare. We’ve decided to keep the bachelor party low key and make it for both of them. Cara is a cool chick, but she draws the line at Atlantic City strippers. I can’t blame her. If I would have known back then what I know now I would have done so many things differently.

Since I’m in charge of the party it’s important I have all the details in order. I’ve arranged for two exotic dancers to show up at their apartment. According to the manager of the company, they’ll both be dressed as police officers. I’m going to sit the chairs side by side and take a thousand pictures as they both try to keep composure with mostly naked strangers dancing over them. It’s going to be a riot.



Once I’m finished picking up the decorations, I want to get a second opinion on what I’ve selected. It’s also a reason for me to stop by unannounced and see Shayla. Aberdeen won’t be home from school for another hour so I’m not interrupting them.

I knock on the door twice and wait for her to answer, even though I still have my house key.

I can tell from the look on her face that something is wrong. She opens the door, but doesn’t offer a simple greeting.

“Hey, I hope it’s okay I swung by. I need your opinion on something for the party tonight. You’re welcome to come over to the apartment for the festivities.”

“Festivities?” She asks without looking at me.

“Well, yeah. The co-ed bachelor/bachelorette shindig. There’s about thirty of us piling in Toby’s apartment tonight.”

“So you didn’t go to Atlantic City?”

“No. It would have caused too many fights. This way they both get to celebrate without breaking rules.”

“Like you know anything about that,” she spats out.