“He didn’t even set the security alarm,” Ella mumbled, coming to do it.
“Maybe his mind is on tonight.Max told him he couldn’t be there to help with set up at the last minute and Greg finished this custom cage build.It is pet night,” Helena said from the couch.
“Yeah, that must be it.”Ella took the seat opposite her friend and searched for something to say, but the words wouldn’t come.
“You two were quiet at lunch.”Helena raised a cool eyebrow and fluffed her blonde hair.
“Tired.It’s still an adjustment, Zee’s new schedule.”Ella strolled into the kitchen, needing to find something to do.
Her mood had slid back into aloofness, like she was keeping everything detached from her.
She turned the kettle on, bringing down the two mugs.
“That’s a change.Is everything okay, Ella?”Helena’s soft, concerned voice almost undid her.
She swallowed.Her crying wouldn’t solve anything.
Zee apologized to her for having to cancel the trip to see Annie.
She forgave him, and that should have been the end of it, but she couldn’t shake it.She blew out a frustrated sigh, berating herself for feeling like a pouty teenager not getting her way.
The last thing she wanted was for Zee to grovel and beg for her forgiveness.
Ella grabbed her remote and changed the music to something more upbeat, trying to force her mood.
“Nothing’s wrong.”
The kettle boiled.She poured the water over the tea bags.
“You can’t fool me, Ella.”
Ella glanced over her shoulder at one of her oldest friends, shaking her head.
“Helena.”
“Hey, you know you can tell me anything,” Helena said from the kitchen doorway.
Ella was grateful for her long friendship with Helena and Oliver.
They were the first couple they met in the lifestyle shortly after they bought this estate.Zee had gone to a few local events, while Ella stayed at home with the girls.
Helena was also home with her three sons while finishing her master’s, so the couple met when they could, and it was nice to have friends that were in the lifestyle but also knee-deep in homework and sports activities.
“It’s stupid to think he’s cheating.”Ella didn’t mean to blurt the words out, but the way Helena held the silence got to her.
She clapped a hand over her mouth.
“Honey, no,” Helena came over and draped her arm around Ella’s shoulders.“I’m sure you have reasons for thinking that.Zee loves you.”
“I know he loves me, Helena, but…” The words dried up in her throat.
She believed Zee when he told her he didn’t step out on her during those long road trips.
But she knew he casually played with others; that never bothered her because a scene didn’t have to be sexual or a commitment.
“He’s always looking at his phone.There is something he isn’t telling me.And yeah, we’ve been kind of distant.He is treating me as if I’m fragile.”
“Come drink this tea.That helps.”Helena carried the tea through to the great room and set it on the table.
