“Oh, yeah, the job thing,” Logan recalls.
Last spring, Karan and I had a huge fight about his new job while we were out at Tania’s sugar shack.
Watching him come home from his job as a game developer every single day, a smile on his face and his spine held straight with pride… it was bliss.
But it wasn’tseriousenough for his mommy and daddy, so he transferred to a software startup instead. Now, those smiles are gone, replaced with bags under his eyes and a stooped figure.
I hate what it’s doing to him.
“He’s always tired,” I continue, chewing my bottom lip. “He comes home late more often than not. When he’s there, he’s zoned out.”
I sigh again, rubbing my hand against my mouth. “Guys, this fucking sucks.”
“At least you’re here,” Nolan chimes in with a mischievous grin. “So let’s get your mind off that bullshit. I’ve got a show for you ladies.”
Tania arches an eyebrow, then yelps when Nolan pushes her off his lap and stands.
“I’ll take that.” He grabs the microphone from Avery, then removes his shirt in one graceful movement.
All four women, me included, whoop in encouragement at the sight of his broad, tattooed chest. He leans over the karaoke machine, types in his choice of song, and as soon as the beat comes on, he starts bouncing his shoulder provocatively.
I can’t help the giggle that escapes my lips. Nolan starts singing the first lyrics ofI’m Too Sexy, continuing his provocative moves as his gaze switches from person to person.
Nolan’s strategy works; for a moment, my mind is taken off the shitshow I’ve left at home. There’s only room for laughter with my friends. Then, it’s suddenly my turn, and I lose myself tothe music, fully leaning into my shitty performance that makes everyone laugh even more.
But as the evening wears on, and Karan fails to show up at all, the nagging thought creeps back into my head. It’s a constant companion that won’t leave me alone.
This relationship is dying.
Chapter 2
Karan
Iwince at the sound of the cupboard door slamming shut. I don’t move, putting all my attention on the sounds in the condo. Will this stir Rachel from her sleep?
A sigh of relief escapes me when I hear nothing.
I didn’t intend to slam the cupboard door like that. But sometimes, I can’t control my strength. The only time I feel gentle is when I’m with Rachel and the boys.
The last thing I want is to wake her. Or our sons. It’s still pitch black outside, and even Cayce and Corey never get up at this hour. If Rachel were to wake up, it would only sour her mood even more.
I’m trying to make it up to her, not make things worse.
I fucked up last night.
Badly.
I now have all the items and ingredients I need on the counter to makeAloo Paratha, Rachel’s favourite of all the breakfast recipes passed down from my Punjabi father. I’ve already boiled potatoes last night after coming back from my parents’ place, which means I can now mash them with a fork and blend them with spices before preparing myParathadough to stuff everything inside.
Rachel seemedpissedlast night. I’m not exactly sure why it affected her as much as it did. Our group of friends gets together relatively often. Sure, it’s not every day that Tania and Nolan make the trip, but they only live an hour and a half away.
Still, I can own up to my mistakes. Ihaveto, if I’m to remain the good husband I’ve always vowed to be.
My Rachel deserves better than what I’ve been giving her.
Weariness seeps into my bones as I knead the dough. With the prepping of the potatoes and getting up early this morning, I haven’t slept nearly enough. Still, it’s important for me to make it up to Rachel. It’s not her fault if she doesn’t understand the duty I have to my mother and father.
Although my mother is Québécoise like her parents, we still grew up in very different households.
