Page 28 of For One Night

Thirteen years pass…

I lay here, on hour three of my stare-off with the clock. The red lights taunt me as the minutes click by, reminding me that I’m once again waiting on him to get home. I roll over and punch my pillow to fluff it.

“Take that, asshole.” Yeah, I’m pretending it’s his face.

Another hour of tossing and turning, and I finally give in. Throwing the blankets back, I trudge through the house. I decide to pour a glass of wine. If nothing else, it might help me fall asleep.

I grab my glass as I wander around the house. Each room is filled with so much love. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this place, hoping to make it a home. Tears brim my eyes as I recall every memory made here.

Even the ones I’d prefer to forget.

I catch a glimpse of myself as I pass by a mirror. I’m no longer the woman I was thirteen years ago. Marriage has taken a toll on me I never would have thought possible. Crow’s feet frame my hazel eyes now.

“Hey, ol’ girl. You might have a few wrinkles and some unwanted highlights, but you still have a rockin’ bod!” I hold my glass up clinking it with the mirror as I check my ass out. “Well, maybe the road’s gotten a little curvy.”

I continue through the house, drying my face as I go. Grabbing a throw blanket, I curl up in the chair by the window. It’s four in the morning, and I’m still waiting for my husband to get home.

“What are you doing, Lola?”

Just like that, five words change the direction of my life. A weight so heavy I found myself slumped over most days, slowly evaporates, and I take a long, awaited breath. “What are you doing?”

The question has so many undertones but full of … promise. I gasp when the thought of moving on from Carter fills my heart, easing the pain rooted so deep within me. “Stop trying to find a way to keep him! It’s time to begin to look for who you are and want to become.”

I set my glass down and walk back the way I came. Stopping in each room to assess what it is that’s keeping me here. Every room is designed with Carter in mind. His wants, his needs. Yes, I did the work, but I always have when it came to us.

“And there it is.” I face the same mirror from earlier, staring at the woman in it that I no longer know. “You’ve lost … you.”

A sound from the front door jars me, making me jump. “What are you doing awake?” Carter snaps at me.

“What are you doing just getting home?” I whirl around, making a beeline to the kitchen. It’s my safe place, it gives me room.

He’s on my heels before I can get control of the situation. He grips my arm, spinning me around. “You need to be careful.”

“And you need to get your damn hands off me!” I jerk free and move to the other side of the counter.

He throws his keys and phone on the island between us. “Go ahead, do your thing. Whine, cry, get it out of your system, I’m tired.”

“Tired? Must’ve been some heavy lifting.”

He places his hands on his side. “You really need to get a new hobby. I’m going to bed. You’re welcome to the guest room.”

“The guest room? I don’t think so. This is my home too.” I square my shoulders, ready for a fight.

“No, it’s my home. Bought with my money.” He cocks his brow, making my belly churn.

“You’re right.” My chest seizes, causing me to turn inside myself. “It’s all yours: the house, the car, and everything inside of it.”

His eyes dance with victory. “Also, my bank account.”

“Again, you’re right.” I slowly begin to applaud.

No longer dancing, his eyes turn cold and dark. “Don’t be a smart ass. You need to get ahold of yourself.”

“I believe I am.” I stand strong as my world crumbles around me.

Carter sheds his jacket, placing it on the chair. He lays his hands on the counter, narrowing his eyes. “I’m not sure what this is about, but I’m warning you—stop.”

“You don’t know? For sixteen years, I’ve been by your side. I’ve supported you and did everything you asked of me. If I ask questions, this has been your response. What else do you want from me?” I slap my hand on the surface across from him.