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She shrugs, her mouth twisting. “Isn’t that what wives with successful husbands do? Erin would be horrified if she had to work.”
“You know Lucas?”
“Only from meeting him at the party. Anthony mentioned he owns an Advertising Agency when he introduced us. And from the look of your home, I would say it’s doing well.”
I’m taken aback at her assumption, not only for automatically assuming that I’d want to be a stay-at-home mom, but also that Lucas is the successful one. I might not be earning as much as him, but my business can certainly hold its own. Also, it’s none of her damn business.
“If staying at home is what makes Erin happy, good for her. I don’t see designing as work. It’s my passion.” There might be a bit of bite to my tone, but I don’t like how it feels as if she’s judging me.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean that to sound so rude. Erin’s always telling me I speak before I think. Anyway, I think she should be home by now.” We both stand, and it’s a bit awkward. “Thank you for your time and the water.” She hesitates, biting her lip as if she wants to say something, but then with a shake of her head, she smiles a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “I guess I’ll see you around.”
***
“I had an interesting visitor today.” I hand Lucas his glass of wine and settle down on the couch next to him.
Lucas helped Lizzy with her bath and put her to bed while I cleaned the kitchen after dinner. I get to spend the afternoons with her, so he likes to put her to bed. He calls it his “Daddy time,” and I often hear her giggles way past her bedtime. I don’t begrudge them those extra stolen minutes. He works so hard, and they don’t get to spend enough time together. It’s too early for us to go to bed, so we’re relaxing on the couch.
“At Satin and Style?”
I often regale him with stories about the bridezillas, sometimes with their whole bridal parties in tow that come to me for their designs. A time or two, Lillian and I had to act as referees when a catfight broke out between bridesmaids. I’m eternally grateful that we decided on a small, intimate wedding where I only had Lillian at my side, and Lucas had Eric.
“No. At home. Can you remember meeting Erin’s sister at the block party? Her name’s Monica.” I carry on when he keeps staring at the TV.
He takes a sip of his wine. “Can’t say I do.”
“She said Anthony introduced you.” That seems to get his attention when he snaps his head to me.
“She said this?”
“Yes. She came to visit Erin, who wasn’t home, and got a flat tire. I invited her in for something to drink while she waited.”
“What was so interesting about it? Did she say or do anything?”
I shrug, “Not really. She just gave me a weird vibe.”
A nerve twitches at the end of his clenched jaw, and I automatically reach out to stroke his hand, trying to soothe him. Lucas has always been so protective of Lizzy and me.
“In what way?”
“I don’t know. She seemed to be all judgy because I work. She made me feel as if I should be a stay-at-home mom like Erin.”
“Fuck her. How we live our lives is none of her concern,” he grumbles, focusing his attention back on the TV. His body is stiff, and for the hundredth time since Friday, I wonder what’s going on in his head. His life for that matter. It feels as if there’s this divide made up of my suspicions and his lies between us, and I don’t know how to bridge it. Once again, I wonder if I should just outright ask him. I mean, I can’t go on like this forever. Something’s got to give. My nerves are frayed, my creativity shot, and I’m finding it hard to concentrate on my current wedding gown creation. I feel like I’m falling behind, and it’s making me feel out of control. If there’s something I hate, it’s not being in control. It looks though as if I’m not going to get any answers tonight because Lucas downs his wine and gets up.
“It’s been a long day. I’m going to bed.” He gives me a brief peck on the lips, and then I’m left staring at his retreating back in confusion. Something is definitely wrong.
***
The next morning, I’m surprised to find Lillian at work.
“Did you wet the bed?” I tease, pouring myself a cup of coffee.
“Come, sit down.” She gestures towards the chair across from her, and I take a seat at the tiny round table we have in our equally tiny kitchen. It’s only big enough for a table, sink, coffee machine, and microwave, but that’s all we really need.
“It sounds serious,” I say with a frown while taking a sip.
“It is. I’ve decided you’ve been avoiding me long enough, and I want some answers.” Concern shines from her eyes when she reaches over and grabs my hands. “What’s going on? Please tell me.” She is genuinely worried, and it makes me feel like crap. We never keep secrets from each other, and maybe it would be good to talk to someone about this. Someone who could give me a different insight into this.
“I think Lucas is having an affair.” I blurt out quickly, the words slicing like daggers as they leave my mouth.
