The itch to look for a new job creeps under my skin.
Things haven’t been great between Austin and me. I feel like nothing more than his glorified maid. Even when I work late, he doesn’t bother helping around the house.
When we started dating, he wasn’t my type, but I gave him a chance because he seemed like a good guy. The first year was great, then things got a little stale the second year, and over the past few months, it feels like I’ve faded into the background. It’s as if I’m just another piece of furniture instead of the woman he’s supposed to love.
Am I the problem?
It’s the same with my family. After my parents got divorced and married other people, their new families were all that mattered, and I became the mistake from their past they were forced to keep around.
Stopping at a traffic light, a black G-Wagon draws my attention as it stops right in front of the club’s entrance.
Some of the women standing in the line become visibly excited, and when the back door of the expensive SUV opens, they start to shout, like the person getting out is some big-name celebrity.
Curious myself, I look at the man as he climbs out, and when he adjusts his leather jacket, my eyebrows lift with appreciation because he’s very attractive. The next instant, he glances in my direction and our eyes lock.
It’s only for a couple of seconds, but something about the dark expression on his face makes all my alarm bells go off, and while the other women lose their minds for him, I tear my gaze away and quickly cross the street when the light turns green.
I keep my head lowered and my arms wrapped around myself, but my curiosity wins out, and as soon as I reach the curb, I sneak another glance.
The man ignores all the women as he walks to the entrance, and I wonder who he is. He pats the bouncer’s shoulder, and justas I’m about to lose sight of him, his head turns, and once again, our eyes meet.
Shit.
My face turns beet red as I pick up my pace, darting down the street and away from the club.
During the forty-minute commute, my thoughts turn from the attractive guy at the club to Austin and the chores waiting for me at home.
Checking the time on my phone, I see it’s almost ten pm.
I have to do a bundle of laundry before we run out of clothes.
When I’m near the house, I dig my keys out of my handbag before stopping by the mailbox to check if there’s anything.
Seeing two envelopes and a bunch of flyers, I grab them, and when I go into the house, I’m met with the sound of a man’s voice droning on about ancient pyramids on the TV.
I place the mail and my keys on the side table near the front door. “Austin?” I call out while digging my phone out of my bag before setting it down as well.
“What?” he mumbles from the living room.
“I’m home.”
“Mm.”
I notice there’s a text from Elise, my only friend. I met her in a reader’s group, and we got along really well. One thing led to another, and after four years, she’s the only person who really cares about me. Even though she lives in Belgium and we’ve never met in person, I love her.
I open the text.
Elise: So, here’s the plan. You marry some rich old dude that’s about to kick the bucket, and when he dies, you buy us an island. I’m so tired of working. Take one for the team.
I let out a chuckle.
Laurie: Nope, you know my track record with men suck. You’ll have to do it. I just got home. Work sucked. I wish you were here. I know you hate touching, but I could really use a hug.
She reads my message immediately and texts back.
Elise: I’m sending you all the virtual hugs. I know things are difficult right now, but just know, I’m here, and you mean the world to me.
Laurie: Thanks, bestie. How’s work?