“No problem. Just don’t act like an idiot, or I’ll knock you out again,” he joked, heading to bed.
I spread the blanket on the couch, undressed, and washed up. Catching my reflection in the mirror, I shook my head and walked out. As I lay on the couch, I wondered how my life had come to this. I did everything right, worked hard, stayed loyal, but here I was, crashing on my brother’s couch like I was the one who messed up.
Sleep was elusive. My mind kept replaying scenes of Paige and Derek, not just in bed, but at the gym and work, laughing and flirting. Those images hurt more than what I saw in the shower. Did they ever talk about me? Compare us?
The thought stung deeply. I finally dozed off, only to wake when Lance started getting ready for work. He grabbed the yogurt and ate it standing up in the kitchen, looking like a college kid. I held back my thoughts.
After all, I was crashing at his place with no plans to leave anytime soon.
“Are you going to work today?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe,” I replied.
He shook his head and finished his yogurt, giving me one last piece of advice before leaving.
“Art, don’t let that witch turn you into a sad loser. Move on. There are plenty of women out there.”
I didn’t respond. His advice, though well-intentioned, felt clueless. He saw my situation as just another breakup, not realizing the difference between my twelve-year marriage and his fleeting flings. Life had always been easier for Lance.
He had the looks and charm, while I worked hard for everything. I stayed with Lance for a week before we both needed space. Paige texted me several times, asking where I was and if I was coming back. I ignored her until she mentioned the twins had questions.
I knew I had to face the kids, so I went home. I planned to go when the house was empty, but when I pulled into the driveway, Paige’s car was already there. Inside, I found her in the bedroom packing my clothes.
“You’re finally back,” she said.
“What are you doing with my clothes?” I asked.
“I wasn’t sure you were coming back, so I started packing them to save you the trouble,” she replied.
“You knew where I was, Paige.”
“You left me to handle the kids alone,” she shot back.
“Do you remember why I left in the first place?” I asked incredulously.
After a pause, she admitted, “Okay, it’s my fault. I was wrong for cheating, and you have every right to be angry.”
“Did you ever love me?” I asked honestly.
“I did, and I still do, in a way,” she replied, implying that love had changed.
Realizing nothing could be salvaged, I said, “I’ll move my stuff to the guest room.”