Let's get started with today's story. Nicole had been gone for four days. She had called it a girls' trip to New Orleans. Four days with her closest friends, good food, music, and a break from work and responsibilities. I had no problem with it.
After 1two years of marriage, I knew we both needed time apart sometimes. When I drove to the airport to pick her up, I expected to see the woman who had left me four days earlier. Instead, I saw someone I barely recognized. Nicole walked toward my car, carrying her suitcase, wearing sunglasses, even though the afternoon sun was fading. She looked excited, not tired, not relieved to be home.
Excited. I got out and opened the trunk. Good trip, she smiled. It was amazing. I put her suitcase inside.
I'm glad. She walked around to the passenger side, but before opening the door, she stopped. We need to talk when we get home. I looked at her about what? She hesitated.
Just something important. I didn't push her there. I drove home in silence. Nicole spent most of the drive looking out the window, occasionally checking her phone. Every time the screen lit up, she smiled.
I noticed. I said nothing. When we got home, she carried her bag upstairs. I went into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of water. 10 minutes later, she came downstairs.
She wasn't wearing the sunglasses anymore. She sat across from me at the kitchen island. I met someone. I stared at her. Someone in New Orleans.
I put my glass down. How long did you know him? Four days. I almost laughed. Four days.
Samuel, please don't make it sound ridiculous. You met a man four days ago, and you're sitting here telling me about him like he's someone you've known for years. She looked away. His name is Trevor. I waited.
What happened with Trevor? She took a breath. We talked a lot. We spent time together. He understood things about me that I haven't felt understood about in years.
I leaned back. You cheated on me? Her eyes immediately came back to mine. No. She swallowed.
We kissed. The room went quiet. I nodded once. Anything else? No.
I watched her carefully. She looked nervous now, but there was still something underneath it. Excitement. That bothered me more than the kiss. Do you love him?
She didn't answer immediately. Then she said something that changed everything. I think I do. I stared at her. You think you love a man you've known for four days?
I know how it sounds. No, you don't. She looked down at her hands. Samuel, I didn't plan this. I wasn't looking for anyone.
It just happened. That's what people say when they want to make a decision sound like it happened to them. Her face tightened. I knew you would react like this because you're telling your husband you met your soulmate on a girls' trip. He isn't just some guy.