Page 12 of Keeping Skylar
Fighting the urge to scream that I deserve a better husband than him, I swallow my frustration and sit quietly—like the good wife I am.
For the rest of our dinner, the conversation grows stale. We talk about work, his training, and an upcoming work event this Friday night he needs to attend. Feeling bored and a little devious, I decide to stir the pot and bring up the topic of Lucia.
“Lucy suggested that she and I go on a girl’s trip soon. I might consider it. Could be fun.” I smile a disingenuous grin.
His fingers tighten around his fork, and his jaw clenches at the mention of his mistress and his wife alone together for a couple of days. Maybe it’s worry I’m sensing. Or is that fear? Perhaps his mind is thinking of all the different ways Lucia will slip up and accidentally reveal their affair. Who fucking knows?
“Oh? When are you two planning to go on this trip? You know how I feel about you spending too much time away, Skylar,” he barks, his tone filled with a mix of nervousness and irritation. He only ever calls me by my full name when he’s angry, but most of the time I’m just Sky to him.
“Didn’t you just suggest that I should go on trips more often?”
“I was being sarcastic, Sky. Learn to take a joke. If you want to go on a trip, we can arrange something together. I barely see you as it is.”
And who’s fucking fault is that, arsehole!
I roll my eyes at the hypocrisy. We barely see each other because he’s too busy creating another life with his mistress.
For the next few minutes, silence fills the air as we finish the last of our food and wine. Once we’re done, Kaden clears the table while I load the dishwasher.
Following our usual nightly routine, he heads to our ensuite to shower and spend some time in the study before bed, while I read a romance novel on the couch.
Before discovering the affair, I used to hate the distance between us, but now, it feels like it’s not far enough.
I’m sitting on the couch, holding a book in one hand, and my phone in the other. With Kaden in his study, I decide it’s the perfect time to text Kirstin and update her on my progress.
Me:Hey lovely. You free to chat?
Kirstin:Always for you. How are you holding up over there?
Me:Could be better. It is what it is.
Kirstin:Oh honey. Have you heard from the real estate agency or Loretta?
Me:I just received a couple of emails from the agencyconfirming they’ve received my application online. I’m not sure when I’ll hear back. But Loretta responded to my email this afternoon. She’ll call me sometime this week to discuss potential job opportunities.
My heart leapt when I saw the email from Loretta. I hadn’t expected a response so soon, but it brought the hope I needed to get through this slow and agonising day.
Kirstin:That’s great news, hon! I’m proud of you for taking the first step.
Me:Thanks, my love. I’ll feel more at ease as soon as I hear some good news.
Kirstin:The waiting is always the hardest part. But it will all be worth it if it means getting out of that place.
Me:I hope so. I barely made it through an excruciating dinner with Kaden. There were so many times I wanted to fling my curry right at his head.
Kirstin:HAHAHAHA! Babe, you should’ve! I would’ve traded my soul to watch that.
Me:Yeah, well, it was damn good curry, unfortunately. Anyway, I desperately need to get out of the house. Kaden has a work thing this Friday night. Can we please go out for drinks?
Kirstin:I’m down. Meet me at mine at 7pm?
Me:It’s a date!
Kirstin:And don’t go throwing anything at his head without me there to watch.
Me:LOL! Will do. Love you, boo xoxo
Kirstin:Love you too xx
