Our once happy and contented marriage had become a shadow of what it had been, turning it into a sham of what I used to cherish most and held close to my heart.
After hanging up the call with my mom, I silently drove towards the shop with my mind racing, thinking about my marriage and what would come out of it in a few months’ time. I wasn’t due at work for two more hours, but I couldn’t go home and face the loneliness that was tearing me in two.
The moment I got inside the shop, I was immediately bombarded by a frenzied Masie.
“Hey, look!” she declared, almost running into me before shoving a half-folded magazine in my hands. “Drake looks so gorgeous with that new haircut, doesn’t he? How come you aren’t in here?” She gave me a wide-eyed, questioning look, waiting for me to say a valid reason for why I wasn’t a part of the big celebratory dinner.
Well, truth be told, I hadn’t actually been aware that there was one. My husband had forgotten to disclose the important, hotshot dinner he was having.
“I wasn’t really feeling all that well, so I skipped it.” I felt parched as my heart pounded wildly against my chest.
Drake along with the new director, Martin Lombardo, Katie Thompson, Bass, and Emma, all looked cheerfully cozy as they posed to have their picture taken. Why hadn’t he invited me? Was our relationship deteriorating so quickly he couldn’t even give me the courtesy of a dinner invitation? Granted, I would have most likely declined it, but it would have been nice if he had asked me and given me a choice to think about it at least.
“Where’s Sara?” I immediately asked, not wanting Masie to sniff my bullshit excuse or for her to witness my internal meltdown that was slowly escalating deep inside.
“She’s in the back. There’s this three-tiered fondant birthday cake she’s working on. Maybe you would want to see how that’s going?”
Making a small smile, I gave her a grateful look before immediately striding towards the back, heading inside the kitchen where all the magic of baking happened. Just as she had stated, Sara was busy rolling fondant icing and getting the exact colors to match the Disney Frozen theme. It was a beautiful set of colors to work with. A meticulous piece to be sure, but worth it. I supposed the only people who could truly appreciate the hard work were the ones who were passionate about the rigorous detail and attention of how much effort was put into one amazingly magnificent birthday cake.
“You’re doing a great job, Sara!” Though I was proud we had hired a skilled assistant, deep inside, I was still reeling from the magazine photo that had my husband looking like he had not a care in the world, and with Katie Thompson sitting so cozily next to him.
With the magazine still in my hand, I excused myself to use the restroom. Securing the lock in place, I then scrutinized the damn thing, noting every detail between the two. Much to my horror, Drake’s arm was slung across her shoulder, as if they were there as a couple.
Could it be? I swallowed the dry lump in the back of my throat while the back of my eye sockets started to burn with tears. Could it be her? It was plausible. I mean, they did work together day in and day out, five times a week, and on special occasions, they worked over the weekends, too.
“No,” I whispered shakily as I turned through the damn photos. “He wouldn’t … Drake would never hurt me like this.” Maybe I was still in the self-denial phase therapists talked about, but I wasn’t ready to go there yet. If I did, how in the world would I comprehend the fact that he was sleeping with one of his interns? Not only was the thought raunchy, but could Drake really stoop that low?
The exhilaration I had felt when I had seen my baby on that tiny screen almost an hour before seemed to ebb away, replaced by the horror of a revelation that was threatening to ruin everything I held dear to my heart.
I guessed it was a blessed thing I hadn’t sold my townhouse. I might have a use for it soon.
The depressing idea dampened my mood for the entire day. As much as I wanted to pretend everything was fine, I was starting to realize my life was about to change, and I had better toughen up.
Chapter 14
Drake
“Your father and I are on our way to your house. How long will it be until you arrive? Please tell me Lily’s already there.”
My parents were on their way over? Why hadn’t they told me beforehand? Fuck.
“I’m just leaving the office. Is Lily expecting you guys?”
“Do we need an appointment to see you both now?” my dad’s voice interrupted, just as my mom was about to respond to my question.
Damn speakerphones. It would be nice if the caller would warn beforehand. I hated being caught off guard.