I fold the coat over my arm and put the top back on the hook. “Fine, I’ll buy the damn coat but I’m not promising anything.”
She motions toward my crotch, laughing. “It’s going to thank me for this. You watch and see.”
I laugh. “Shut up.”
Janette flips her hot pink hair over her shoulder as she turns to walk out of the dressing room. “I’m starving. Go check out, hooker. Let’s go eat.”
I pause and hold the coat up to myself one last time and contemplate actually going through with it. I shake my head and walk towards the check-out. I don’t know who I am anymore. This is craziness.
I’m sitting in my car parked outside Brisban’s place in nothing but a red trench and black heels. My palms are sweaty and I’m more nervous than I’ve ever been to meet him. Going to his home, coupled with the insane idea of showing up like this, has me all frazzled. I shoot Janette a quick text.
Me: I officially hate you.
Janette: No you don’t. I’ll be waiting for you to text me later with a big sloppy thank you ;)
Me: If you could see me right now you’d see I am flipping you off.
I push my phone into my clutch and take a deep breath. This is it. I can’t go back now. He’s expecting me and I need to get a grip. I open the door and step out of the car, shutting it behind me and activating my alarm. Just as I start to make my way up the steps I hear my name being called from behind. Instantly the familiarity of the voice registers with me and I turn around.
“Is this where the guy you’ve been screwing lives?” James is pointing towards Brisban’s condo and my heart drops to the pit of my stomach.
My mouth falls open and anger courses through me like a wildfire. “Are you following me? Have you gone completely mad?”
“Candace?”
I turn toward the condo and see Brisban standing there in a white t-shirt, dark jeans, and bare feet. He looks from me to James and then back to me.
“What’s going on? I heard yelling.”
I open my mouth to respond but James interjects. “What’s going on is this is my wife and you’re fucking her. I’m here to put an end to it.”
Brisban gapes at him and I feel tears prick my eyes. I motion my finger between me and James. “We are not married anymore, James. What do you not understand about, I’m not taking you back? What don’t you get about, leave me alone? My life is none of your damn business.”
My voice cracks and I try to hold the tears back. I don’t want either of them to see me weak. Before I know what’s happening Brisban is standing in front of me.
“You have exactly one second to get back in your car and off my property, man.”
Brisban’s voice is stoic and commanding. Looking at both him and James at the same time, Brisban makes James look so insignificant. But James doesn’t even flinch.
“Fuck you, man. You’re a fuck. I was her husband for fifteen years so you don’t get a say. Now, back off.”
Brisban takes a step in toward James and all I can think about is how fast this is escalating. I don’t want them getting into a physical fight over me.
I reach out and grab Brisban’s arm. “Please, don’t.”
He turns and looks back down at me. “Do you want him here or not?”
I shake my head. “No, of course not, but I don’t want you two in a fight either.”
He reaches down, takes my hand in his, and looks back over at James. “Leave, now, and don’t come back.” He pulls on my hand and begins guiding me up the steps.
“Hey, I want to fucking talk to you, Candace. Why are you being like this?” I don’t turn around. We move up the steps quickly and Brisban squeezes my hand. His door is open slightly and he pushes it open further, allowing us to go inside. He closes the door and punches in a code on the security system on the wall.
“Are you okay?” He releases my hand and tilts my chin upward so I’m looking right at him. Tears spill from my eyes and I nod. He pulls me into his chest and envelops me in a hug.
“I’m so embarrassed.”
He pulls back and looks at me with the softest expression I’ve ever seen on his face. “Hey, there’s no reason for you to feel embarrassed. It’s not your fault. He’s the one who should feel embarrassed.”
Leaning in, he kisses me on the forehead and his lips linger for a moment. I inhale deeply and then exhale. He puts an arm around me and guides me into the living room of his place. “Why don’t you let me take your coat for you and I’ll get you a glass of wine. You need a minute to calm down.”
I freeze. My coat. Oh, god.