Housewife Gone Wild

Chapter 4

I looked back at Jared. It had been years since he’d cared about me. Honestly, I wanted to laugh. I knew he wasn’t worried about me–he was worried about how his wife would look.

“Got an issue?” I shot back, no more staying quiet.

Jared scowled, clearly pissed. But he didn’t argue–he’d tolerate anything until it threatened his precious bottom line.

“Nah. Just don’t stay out too late,” he replied, turning and heading upstairs.

Behind me, Mom was still fussing over Yvonne at the table, cooing “sweetie” while shoveling bites into her mouth.

I shook my head, feeling defeated. I wouldn’t stop anyone from taking care of Yvonne. But I couldn’t love her like a typical mom anymore.

I stepped outside, jingling my car keys. Jared had given me a silver Mercedes–Benz E–Class years ago, but the garage had better options. I usually drove the Bentley to pick up Yvonne from school, because it looked more impressive.

I fired up the engine, floored the gas, and drove into the dark night. I’d made plans with an old college friend, Melissa Jenkins, a lawyer who was single and had been hustling in the city for years.

Not long ago, she’d bought a new place and asked me over to warm it up. But that day, Yvonne had gotten deathly sick- throwing up, diarrhea, the whole mess. I’d stayed up all night with her.

When Jared rolled in, he’d tore into me for taking Yvonne to the mall playground, claiming that was where she had caught the virus.

To make up for missing Melissa’s housewarming, I’d asked Melissa out tonight.

She rushed over, briefcase in tow, her face registering total disbelief.

I held out a small blue box. “Missed your housewarming. This is my make–good.”

Melissa opened it and peeked inside—a gold bracelet gleamed back at her. “Oh my God, Victoria, you’re so awesome!” she squealed, quickly clasping the bracelet on her wrist.

much. I can’t accept this.” She started to yank it off, though her eyes betrayed

caught her hand. “If we’re still

eyes as she pulled me into a tight hug.

pulled out two movie

lips. “Whoa, sudden plans? Did

need their permission. I run my own life now,” I said with a confident smile. In my previous life, I’d lived a suppressed and gutless existence–always looking busy, but achieving

mix of shock and excitement. “Well, I love seeing you

you.”

1 nodded. “Me too.”

1/3

reached out and brushed a hand over my back. I turned

it out. But seriously, when

pressing my lips together. “Do I look good in

here are about

things never changed–Melissa was still the same jokester she

say—if you’re pretty, you gotta go out and let

teased, “Jared cool with that?” Her tone sounded like his mood was the

who controls what his wife wears was a

She quickly covered her mouth, glaring

her a bucket of popcorn.

pay much attention to the movie, while

my chin on my hand. Finally, I had

to twenty–six–young enough to turn things around. And there was only one path for me: making something of

was a wealthy housewife with money, time, and looks. In my,previous life, I thought this was the ultimate goal for a woman, and I was totally satisfied, never pushing myself

just as successful and charming as him. I clung to the fantasy of relying on my husband when young and my son when