Housewife Gone Wild

Chapter 18

Hearing the men discuss their careers today, I realized with sudden clarity–I deserved that same confidence, that equal seat at the table.

Jared called again as soon as I got home. I answered while sinking into the couch.

“Why weren’t you answering your phone?” Jared’s suspicion bled through the line.

“Must’ve been on silent. What’s up?” The lie came automatically now.

“Who were you out with? Yvonne said you went out again.” He might as well have been taking attendance.

“Just some college friends,” I said lightly. “They’re all doing well here. Thought I’d reconnect before starting work.”

He seemed to turn my answer over in his head before responding. “You’ve changed lately. What’s going on?”

“Changed how?” I toyed with my hair, suddenly recalling my younger self–the one who wanted to burn bright, not fade into someone’s background.

“You’re dressing differently these days,” Jared said, proving he noticed every detail about me.

good?” I asked

fine. Just not… dignified enough.” He was

vows about loving me

silence on his end was satisfying. “I never said it was bad,”

else? I’m tired.” I had zero patience for his critiques

went quiet for a beat. “Fine. Goodbye,”

perfectly composed, the genteel husband who

what they were given. Coldness turned them to ice.

married Jared. The real smiles

offered softly. “Would you

was the day I’d stop playing a role and

slept deeply that night until the

died again, experiencing the same helpless terror

with sweat.

pressing my palms against the sink

I

rang as I was having breakfast. It was from