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.

I look good?” I

enough.” He was never one

I barked a laugh. “Those wedding vows about loving me unconditionally–were those just

satisfying. “I never said it was

anything else? I’m tired.” I

beat. “Fine. Goodbye,” he said tightly before the line

composed, the genteel husband who never raised his voice.

been simple–women mirrored what they were given.

always bright. That changed when I married Jared. The real smiles disappeared, replaced by careful words and actions

offered softly. “Would you

the day I’d stop playing a role and start being myself

until the nightmare

same helpless terror

with sweat.

my palms against the

I

I was having breakfast. It was from a