Housewife Gone Wild

The open–air restaurant at night had a dreamy vibe. The warm ambient lights wrappert everyone in a gentle, cory glow,

Zachary walked over with a smile, looking at me politely. “M. Hallman said he didn’t want to cook at home alone, so fimited him to join us. I hope yo don’t mind, Ms. Murphy”

I knew Zachary and Melissa were always the first to look out for me, and I really liked how they made me feel respected. I glanced at Nathan, and he gave

me a nod.

When there were other people around, Nathan actually know how to keep his distance, I would give him credit for that

After that, we started ordering food. Nathan and Zachary chatted about work, while Melissa shared some wild stories from her side. Finally, Nathan looked at me and asked, “How have you been lately?”

I smiled and said, “Tim doing alright”

Nathan’s eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment

I knew exactly what he was feeling, but I wasn’t about to give a guy hope or promises I couldn’t deliver.

Nathan really was a good guy, but this was his first marriage. Because he was so decent, I wanted him to be happy. If he couldn’t find love with me, then he deserved to go find his next chance at happiness.

Maybe he’d meet someone he liked even more, get married, and start a family–instead of waiting around, lost and hopeless, for me to get divorced.

steered clear of my personal life. Halfway through dinner, Jared called and asked if i

end, and when I picked up, Jared sounded a bit

answered honestly, “I’m having

you coming home

thought about it. I really didn’t want to see Yvonne, and Jared had been way too clingy lately. So I just told him I wasn’t coming

“Are you thinking about separating before we actually

Jared went quiet

would go through

I couldn’t shake the feeling that until this was settled, I’d never be at

this up out of nowhere. Aber a few beats, he replied, “Let’s

hung up

in the air, just luck there, not going up or down, leaving me feeling all kinds

in my previous life, Jared was the one who wanted a divorce, and I was the one

just kept hemming and

ssing with me.

the table, Nathan asked quietly,

for me to head out.