Deviation

“Let’s check out those outlets on Route One. They have a ton of stores we can hit all at once.” Shelby practically vibrates with excitement. Great. I was hoping for a one-stop shopping experience, but she’s determined to drag me all over the place.

“Fine.”

I drive as we listen to music, then pull into the crowded parking lot, slipping into a parking spot before my angst has me turning the car right back around again.

“Breathe, Edie. We’ll get through this,” Shelby reminds me. I know we will, but I just hate crowds.

We manage to shop for a few hours without incident, then eat lunch inside one of the kitschy restaurants.

“I’m pretty sure we have everything on the list, right?” I pop a french fry into my mouth.

“Pretty dresses, sexy underwear, three bikinis, shoes, floppy hat… Yeah, I think we did pretty good.” She nods. I keep waiting for Jack’s card to get rejected for hitting the limit, but that never happen

s.

“Well, I’m exhausted.” I’m also feeling on edge and eager to get back to my safe cocoon of neutral walls and Pottery Barn accessories. It’s as if my energy level understands when I’m on empty.

I con Shelby into driving my car home by telling her she can control the radio. It’s a small concession so I don’t have to think about dodging cars back to the house. We carry the bags inside and, after hugs, Shelby leaves me to my own devices. Trudging upstairs, I try to push down the mental fears.

***

“Edie, I’m home!” I hear Jack calling, then I hear his footsteps padding up the stairs and into our bedroom. “How was shopping?” Ah, the quintessential male inquiry.

“Expensive,” I tell him, sitting in the middle of the bed amongst the bags and articles of clothing. Jack laughs, undaunted by the mess on the bed.

“Babe, I don’t care about that. I just want you to smile.” Jack crouches over me, inching me back on the bed. I swallow the lump in my throat. “Did you have a good day with Shelby?” He’s now lying half over me, his arms protectively around my body, saving me from being deliciously crushed by his weight.

“I did, but I feel like you two are conspiring against me. Why is that?” I loosen Jack’s tie and kiss his cheek, mostly so I can breathe him in and feel calm.

“We’re here for you.” He brushes hair off my forehead, gently kissing my lips. “Always, Edie.” He smiles and I roll my eyes at him. Jack rolls off the bed and heads into the bathroom, leaving the door open. When I hear the shower turn on, I prop myself on my elbow to get a treat of seeing Jack naked.

“Dinner?” I ask.

“Sure. I’m always hungry, babe.” He smirks before jumping under the spray of water.

Chapter Thirteen

Edith

I decide to be brave and try something. I feel like I owe Jack for all the trouble I must be, and I desperately want us to be happy again. “Jack, will you be a while?” I shout into the steamy bathroom.

“Probably five minutes.”

“Can you make it ten?” I ask, heading back to my mess on the bed. Putting my hands on my hips, I start looking for something in particular.

“How about if I slip into the office and you let me know when I can come out?”

Smirking, I sort through the bags, putting away some of the purchases in the process, until I find a backless halter dress in a bright red silk that Shelby forced me to buy after I tried it on. Quickly, I strip and put in on, then rush downstairs to start dinner. I grab an apron and dig through the fridge for some marinated chicken breasts and stuff for a salad. I then reach in the cabinet for some boxed risotto. Moving in with Jack has meant upgrading my palate from my usual watered-down juice and dollar store pizzas. I start boiling water, chop a few things, and set the chicken to bake. I open the door to the cellar and, taking a deep breath, walk downstairs barefoot. Nothing scary here, except the random old spider web. Flipping the light on, I head to the wine fridge. We have a small one upstairs, but this one has the good stuff I know Jack likes best. I pick a bottle of white I hope will go with the chicken and scramble back up the stairs. I flip off the switch and close the door, leaning against it. No matter how much I know the cellar is perfectly fine, I can’t get over the creepy feeling of the cool cement and stone foundation under the old house.

After about twenty minutes, I grab plates and glasses, then open the cork on the wine. I pour two glasses, then feel Jack standing in the doorway. I turn my head just enough to glance at him. He’s standing against the archway, arms folded, and has what I hope is an admiring look on his face.

“It looks…delicious.” He pauses, moving from his spot to stand close behind me, placing his hands on the counter. I take a deep breath and leaning back against him. It’s just Jack. I’m not afraid of him. However, after my heart got pumping from running up and down the stairs, my body feels primed for a fight or flight response.

“Mmm-hmm,” is all I can manage as he nips my neck and shoulder playfully. We haven’t touched like this in weeks, and I’ve missed him. He takes one finger and traces from my ear down the side of my neck. Maybe a glass of wine will give me the courage I need to take things further?

“It smells incredible.” Jack has his face in my hair, nuzzling me.

Impulsively, I reach my arm up to cup his head, running my fingers through his hair. This amazing man wants me and keeps me safe. I can do this, I chant in my head. Today doesn’t have to be for the right reasons. I just don’t want to lose him.