The Marriage Rival

Starting the engine, I slam my foot on the accelerator, hightailing my ass to the airport. I need to vent, and Sandy always knows what to say, especially when it comes to Haden.

After she hops into the car, I let out a frustrated groan.

“He’s a goddamn jerk. Seriously, I don’t know what’s gotten into him. I can’t make him happy, no matter what I do.”

“Elvis, slow down.” The sentiment, again, makes me laugh inside, instantly calming me. “You’re doing way over the speed limit, and unless you’re pulling a Thelma and Louise, I’m not sure I’m ready to go to jail.”

I slow my acceleration. The last thing I need is a speeding ticket.

“Look, you don’t need to convince me. Sorry, I know he’s your husband, but he’s really been on my tail this week.”

“What do you mean he’s been on your tail? You report directly to me, not him. Why is he getting involved? He doesn’t care about the editorial side of the business.”

“You know what? Never mind.”

I can see whatever has happened, it bothers her, and I hate seeing her upset over something my jerk of a husband has done. I am not going to let this one slide, probing her until she fesses up.

“No, no, never mind. We were friends long before he stepped into the picture. Ignore that he is my husband and tell me what he said to you.”

“He mentioned Indie Press was bleeding money, and he was reviewing things.”

“What things?”

“Jobs…”

“Who?”

She doesn’t say a word, looking directly out the window.

“He said that to you?” I gasp, shocked and equally furious by his disregard for my opinion. “He said your job was on the line?”

The nerve of the man. Anger pours throughout me as I try to navigate through the traffic. I’m beyond fuming he would discuss this with her before me. He demands I manage the non-financials of Indie Press, that includes the staff.

“Look, I’ve told you this in confidence. Please don’t say anything.”

“How can I not say anything? You don’t deserve this.”

“Because it will just make this tenser between the two of you. I don’t want to be the reason you’re fighting.”

“Oh, honey, trust me, that man has a history of being an asshole.” I take a deep breath, shaking my head. “I promise I won’t say anything. If it helps, I’ve been punishing him by not sleeping with him. I’ll continue that until he learns his lesson.”

Sandy shifts in her chair with a flat look, narrowing her eyes. “How long has it been?”

“Gosh, I don’t know, to be honest. The longest ever in our marriage. Maybe, since you’ve been around?”

I stare directly at the car ahead of me. A few times, Haden’s tried to touch me, but I retracted. I made up excuses, anything to push him away. He didn’t press further or argue when I did. I wasn’t ready. I find myself staring into the mirror before my showers, tearing my body apart since my weight gain. The pregnancy, though only lasting weeks, affected my body more than I thought it would. I don’t crave sex or even think about.

What I do acknowledge is that sex led to pregnancy.

And the last thing I want is to relive that nightmare all over again.

Sandy’s mouth curves upward into a grin, and to ease my anger, she places her hand on my thigh. “Let’s not talk about this. We still have to face him in the meeting.”

Our monthly management team consists of heads from all departments. On average, the meeting usually lasts anywhere between three to four hours by the time we get through all the minutes.

Food is served, copious amounts of coffee, and by the time the meeting ends, I usually have doubled my workload and walk out with a throbbing headache.

We are seated around the large boardroom table, and unfortunately, I have to show a brave face and sit beside Haden like I always do. Across the table, Noah gazes at me curiously, and I smile a