The Marriage Rival

“A trip. You and me,” she suggests, with an enthusiastic tone. “Just like our road trips to Atlantic City, but maybe we could plane it since road trips cramp my style.”

“I don’t think I can. Masen and Haden—”

“Screw him. You do everything in your marriage. He can live without you for a few days.”

I do need a break.

It will help to clear my mind and really think long and hard about my needs and not Haden’s.

“Where are you thinking?”

“Manhattan,” she says. “I could meet with Natasha Summers. She’s planning to write a series, and I’d love some insight into what exactly she’s thinking.”

Natasha Summers is Indie Press’s bestselling author, so it makes sense for us to meet with her. I can sell this as a business trip.

“So, what you’re saying is a little bit of work and a lot of play?”

“That’s exactly right,” Sandy insists. “So, what do you say?”

The old Haden will argue me leaving Masen along with company costs. His jealous streak of men trying to get their hands on me is always the real reason, although he never admits it. But he no longer cares, so I don’t see this being a real issue.

“Let me talk to Haden tonight, okay? He needs to be the one to take care of Masen.”

We chat a little while longer before I hang up the phone. Sitting back in my chair, I start to fantasize about all the fun we will have together. We can see a Broadway musical, followed by dinner in Little Italy. I love visiting the Guggenheim Museum, and it will be an even better experience with her.

My phone buzzes on my desk, a text from Sandy.

Sandy: I know you’re thinking about it. It’ll be great just you and me, finally.

It will be great. Sandy knows how to have a good time, and with her, it is just easy.

I decide to head out to lunch walking past Haden’s office. Inside, I see John and Charlie. They’re all wearing a serious expression, staring at numbers on the screen. Haden never mentioned Charlie coming into the office, and the only time the three of them sit in a room is usually when big legal decisions need to be made, and I am always normally a part of these discussions.

As I go to knock on the door, Haden lifts his head before my knuckles even tap. His eyes narrow cold and hard before his lips move prompting Charlie and John to turn around.

I draw in a deep breath before entering.

“Is there something you need?” he asks, artic in his tone.

“Well, yes. I’m assuming whatever you’re discussing is important. Is this something I need to be involved in?”

Charlie lowers her head, the same time as John.

I fold my arms over my chest, meeting Haden’s stance.

“Nothing at all, Presley.” His smile is fixated, forced with a touch of malice. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re on a tight deadline.”

I don’t say another word, leaving his office before stomping over to Noah’s office on a mission, glad he is here today and not elsewhere.

Noah’s on the phone, yet he waves me in and gestures for me to take a seat. I continue to stand, the anger within me swirling like an impending cyclone.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“Why are Charlie and John in with Haden?”

Noah blinks. “I don’t know. Why don’t you ask him?”

“Because he won’t tell me the truth,” I bark back. “Apparently, our marriage is one-sided.”