I repeat his sentence, taking a sip. It’s then I notice Eli scanning the room again. When he doesn’t seem to find what he’s looking for, he glances in the direction of the doors.
“Looking for someone?” I ask, making him jump.
Eli’s smile is tight, making me wonder if he feels guilty about something. “No, just taking in my surroundings.”
It’s a lie. I can’t understand why he would lie, but I definitely know he is lying. He was looking for someone in particular. Was it a woman? That thought makes my heart skip a beat and my chest feel heavy with jealousy. To take a moment, I excuse myself and head for the ladies’ room. I seem somewhat frazzled by the idea of my husband seeking out another girl, but a part of me wonders if I have the right to feel that way. I have only been in this body for a few hours and already I’m learning a few things about myself that I don’t want to know.
What else is there to know?
Do I really want to learn more?
As I enter one of the cubicles, I rub my already aching head. I feel hungover, but I haven’t been drinking. Maybe I’m still hungover from the night before. I had been feeling pretty good earlier, but now that the euphoria of the night is settling, the emergence of a migraine is starting.
It’s also hot, so I wave my small purse in front of my face, my head back against the cubicle wall as I take a moment and close my eyes. The door opening, followed by voices, makes me jump.
“Did you see that bitch of a wife of his hanging on his arm and clapping like she’s proud of him?”
My heart jumps into my mouth and my breathing stops. Whoever they are, they’re obviously talking about me.
Another lady snorts. “I know. I thought I was a pretty good actress, but give her some due, she could have won an Oscar with that performance tonight.”
I hear the sound of water running, but I stay stock still, awaiting the other woman’s reply.
“Everyone’s been saying that you two would make a wonderful couple. Can you imagine what they’ll be saying now after everyone sees that kiss?”
I close my eyes. The female star and heroine of the movie is here, that much is for certain. I don’t know who the other woman is, but she’s right. That kiss will set tongues wagging.
“I know, but he’s much too devoted to his career, and despite that slut of a wife of his, he’s also devoted to her. I don’t understand how he’s blinded by her deceitfulness. A lot of people are saying he sticks with her because he feels sorry for her. I mean, let’s face it, she obviously has a drink and drugs problem. She’s in TMZ more times than Justin Bieber and the Kardashians put together… and that’s saying something. We can all hope that one day she’ll crash and burn, and then Eli will finally see the light. She doesn’t deserve him at all. You know once during filming she turned up on set, high and staggering everywhere. She was hitting on all the guys and being a complete bitch to all the girls. Eli had to drag her off in the end. That must have been so embarrassing for him.”
There’s an audible gasp and at first I can’t tell whether it’s from me or the other girl. When the other girl replies, saying, “Oh my God, that’s terrible,” I have my answer. It still doesn’t make me feel any better, though. How can I? I sound like a complete and utter monster.
Nausea erupts as they go onto discuss other things—things I’m not interested in now that I’ve just learned of my behavior. Why does he put up with me? Why can’t I seem to control myself? I’m in control tonight, though, aren’t I? Maybe that’s a start?
I sigh out loud as their voices grow quieter before disappearing out of the door, leaving me on my own again. I may have been a bitch before, but I’m determined to show Eli the real me.
Whoever that may be.