Forever Mine

“I know, but I don’t mind, really.”

He opens his bag and places a few items on the back of the chair next to my ironing pile, then sits with Caleb on the floor, playing with his cars.

I lift up a black shirt. “Are you going out?”

“Yeah.”

“Where to?”

“Just out for a few drinks.”

“Oh, with Dean?”

“Natalie.”

“Who’s that?”

“A girl I met today.”

“Where?”

“At the supermarket.”

“So you just picked up some hooker at the supermarket?”

He smirks. “She’s not a hooker. I don’t think she is, unless she has another job. She works behind the checkout at Tesco’s.”

My eyes turn to thin slits, and I slam the iron down. “Do your own friggin’ ironing.”

He jumps to his feet, picking up the iron from the holder, almost smirking like he wanted this reaction from me.

I can’t look at him. I feel sick at the thought of him going out tonight. My head pounds, and I can’t think straight as a cloud of jealousy fills my mind.

I keep myself busy. Doing the washing and then ironing the kids’ clothes while the ironing board is out. I know he must have been on dates in Australia. It’s just getting too close to home, especially as he has been sleeping here this last week. I don’t know why, but I just hoped he would want me back if he kept spending time with me, but even after I’ve got myself together, he still hasn’t made a move.

He enters the living room looking hot as hell. His unruly hair feathers around his face, reaching the top of his collar. The minty smell of his aftershave catches in my nose, making me want to vomit, knowing he’s got all dressed up for someone else.

He rolls the sleeves up to his elbows, showing off his ink. “I’m off then. Don’t wait up.”

I glare at him. “Don’t bother coming back.”

“What?” He chuckles like this is funny.

“If you’re going to be out shagging all night, don’t come back here.”

“I have to be back here to watch Caleb when you go to work.” He picks Caleb up and gives him a kiss on his cheek. “See you later, mate.”

Cal places him back on his playmate and turns to me. “See you later, then. I have my key.”

I wish I’d never let him get a key cut. What was I thinking? He acts like he lives here. It’s worse than living with Justin. He’ll be bringing girls back next. I freeze. He wouldn’t, would he? I don’t look at him. If I do, I’m afraid I’ll either burst into tears or rip his friggin’ head off.

As soon as he’s out the door, I call Claire. Before she arrives, I pump more milk and feed Caleb and get him changed into his pyjamas. Car lights shine through the window. I look out into the dusky night to see Claire step out of a taxi loaded with wine, chocolate, and ice cream.

I run to the door and take the bottle of wine from her. “I’m so glad you could come at short notice.” She hands me her jacket, and I hang it on the bannister. “I’ve been going out of my mind thinking about him out with another woman.”

“That’s what friends are for. To supply wine and ice cream in times of need.” Claire works her way around my kitchen as I wipe my eyes and blow my nose. She hands me a spoon with a tub of Ben and Jerry’s cookie dough.

“Thanks.”