“You need something to fill the days. At least that’s how I’ve been feeling.”
Allison and Amber have been all over the globe and show no signs of coming back anytime soon. They are out living their best life, which is what Darian has always wanted. His mission has been to take care of the women he loves, but I don’t know if he’ll ever understand that he’s been doing that all along.
“You can come with Darian and me tonight. I bet there will be lots of bachelors. It might actually make this fun if you come with me.”
“Hard pass.”
“Yeah, I figured as much,” I sigh.
“I was just calling to check in.”
“Same old same, or I guess it’s all new, but it feels old going to all these events. I’m not sure what tonight is about since they all blend together.”
We get lost on the phone talking about parties and then the twins and what they’re up to. When we hang up, I realize it’s been over thirty minutes and Darian still isn't home yet. He used to rush home to me, and now his nights at work are later and later.
I debate calling him, but I don’t want to be the wife that nags her husband to spend time with his wife. I don’t doubt he wants to be with me even as I worry my bottom lip between my teeth.
If he’s a little later maybe I can get out of this party tonight. I could wash my makeup off and get into sweats. We could order too much Chinese food and lie in bed, and as the image comes to mind it sounds like a dream.
That dream dies when I hear the sound of the front door opening and Darian coming home. His tie is long gone, and his sleeves are rolled up. His hair is messy, and his eyes look so tired as he suddenly stops when he sees me.
“I’m sorry. The meeting went long.” He holds his hand out for me to take it and I do. “You look beautiful.” When he pulls me to my feet, he kisses me quickly. “Give me ten minutes.” He rushes off to shower and change, and ten minutes later he’s coming down the steps dressed in a tux and looking gorgeous. I hate how easy it is for him.
He reminds me after the limo pulls up to the curb that tonight's party is the Global Needs event.
“This dress is going to make it a very short night for us,” Darian says as we walk inside, and he kisses me in that spot on my neck that drives me wild.
“I’d love nothing more.” His sexy smile is enough to warm up my body, and I open my mouth to ask him if we could leave now. But before I can get the words out, some senator is introducing himself to Darian.
My eyes float around the room as they talk. I recognize so many faces and not only because of all the events over the last couple of years. Some of the people are the same families I grew up with, ones that turned their noses up at Darian and me when we got married.
I’ve heard a few of them call me crazy for walking away from my family, but I didn't walk away. They closed the door on my face without looking back, so what choice did that leave me? Now here I am rubbing shoulders with these people again as they pretend to care about charity. My guess is there won’t be enough money left after this event is paid for to donate a dime.
I don’t want to be here, but I smile and nod because I know that Darian does. His dream of proving himself has paid off, and I don’t want to be like them and turn my nose up at it. He’s finally gotten to the place in his career he’s been working toward, and now is the time for me to offer him support, not drag him away from it.
As I hold on to his arm while he talks business, I scan the room. My stomach drops when I see a woman in the distance, and I realize it’s my mother.
“I-I need the bathroom,” I whisper to Darian.
“I’ll take you.” He stares down at me, and I catch the face the senator makes like he’s annoyed Darian would step away from his conversation.
“It's fine. I’ll be back soon.” He presses his lips together but nods as he squeezes my hand.
I can see the bathroom in the distance, and I quicken my steps, but just as I’m almost there I feel my elbow being tugged, and I nearly trip over my own feet.
“Rosy.” I knew she’d find me the second I stepped away from Darian.
“Mom.” I turn around to face her, and the chill of her eyes is like a blade.