Dangerous Rock (Dangerous Noise 3)

"Joel. Um." She pulls her arms over her chest and rubs her triceps with her palms. "I… Um…"

"Yeah?"

"I should brush my teeth." She spins on her heels and locks herself in the bathroom.

I take a long sip of my coffee. It's still lacking taste, but the familiarity of it is almost comforting.

I can't let her dodge this.

I can't dodge it.

One of us needs to say something.

But when she steps out of the bathroom, my lips refuse to part. My tongue refuses to cooperate.

I stare back at her with that don't break my heart expression.

And say nothing.

Not one fucking thing.

35

Bella

I hide out in the bedroom, poring over my wardrobe choices.

My clothing selection is limited. There are two dresses nice enough for a meeting at a law firm. One is dirty. That means I don't really have a decision.

It's emerald green pencil dress or nothing.

The dress is formal. Appropriate for a settlement conference. But it's not right for the end of my marriage to Joel.

How can it be ending?

He's not saying anything.

I'm not saying anything.

This, us getting a divorce, is the plan.

As long as we continue the silent staring contest, this is what's happening.

I change into my dress and I attempt to pep talk myself into calling this off.

Joel, let's stay married.

Joel, let's cancel this appointment.

Joel, please, fuck me now. Tell me you love me. Make me believe it. Make me believe I'm not out of my fucking mind wanting to stay married to someone I met a week ago.

By the time I have my hair in a bun and my makeup perfect, I almost believe I can say those words.

I touch up my pink lipstick. For luck, I guess.

I slip into a pink cardigan.

I step into my heels.