Stars in the Dark

Chapter Two

I'm going to be home late for work tonight. No need to come over after you're off" Estelle read the text from her boyfriend. She let out a loud sigh, grabbing the attention from Chrissy, her coworker and close friend.

"Hunky boyfriend busy again?" She said with a playful yet judgmental face.

"Yeah, he's been really busy with work recently. He barely has time for me anymore and when he does, he's too exhausted to give me attention." Estelle responded, looking at her desk with a slight frown on her face.

"Hun, you need to have a serious talk with him. He's been getting worse and worse with time management. Your relationship isn't looking so hot right now" Chrissy said in a serious tone, eyes furrowed with concern.

"I know, I know. He just gets dismissive when I try to do things like that. Its irritating as heck, but its just who he is."

Chrissy just gave her a disappointed look. Knowing her friend had issues standing up for herself in relationships. Estelle had a fear of abandonment that Chrissy just couldn't understand. She was so confident and a leader at work, but when it came to her boyfriend, Estelle became a shy reserved version of herself.

"I asked to go on a date this weekend, but his project is keeping him busy this weekend. They're behind and need to catch up" Estelle said with a sigh.

"You sure he isn't cheating on you? His behavior is a red flag to me. If I were in your shoes, I'd dump his ass"

"You know work is his first love, if anything that's the other woman" Estelle stated, giving Chrissy a dirty look while a slight smile graced her lips.

Just as Chrissy was about to respond, their higher up walked by telling the ladies to get back to work. Estelle opened her email and just stared at it, thinking over what Chrissy said. There's no way that Dominic would be cheating on her, they've been together for ages and she's with him almost every time he's off work. No women could get through that cold exterior he put up, it was off putting to most. She knew her boyfriend, he's loyal. He's one of the nicest men she knew. When his close friend was going threw a hard time, Dominic offered him a job at his company and got him back on his feet. He helped her take care of her mom after she broke her leg.

Estelle's trance was broke when Chrissy suddenly got up from the desk across from hers.

"By Stell! Have fun with your wine night tonight" Chrissy said with a wink as she walked out.

Estelle was planning on a glass of red wine and a bubble bath; Chrissy knew her well. It was Friday and she would be alone. She packed her things into her bag and left, making her way home to enjoy a tipsy evening.

~

The bath was full, wine glass on the tray going across the width of the tub. Estelle's laptop also was perched atop the tray, playing some sitcom she watched several times. The only other light was a candle and her phone. She sent Dominic a quick text, reminding him she missed him and wishing him a good night. She sunk further into the tub, soaking in the scents of the water. Her phone lit up with messages from Chrissy, updating her on how her date that night was going. Estelle ignored the phone, taking a drink from the wine.

Maybe I should surprise him tomorrow. I could wear that lingerie set I got with Chrissy a month ago. I look good in it, its not pink like he would like, but I feel sexy that's all that matters.

She slid back up the tub, grabbing her phone and sending a quick text to Dominic asking how late he will be tomorrow. She was growing excited for her plans. Their relationship got a bit dull; this was the perfect plan to spice things up. Sometimes Dom got into routines, and it annoyed her. Sure, she loved when they had sex, it was the most intimate the man got, but it got dull with the same thing done over again. It always goes the same: they make out, he takes them to the bedroom, they undress at the same time with each other's gaze watching the other. They kiss more, they have missionary sex, he was a simple man, they cuddle. If he was feeling adventurous, he'd have them do doggy style, but that was normally for special occasions like their anniversary or a birthday.