Not a Homewrecker

Chapter Four: It's Not What You Think

"I could've died you know," Johnny repeats for the tenth time since we arrived at the airport.

"Johnny, please, I'm not in the mood to listen to you talk —yet again— about your encounter with a Grim Reaper named Shep," I groan.

"I told you guys he was the spawn of Satan. Why doesn't anyone ever believe me?" he huffs.

I roll my eyes at him as I ignore another call from Brad. I'm not in the mood to talk to him. I don't think I'll ever be in the mood to talk to him. The lying, cheating scumbag can go rot in hell. Maybe, Shep the Grim Reaper can pay him a visit.

Earlier this morning, Brad and I were enjoying a cup of coffee at the kitchen table before I had to leave for the airport with Johnny. We'd spent an amazing three days together, completely lost in each other. I was feeling down because I had to leave him and his beautiful Montana ranch to head back to LA. Brad was promising that we'd see each other soon when the kitchen door burst open and a beautiful red-head walked in.

"Brad, where have you been?" she demanded. "I've been trying to reach you for days."

"Samantha," Brad whispered. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm your wife Brad," she declared. "What do you mean what am I doing here?"

Brad turned to me with pleading eyes. "Livie, could you excuse us for a moment?"

"Livie?" Samantha questioned as she faced me. "Who are you?"

"Nobody," I mumbled.

Brad stood up and guided Samantha out the kitchen door, and I rushed upstairs to grab my luggage. Johnny and I made our escape from the ranch as one of the ranch hands drove us to the airport. Brad's texts started coming in on our drive, and my phone hasn't stopped ringing since. I haven't replied to any of his calls or messages, but it hasn't deterred him.

Adonis: Baby, did you leave? I've looked everywhere for you.

Adonis: Please pick up your phone babe.

Adonis: Livie, Cheryl told me that Tony drove you to the airport. Why didn't you wait for me? We need to talk. It's not what you think.

Adonis: Baby, please, I swear I can explain everything.

Once his most recent call goes to voicemail, I get a new text message notification.

Adonis: Livie, baby, I'm begging you please answer your phone. I swear things are not what they seem. Please baby, you have to believe me.

I sigh and turn off my phone. Why do liars and cheaters always say the same things? Is there some guidebook for assholes that has instructions on how to handle this type of a situation? Maybe, there is a Cheaters Anonymous club Brad could join. They'd all sit in a circle sharing stories.

'Everyone welcome Brad,' the host would say.

'Hello, Brad,' they'd greet in unison.

'Today my wife caught me having coffee with my girlfriend,' Brad would admit.

Then, they'd take turns offering advice and excuses for fooling the women in their lives.

I groan and rub my eyes. I can't believe I let myself be fooled by him. The truth is Brad made my worst nightmare a reality. He turned me into a homewrecker. 'Fidelity is very important to me'..... my ass!

Johnny watches as I slip my phone into my purse and looks at me with compassion in his eyes. "Now, do you wanna tell me why we ran out of that ranch like Shep, the hound from hell, was chasing after us?" he asks.