The Writer's Mistress

Chapter 10 -Anais | Not like this-

Anais

"Not like this."

I step into the house as quietly as I can, on the off chance the boys might be in bed already. As I pass by the mirror in the entrance, I seemingly have forgotten that I had left the house with different clothes, and now I must come up with a story and excuse for my single mom's night out. The house is quiet, and the ambient lighting covers the living room. I slip off my heels before walking up the stairs to my bedroom. My mother is probably passed out on my bed.

When I swing open my bedroom door, I'm shocked to see Edmond is sitting on our bed. I can feel my heart quicken and my mouth dry.

"Where have you been!?" Edmond asks as he slams close his book. "I went out." He takes a quick look at my outfit. "Why are you dressed like that?" I rush by him into the bathroom and my eyes begin to tear up. "You know Edmond I was hoping to go out with you tonight! That's why I'm dressed up. But instead, you went with the guys, so I got dressed up, put some makeup on and I took myself out!" I know I'm being defensive, I'm yelling, and I'm angry. If I'm being completely honest with myself, I'm just fed up with Edmond and this just might be my revenge.

I'm caught off guard when sadness takes over Edmond's face. I can see him searching for a response to my sudden outburst. The moment doesn't last very long before it's replaced with anger. "So, because I went out with the guys tonight that gives you the right to sneak off!? Dressed like this!?" I laugh at his statement.

Sneak off.

I turn to the mirror and wipe off my makeup, still giggling to myself about his comment. "Edmond, maybe it would be nice if occasionally you liked hanging around me... spent time with me, talk to me, anything then what it's been of lately. But tonight, it wasn't about you. It was about me... I had a nice night out. I felt sexy and I ate well. And I didn't sneak off. I'm allowed to go out." I toss the makeup wipe into the trash and push pass him. Just as I go to unzip my dress, he grabs my arm to get my attention.

"I'm sorry, you're right. I should be spending more time with you, because I love you." He pulls me in for a hug and wraps his arms around me. "I'll be better, I'll do better..." I stay quiet settling into his arms.

I want to believe Edmond when he talks like this, but we've fought so much in the past about having scheduled date nights and him being more romantic or attentive, his words never match his actions. Instead of saying any else to him, I hug him to end the discussion. He walks over back to his side of the bed, opens his book and continues reading. I enter the bathroom, and I take a good long look at myself in the mirror as undress. You would think I feel horrible about what I just did but I don't. I look at my naked body, reminiscing about how Eli touched me tonight. He commanded my attention. All I can think about is the next time I can see him; Feel him inside me. I need his touch.

I bring myself back to my current reality, brush my teeth and change into my pajamas. Ending the day is all I care about right now. I don't know what tomorrow will bring but if it was anything like today, I welcome it.

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MY FRIDAY MORNING is like any Friday morning. I got the kids ready for school, I packed their lunches, put them on the bus, and kissed them goodbye.

I lock up the front door and start to walk to the kitchen when I hear my phone go off. I pull my phone from my pajama pants and see a text from Eli.

"Heading your way. I'll be there in 15 minutes."

15 minutes. Edmond is still home; this can't be happening.

As I go to reply to Eli, Edmond walks through the kitchen door. I casually lock my phone before Edmond can see.