Why?

XXVI

"Get dressed."
"What?" I yelled, lifting my head up from the pillow, my hair falling into a mess around my face.
"Get dressed Stevie."
"What? Why? I'm napping!"
"Were going out."
"Oh we are so not..."
"Just us two. I already told Karen."
"Just us?"
"Yes."
I yielded, shooing him away so I could get ready.
***
We were playful for the entire journey, him consistently complimenting me. After ordering, I took off for the bathroom to check on my appearance, proud of how my dress accentuated my new-found hourglass, my wavy hair half-up half-down, framing my chest. I saw him on the other side of the restaurant when I came back, blushing as he conversed with a fresh-faced, tall, skinny blonde next to an empty table. My blood boiled as she tapped his forearm, kissing his cheek before he left, only noticing my expression as he reached our table.
"What was that?" I stared up at him.
"Just a fan, she was friendly don't worry baby."
"I'm not your baby."
"Stevie, please, I was just being polite."
The atmosphere remained tense, him attempting to make light of the situation, but me meeting him with short, snappy responses or silence. "What's your problem Stevie?!" He as I called for the bill after the main course, exiting the restaurant ahead of him, both of us clambering back into our car.
"I...I...I can't do this for much longer." I stuttered, swallowing my anguish.
"What...Do what?" The car carried on past a few lights, speeding along the coastline.
"Being with you. I give up."
"What? Why? We love each other, we have a child."
"You don't love me, you don't!" I repeated deliriously.
"Stop this. Stop this right now." I shook my head vigorously, recoiling at his touch, the mascara I'd so enthusiastically applied earlier running down my cheeks. "Oh for Christ's sake!" He yelled, startling me, "Stop the car!" He ordered the driver, who broke fast. He shot out, slamming the door behind him, alarming me as he flung mine open. "Get out Stevie."
"No!"
"Get. Out."
"Leave me alone!"
"Oh for once in your life woman, listen to me!"
I sobbed as he took my wrist, helping me out onto the sidewalk.