Change of Plans

Chapter Six

That Friday, I put on a midnight blue dress that goes to right above my knees. I look for the perfect shoes and find my black heels. I slip them on right before I walk down the stairs. On the last step, I manage to overstep, and start to fall face forward. I wait for my face to meet the floor, but it doesn't happen. I feel arms securely around me, and I straighten out, looking into Ayden's gorgeous eyes. 

"Do you need some help walking?" He breathes, his face centimeters from mine.

"No, I've got it, thank you," I whisper, lost in his green eyes. I walk out of his arms and go towards his car. I sit in the passenger seat and wait for Ayden to start the car. We arrive at the party and I get out of the car, excitement bubbling within me. I pull my skirt down a little and hook my arm through Ayden's. We walk up stairs and enter the elevator. Once there was a small 'ding' and the doors opened, we stepped out onto the top floor. 

"Everyone is here, it seems. Well, let's go introduce you to my co-workers." Ayden smiled and guided me across the room to some men who looked about our age. 

"Ayden! It's about time you arrived! Who is this beautiful lady?" one of the men shouts as he and my husband does their hug that all men do. 

"Guys, this is my wife, Alexandia. Alexandria, this is Jake and Ryan."

Jake, the guy who shouted, shakes my hand first. "Why did you marry him? It's a shame someone as gorgeous as you deserves someone better."

I blush a little and smile at him. "Thank you, but I don't mind that much," I halfway lie.

Ryan takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. "It's sad to hear you are married, I was going to see if I had a shot with a goddess like you."

I giggle and take my hand back. "You both are--"

"So going to get messed up. Why do you think you can flirt with her after I tell she's my wife?" Ayden practically growls.

"She's hot. How could you not flirt with someone who looks like that," Jake answers while eyeing me.

Just then a server comes around with a tray of champagne. I take a glass and take a small sip. Ayden takes a glass as well, but downs half the glass in one gulp.

"I know she is tempting to flirt with, just please don't. She is my wife after all." 

"We will try to hold back our impulses. So how long have you two been married?"

"About six months," I reply as if it's nothing.

"Six months! Why haven't you told us about it?!" Jake and Ryan yell at Ayden as they both hit him on the shoulder.

Ayden was about to answer when someone tapped him on the shoulder. Ayden turns around and immediately his voice changes to being kinder and happier.

"Hey, Cora, I thought you said you wouldn't be here."

"I changed my mind. I figured if you were going to be here, it couldn't be that bad." She giggles and flashes a brilliant smile. 'Oh, that's why Ayden didn't want to bring me here. Maybe she is the reason he wants a divorce. If he'll be happy, he can cheat. I don't want him to be miserable.' I think, eyes downcast as I turn to his friends and ask of they want to introduce me to other people. They take the hint and lead me away from Ayden and Cora and start to speak. I hold up my hand before they can utter a word.

"It's fine. If she makes him happy, then great. He can date her, I don't see any problem with it. Can one of you take me home? I'm tired is all." I explain and walk to the entrance of the room. I get in the elevator and press the lobby button, trying everything I can to hold back the tears that desperately want to escape.

I hear the distinct 'ding' right before the elevator doors open, and try to look as presentable as I can without a mirror to see if my makeup smeared. I walk out of the building and wait on Jake and Ryan. I take deep breaths of the cool night air to help calm down. I push all of my thoughts aside and let myself become numb to everything for the moment, fearing I'd have a break down at the slightest tough.

A few minutes pass before I hear Jake's voice. "Let's get you home. Tell me the address and I'll drive you there."

Ryan pipes up, "I'll be here for support. If you need to cry on my shoulder I completely understand."

I manage a watery giggle at that. "Thank you both. The address is 124 Wakefield Road." They both guide me to the car and I get in the back with Ryan. I don't touch him, instead, I lean my head against the window and will myself to make it home before I burst into tears. The car ride is silent the whole way to the house. Once Jake pulls into the driveway, I quickly unbuckle and get out. I hear the other two follow my example. They both walk me to my door. I unlock it and turn to face them before I walk in.

"Thank you both so much, but I really am going to be fine. You both can go back to the party and please, don't say anything to Ayden. I'm fine; just tired. Go back and have a good time. Forget I was even there." I tiredly say.

Jake and Ryan nod their heads and wait until I am completely in the house before they go back to their car. I shut the door and lock it before I walk into the bathroom and wipe off my makeup. The tears start pouring from my eyes as soon as I allow myself to feel the pain that seeing Ayden and Cora flirting caused. I manage to take my shoes off and stumble to the bed. I curl up, hugging my pillow close and cry myself to sleep.