The Hadyns [ON HOLD]

Chapter 7

ERIC

I looked over at Val, her focus unbreakable as she typed away on her laptop. She'd been working tirelessly at home for the past few days, insisting that she needed to catch up on her clients and files. 

She'd been acting strange since she got home that night after being out with Monica. I've asked her countless times about it, but she insisted they had just gotten into a fight. So, I let it be. 

Well, at least I tried to.

I had a sneaking suspicion that Trix had forced her to work this hard. So, I decided to call the office; to speak to my wife's boss.

"I'm going to make a call," I told Val, rising from the living room. 

She nodded, probably not hearing a word I'd just said. Sighing, I pulled my phone out from my pocket, maneuvering as to avoid stepping on any of kids' toys. They were reading now on the living room floor, quietly. Although Noah and Primrose weren't completely reading yet, they sat beside Nosh and Josh as they flipped through pages of Dr. Seuss classics.

I got up to my office, closing the door then going over to have a seat in my chair. My fingers drummed against my desk top as the phone rang. I wasn't exactly sure if she was going to answer. I heard she was a very busy woman. But, I also knew she valued Valerie a lot. Val is one of the best at T.G, soon to make partner. So, if she knew that Val was the reason I was calling, she'd pick up.

"T.G Matchmaking, Heather speaking. How may I help you?"

"Hi, um, I wanted to speak with Miss Garey... Is she available?"

"I'll have to check-"

"It's regarding Valerie Munda-Hadyn. I'm uh-" 

"Not to worry, sir. I'll transfer your call right now"

After a few moments of silence, I heard another voice over the line.

"This is Skyler Trix Garey. How can I help?"

"Hi, um, I'm Eric Hadyn. You probably don't know me but-"

"Val's husband. She talks about you all the time... Is she okay?"

"Wh- Yes! She's fine! She's been working a lot lately."

"Great. I'm glad she's all good. Is that all?"

"Actually, that's why I'm calling."

******

"Valerie." I look at her as I lean on a wall in the living room. She was now taking a break, watching a movie with the kids as their school day had finished. She held a cup of Vanilla Honey Chai in one hand, and small notebook and pen in the other. All the kids were snuggled up near her, their eyes focused on the large screen. 

I smiled, taking out my phone and snapping a photo, quietly. It was during times like this when I took in a deep breath, appreciative of all the blessings I have in my life. My wonderful family.

But, that bliss didn't take me away from my questioning of Valerie's odd behaviour.

"I'd never ask her to work so much. Val already does that on her own. I'll ask her what's going on when she comes in. Don't worry."

Trix's words echoed in my head. Her giving Val extra work was the only logical explanation to all of this in my head. And now, I had to know.

What's going on?

Valerie looked at me, a smile on her face. "Yes, honey?"

My heart skipped a beat just then; I love her smile so much. It almost made me reconsider having this conversation with her. But, I wouldn't avoid it. I couldn't. I love my wife, and I needed to be there for her.

I took in a deep breath, releasing it with full intention.

"Can we talk?"

*********