Wife Swap

Chapter 10

Em's POV

The next few days my mind began to shut down. I was getting overwhelmed with all my thoughts, and emotions. I hadn't slept in two day.  Having nightmares of Rick and Stacey together caused unbearable pain. I couldn't be sure if it was from memory, or my mind painting a picture of what might have happened. Either way, the emotions were too much to bare. Rick held me most nights trying to comfort me, but it seemed the more he held me the more pain I felt. His touch was even becoming painful too.  I knew I was pushing him away, and it scared me. 

To distract myself I put all my energy into working at the office. While working on an article my cell starts to ring. Rick had found it and given it to me a couple days ago. I step away from my desk, and walk up to my bag. Reaching in for my phone my fingers graze across a piece of paper. Pulling it out I see Sam McBrian's business card. After waking up in the hospital the idea of visiting a psychiatrist seemed ridiculous, but now I felt I could use the help. Grabbing my phone I see that I had a missed call from Rick. Ignoring the call I dial Doctor McBrian's number. I schedule an appointment for later this afternoon at three.  My phone dings again, but this time it's a message from Brad.

"Want to meet for lunch?" 

I hadn't spoken to Brad since the first day back home. I don't want to complicate things more. Life has already become a web of complications, and I know that if I see Brad even more will be revealed. However, I can't keep running. I need to face the truth. Before I even realize it my fingers hit send. "Lunch sound great!"

"Perfect! Meet me at Bernie's Diner at Noon."

That's in twenty minutes. I quickly tidy up, grab my purse, and head out. As I get to the front entrance to exit the building I hear a voice.

"Em! Where are you going?"

I turn my head to look at Rick. He looks concerned, and sadness falls over me. What I wouldn't give to be back at the cabin. Things were less complicating there, and I had hoped it would stay that way. Life had thrown some unexpected curves. Memories were returning, and most of them were with Brad. "I need to run a quick errand. Did you need something?" 

"I see! I was hoping we could talk over lunch."

"I'm sorry! Now's not a good time. Let's talk later! I really need to go." Rick's eyes fill with anger.

"I see! Let me know when you have time for me in your busy schedule." 

Rick storms out of the building. Guilt fills my soul. How am I suppose to open up when nothing makes sense. I feel like I'm putting a puzzle together, but none of the pieces fit. My phone beeps again with a message from Brad.

"Be there in 5."

Quickly I start to move my feet. I get a taxi to the Diner, and walk slowly inside. Looking throughout the Diner I spot Brad. Just as soon as I see him our eyes connect. Visions of those eyes filled with lust and passion play in my mind. Startled, I look away! Walking over to him I sit across from him inside the booth. The waitress comes over to ask what we would like to drink. I order a lemon water, and Brad orders a Pepsi. Once she walks away I finally lift my eyes to look at him. Might as well get this over with. "So, how are you?" Brad looks at me with a smirk.

"I've been in Hell!"

His comment throws me off guard. "Oh?"

"How much do you remember?"

I feel my cheeks heat up, and I look down at my fiddling fingers. "A little!" I finally look up to meet his gaze. Brad is smiling like an excited three year old at Christmas. 

"How much do you remember of us?"

Fear instantly rises. what does he mean, us? "I have a few memories come up here and there, but nothing makes sense. Did you and I..." I look back down. I can't even get the words to pass my lips. I finally look up to see amusement playing on his face.