“Mom told you?”

“She assumed I knew, and why wouldn’t she? Don’t you think I have a right to know this?”

He walked past me toward the bedroom, and that’s when I saw the huge bruise on his back.

I rushed behind him to inspect it. “Oh my God, what happened?”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said, pulling on some shorts and a t-shirt.

Anger surfacing again, I moved in front of him. “You may not like it that I know, but now I do. Let’s talk about this. And I am going to worry about why it looks like you got kicked by a horse in the fucking back!”

Jayden’s face twisted slightly before I saw resolve pass over his features. “Typical, even as perfect as these last few months have been, and the fact that I’ve given you nothing to bitch about, you still manage to find something.”

“Not fair, and I’m not the one who was lied to. Talk to me. Why wouldn’t you just tell me?”

Jayden took in my posture, my hands firmly on my hips, and what I was sure was clear agitation on my face.

“This,” he said quickly, gesturing to my face. “This shit right there, I can’t stand it. The way you are talking down to me, looking at me. I don’t need you to look after me.” He walked out of the room and I followed him, not at all willing to drop it.

“Well, tough shit. You gave me the job,” I said, thumbing my wedding ring in a circle around my finger. “And I refuse to sit on the sidelines while important decisions are made concerning you. That’s not how this works. I’m not an afterthought, I am your wife!”

Jayden sat down and picked up his Xbox remote. It took everything I had in me not to take it from his hands.

“Jayden,” I addressed him as he ignored me so casually it stung the deepest part of my chest. “Jayden!” I stood looking down at him in complete disbelief as he shut down on me. “Way to act like a fucking grown up!” I marched over, gathered my purse and keys then walked out the door.

Hours later, I walked to our front door feeling excited, shopping bags in hand. It was just a fight, an important fight and I would have to stand firm, but I knew it wasn’t damaging. I knew he would eventually tell me about Dr. Sawyer. At least, I hoped he would. What I did know was he did not like discussing his issues or his therapy. He’d made that clear from the start. But I wasn’t about to ruin our entire weekend. I hoped we could talk it out and enjoy the rest of our night.

When I took in the scene in front of me after walking through my front door, I dropped my bags. Men were gathered on my couch, drinking heavily and laughing as Jayden scanned my face. His company took a shot of tequila and Jayden, shot in hand and eyes on me, followed behind them. I felt the danger of the situation in that moment. And in that moment somehow I knew Jayden shouldn’t be drinking. I decided the battle could wait because I sure as hell wasn’t ready for war.

“Hey, Mrs. Monroe,” Jordan, Jayden’s best friend who had recently come home from overseas, greeted me. “Sergeant,” I said back in polite reply.

There were a few other guys in the room I didn’t recognize and Jordon quickly introduced me. “This is Tye and Gary. These are my tour buddies, and this is Mrs. Hilary Monroe.”

“Nice to meet you guys,” I said, my eyes never leaving my husband’s. “I’m just going to put this stuff down. Pour me a shot, would you?” I made my way to the bedroom with my bags and dropped them on the bed then lay back. I had two choices: be the nagging, bitchy wife and hold a grudge, or try to be good company and play along with Jayden’s attempt to avoid our argument. I opted for option two and quickly started changing my clothes when Jayden walked in.

“Jordan called and asked to hang and I didn’t want to be rude,” he said simply with his hands in his pockets.

“It’s cool. It’s not like we have company all the time. I mean do you want me to make myself scarce? I could call Gerri and find some trouble to get into.” I pulled a t-shirt off a hanger and slipped it on.

“You are so fucking beautiful,” Jayden said from behind me as he stood at the closet door. “Baby, do you know how pretty you are?”

I paused before zipping up my jeans. “So are you,” I said honestly. “But I’m still upset. Just promise me we will talk later.”

“I promise.” He pulled me to him and I sighed. He smelled incredible and I wanted nothing more than to feel him surrounding me. He leaned in to kiss me, and though I swore I’d made peace with our situation, he felt me stiffen when he leaned in. “What the fuck, Hil?”

“Don’t get upset, Jayden. I’m trying to let it go.” He pulled away, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, you are doing a shitty job.”

“Thanks,” I huffed, pushing past him. “And you are suddenly the authority on handling situations maturely, right?” I didn’t bother to wait for an answer as I exited the bedroom, rounding the corner and heading straight for my tequila shot.

“Let’s make some noise, fellas,” I said, pulling up my shot for a toast as Jordan handed Jayden another. “I got a raise today.” I saw the surprise and a flash of anger in Jayden’s features because I hadn’t shared with him as he absorbed my words. I couldn’t help the small amount of satisfaction that I got from seeing his irritation. I knew I was playing with fire, but at the same time, I deserved a little happiness. I’d earned it. As the guys cheered with my admission, the first shot went down smooth.

 

 

Four hours later, I was slightly hammered and swallowing mouthfuls of chips and dip as the guys around me held their liquor with grace. Even Jayden impressed me with his ability to handle his alcohol as if he’d been drinking casually. Face burning with alcohol and feeling like shit, I made a decision to go for a swim. It was still a little cool, but I knew that the water would relax me and the sudden noise level from the living room was becoming a headache. I excused myself and went to get into my suit. It took me five minutes to get it on as opposed to the typical two. Grabbing a towel, I walked into the living room only to hear the cat calls of the boys.

“Hot damn, Jayden. You lucky son of a bitch,” Jordan remarked as I wrapped the towel around myself.

“I’m out of here, fellas. You guys are too much for me. Make yourselves at home. No one is driving,” I scolded. I made it out the front door before Jayden gripped my wrist in the breezeway. “What the fuck are you doing?”

I looked up at Jayden’s who face was twisted in anger.

“I’m going for a swim. Chill out,” I said, yanking my hand away. “Have fun with your friends. I won’t stay gone long.”

“It’s fucking two o’clock in the morning, and you’re drunk,” he snapped.

“And,” I said with big eyes. “I used to do this all the time.”

“Get back inside. You’re being rude,” he said, his blue eyes commanding.

“How about you get back inside your impromptu party that I’ve entertained long enough. I’m going, deal with it.”

“Just had to parade your ass around in a bikini, huh?” he commented as I took my first step. I paused and turned back to glare at him.

“Jesus, Jayden, that was the last thing on my mind. I’m hot. I’m buzzed. I want the water.” I walked off, refusing to entertain his hissy fit further. I heard the door slam behind me and sighed. This wasn’t going to end well. But honestly, I didn’t give a shit. It seemed he could do whatever the hell suited him, and in the last few hours, I felt like everything I had done was all wrong.

The water was freezing, and at the same time refreshing. I managed to swim a few laps and spent the rest of my time wading in the water. I heard my phone go off and ignored it, sure I wouldn’t like the incoming call. I spent longer than necessary at the pool, avoiding Jayden and his unreasonable behavior. I was the one who was lied to, I was the one with hurt feelings, and eventually I was the one who realized I was freezing her ass off and suffering because of his actions.