Standing and shaking my head, I’m at a loss, so I send the computer and everything on the desk flying off. It all crashes loudly, but not as loud as my heart. I drop back into the chair, feeling lost and frustrated. I can’t believe this. “What did I do?”
I love her so much that I can’t even breathe. We can work this out. We’ve only been together for a month. Maybe she’s just feeling lonely. That I can fix.
I pour myself a drink and toss it back, pouring another one and finishing that one. She can’t leave me. I never knew what love was until I met her.
Fuck. I slam the glass down on my desk and then storm out of my office, pacing around the house like a caged animal.
I don’t know how I’m going to get through this unless I can convince her to stay with me forever. We’re not leaving the house until we fix whatever it is I broke. “Fuck, the trip,” I mutter.
I call my assistant because I’m not going on my trip anymore. It’s a two-day trip to South Padre that’s supposed to happen in three days, but I need to straighten out my marriage before everything else.
“Cynthia, I’m going to have to cancel the trip. Call Dax and tell him he can go in my place. I’m sure he’d like the small getaway.” He’s my second in command and can handle the specs and get back to me with the offer from the client.
“Is everything okay?” She’s been with me a long time and knows I haven’t been myself since I met my wife. She’s probably freaking out.
“I can’t talk about it, but I’ll call you on Monday unless you have questions.”
“You have two meetings tomorrow,” she reminds me with the scolding tone that I don’t need to deal with at the moment.
“I don’t care. I need them rescheduled,” I bark out, letting her know that I’m not in the mood for any of her snark or judgement.
“Okay. I’ll handle it first thing in the morning. Whatever’s going on, I hope you’re going to be fine.”
“I hope so too.” I end the call and think of a plan. I walk into our bedroom, heart heavy. Everything is neat, pristine, clean as if my whole world is just right, but it’s a lie. Nothing in my world will ever be right if she leaves. I’d rather burn it all if I don’t have Rosalyn to share it with.
Chapter Four
Rosalyn
“The movie was great,” Maggie says as we walk out of the movie theater.
“Right?” I mutter, barely hearing her.
“Earth to Rosalyn. Come in.” She waves her hand in front of my face.
“What’s up? You look upset.”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t nothing me.” She pulls my arm and I come to a stop in front of a couple who huff as they move around us. “Fuck off,” she hisses at them and turns back to me. “What’s going on?”
“It’s really nothing.”
“No it’s not. Are you and my brother fighting?”
“No. What makes you think that?” We’re not fighting because we’re not even talking these days.
“You called me out of the blue wanting to hang out. Not that I mind, but you also haven’t checked your phone since we got here, and you look freaking miserable.”
“It’s just your brother’s been working late and…”
“You think he’s cheating, don’t you?” she shouts.
“I don’t know what to think.”
“Girl, please. The man is obsessed with you.”
“I doubt that. He’s been working nonstop even to the point that I’m already sleeping when he gets home.”
“Look. Let’s talk in the car.” We walk to my car and climb in. As soon as the doors close, she turns to me and continues, “We grew up poor. My dad died before I could walk, forcing my mother in a very tight spot. We lost our home, starved many nights, and lived in poverty. Tony promised us the day he got his first job that we would never know the feeling of true hunger again. He’s probably just doing what he has to do to keep his company successful for the both of you and any little nugget you bring into this world. Look, talk to my brother. I’m positive that he’s madly in love with you and would do anything to make you happy.”
“Thanks, Maggie. I needed that. I’m drowning in self-doubt, fear. You won’t believe what happened this morning.”
“What?”
“The lady next door walked in on her husband with his assistant. She packed up and left his ass, but I’d think I’d die if Tony…”
“Don’t go there. I know my brother. You two may have only been together for a hot minute but trust me when I say you’re it for him.”
“His assistant makes me feel otherwise. Is she pretty?”
“I’d say she is, but Tony’s never paid that bitch any mind. I don’t doubt she wants his money, so tell him that you don’t like her. He’ll always pick you over anyone else.”