“These keys represent our new life.” He grinned as he placed
them in my hand. “James offered me the Regional Marketing job. Our hard work
has paid off. You can quit your job. Best news, I sold that old car of yours and
used the cash towards our new home in Los Angeles.”
“You did what?” I forced my voice to stay calm. “The old car you got rid of
was from my father. You had no right.”
His face changed. A darkness filled his eyes as he ripped the keys out of my
hand. “Maybe I wasn’t clear enough. I invested in our future, not your past. I’ll get your precious car back, and you can ride off in it…out of my life.”
Like telling me to go buy groceries. Cold. No feeling. Our marriage was that
easy to dispose of. Fear filled me. I was Jeremy’s wife. What would I be without
that title?
“I’m sorry. It’s just the last part of my father that I had left,” I said, trying to take his hand.
He shoved me away. The force of his push knocked me onto the arm of the
couch. The heavy wood sent a sharp pain through my body. I crumpled to the floor as he walked out the door.
Stunned, I stared at the door, waiting for him to return. Hours passed and I
was afraid to move. I rehearsed my apology. Practiced my congratulations for his
success and hard work. He needed to know how sorry I was.
The sound of the door unlocking woke me. I quickly stood to greet him.
“Thanks, man,” Jeremy slurred. He shoved a wad of crumpled money into
the taxi driver’s hand. “See, I told you I had the hottest piece of ass in town waiting for me.”
The driver’s eyes caught mine, but he quickly looked away. “Well, you’re safe and sound now. Have a good evening, sir.”
Jeremy swayed as he struggled to shut and lock the door. I jumped to help him. I just latched the door when he had his arms around me, and he was kissing
my neck. The stench of cigarettes, beer, and cheap perfume washed over me.
You forced him to leave. You drove him away, I chastised myself.
“Let me get you to bed, Jeremy. You must be tired.” I twisted out of his hold
and slipped my arm around his waist.
“You’re so hot, babe,” Jeremy slurred. He pulled on my sweater, exposing my bra.
I pulled him along as he continued his attempt to undress me. Frustrated, he
chose to begin removing his own clothes. He stumbled as he fought to remove
his leg from his pants. Like a toddler, he threw himself to the ground and frantically wriggled out of his clothing. Lying naked in the narrow hallway, he grinned up at me.
“Your turn, babe,” he teased, thrusting his erect penis at me.
“Jeremy, it’s…”
“Never mind,” he growled, banging the wall as he struggled to stand.
I reached out to help him, but he slapped my hands away. When I finally caught his arms, I held onto him tightly.
He let me guide him. He flopped down on the bed when we reached it, but
on his way down he grabbed me, pulling me onto him.
“Why did you drive me away? You know it’s all your fault. How could I say
no? I mean you wouldn’t,” he slurred as he clung to me. “You should been happy.”
“I’m sorry, Jeremy. You’re right. I did ruin your surprise. Just close your
