Caitlyn.
It made me sad there was one man I wanted to spend time with, and it was
not my husband. Maybe, one day, the stars would align, and I would get the chance to explore my relationship with Jack. But, not this time. Maybe not ever.
The day finally came. Every day for a week, I left the house with a gym bag or a
dry-cleaning bag full of my clothes and valuables and drove to San Diego in a
rental car. If Jeremy looked in my closet, he would have known something was
up.
Thomas let me put my money in his safe. I had no qualms about leaving such
a hefty sum with my trusted friend. I set twenty thousand aside in an envelope
and asked Thomas to deliver it to my mom. I set another twenty thousand aside
for Thomas and Jacob and told them it was their babysitting fee. Thomas argued
that I needed to keep my money, but I insisted.
“It’s the least I could give you for all the years of therapy you’ve given me.”
The next morning, Jeremy pulled me close and tried to rouse me to make love. I
feigned sleep. While he showered, I made the best breakfast I had ever cooked. I
knew I succeeded because he repeatedly commented on how delicious
everything was.
Before he left for work, I didn’t ask about his plans for the day. We didn’t make idle chit-chat. I just kissed him goodbye.
As he left, he stopped and turned back to me. His hand still holding the knob, he sighed. “Sorry, I’ve been an ass. None of this was your fault. I let my other
head get in the way. I’m not sure I’ll be able to fix the mess I made with Carlson, but there are other contacts. Other investors. Can you forgive me?”
“Of course, Jeremy,” I lied. “I didn’t really want to sleep with Tad. He’s so
gross. I just wanted to make you happy. I haven’t felt like I have been enough for you for many years.”
“You’re more than enough for me, babe. I have so much to make up to you.”
His eyes glistened with tears. “I love you, Caitlyn.”
As the door closed, I stared at it in shock. Once again, too little, too late. I
was not falling for his words. It was just another instance of Jeremy playing with my emotions. I was going to start my new life. Sitting at the table, I knew I had one last loose end to tie up.
Hello Ginger,
We have not been formally introduced. You may know me as the
crazy bitch you’ve heard so many wonderful things about. And, when
you realize I have been your friend and confidant for the last few months,
I know you won’t believe me when I tell you I am, in fact, quite sane. I
promise you I don’t have nviolent episodes or rages. I have just been in a
loveless marriage with a cheater for a very long time.
Do you know what Jeremy does if you confront him about cheating?
He throws you away. He cuts off all your money. He isn’t getting rid of
you completely. That would look bad to the outside world. No, he just wants to remind you who is in control.
He set the stage for this punishment by insisting, early in the
relationship, you don’t need to have a job. He needs you to be there for
him anytime he wants you. Do you know, even as a married woman with
no prenuptial agreement, I had to live with my mother for two months
