28. Victoria
28
VICTORIA
Tuesday, September 17
It’s been four days since I’ve fucked my husband. It’s been radio silence ever since I thanked him in his old office.
I haven’t spoken a word to my husband since Friday.
I’ve been spiraling, filling the void with all sorts of nonsense and excuses.
I’ve rationalized it to death, trying to convince myself that what I did was totally fine, not a big deal at all. That I was just having fun. I’m attracted to him and it must be mutual to some degree or he wouldn’t have let things go that far. I got caught up in the moment…
And that’s to say nothing of the fact that I’m starting to feel like I’m losing my mind. The nagging texts from Liam are nothing I didn’t expect, but I keep feeling like I’m being watched. I could have sworn I saw Liam out of the corner of my eye when I walked to my car after class yesterday. Or when I left my dorm this morning. I feel like a rabbit being stalked by a wolf, and it’s more than disconcerting.
“Earth to Victoria,” Bailey calls, waving her hand in front of my eyes to get my attention. Startled, I nearly drop the muffin I ordered at the campus café.
“Sorry, just zoned out.”
Bailey grins. “Nah, girl, I get it. I’m just wondering what you’re going to do with your free time now that we’re down a violin professor.”
I can feel the blush staining my cheeks and I hastily look down at the table. I’m not sure how much the student body at large knows about my situation, and it’s better to play things close to the vest until I know for sure. “Oh, um,” I chew my lip to buy some time, “I haven’t really thought about it.”
My friend nods thoughtfully. “Fair, it’s a quick change. Have to admit, though, I’m glad Moretti managed not to lose his job until after the add/drop period ended.” Her eyes laugh into mine. “It’s a great excuse not to pick up another econ class like my dad wanted me to.”
I laugh, nodding my head in agreement. “Yeah, I hear that.”
“We’ll still hang out though, right? I feel like I never see you on campus unless you’re in class.” She arches her brow, clearly asking for an explanation.
“Oh,” I glance around at the other tables in the café, leaning forward like I’m about to spill state secrets, “about that…I’m studying to be a pastry chef. If I’m not here, I’m over at Graham for the culinary program.”
“Oh! My! God!” she squeals. “That’s amazing! If you ever need a tester?—”
“I’ve got your number,” I wink. Then a thought hits me. Dante and I still need to find a positive pregnancy test, but I know I can’t ask Ellie for help. Not only is she not pregnant, but she knows me too well to believe any lie I could invent to explain why I want one.
Bailey, on the other hand, is a new friend. She only knows what I’ve shared with her on our coffee runs after Dante’s classes.
“I’ll bring you some of whatever I make next,” I promise. “But I have sort of a weird favor to ask.”
Bailey taps her nails thoughtfully on the table. “Those are my favorite kinds of favors. What do you need?”
I lean forward and lower my voice conspiratorially. “Listen, I want to prove a point with my mom, really freak her out, you know?” Bailey nods. “I want to buy a fake pregnancy test, but it has to show a positive result.” I continue quickly before Bailey can say anything, “Do you know anyone? Or maybe know someone who knows how to fake one?”
She frowns. I’m not sure whether I’ve intrigued her or lost her.
“Well?”
Then her face splits into a shit-eating grin. “You want to fuck with your mom? I’m totally in. Give me some time and I’ll see what I can do.”
I force myself to chuckle even as I want to lay my head on the table in relief. “I never thought I’d be grateful that you got me in trouble with Professor Moretti on day one.”
“And yet, here we are.” Bailey slaps my hand in a high-five and we go our separate ways.
Maybe Dante and I can make this shit work after all.