Chapter 3

Sharky's with Doug and Melissa started ok. We ordered and had had some drinks and appetizers when the beer started working on my bladder, and there was no ignoring it anymore. I had to visit the ladies' room. Rob stood up to let me slide out of the booth, but I tripped over his foot when I stood up. It scuffed my shoe, and I said, "Shoot! I love these shoes." 

Rob looked down at my shoe and then looked at me with a mean look on his face, "Don't think that you're going to run out and buy a new pair tomorrow! You spend all of our money on clothes and shit while I work my ass off to keep a roof over our head. I can't even get your ass to go to work!"

I stood there in shock. I don't know why I was shocked. I should know that nothing is across the line for Rob, but somehow I still get shocked. I could feel my face turning a bright red, and sweat broke out on my neck. I had not bought myself anything new in a little over a year, but this was Rob's way. Make everyone think badly of me even though he wants them to admire my looks. Rob is seen as the good guy saddled with the pretty but lazy and spoiled bitch. 

"No, of course not. I'm sure I can rub it out and make it look as good as new. I'll be back in a minute." So I took off the restroom, and I knew I couldn't hide in there because I would get into trouble for that, but I took a few minutes to get myself back together before going back to the table.

Our entrees had arrived when I made it back to our table. I answered questions, directed my way with a smile, and offered small joiners here and there, but I didn't try to offer much more engagement than that. I knew too little, and Rob would claim that I pouted and embarrassed him all night. Too much, and I might say something he doesn't like. I was so exhausted with dissecting every angle to make sure that I didn't screw up. It was easier just to put in enough and leave it at that. 

Melissa complimented my outfit, and Rob put his arm around me. "I'm a lucky man. My wife is classy and beautiful." I wondered how his friends saw his behavior. Then I wondered if it was just me. Maybe I do deserve his hateful attitude. Then I thought to myself, no. No one deserves that. Not even me. 

Rob seemed to be happy with the night, and unfortunately for me, he wanted to make love. I threw myself into it, but the only way I could was to pretend he was Brodie. I know how sick that is, but that's what I had to do. I think I hate Rob. I think every part of my being hates him. 

The next morning Rob woke me by taking his foot and kicking me off the side of the bed. "You'll get up and take your ass to work today. I'm tired of this lazy shit you play. There's not a damn thing wrong with you." then he mimicked me in a high-pitched voice, "I'm sorry, Rob. I have a stomach bug." He rolled his eyes, "Bullshit! You had no problem going out last night and acting like a little bitch to my friends. That's the last time you embarrass me like that. Next time, I'll go out, and you can eat a bowl of cereal since you can't cook for shit." 

I got up and started toward the shower.

"What? You don't have anything to say? Good! I'm not in the mood for your mouth this morning."

I closed and locked the bathroom door. Not that that would keep him out if he wanted in, but I locked it anyway. I sat on the commode and let the tears out for a few minutes. God, how much longer can I take this. I deep breathed and started the water for my shower. I stayed in the shower as long as I thought I could get away with—anything to escape him. I prayed to God to please let him be gone when I got out. 

He wasn't. He was watching television in the living room, and I had a feeling he had quit another job. So I rushed through getting ready and practically ran out the door to go to work. 

The text came at work. 

I'm sorry, babe. I'm stressed out, and I shouldn't have been so hard on you. I just need you to grow up now that we have all of these responsibilities. I mean, I'd like to start a family soon, and you don't seem to know what it takes. You have to work hard to care for a family. Not just me but you too. That asshole Ben at work didn't like something I said yesterday; he doesn't even know what he's doing. He told me not to come back until next week. So I'm just going to find something else. I'm tired of his shit. I need you to have my back and do your part. I love you, babe. 

I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. That text pissed me off so bad, and I wanted so bad to tell him the fuck off, and I would never have children with him. I knew better, though. I just didn't have it in me to respond to it right now. I needed to cool off first, so I got back to work.