Always Second to His Past
After the New Year, some of my husband's former students are back to visit him. So, my husband, Isaac Cooper, treats them to dinner.
They greet us warmly, but when they first see me, there is a hint of surprise in their eyes.
In the private room, Isaac takes my hand.
Everyone starts teasing us. "Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are so loving. I'm so jealous!"
I lower my head shyly and excuse myself to the restroom, only to overhear two of his students chatting.
"I was startled just now. I thought Mr. Cooper's wife would be Lilith Walker."
"But Mrs. Cooper looks so much like her. When she walked in, I almost mistook her for Lilith."
I freeze on the spot.
I know Lilith is Isaac's ex-girlfriend, but I have never seen her in person.
Cold water runs over my hands. As I look at my carefully made-up face in the mirror, I suddenly feel a wave of nausea.