Page 93 of The Bad Husband

I want to be angry with him, but it’s impossible. I still feel the aftershocks of my first orgasm from penetration alone, and man, does it feel good, or what?

16

LILA

The house is empty without him.

My life is empty without him.

My future plans? Uncertain.

Of course, my meetup with Frankie never happens.

We speak on the phone on Sunday afternoon, and I sense relief in his voice when I tell him that, after careful consideration, I think we shouldn’t meet.

He’s not stupid.

He probably knows that my decision has to do with Damon.

On Tuesday, Keira suggests that we meet after work and grab a bite downtown.

We’re having dinner at our favorite burger joint when her phone rings.

Chewing on my food, I eavesdrop on her conversation.

After a string of clipped words, she hangs up.

“My coworkers have drinks at a bar not far from here. Would you like to come?”

“You wanna go?”

She takes a bite of her food and chews thoughtfully.

“Yeah. I’d go if it’s all right with you. I’m in no hurry to go home.”

I peer at my plate.

“Me neither.”

She notices the dissatisfaction in my voice, so she speaks again.

“Things all right at the house?” she asks, prompting me to lift my gaze.

“Yeah. Things are fine.”

“But?”

I smile.

“They’re both gone.”

“Shouldn’t you be happy that you don’t have to see them?”

“I am happy. I have the house for myself.”

“But?’

I laugh.