Discovering Truths by B. Benfield (chrysanthemum read aloud .TXT) 📕

I was okay because he thought I might’ve heard him on the phone and his paranoia was taking over? That was a good possibility.

“I’m tired. Melinda and I worked our butts off all day. I want to get this shower over with and crawl into bed.”

“Okay, well I’ll leave you alone. I’m going to head to bed myself.”

“Goodnight.” I said.

“Night.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

 

As the week grew closer to its end, I dreaded telling Gage that I was going away with Marcus for the weekend. Things between us had gone back to normal, despite our minor hiccup at the hotel. His demeanor changed that day and genuinely scared me. His actions almost made me think twice about everything I was doing. As bad as it was, he was the only good in my life. I needed us to be okay. We’d met twice since then, both times in his truck, and it was like there was never anything wrong. When he touched me and told me he loved me, I’d never felt more alive. He was exactly what I needed. I’d had the opportunity to tell him both times I saw him, but I never did. I didn’t want to see his reaction when I delivered the news. Although he and I were secret, I knew he wouldn’t like the fact that I was going to be alone with Marcus for a whole weekend. I opted for a text message instead.

Me: So…Marcus and I are going away for the weekend.

Gage: Where?

Me: I’m not sure. I don’t even want to go. I tried to get out of it. To be honest, I don’t even know why he’s trying. It’s like he’s forcing something that isn’t there.

Gage: Well have fun.

Me: Have fun? Are you serious? Are you mad?

Gage: Not going to lie, not too happy about it.

Me: Babe…we are married, I couldn’t exactly tell him no. You’re in the same position as me, so you can’t be mad.

Gage: I know. I’m not mad at you. Anything that has to do with him just pisses me off.

Me: The other day, after I moved Melinda, I walked in the house and caught him on the phone with the woman he’s been seeing.

Gage: Seriously? What did he say?

Me: He doesn’t know that I know. I was in the hallway and heard him talking. Apparently, he’s been waiting for the right time to bring up divorce, but he can’t do it quite yet. At least that’s what he said to her.

Gage: What a piece of shit.

Me: Exactly. So don’t be mad…or paranoid. Trust me, I will not be having a good time.

Gage: I can’t wait for the day when things will be different.

Me: You and me both, baby. I love you.

Gage: I love you.

 

Our love was toxic, but held a force so strong, I couldn’t pull away. Oh, how I wished that Gage was the person I’d be spending my weekend with.

***

Marcus pushed my bag in the compartment and shut the trunk. Here we go. A weekend full of fake love, happiness, and a whole lot of awkwardness. If he thought that I didn’t know there was something up between us, he really was an idiot. I knew he hadn’t a clue about my life, though. He’d have already lost it on me. He was absorbed in his own discretions; he didn’t have time to worry about me.

We stopped for an iced coffee and made small talk as we drove to our destination. The entire ride, I couldn’t help but compare Marcus to Gage. They were total opposites, and the more time I spent with Gage, the more I realized that his type was what I wanted. Marcus drove a fancy car, whereas Gage had a big, manly truck. Gage worked in a car shop and drank his coffee black, and Marcus spent his days in an office, dressed in a suit, with an iced coffee. I’d spent my whole life thinking that Marcus was the one for me, only to discover so many truths about him, myself, and my entire life…those truths changed everything.

We’d been driving a little over an hour and a half when we arrived to Daytona. We pulled up to a lavish hotel on the beach and I’ll admit, it was gorgeous. I still wasn’t thrilled about my company. Marcus carried our bags to the front desk and checked us in. I followed him up to the room, and it didn’t disappoint. The bed was huge, with a white comforter and big, fluffy pillows. The walls were painted grey, and all the décor was white and black. Everything was modern and fancy. The bathroom was equipped with a large soaking tub and marble floors. As I stood in the room, taking in the beauty of it all, I’d never felt more out of place. At one time, I lived for this lavish lifestyle, but it wasn’t me anymore. Making it through the weekend wouldn’t be that difficult, but I surely felt out of place.

“I thought we’d go down to the beach for a bit, then come back, get ready and go to dinner. What do you think?”

“Sounds good.” I said. I grabbed my bathing suit from my bag and went into the bathroom to change. I opted for a one piece, hoping that I would come across less attractive. I didn’t want to be touched. I’m so bad.

When I came out of the bathroom, he was in a pair of swimming trunks with his sunglasses on his head, packing our beach bag. I noticed him slip his tablet in, so I went to my bag, grabbed my book, and tossed it in too. Hopefully he’d stay on his tablet, I’d read my book, and communication between us would stay at a minimum.

We walked down to the crowded beach and planted