The Woman Trapped in a Sexless Marriage - Chapter 31: Chapter 31
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I dragged my fingers through my hair in frustration, wandering the streets for what felt like hours before finally pulling out my phone. Brian Anderson's name flashed on my screen—my ride-or-die since college, the human equivalent of a golden retriever with his endless optimism.
He picked up on the first ring, the background noise suggesting he was at some crowded bar. After a few seconds, the racket faded as he presumably found a quiet corner. "Well well," came his signature drawl, "if it isn't my favorite ghosting expert."
I wasn't in the mood for his usual banter. "Got fired today," I blurted out.
The line went silent for a beat before his voice turned serious. "Pack your bags. You're moving in with me."
"Okay." No fake protests—this was why Brian was the best. Whether it was my unplanned pregnancy or any other mess I'd gotten myself into, he never judged. Just showed up.
Ten days later...
The cab's worn leather seats stuck to my legs as Gavin snuggled against me, his warm weight familiar and comforting. Outside the window, the city I'd sworn never to return to blurred past in streaks of color.
Brian's logic had been annoyingly sound—this was where the opportunities were. While he worked his magic with potential investors, I'd start building my business from the ground up.
"Mommy?" Gavin's small fingers tugged at my sleeve. "You look sad."
I smoothed his dark curls—so like his father's. "Just thinking, baby."
The apartment Brian rented turned out better than expected. For the first time in years, life felt... stable.
Then at some ungodly hour, my phone erupted with Brian's special ringtone—the theme from Rocky.
I grabbed it blindly. "You know what they say about people who—"
"Wake up!" His voice crackled with excitement. "Cedar Street Café. Now. And wear something that says 'take my business seriously' but also 'I'm cool to work with'." He dropped his voice to a whisper. "I got you the whale."
The whale. Right. My boutique. The realization hit like cold water. "Don't let him leave!" I was already throwing off the covers.
Twelve minutes later (a personal record), I stood outside the café adjusting my blazer. One last glance at my reflection in the glass door—professional but approachable—and I pushed through.
"Yoohoo! Over here!" Brian's voice carried across the room as he waved like he was flagging down a rescue plane. Every head turned.
I fought the urge to sink through the floor. Could my best friend be any more... Brian?
But business came first. I schooled my features into polite professionalism and glided toward their table.
Brian patted the seat beside him like an overeager puppy. My eyes shifted to the man across the table—impeccable black suit, broad shoulders, an aura of quiet power even while seated. Something about him tugged at my memory...
That suit cut. That posture. Why did they feel so damn familiar?
He picked up on the first ring, the background noise suggesting he was at some crowded bar. After a few seconds, the racket faded as he presumably found a quiet corner. "Well well," came his signature drawl, "if it isn't my favorite ghosting expert."
I wasn't in the mood for his usual banter. "Got fired today," I blurted out.
The line went silent for a beat before his voice turned serious. "Pack your bags. You're moving in with me."
"Okay." No fake protests—this was why Brian was the best. Whether it was my unplanned pregnancy or any other mess I'd gotten myself into, he never judged. Just showed up.
Ten days later...
The cab's worn leather seats stuck to my legs as Gavin snuggled against me, his warm weight familiar and comforting. Outside the window, the city I'd sworn never to return to blurred past in streaks of color.
Brian's logic had been annoyingly sound—this was where the opportunities were. While he worked his magic with potential investors, I'd start building my business from the ground up.
"Mommy?" Gavin's small fingers tugged at my sleeve. "You look sad."
I smoothed his dark curls—so like his father's. "Just thinking, baby."
The apartment Brian rented turned out better than expected. For the first time in years, life felt... stable.
Then at some ungodly hour, my phone erupted with Brian's special ringtone—the theme from Rocky.
I grabbed it blindly. "You know what they say about people who—"
"Wake up!" His voice crackled with excitement. "Cedar Street Café. Now. And wear something that says 'take my business seriously' but also 'I'm cool to work with'." He dropped his voice to a whisper. "I got you the whale."
The whale. Right. My boutique. The realization hit like cold water. "Don't let him leave!" I was already throwing off the covers.
Twelve minutes later (a personal record), I stood outside the café adjusting my blazer. One last glance at my reflection in the glass door—professional but approachable—and I pushed through.
"Yoohoo! Over here!" Brian's voice carried across the room as he waved like he was flagging down a rescue plane. Every head turned.
I fought the urge to sink through the floor. Could my best friend be any more... Brian?
But business came first. I schooled my features into polite professionalism and glided toward their table.
Brian patted the seat beside him like an overeager puppy. My eyes shifted to the man across the table—impeccable black suit, broad shoulders, an aura of quiet power even while seated. Something about him tugged at my memory...
That suit cut. That posture. Why did they feel so damn familiar?
End of The Woman Trapped in a Sexless Marriage Chapter 31. Continue reading Chapter 32 or return to The Woman Trapped in a Sexless Marriage book page.