“I know what you’re going to say. I also know that whatever I say, you are going to say I’m making excuses, but the truth is we’re both busy people. I know our sex life isn’t as fresh as it used to be, but when we’re together it’s still wonderful. Do I feel like something is going on? Yes, sometimes I do, but I don’t have any proof that there is. And it’s not like he’s going to straight-up tell me he’s cheating on me. Maybe I need to make more of an effort toward him and initiate things. I know I’ve slacked off in that aspect, but I’m just always so tired. And now with law school starting on Monday, I’ll really be busy.”
Becky shook her head, causing her short, blonde bob to bounce around her face. “Don’t do that. Don’t be meek. You’re making it sound like it’s all you. Men do not go that long without getting off. Either he’s jacking off a lot or he’s getting it somewhere else. Again, that’s just my opinion, but don’t sit here and say this is all you. It’s not. When’s the last time he initiated something with you? Think about that.”
I took a deep breath, savoring the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods, letting her words sink in. I knew what she said was right, but I couldn’t help but think maybe it was me who was driving him away. I’d been putting school first for so long I didn’t know how to break the habit. It had always worked with us before, so I didn’t know what might have happened or if anything was happening at all.
“Okay, can we change the subject now? I really don’t want to talk about my sex life, or lack thereof.”
Victoria reached her arm out and laid her hand on top of mine. “I know I suck, okay? But I have one more thing to say.” I raised an eyebrow. “You need to surprise him at work one night when he says he’s working late.” I opened my mouth to speak, but she raised her hand to stop me. “I know you aren’t that kind of confrontational person, but you need to be. This is your life. Be spontaneous. If there is any thought at all in your mind that he’s being unfaithful then you need to do something. Don’t let a man walk all over you like that.” She leaned back in her chair and looked at Becky before looking back at me. “We care about you and don’t want you to get hurt, but something needs to be done. And there is no better way than to surprise him at work. He’d never expect you to do it.”
I sat there in silence, biting the inside of my cheek as I mulled over what she had suggested. It really wasn’t a bad idea, but did I want to catch him in the act? Part of me felt like I was overreacting and didn’t believe their proclamation, but there was another part that believed it.
“I’ll think about it,” I responded finally with a small smile.
“Okay, on to the next topic. What are you doing tonight?” Becky asked with enthusiasm. “Please tell me nothing.”
I shook my head knowing what she was going to ask. “I can’t. I have to work.”
Becky pouted. “Come on. Seriously. You just worked last night. You need a night off to come out with us.”
“I need the money. Plus, you know when school starts I’ll have every other weekend off.” Once I started NYU Law, I’d only be able to work up to twenty hours a week. And even then, I probably wouldn’t work that many hours. Law school was hard and I knew I’d need the time to study, but I still needed money, too. My parents wouldn’t pay for everything.
“Okay, well, we’re going out on your first weekend off. It’s been way too long,” Becky stated.
I heard a chime from my phone so I rummaged through my purse and pulled it out to see Tim had sent me a text.
Tim: Hey, I just got home. How long are you going to be out?
Becky and Victoria were talking amongst themselves, already making plans for our future girls’ night out, so I quickly replied back to Tim.
Me: I’ll be leaving soon. Will you be home when I get there?
He read my text right away, and then texted me back.
Tim: No. I’m about to shower, and then leave. I’m having a late lunch with my dad about a new client and then I’ll probably head into the office to finish up. It’ll be another late night.
Me: Oh, okay. I’ll see you when you get home. Love u.
Tim: u 2.
I frowned as I stared at his texts. It had been forever since we’d spent time together. Maybe Victoria was right. Maybe I should just surprise him at work, even if I just popped in for a few minutes. I just wanted to see him. We had been so busy the past few weeks I couldn’t remember the last time we spent more than fifteen minutes together.
“What’s with the frowny face?” Becky asked.
I placed my phone on the table and let out a sigh. “Tim just texted me and said it’ll be another late night at the office.” I looked at Victoria and could tell she was holding back on commenting. “It’s all right, though,” I said as I pushed my chair out to stand. “I’m going to go ahead and head home and see if I can catch him before he leaves the house,” I lied. I knew he wouldn’t be home, but I didn’t want to face the judgments.
“Okay, well, maybe we’ll come by again tonight,” Becky suggested with a smile. “I can fish for a hottie in a suit, like that one who was eyeing you last night.”
She wagged her eyebrows at me and I rolled my eyes. “Whatever. Y’all are nuts.” It was time to leave before they brought something else up. “I’ll see y’all tonight, then,” I stated as I walked away from the table.