Page 106 of The Only Goal

I think he works hard so he doesn’t have to come home and deal with his family.

“He would do anything for his family, Tamara. He would fight any battle he had to. He loves you too much to just let you walk away.”

The words fight any battle ring in my ears, the underlying threat impossible to miss. I clutch the phone, swaying on my feet and having to lean my hip against the counter for support.

“It would be foolish of you to leave him again. You are his wife, and you promised to love him until the day you die. I sat there and watched you share your vows, young lady.”

Anger bursts through me in a fiery spray, stealing all common sense along with it. “Did you hear him say his vows too?”

“What?”

“You know, the part about being faithful.”

“He has always been faithful to you.”

“No, Lydia. He hasn’t.”

The truth is ugly and sits between us for an awkward beat that’s painful.

“Okay, fine. But it was one small mistake,” she sputters. “A tiny lapse in judgment, which he is very sorry for. And he wanted to make amends immediately, but you wouldn’t let him. You just took off with his son and ignored him.”

I squeeze my eyes shut, my head bobbing erratically. “Have you ever walked in on your husband fucking someone else?” My tone gets sharp and snappy, and my usual shock at saying something so bold to my mother-in-law is nowhere to be found.

Lydia gasps, no doubt clutching her pearl necklace as I bark at her.

“It’s not pleasant. So rather than berating me for walking out the door, you should be praising me for having the courage to walk back through it!” I hang up before she can respond, my chest heaving as I try to bring my senses back online.

Oh shit, what have I done?

And why does the word courage keep hitting me over the head? Why did it taste like acid in my mouth?

Was walking back through that door really so courageous?

Because right now… it doesn’t feel like it.

Right now, it feels like I took the easy out. I’ve given up on the things I truly want the most. For what? A loveless marriage? Because I’m scared of a custody battle?

Resting my hands on the counter, I stare at the expensive granite and shake my head. Who gives a shit how expensive my kitchen is? How nice my house is?

Is this really my life now? Endless days of living in this fancy house with a husband I don’t even want to be around?

I’m doing this for Kai, but… what will become of me if I stay?

“I don’t know if I can do this anymore,” I whisper, tears flooding my eyes. “I don’t think I can.” My voice catches as my stomach jerks with a sob. “I don’t think I can.”

CHAPTER 51

BAXTER

After my phone call with Grace, I didn’t know what to do with myself. We both mumbled our goodbyes, hung up, and then I sat there, drenched in disquiet and wondering what the hell I was supposed to do with myself.

On autopilot, I headed back to the house, then felt compelled to stop and grab some groceries for dinner. Dad has been waiting on my mopey ass, and I need to start showing a little appreciation. Mom’s butter chicken recipe was always a winner, so I quickly shoot into the grocery store and get the ingredients. Hopefully I haven’t forgotten anything. As I wander back to the truck, I glance up and spot two faces I haven’t seen in a long while. Two faces I actively avoid every time I come into town. And opposite them sits Mrs. Clark.

I’m not sure she recognizes me as I stride by the coffee shop, but the other lady sure does.

Mrs. Tan’s mouth drops open, her eyes flashing at me when I come to a stop by the table.

Why the hell are you stopping? The question pulses through my brain, but not loud enough to make me move along.

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