Page 12 of You Found Me
I force one foot in front of the other. Gaslighting myself into thinking that he’s just in there watching porn. The little voice in my head reminds me of the bra and how it was not there when I left this morning. The closer I get, the more I hear the telltale sound of skin slapping together while the moans become louder.
I hear a groan and then something that cleaves my heart in two.
“Oh god, Chance. Harder.”
I’m frozen.
The odds of him finding a porno with a man that shares his name probably isn’t that high. Even as I hear the headboard thumping against the wall, I can’t move. It’s not he says, “Fuck babe. I’ll never get tired of this,” that I’m brought out of my stupor and run out like someone lit me on fire. I get in my car and start to call Colette and Mia, but something stops me.
I can’t.
Admitting it out loud feels like a punch to the gut. I need time to deal with what I heard before talking to anyone else. I refuse to be suffocated by pity or see in their eyes that their doubts about him turned out to be valid after all.
***
I get into town in record time—honestly, I’m surprised I didn’t get pulled over.
I take a deep centering breath as I sit outside Wildflower Inn. I could have stayed at my parents’ house since they’re out of town for their second honeymoon, but they have security cameras. Which means they’d see me, worry, and I wouldn’t have a moment of peace.
So, renting a room at the Inn for a few days is the plan for now.
Behind the front desk is college kid that looks bored out of her mind. However, as soon as she sees my puffy eyes and mask, she becomes vaguely interested in me and my state of distress. “Welcome to Wildflower Inn, I’m Ashley. Do you have a reservation?”
“I don’t, but I was hoping you had a room available for a few nights.”
“Let me check,” she says, then starts clicking away on the computer. “Yep. Looks like we have a few open and available for check in. If you give me your information, I’ll get you set up and on your way.”
I release a breath. “Thank you. Is it at all possible to have you put my name as something other than what’s on my license? I just need a little time before people know I’m here.” Her brows furrow, and I quickly tell her, “I’m not in trouble with the law or anything serious. Just dealing with guy trouble while being sick.”
“Men really are the worst sometimes. But yeah, I can def put you in as someone else. I know Ms. Clara doesn’t look at billing information unless there’s an issue brought to her by the tenant.” She hands over a floral skeleton key. “You’re in room seven. Breakfast and lunch are included in the price, and the hours are in the packet on your nightstand. If you have any questions or need anything, I’m here until nine o’clock tonight.”
“Thanks for your help. I’m going to order a few things from Foxglove. Would it be okay if it’s dropped off here and brought to my door?”
“Of course. I hope you feel better and figure out your man troubles.”
I make my way up the stairs to find my room and that’s when I remember Spencer is staying here as well. Not only is he staying here, but he's in the room directly across from mine. As fast as I possibly can, I unlock my room door and rush inside.
Thirty minutes later I have my order of medicine and a few random T-shirts and shorts from Foxglove Pharmacy & Corner Store. The bag I keep in my car for work only holds an extra set of scrubs and a couple pairs of panties. So I knew I’d need some extra clothes. After taking a quick shower and downing some medicine, I send Chance a text.
I was sent home from work with a fever. Decided to go to Meadow Springs so I don’t get you sick. Talkto you later.
I turn my phone off and let myself spiral until I fall asleep.
Six and a half years down the drain.
I can’t help but think it’s my fault. What if I had tried harder to initiate intimate moments? Would that have kept him from cheating? We’ve only been in Charleston for three months and he spends all his time with the team and staff. When did he even find the time to meet someone new? Could he be on dating apps?
The last thing I remember thinking before I pass out is,I should’ve seen this coming.
***
Friday night rolls around and Chance still hasn’t bothered to call or text to check in on me.
I shouldn’t be surprised since I know now that he’s cheating. My mind is still reeling. I start to doubt if he ever cared about me, because who would cheat on someone they supposedly love and were going to marry?
I haven’t cried as much as I thought I would considering we’ve been together for years. But if I’m being honest with myself, I haven’t been happy since before we got engaged. I’ve let his moods dictate my happiness and those are always erratic, making it hard to stay in premarital bliss.
The only silver lining to this whole debacle is that I found outbeforewe got married. He proposed a year ago and has since refused to discuss a date. Not wanting to be a nag, I quit bringing it up. Only giving friends and family a vague idea of when we could possiblyhave the ceremony. That should’ve been my first sign.
