Page 58 of I Shouldn't Feel This Way

“Don’t get all mushy on me, Noah,” I joked.

He laughed and said, “You’re never going to call medad, huh?”

I shrugged and smirked at him as he snickered under his breath, shaking his head.

“Let’s head home,” he said. “You’re driving.”

****

My stepmom flung herself at the sex god as soon as he walked through the door, and it made me want to gag. Her overt affection always annoyed me.

“Finally, you’re back!” she gushed. “I missed you!”

“Missed you too, honey.” He hugged her and kissed her swollen lips.

Ugh.It grossed me out. She so needed to quit the collagen injections.

“I feel really tired,” I said, glancing at the blissful couple. “I’m going to bed. Thanks for taking me out for a drive.”

“Oh, okay, sweetheart,” Noah answered. I think he wanted to hug me and give me a kiss, but I was too irritated, so I avoided the opportunity and walked away.

“Is everything all right with her?” Vanessa asked.

“Yeah, she’s just tired and stressed out over a chemistry test.”

It took every ounce of effort not to slam my door shut when I heard them chattering about me. I’d had a perfect evening and my stepmom had to ruin it, as usual. I spent about half an hour writing in my diary, and then I tried to do some reading to help me fall asleep. I loved “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte. I always empathized with Heathcliff.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

NOAH

Vanessa was driving me insane. What I had hoped would be a romantic evening between me and my wife had turned into a typical argument. I guess it shouldn’t have surprised me.

“Really, Nessa? Don’t you think it’s about damn time you quit all these costly cosmetic procedures? They’re completely unnecessary!”

“Keep your voice down!” she hissed.

“No, I will not keep it down! I’m so damn sick of this! It’s never enough for you. You’re addicted to plastic surgery. I didn’t sign up for this marriage to help you destroy the woman I married!”

“Don’t you understand that I need it? It’s just a brow lift. What’s the big deal?”

“The big deal? Are you really going to stand there and ask me that question?” I was far beyond outraged.

“Uh—well, I just did.”

Enough with the attitude!

“I refuse to dignify that question with an answer. You need help, Vanessa. I’m sleeping on the couch tonight.” Technically, I could have slept in a guest room, but I usually preferred to fall asleep in front of the television.

Grabbing a pillow, I turned around and walked out on my wife. She knew well enough not to provoke me further, or I would actually go postal. But knowing her, she was going through with the procedure whether I liked it or not. I didn’t think she realized how rocky our marriage had become.

“You’re wrong about this, Noah!” she called after me.

I rolled my eyes, feeling thankful when she finally shut our bedroom door. The rest of my night was going to be a long one, and I was ready to tough it out with some re-runs of24when suddenly something caught my eye down the hall. Aria’s bedroom lights were on. It was almost two in the morning. Concerned, I made my way down the hall and gently knocked on her door.

“Aria? You still awake?”

“Yes. Come in.”

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