1. Blindsided

Excitedly, I left the department store where I'd purchased a beautiful dress that I knew my husband, Holland, would love. It's our third anniversary, and we are going to a special place to celebrate. When I got home and turned on the television, I was surprised to see Holland on the news. The reporter congratulated him on acquiring a costly ruby necklace at a renowned auction.

 “So, Mr. Halston, do you have anyone special in mind to whom you plan to gift this necklace?”

Holland looked so handsome on my seventy-inch television screen. He was tall and well dressed in that charcoal gray suit and crimson tie I selected for him this morning. My husband was clean-cut, with remarkable sharp features that looked perfect and symmetrical. High cheekbones blended into a lean jaw and strong chin. He flashed that million-dollar smile that made my heart swoon. 

Without warning, he gazed directly into the camera and told the reporter. “I plan to give this necklace to someone very special to me. That’s all I’m going to say.”

I couldn’t stop blushing at that point. I felt a heat flare within my whole body as his eyes looked into the reporter's camera. It felt like he was looking at me. Even though he didn’t tell the reporter my name, who else could be more special than me as his wife?

The phone rang. It was my father calling. “Clinton, did you see Holland on the news?!” 

“Yes, my dear, was he speaking about you? Maybe I was wrong about Holland.” 

“Yes, Dad. I told you that things are getting stronger and better between us. Holland is really  in love with me.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful, dear. I just called to say. Happy anniversary, baby girl.”

“Thanks, Dad, for calling. Look, it's time for me to get dressed. I’m meeting Holland at Rochester's this evening to celebrate!” 

“Okay, honey, I  love you. Enjoy yourself.”

 I stepped out of the shower, and my doorbell rang. It was my friend, Olivia, bearing a gift. “Happy anniversary, boo.” 

“Girl, thanks! You didn’t have to.” 

“Oh yes, I did. You’re my girl, and I wish you all the happiness in the world.”

I ushered her into my bedroom. “Girl, come see the dress I purchased this afternoon.” 

I slipped into my lovely cocktail dress and accessories. "Do you think Holland will love it?'

"You're so pretty, simply glowing. I can't see why he wouldn't," Olivia says, looking at her friend's flawless complexion and hair swept up into a fancy updo.

"Are you sure? He's not used to me looking too flashy. I just want to look my best for Holland."  

"Yes, I'm sure; look at the time. Here, put on your stilettos."

"Livia, do I have everything I need?" I said, scrambling around, picking up my lipstick, keys, and cell phone, and stuffing them in my clutch purse.

"Olivia, I’m so happy to have you here.” 

"I'm glad to be here and proud of you and Holland. I guess he's a good guy after all."

"I told you so."

"Ask him if he has any friends available for me to date. On Second thought, don't ask. Just concentrate on enjoying your man."  We snickered. The call came to let me know the driver had arrived. 

******

In all my excitement, I arrived at the restaurant early. I looked around at the spectacular view of the Hudson River and the city of Manhattan. My table had elegant long-stem candles on it; the atmosphere gave off a touch of romance for lovers. It was a wonderful place Holland had selected for us to celebrate our anniversary. My table also gave me a view of the entrance, where the hostess greeted incoming patrons. Patiently, I waited for my husband to arrive, thinking about his statement on the news earlier today. I couldn’t stop smiling, with a heart full of love for my man. 

After waiting, I glanced at the entrance and saw Holland's charismatic smile. He approaches the reservation counter. "Welcome to Rochester's. Sir, how may I assist you this evening?" Holland is holding a large bouquet of beautiful flowers in his hand.  

I was so touched to see Holland bring me flowers. He was heading my way right when I stood to greet him. Holland stopped midstream and suddenly stood before him a sexy brunette in a tight black dress. He gave her the flowers as she threw her arms around his neck. I watched the two in shock. It seems like they were here to celebrate a special occasion. When the woman turned her head, I saw her face. 

It was Susan Hubbard, my husband's ex-girlfriend. I couldn’t believe she was wearing the ruby necklace he mentioned gifting to that special someone. I was stunned and so hurt. I fled the restaurant exit doors, trying to hold back imminent tears. When I entered the cold air, it made breathing difficult. Or maybe that was just humiliation choking me. I stopped moving once I was alone, taking in deep breaths. Then, finally, I could breathe."

I flagged down a taxi, got inside, and closed the door. "Where to, Ms.?"

I had the taxi take me back home.  I slumped against the rear seat in the cab, closed my eyes, and burst into sobbing. 

"Ms., are you okay?" The taxi driver asked me.

I exhaled audibly. "I'm good," I lied smoothly. I wasn't good. It would be some time before I could adjust my heart to something that feels normal again after tonight.

Settling back in the dark of the taxi, I cried silently, suffering from severe heartache. 

About fifteen minutes later, the taxi arrived at the house. I sighed, gathering my shawl and purse. I paid the taxi fare and stepped out of the cab. I opened the front door to the house and stood in the foyer, leaning against the door once I closed it. I was too weak to move for a second. I felt wetness on my cheeks as tears fell from the skin around my eyes. Slowly, I walked into the living room, removing my 6-inch heels. I had ordered flowers and candles to decorate the house romantically earlier in the day. A trail of Rose petals led the way from the living room into our bedroom to surprise Holland. I was so hurt and upset that I slung my purse on the sofa, poured myself a glass of wine, and sat in the living room, lost in thought and pain.

My husband returned home sometime later, dropping his keys on the foyer table. As he walked into the living room, he suddenly stopped and looked around at the decorated house for our anniversary.

“Oh, I’m sorry for forgetting our dinner date.” 

“Where were you tonight, Holland?” 

“I had forgotten about our dinner plans and was invited to Susie’s party, and that’s where I was.” 

“How could you put her party before our anniversary!” 

“I told you I forgot about our date! Look, it's no big deal! I’ll make it up to you!.” He pulled out his checkbook and wrote me a check. I glared at the check he handed me. It was for a million dollars.”

“That should be more than enough compensation for all you spent today. Go and get whatever you want.  Happy anniversary!”

I laughed at the check to keep from crying. I threw it down the coffee table and said, ‘What's this? You think money is the answer! You keep messing up yearly! But this is not what I want, Holland!’

Holland looked at me grimly and said, ‘Didn't you marry me for the money?’