3. A Night Out

I hung up the phone and broke down emotionally, feeling a mixture of sadness and anger, but primarily revengeful! I couldn't stop the fall of my tears as they leaked from under my closed lids. When I opened my eyes, they landed on the ripped-up check at my feet. "The nerve of him to offer me money!" 

This swirl of mixed emotions came in and out of my heart and mind. I’m so furious at him! And how he cowardly abandoned me on our anniversary day for an ex-girlfriend, Susan Hubbard!

“How could he treat me this way! After I put up with him and all he’s done and failed to do in this marriage!”

My ride was on the way, so I hurried and went into the bathroom. I looked into the mirror, seeing the mascara running from my eyes down my cheek. I hop into the shower to clean up, and I want to look my best. Afterward, I patted myself dry, moisturized my skin, and found a sexy dress. I brushed my hair and secured it with several pins at the crown of my head. I peered into the mirror and noticed the swelling around my eyes had gone down. Anyone would notice the slight puffiness under my eyes; I packed on more concealer under my eyes to camouflage my earlier sobbing.

That’s when I heard the doorbell rang.

I went down the staircase and opened the front door while the red BMW coupe was being parked in my driveway. Instead of honking the horn, a signal was given as the headlights flashed twice.  I approached the car and was greeted gently with a kiss on my scented cheek. Arms that wrapped around my body to comfort me.

“You can come inside; I’m almost ready.” 

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, very sure. My husband isn't coming back here. So don't worry." 

"Deja, did you see this?“  A little gift-wrapped box was picked up on the front lawn.

"What is it?”

I opened the gift box. Inside, it contained a pair of beautiful sapphire earrings. It was wrapped in the same material as the jewelry box for the ruby necklace box he held in his hand on television. 

“Wow! Are these beautiful earrings for you? They are the perfect color for your eyes. How did they get outside on the front lawn? Did you know they were out here on the lawn? I’m assuming they must be your anniversary gift?” 

I became even more disgusted when I saw them; I couldn’t speak about it because I knew they must have been a gift he was planning to give Susan Hubbard.  Holland must have dropped them in his haste to leave me to be by her side.

"DISGUSTING!" I took the box and tossed it in the trash. “Let’s go; I'm ready to leave.” 

“Wait, Deja! You just threw away a very pair of expensive, beautiful earrings. What is going on with you!” 

“I don’t want them in this house! They are trash, in my opinion!" 

“No, I’m sure they were meant for you. I’ll just take them out of the trash."

''Don't you dare! Who side are you on?!"

"I was just going to sit them here on the counter.” 

 “Let’s go!” I opened the solid mahogany door, and we left as we got in the car and drove away.

“Where do you want to go? So I can put the address into my GPS.”

“Straight to the hotel here in the city." 

"Are you serious? I knew you wanted a good time, but I wasn't thinking that way. Okay, you got to tell me what’s going on. I was surprised you called me. We haven’t done something like this since you got married. After three years of marriage, I thought you would be in the thralls of celebrating your anniversary with Holland.” 

“You’re right; I haven’t done anything in a very long time. But that’s about to change tonight!” 

“This is your anniversary tonight? What about your husband?”

“What about him?”

 Is it really over between you two?”

I hunched my shoulders.

“Something must have happened between the two of you. Did Holland do something?” 

“I don’t have a husband. I have a man I’m married to. If he were concerned about me hanging out, he would be here if he did.  Do you see him anywhere around?”

“Well, no....” 

“Exactly! This is all about me and you tonight!”

 “I’m livin’ it up tonight with you!” 

“Okay, well, let me take you somewhere nice. So you can let off some of this steam.”

****

They arrived at Eminence Hotel, which was for members only. It has a nightclub, with exclusive shopping and excellent food. They serve you bubbly and play music in the background while the wealthy come and spend countless dollars.

"Let's go shopping first!"

"Whatever you wish."

I tried on the latest shoes, clothes, and accessories. Being a platinum customer for years, I own all the classics already, but as the old saying goes, a diamond is a girl's best friend. I finally started having fun trying on whatever I wanted; I held back from doing what I loved for three years. So tonight, I drank expensive champagne and danced. 

Olivia my best friend says to me. “Oh wow! Girl, you look so pretty in that dress. See, Amanza, this is the real you—style, sophistication, and glamor. I never understood why you had to hide who you are from Holland. You are charming and smart just the way you are. You’ve changed so much trying to be a plain Jane and make him happy.”

The minute she mentioned Holland’s name, I rolled my eyes. “Please don’t mess up my mood by saying his name. I can’t believe it. After all this time, three long years, he still doesn't love me. All he has done is criticize me, Livia. It was only two hours ago that he was accusing me of cheating on him. Can you believe that?” I looked at my friend as a tear slipped from my eyelid.

Olivia couldn't believe her friend's confession, which sounded unbelievable. Olivia’s eyebrows arched in surprise and concern. She moved from her seat and sat down next to Amanza. Taking her hand, she shook her head in amazement.

“Ah, sweetheart, don't cry. How could that be?  What’s wrong with him? Can't Holland see that all you can see is him?” Olivia says. “I find this so absurd. Men can be so absurd and foolish! Considering how much you love him and have been devoted to your marriage, how can he fix his mouth to say such things to you?.”

“What's worse is that Holland's ex-girlfriend is back.”

“What do you mean back? Back in the city, or are you saying they are back together? Wait! Did you see them together?”

It's not just rumors. I wish it were, but I was out at night and saw Holland with my eyes. He was wining and dining and grinning up in Susan Hubbard's face at Rochester’s restaurant." 

"What! Amanza, no, you must be mistaken. Today is your anniversary." 

“She is his first love; you can tell he can’t shake her and has lingering feelings for her. The man forgot all about it; it was our anniversary today. Ever since Susie returned, he's been spending much time with her. “

Olivia looks angrier than I do. “Ooh! Amanza, you know, as your friend, I wouldn't ever lie to you about how I feel. He’s the lowest of the low, in my opinion!” 

All I could do was sit there and cry. “Livia, it hurt so bad! I never knew pain like this before. He’s my first true love.”

“I'm so sorry it's happening to you. Don’t tell me anymore. Let’s not talk about it anymore. You know, I’ve never liked or trusted Holland all that much. Why have you stayed with this man as long as you have? I don’t know.  Now that he’s left you all alone on your anniversary, aren’t you ready to leave him? You don’t need him for his money or material things…and you don’t have any kids for this man. What’s holding you with him?”

“Wait, Livia. I got a text here. Let me read it. It might be from Holland.”

 Just then, I received a text message.

 It was from none other than Susan.

I begin to read the text. My heart slammed against my ribs.

"Amanza! Is everything okay?" Olivia asked looking at my facial expression.

My hands trembled as I tried to hold onto my phone while reading the text. 

“I’m pregnant with Holland’s Child. We need to talk, Susie.”