Sweet on the Outside, Rotten on the Inside

Maggie's POV

“Maybe the first time wasn’t with you,” Brigham said softly, pulling her close, “but every time after this will be.”

“But I still feel upset,” she pouted. “This was my first trip to a resort.”

“Baby, I honestly forgot I’d even been here before. If you hadn’t brought it up, it wouldn’t have crossed my mind.”

That made her smile again, finally satisfied.

“You two have such a great relationship,” the receptionist said warmly, teasing them.

Her cheeks flushed. “We’re not married yet.”

Brigham pulled her into his arms, possessive. “Soon.”

I, on the other hand, suddenly felt like nothing more than a stone in their path, something they’d kick aside when it got in the way.

But I wasn’t going to take it lying down. I switched on my location and posted it to my social media.

By evening, Brigham finally called. No doubt he was too busy holding her in his arms to notice my updates. His soon-to-be ex-wife was the last thing on his mind.

“Honey, you came to San Francisco and didn’t even tell me?”

“I was planning to surprise you.” My laugh came out bitter. “But the resort’s too far from your hotel. I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

“That’s perfect.” He relaxed, his voice gentler. “I’ve been calling all day, texting too, but you didn’t answer. You scared me.”

Letting out a dry chuckle, I replied, “What’s there to be scared of? I’m not a child. I won’t get lost.”

“But I wish you were, so that I could keep you with me on every trip and tuck you right in my pocket.”

Once, words like that would’ve melted me. But now they tasted like chocolate-coated shit, sickly sweet and impossible to swallow.

“You’d probably get sick of me if that were true,” I countered.

“Never. When you’re with me, I feel at peace. Once I’m back from this trip, let’s go abroad together. It’s been way too long since I’ve taken you anywhere.”

His voice was warm, full of concern and regret.

“I'm always chasing money,” he sighed, “I’ve neglected spending time with you.”

I stared at him from a distance, his arm wrapped around another woman. Is that guilt? Now, of all times?

What a joke. That apology was years too late.

“We’ll talk about it later,” I said flatly.

Panic flickered in his voice. “Honey, did something happen? Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing,” I lied.

But Brigham suddenly shot to his feet, shoving the girl beside him without a thought. She stumbled, frowning.

“Baby, what’s your problem?” she asked, confused.

Yet he ignored her completely, scanning the area like he could spot me. “Honey, why don’t I come find you right now?”

“I’m with Marga, my best friend. Why would you come?”

His tone then shifted into pitiful, almost childlike. “You only think about your friend. We haven’t seen each other in so long. I miss you so much.”

I smiled faintly. “If I came to see you right now, it wouldn’t be convenient for you, would it?”

For once, Brigham was silent. Then, in a rush, he denied, “What wouldn’t be convenient? I’m living alone.”

“Or maybe you’d rather the office gossip that you can’t live without me, dragging your wife along even on business trips?” I replied.

That shut him up. Finally, with reluctance, he hung up. Moments later, I watched as he hurriedly pulled the girl away.

“I’m taking you back.”

She stopped in her tracks, incredulous. “What do you mean, back? It’s late. You expect me to just pack up and leave?”

His expression darkened, frustration showing as he raked a hand through his hair. He looked ready to shove her into the nearest taxi.

But she resisted fiercely, pushing him away with tears welled up in her eyes.

“At this hour? I don’t even have my bags packed or a ticket. You’re just going to send me off like that?” Her voice cracked, turning into sobs.

Seemingly snapped back to his senses, his tone softened instantly. He pulled her into his arms again and soothed her gently. “My wife’s here. She’s coming to see me tomorrow.”