Don’t Mind If “I Do” by Everly Ashton

Forty-Seven

Mazzy

I’m shocked that I managed to get any sleep last night. I expected to be tired this morning, but I figured it would be from sexing my husband all night, not because anxiety mixed with anger churned through my body.

Nick had already left for work by the time I got out of bed and went downstairs. I heard him get up and knock softly on my door this morning, but I pretended to be asleep. I slept in the guest room last night. After his ultimatum, I couldn’t even look at him.

I’m not ready to face him yet. I don’t know if he wants to apologize or get into it with me again, but this morning, I wasn’t mentally prepared for either. At least I’ve bought myself twenty-four hours since he won’t be home until tomorrow morning.

I head over to the coffee maker to fill my cup and have to grip the counter when I’m racked with a dizzy spell. I think the lack of sleep and all the stress I’ve been under for the past week has taken its toll. Once I’ve recovered, I pour myself a cup of coffee and lean against the counter, sipping it and reflecting on last night.

I didn’t expect Nick’s reaction. I know he’s sensitive about that kind of thing, and perhaps the fact that he has such a contentious relationship with his own father didn’t help. My dad pulling a stunt like this only proves everything Nick has ever said about the people who surrounded us most of our lives.

Still… he’s my dad.

After my ex-husband’s shenanigans, I know what it feels like to be humiliated publicly and I can’t inflict that on my dad. Not to mention the fallout my mother would have to endure.

No, I won’t do it.

And I can’t believe that Nick gave me an ultimatum.

I set my mug on the counter. There’s no way I’m sitting around here all day crying into my caffeine. I need something to take my mind off all of this and relieve some stress.

The gym.

After I’ve changed, I drive my car to the gym and say a quick hello to the regulars I’ve gotten to know over the past six months. I’m not in the mood to chat though, so I keep it to quick waves.

I hop on the treadmill, and it feels good to sweat out my frustration. Afterward, I lift free weights in my usual rotation of exercises. I’m working my triceps when I’m hit with a vertigo attack and the world spins.

Shit.

I lurch to the side as if someone put a rope around my neck and pulled it down from below. I cry out from the sharp pain in my head, and everything goes black.