Chapter 2

When I get home, Henry is in the kitchen wearing an apron.

He hears the door and pokes his head out, smiling.

"You're home! Go wash up, dinner's almost ready."

He walks out carrying a steaming plate of shrimp pasta.

"Made your favorite tonight. Try it."

I drop my bag and head to the bathroom. I twist the faucet on full blast.

The rush of water drowns out the sound of me almost throwing up.

Back at the table, Henry has already filled my plate.

"How's the job hunt going?" He asks me this every single day.

It used to feel like he cared. Now it feels like surveillance.

I push rice around my plate. "Still looking. No rush."

"No rush at all. Take your time. I can support both of us."

I almost laugh out loud.

Sure he can. After all, he gives me a $300 monthly allowance.

That diamond bracelet on Vivian's wrist? I couldn't afford it if I starved myself for two years straight.

Henry sets down his fork.

"By the way, something came up. I have to fly out to Miami tomorrow. Big project. About two weeks."

I look up.

"That long?"

"Yeah. They need me on-site."

He lies smoothly. Not a single crack.

"When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow morning."

I nod. "All packed? Need help?"

"I've got it." He drops a piece of shrimp onto my plate. "Eat more. You've gotten so thin."

My stomach lurches.

It's Vivian's favorite dish.

I'm allergic to shellfish.

I set down my fork.

Henry's brow furrows. The warm look on his face cools instantly.

"What now? Food's not good enough?"

I shake my head. "Just tired today."

"Tired?" He scoffs. "You sit at home all day and you're tired? I work twelve-hour shifts and still come home to cook for you. Do you ever hear me complain?"

I look at him.

For a second, he feels like a stranger.

Is this really the man I married?

The man who used to run out at midnight to get me Midol when I had cramps. The man who carried me across flooded streets in the rain.

When did he become this?

"Henry, when's the last time we actually talked?"

He blinks. Then waves his hand, irritated.

"What do you call this? I'm talking to you right now."

"I've got a million things on my plate at work, and I come home to wait on you. What more do you want from me, Avery?"

"Don't be ungrateful."

I don't say anything else.