Page 25 of Worship

“For?” I ask honestly.

“My boxes, my memories, my peace of mind. I haven’t had that in a while, so… thanks.”

I just nod and stand back up. I need a breath because if I’m not careful, I’ll never leave her side.

“I have to go. I need to call Shelby back.”

I look down at my phone, feeling the tension start to build at the mention of my wife. I don’t want that here, in this space.

“Sounds like a fun time.”

Her voice is sarcastic, like she understands what I’m about to deal with. I look at her apologetically, unable to say what I want. But I’m met with understanding eyes. Gretchen hears what I mean, not just what I say.

“Always. You coming to dinner tonight?” I ask over my shoulder as I walk toward her door.

“I’m cooking it.” She laughs, and I turn back around.

“What? You cook?” I can’t help my surprise. This was unexpected.

“Yes, I do. See ya, Luca.”

She smiles and gives me a small wave, getting up from her chair and disappearing into her bedroom. I want to follow her and make sure she’s okay, but I don’t. I let myself out, texting her to lock her door, and walk down the hall. My phone hasn’t stopped buzzing since Shelby called the first time, but she can wait until I’m in my car.

I head out of the building and jump into my black SUV. I gave George the day off, opting to drive myself. Truth is, I didn’t want anyone to know where I was going today. My phone rings again and I connect it through the car.

“What the hell, Luca?” Shelby’s voice carries through the car.

“I’ve missed your voice.” My voice is saturated in sarcasm.

“Well, you get to hear it in person. I’m back. I want to talk.”

I switch lanes, rolling my eyes. “No.”

“What? I said I want to talk. Isn’t that what you wanted…for me to listen to you?” Everything about the way she whines fills me with disgust.The time for listening has passed, sweetheart.

“No. I want to punish you for your stupidity. That won’t require conversation.”

The ice in my voice leaves her end silent. I’d almost forgotten about Shelby. Not completely—she’s been there in the back of my mind—but hearing her makes me feel just how ugly our vow was. She’s an opportunist, who took advantage of my kindness and made a mockery of an idea I had begun to think was possible.

My hate for her comes from the destruction she wielded on my hope. I’d let the idea go, let it die along with my youth, and then she gave me Ella, asking me for promises and love. I couldn’t give her love, but I gave her loyalty, and all the while she was counting her gold.

“Luca, come home and I’ll let you punish me any way you’d like.”

The desire in her voice makes me sick.Shemakes me sick.

“It’s pathetic that you would use your body as a bargaining tool, especially with me. You don’t have any value.”

I stop at a red light, willing it to turn green.

“I could make you feel good again. Trust me.”Jesus, this is the mother of my child.

“Sweetheart, you couldn’t pay me enough to let you suck my dick, let alone put it inside of you,” I bite out viciously.

“Fuck you, Luca,” she bites back.

“No means no, Shelby. Stop begging. That’s not a turn-on for me. But I’ll tell you what you can do. You can go and pack a suitcase and get the fuck out of my house. And I hope you were smart enough to stow away some cash because your access to the bank has been rescinded.”

The light turns green, and I’m a block from the house. I wanted to be sure I was close before I told her to leave.