“How convenient. See, I could understand if you worked in a psychiatric ward with people in serious trouble who could have emergencies. But you’re a couples’ therapist, so I’m curious as to what happened for you to have to drop everything and stand me up on a Saturday night.”

“I can’t tell you.”

“Ah, going ‘no comment’ all the way. Like a real pro.”

“A pro what?”

“Liar.”

“I’m not lying.”

“So you were out saving a marriage tonight?”

Lucas stares at me. “No.”

“What were you doing, then?”

“I can’t tell you,” he repeats.

Behind him, I spot a cab with the light on coming our way. I stomp off the curb and raise my arm to stop it.

Before getting in, I turn to Lucas, who looks lost and desperate. “Then we have nothing more to say to each other. I don’t want a man who can’t be honest with me.”

“Vivian, wait!” he calls after me, as I slam the door. “Please!”

I turn my head away from him as the taxi pulls into the street.

***

While making my exit, I might’ve acted like a strong, resolute woman. But inside the cab, I break down. Tears flood my eyes and I can’t stop the sobs.

I’m so pathetic. I’d sworn I’d never stoop this low for a man ever again, and yet, here I am.

At home, I kick my shoes off in the hall and then check on Tegan, opening her door a crack. The faint sound of her snoring greets me.

I open the door a tad more and slip inside to steal the cat from the foot of Tegan’s bed. Tonight, I need some company.

In my room, I drop Priscilla on the bed and move into the bathroom to remove my makeup with jerky, angry moves. So much for the effort. I shouldn’t have bothered.

What’s even sadder is when I shimmy out of the sexy underwear I picked out especially for him. What a waste of lace. I switch to sensible, cotton panties, pull on an oversized T-shirt, and scoot under the covers.

Priscilla raises her head threateningly, a warning not to disturb her slumber a second time. I disregard her silent protest and hug her closer to my chest, scratching her behind the ears.

The purring starts, and slowly lulls me to sleep.

***

For a week, I do my best to ignore Lucas. I ignore his calls, his texts, and the three bouquets of roses he sends me. I get to the office before him, and don’t leave until his SUV has disappeared from the street.