Free Saving Avery by Angela Snyder Page B

looks best in a suit. My attractiveness to him, however, fizzled out long ago after I learned that his appearance is all smoke and mirrors, hiding the monster underneath. He may be handsome on the outside; but on the inside, he is repulsive in every way imaginable. He is a real-life monster in an expensive Armani suit.
    Nathan turns to me and puts a finger under my chin, lifting my gaze to his. "Are you going to miss me?"
    I nod once. He has a boyish grin on his face, and this is one of the rare moments when he reminds me of the man I fell in love with. At one time he was the sweetest guy on the planet, and I considered myself lucky to be called his girlfriend. And then he changed into a cruel, vindictive monster almost overnight. I think the darkness was always in him and hidden behind a carefully constructed façade, waiting for just the right moment to appear and lash out. I don't know if he actually realizes how much he hurts me and that he just doesn't care or if he's completely oblivious to my misery and pain. I may never know the truth.
    He frowns and wipes a stray tear away that I didn't even realize had fallen. "Don't cry, Avery. You know I don't like that," he complains with a stern voice.
    "I'm sorry," I mutter.
    His smile slowly returns, and he kisses my forehead. "I'll be back before you know it."
    I almost laugh at the notion that he thinks I'm upset because he's leaving. If he only knew that I'm upset because of the man he has become and for the longing of the man he used to be…or used to pretend to be.
    Nathan steps back and grabs the suitcase handle. "Don't make me regret leaving you here alone," he warns before wheeling the case behind him out of the room.
    When the front door closes behind him, I release a deep, shaky breath. I breathe in and out deeply, desperately trying to control my emotions. My ribs are killing me with every breath, but I don't care. A burst of joy escapes my lips before I can contain it. No rules, no stress, no abuse and no pretending for an entire week. I suddenly feel free…even if it's only temporary.
    I have a lot planned for this week while he's gone. The first step is to meet with my father and tell him that I want a divorce from Nathan. I have hinted around to my father before about our marital troubles, but I have never used the D word. I'm sure my father will be upset. He likes to keep the image of the perfect, happy family for the press releases on his campaign trails. At this point, though, I don't care if it upsets him. I'm telling him how I feel, and that's final.
    I have to wonder if Max has a little bit to do with my sudden need to escape. The feelings he stirred up made me realize that I can have more in life, that I want more in life. I could have a bright future, but I will never know just how bright while I'm stuck here under Nathan's thumb.
    Grabbing the house phone from the charging dock, I carry it outside onto the deck. The afternoon sun beats down on my face, and I close my eyes and relish every second of it. I feel a sense of freedom already without the ever-demanding, oppressive presence of Nathan. For a week, the house will actually feel like a home instead of a prison, and I'm going to enjoy it immensely.
    Smiling at the renewed energy coursing through me, my fingers press the numbers for my dad's cell phone. I walk down to the swimming pool on the lower level deck and wait for him to answer. He picks up on the third ring.
    "Hello?"
    "Dad."
    "Avery. I haven't heard from you in a while, sweetheart. How you are you? How's Nathan?"
    I cringe when he says his name. "Fine," I state simply. My voice is shaky as I ask, "Dad, do you think we could meet for lunch tomorrow?"
    He hesitates, and I can hear papers shuffling in the background. He's checking his schedule, and it makes me roll my eyes. It's pretty sad that my own father has to pencil me into his life, but I should be used to it --- he's been penciling me into his life for the last twenty-three years.