Free The Wednesday Group by Sylvia True Page B

In the evening, after they eat politely as a family, they split homework chores and story-reading duties. By nine, he is in the guest room, and she is in what used to be their bedroom. The only time they spend alone is during the car ride to couples’ therapy. Hannah has debated taking her own car, but their therapist is on Newbury Street, and it’s difficult enough to find one parking spot, let alone two.
    Her phone, which sits on her long mahogany dresser, vibrates. It’s too early for Adam to be texting. She hurries across the room, guessing it’s Bridget.
    Am almost home. Don’t worry about getting a sitter. A
    Goddammit. She’s already made the plans. What does he not understand about needing to stick to the schedule? She types furiously.
    Gabby is on her way. You weren’t supposed to be here until seven.
    She wants to tell him not to come home until then, but the thought that he’ll have over an hour of free time frightens her. She presses send.
    I’ll still pay Gabby.
    That’s not the point.
    Wanted to spend time with kids. Knew you had group.
    She whips the phone onto the bed.
    â€œMumma,” Sam shouts as he races into her room. “Gabby is here.”
    Gabby is in the kitchen, handing Alicia a headband. Sam bounces as he waits for his surprise. It’s a kid’s place mat from a restaurant. His eyes light up.
    â€œAdam is coming home earlier than expected,” Hannah says.
    â€œCan Gabby still stay?” Alicia asks.
    â€œShe can. But she certainly doesn’t have to. Either way, we’ll pay you.”
    â€œIt’s fine, Mrs. Jenkins. I can’t take money for not working. Really.”
    Hannah takes a twenty from her wallet anyway just as Adam walks in through the back door.
    â€œDad, we want Gabby,” Sam says.
    Adam’s laugh is gentle, and as he stands smiling at his son, Hannah feels a familiar draw. After everything that’s happened, he’s still the man she’s attracted to.
    â€œI’ll come again soon.” Gabby zips up her blue parka.
    â€œCan I watch TV?” Alicia asks Adam.
    â€œIt’s up to your mother,” he tells her.
    â€œNo. Not tonight. You need to wait in your room and then tell your father what happened.”
    With red cheeks, Alicia runs off to her room and slams the door.
    Gabby lets herself out. Sam scampers off to the den, and Hannah is left in the kitchen, holding a twenty-dollar bill.
    â€œWhat happened?” Adam asks.
    â€œShe’ll tell you.”
    â€œWas it so bad that you had to embarrass her that way in front of Gabby?”
    â€œYes, actually, I think it was that bad. But it’s better Alicia tell you. And I also don’t appreciate your changing the schedule.” She grabs her purse from the counter and a scarf from the rack next to the back door.
    â€œHave fun,” he tells her.
    Really? Have fun?
    She glances over her shoulder at him. “Go fuck yourself,” she says, and walks out.

 
    SESSION TWO
    Kathryn’s door is open. Hannah pokes her head in and sees that once again she is the first to arrive.
    â€œHannah.” Kathryn swivels around and stands. “I’m so pleased you decided to return.”
    Hannah sits on the same hard wooden chair and looks through her purse for her phone. Damn. She left it at home on the kitchen counter.
    A few minutes later, Lizzy walks in. She takes her corner of the couch and pins up a loose curl.
    â€œI’m so glad you’re here,” she says to Hannah. Her smile is honest.
    â€œThanks.” Hannah glances away, feeling guilty that this is going to be her last group and that she only came for Bridget.
    Flavia, wearing a scoop-neck sweater that complements her long neck, strolls past and also sits on the couch, same as last week. Kathryn folds her hands on her lap.
    Lizzy smiles broadly, warmly, and Hannah wonders again why men married to these women would ever jeopardize their