Free It's Only Make Believe by Roseanne Dowell

more than to give in to her own desires. Her own needs.
    He mumbled something against her lips. Michele couldn’t quite make out what it was, but she thought it sounded like he missed her. Her heart danced in her chest. Could it be? Could he really have missed her?
    The phone rang. She tried to ignore it. Brad swore and pulled away. Frustration ran through her as he got up to answer it. She’d like to disconnect the dumb thing. Just for one evening she’d like to have her husband to herself. His gruff voice came from the hall, “Ruby.”
    He came back in the room, a look she didn’t recognize on his face. Was he upset, angry? She wasn’t sure. “I have to go.” He came to her, planted a brotherly kiss on her cheek. “Don’t wait up. It’s going to be a long night.”
    Michele watched him leave. Her lips still burned, her heart still raced. Just like that, a phone call and he left. She couldn’t bring herself to move as tears stung her eyes. He wanted her, she knew it, saw the desire in his eyes, felt it in his kiss. Why then, did she have the nagging doubt that he was going to Ruby?
    She spent the rest of the evening making lists of new furniture she wanted to purchase. Anything to occupy her mind. She’d bring up the furniture to Brad again later. Maybe he didn’t care about the furniture, because this wasn’t a long term marriage. She decided to turn in, no point in sitting up by herself. Nothing on television interested her.
    She tossed and turned, trying to put Ruby and Brad out of her mind. She dozed off and awoke with a start from a dream so vivid, she had to shake herself. Brad and Ruby locked in each other’s arms, taunting her.
    “You may wear my ring, but it’s only make believe. I’ll be in Ruby’s bed tonight,” Brad’s voice sang over and over.
    Michele looked at the clock on the nightstand, four o’clock. She threw back the covers and went in search of Brad. Had he come home and gone to the guest room again? Her heart ached at the idea of him sleeping in there, but the alternative hurt worse.
    Not finding him there, she went downstairs. The rooms were empty. Tears stung her eyes. What kind of business did he have at this hour? She shivered from the answer that came to mind.
    After pouring a glass of ice water, she sat at the kitchen table. How could she ever hope to win Brad’s heart if he didn’t stay home? It suddenly became important to make this marriage long term. Not long ago she’d have laughed if anyone suggested it, but she’d fallen in love, and it happened on their short honeymoon. She finished the water and turned off the light. Bright moonlight, through the arched window in the stairway, guided her path.
    A key turned in the lock. She halted in the middle of the stairway. Brad stood framed in the moonlight. He swayed and leaned against the door. Obviously drunk. Barely able to hold himself up. She stood against the wall, hoping he wouldn’t notice her. He staggered into the kitchen, and she hurried up the remaining steps to her room. She lay still in bed, trying to catch her breath. What had come over him, he hardly ever drank? This was unbelievable.  A few minutes later, Brad staggered up the steps. She opened one eye. He stopped at the door to their room, lingered a minute, then turned and went into one of the guest rooms.
     
    Michele got up in the morning after a sleepless night, and took her shower. Still confused at Brad’s drinking, she didn’t know what to do about it. How sad, she didn’t feel secure enough with her husband to bring it up to him. Dressed and ready for work, she came downstairs as Anna let herself in.
    “Morning, Missy.” Anna’s cheerful voice made it difficult to stay in her present mood.
    “Morning, Anna. I’ll just have toast this morning, I’m not very hungry.”
    Anna grinned. Her look that seemed to say ‘I know what you did last night’. Too bad she was so wrong. “The mister was out late last night, so he’ll probably sleep