Days of Love and Blood

Please? I’m not trying to take advantage of your situation. I just feel more comfortable around women. And I really like Ivy and Marianna and Gretchen a lot. They made me feel pretty good. Welcome. Normal. Without them here I feel awkward. And I’m scared - of him.”
    “Okay,” I relented. “Come on over.”

Keeping Calm
    “Because you’re my wife,” Ritchie snapped.
    “And I always will be,” I said in an unaffected tone.
    “Everyone in town knows that Jared has a thing for you. Everyone. If you go on this group trip, people are going to talk.”
    “Is it me you’re worried about, or your own reputation?” I said it calmly, but the question posed was out of anger. I was trying my best not to act out of bitterness, fighting against his sudden bout of control. The steadier I kept myself, the better chance I had at soothing him. I knew Ritchie was doing everything in his power not to come unhinged. He clutched at the steering wheel to keep his hands from shaking.
    “Neither,” he sighed. “I’m worried about him.”
    “Ritchie, the man is short, fat and fifteen years older than me. Not to mention the greasy-comb over. You have nothing to worry about on my end and you know you’re invited.”
    “I have to work.” He swallowed hard and looked away from me to the unmoving cars surrounding us.
    “Is there anything that will make you feel better about this?”
    “Yes. But I can’t make you change your mind.” He wanted me to decide against it on my own accord. He wanted to turn around with my packed bags and for me to willingly allow him to drive away from the airport. He wanted this without ordering it. He knew I couldn’t stand to be controlled but he tried without giving himself away. If I gave in, I feared our relationship would change and Ritchie would be tempted to use his new-found control at every opportunity.
    “I wish I could change yours,” I said and slipped my hand underneath his. “Please don’t be angry. It’s only for two nights.” I could have yelled and screamed against him and would have if he was anyone else. But I didn’t. I kept calm and tried to understand him.

    “Was that Ben?” asked Marianna from behind me.
    I was bent over my desk with my chin drooped against my chest. I felt for Ben, but I was worried about him coming over only because Cooper might follow him or show up without warning. I didn’t want Cooper there either. He took his anger out on me. He humiliated me. He betrayed me. The pain and confusion I felt broiled inside my chest and I did everything I could to keep it tucked away, neatly hidden under the face of calm indifference. I had made a mistake with Cooper. I thought I was the only one he wouldn’t retaliate against. I was wrong.
    “Yes, he’s coming over.”
    “Well, that’s good. He’s a nice person. A little fragile, but nice.”
    “Fragile,” I repeated without turning around. “That’s a good way to describe him. Perfect, actually.”
    “Are you going to be okay, Carson?”
    “Yup. I always am. I’m fine, really. I just feel stupid more than anything.” I felt much more but my heart had gone mute, too afraid to speak for fear of shattering. I felt a soft hand slide up on my shoulder.
    “It’s not your job to understand him,” she whispered. “Don’t try, Carson.”
    “I never did,” I admitted. “I think that was the problem.”
    The front door banged against its hinges and the thud of heavy boots on the foyer tiles echoed through the hallway. I heard the girls call his name in shock but he ignored them.
    “Where is she?” he demanded.
    I turned to Marianna and she shrugged her shoulders.
    “I said where is she?”
    “I’m here, Cooper.” I walked out into the kitchen where he stood and raised my head slightly higher than necessary. He looked me in the eyes but only for a few seconds before he turned away and cast his eyes down to the ground. Ronan came up behind me and put his arms around me, peering out from behind my waist.
    “Can we talk alone?” he asked through gritted teeth.
    “It’s not a good time ,” I replied. On one hand, I wanted to know what went through his mind when he decided to hurt me through public humiliation. But Ben was on his way over and I didn’t want to make matters worse. On the other hand I was angry and didn’t want him in my house.
    “Please,” he said and looked back into my eyes. “Please.”
    Ivy and Gretchen rose from their seats when I hesitated.
    “No. It’s