I always trusted Wade, my husband, but his frequent visits to our new neighbor’s home made me anxious. Initially, he helped her lift big boxes and replaced a lightbulb—just neighborly things. It seems like he went there almost every day as the weeks went by.
“Why are you always at her house?” I inquired one night, my voice harsher than usual.
Wade hardly glanced up from his phone. Single mom, Dana. She needs a little help. No big deal.”
“No big deal? This week, you’ve been to her place virtually daily.”
Sighing, he waved me off. “You overthink it. She’s going through a hard patch.”
To believe him. Wade never appeared to cheat. But doubt had crept in and was getting greater daily. Then everything changed.
One afternoon, I got home early. They were on her porch as I entered the driveway. Wade hugged her, seeming too familiar. My stomach flipped. My long-ignored anxieties become genuine.
Wade cheated. Wade was cheating.
I couldn’t pretend everything was OK the following morning. I needed to know the truth. I grabbed a tin of cookies to seem pleasant and crossed the street, heart racing. I pretended to be a decent neighbor, but I understood why.
Camille smiled at me when the door opened, shocked. “Hi Dana!”
“Hi, Camille.” I smiled while holding the cookies. “I just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood.”
“Thanks for your kindness! Come in.”
The living room floor was covered with toys, and the fragrance of new paint persisted. As we spoke, I looked about for Wade’s jacket, tools, or anything else. Little child rushed into room laughing. Dark brown hair and heart-stopping eyes made him appear five years old. He resembled Wade.
“Levi, say hi,” Camille murmured, smoothing his hair back.
Levi waved before running to play. I stood frozen. Maybe Wade’s kid? The notion twisted my gut. They were too similar to ignore.
Camille’s voice interrupted me. Levi’s birthday is nearing. A little celebration is planned. A few close pals and cake. You and Wade should come!”
Birthday party? Imagine the ideal opportunity. I could wait and observe them together, catching them in action if necessary.
I answered, “That sounds lovely,” smiling tightly. “We’ll attend.”
I muttered, “Just wait,” at home. It will surprise them.”
My party day readiness was complete. Camille, Wade, and Levi decorated outdoors. My blood boiled seeing a joyful little family.
My daring idea was to send a garbage truck to litter her front yard. I made my point loud and clear. Right on schedule, the vehicle arrived. My driver nodded and threw everything into the grass with a loud bang. Shaken, many gasped and retreated.
Wade went from confused to worried. Camille was dumbfounded. A weird, chilly pleasure rose in my chest as I stood tall.
“What’s up, Dana?” Wade stepped over and asked. “Why do this?”
“I know your actions!” Pointing at Camille, I shouted. You’re sneaking around behind my back! You own Levi, right? You think I can’t see?
Wade opened his mouth. Camille was pale and shaking. Dana, I don’t understand.”
“Don’t deceive me!” I snapped. You two glance at each other. I saw how much time you spent together!”
But then I saw something new. On a table close was a huge, adorned cake. It said Happy Anniversary, Dana in frosting.
Catching my breath. Anniversary? On our anniversary?
“What…what is this?” My voice shrank as I asked.
Wade spoke pleasantly as he approached. Wanted to surprise you. Camille helped me make plans. It should be for us.”
I forgot our anniversary. Jealousy made me forget the date. Wade wrapped his arm around Camille again without a word, and my heart sank.
“Why hug her?” My voice cracked as I asked.
Wade spoke, perhaps to clarify, but I couldn’t listen. I went out from the party, crying.
I hid at a small hotel on the outside of town for two days. Though thin, the drapes blocked little light, but I didn’t care. Wade left messages and missed calls on my phone, but I couldn’t respond. My head spun. Why would Wade have an anniversary cake if he cheated? Why the secrecy if he wasn’t?
On the third day, I pulled myself out and headed to the café I often attended to clear my brain. I could scarcely taste anything despite its warmth and coffee fragrance. I stared into my cup in solitude until someone approached.
It was Camille.
“Dana,” she whispered. “May I sit down?”
Unsure what to anticipate, I nodded slightly. She sat across from me and stared at me calmly.
“You deserve to know the truth,” she said. Wade is my brother. Levi—my son—is his nephew.”
Air left my lungs. His sister?
“I’ve been going through a really bad time,” Camille said. My ex abused. Wade has been helping me recover and protecting Levi and me. I begged him not to tell anybody, not even you, since I wasn’t ready. The celebration was a surprise for you, and then we’d explain everything.”
Tears sting. I was mistaken.
“Wade’s waiting outside,” she whispered. “If you’re ready, he’d love to talk.”
My heart raced as I left. With Levi holding his hand, Wade stood behind the automobile. Wade hugged me gently without saying anything, and my tension eased.
“Get some ice cream?” Camille asked lightly. “We can go together.”
Levi’s eyes sparkled. “Ice cream!”
I saw Wade grin. “What do you think? First, ice cream, then perhaps we can celebrate our anniversary properly.”
A tiny giggle and nod followed. Sure, let’s do that.”
