Over Breakfast, My Cheating Wife Casually Confessed to Sleeping With Her Boss—And I Snapped....

They say the husband is always the last to know in my case that may or may not have been true the only thing that was true was that I actually found out and not by chance nor from a friend or one of my wife's enemies no I learned at firstand so to speak it happened at breakfast after a Restless stormy night I was finishing my second cup of coffee when my wife Iris casually dropped a bombshell yesterday My boss invited me to lunch she began we ended up in a hotel room and spent most of

the day there I loved it and we'll probably do it again I froze silent for a few seconds and then I asked why were you close to me last night do you like giving me sloppy seconds I didn't give you any seconds she replied defensively I was careful I cleaned myself up pretty well before we finished and yet I shot back you came to me just a few hours after being with him careful or not that Means seconds I guess you just felt a little guilty huh her voice faltered slightly oh damn I don't know

what I was thinking I just felt the need to make love to you I guess I wanted to see if anything had changed but nothing had I still enjoy making love to you making love I repeat repated incredulous you just told me you cheated with your boss and you're going to do it again where's the love in that it was a figure of speech Frank she said casually anyway I'm telling you this to give you time to decide what you want to do in case you don't want me around anymore why would I want you

around I snapped when you can tell me this so easily I need time to think about what I want to do and you need to move into one of the other bedrooms that's not necessary Frank she replied I just told you I enjoy making love to you maybe so I countered but I have no idea what other women your boss is sleeping with I want To make damn sure you don't give me something he's given you I just hope it's not too late you could have given me a gift from him last night her face

went pale when I mentioned other women clearly implying she hadn't considered that possibility she stammered he wouldn't do anything that would make him sick he has to be careful because of his wife I shook my head in disgust and stood up from the table preparing to leave for work after my shower I found Iris sitting on the bed waiting for me when I told you I was hoping you'd say we need to talk about this she said Softly what is there to talk about I replied coldly you cheated on me and then casually threw it

in my face if you can be this calm about it I have to wonder was this really the first time or just another in a long line how do I know you were really working all those nights you said you were staying late you spent most of the day in a hotel Room with Ted so how do I know you're not spending afternoons in hotel rooms a couple of times a week how do I know Ted the only one Iris there's nothing to talk about I paused then added well maybe there's one thing we need

to decide how to tell Dave and Marcy and of course your family and mine will have to let them all know and I want everyone to understand it wasn't me who ruined this marriage it was you it doesn't have to be like that Frank she protested I love You and other than yesterday with Ted I've never cheated on you yesterday it just happened it was spontaneous I did it because I wanted to be something more than just the mother and housewife I've been for the past 24 years I wanted to do something wild and vicious

at least once in my life I did it and I liked it but it had nothing to do with any feelings for Ted he just happened to be in the right place at the right time maybe not Iris I said coldly But it sure as hell made my feelings for you a lot less and don't forget you said you'd probably do it again her face crumpled as I continued I have no idea what I'm going to do until I talk to a lawyer but you can consider our marriage over no matter how much we talk

I'll never be able to trust you again after tying a windser not in my tie I left the room and went to work but work wasn't on my mind that day my company didn't get much productivity out of me instead I Scoured the Yellow Pages for a lawyer near my office found one and called he was able to meet with me the next day after lunch so I made an appointment as I wrote it in my diary I noticed the date it was a week before our 24th anniversary well I thought bitterly this year I

won't have to spend money on a card after work I headed home frankly I had nowhere else to go the idea of drowning my sorrows at a bar didn't appeal to me and I wasn't interested in Finding a friend to vent to Iris usually got home before me and had dinner ready and that evening was no different she had set the table and even opened a bottle of wine I didn't know what she was hoping for but whatever it was she wasn't likely to get it given how I was feeling I suppose I could have

gone into the office to avoid her and the dinner she prepared but I was hungry and it was ready I poured myself a glass of wine sat down at the table and started eating Dinner was Meatloaf gravy mashed potatoes and salad I ate in silence I could see Iris fidgeting trying to work up the courage to say something I hoped she wouldn't speak until I'd finished eating at least that way I could leave the room on a full stomach unfortunately this wasn't destined to happen I had just put a forkful of salad into my mouth

when Iris broke the silence what if I told you this will never happen again would that change anything I Wasn't the type to talk with my mouth full so I didn't respond immediately I kept chewing as she fidgeted some more then she added it was a mistake Frank a huge mistake that I deeply regret in 24 years of marriage Frank one bad thing has happened can't you bring yourself to forgive me for just one bad thing in all those years is it really possible that what we've shared for 24 years should be lost thrown away

because of one stupid mistake by then I had finished chewing And swallowed it wasn't just one mistake Iris I said calmly the first mistake was when and you let another man be with you and I don't even know if Ted was the first or if yesterday was the first time you were with him the second mistake was telling me about it if you had just kept your mouth shut we wouldn't be sitting here in this tense situation and your third mistake and it was a big one was telling me you liked it and might do

it again so to answer your question yes What we've experienced over the last 24 years is destroyed because of what you did you've completely lost my trust Iris and a marriage cannot exist without trust not the kind of marriage I want to be in Iris stood up from the table crying and left the room I took a sip of wine and calmly finished my dinner afterward I cleaned up the kitchen and then went to my room to play on the computer for a while when I went upstairs to bed I noticed that Iris had Moved

her things into Marcy's old room room she probably chose Marcy's room because Marcy had no intention of using it anytime soon Marcy was married and living in California she only stayed in her old room when she visited Dave still used his room during vacations and could return home anytime so Marcy's room was The Logical choice for Iris to move into the next morning I didn't see Iris I stopped for breakfast at the village in before heading to work when I got to the Office I waited until 9:00 when the work day officially began at wallish

and teen and then I made a call when the secretary answered I asked to speak to Ted harau when Ted came on the line and said hello I wasted no time this is Rob MIRS Ted I said Iris told me about your afternoon romp at the hotel I just wanted to let you know I'm kicking her out and she's all yours now now oh and one more thing I added since we're on the topic you should know I'm pissed and I'll be looking for you make sure your health insurance is up to date because you'll

need it before he could say a word I hung up the phone I didn't rush to find him immediately let him spend his time looking over his shoulder wondering if I was hiding in the shadows ready to pounce at 3:00 that afternoon I received some bad news from my lawyer he explained that in our state no one could be blamed for anything in a divorce this meant everything would be divided Equally Iris and I made about the same amount of money so there likely wouldn't be any alimony our children were grown and living independently so

child support wouldn't be part of the equation either the only potential complication might come from our Pension funds but since we each had one at work the lawyer suggested they would probably offset each other all in all it would be a straightforward divorce if divorces could ever be considered straightforward The lawyer then brought up the possibility of suing Ted under an alienation of affection claim he even suggested we might be able to Sue wallish and teen if their company policy prohibited intimate relationships between employees but I rejected the idea seemed wrong to me holding wallish

and teen responsible for what Ted and Iris did didn't feel right besides if we sued the company and they fired both of them Iris might lose her job and I'd Likely end up paying alimony I told the lawyer to proceed with the divorce papers and to file a lawsuit directly against Ted harell by the time I left the lawyer's office it was past 5:00 there was no point in going back to work so I headed home on the way I thought about the division of property we had sign ific an equity in the house but

it was still 3 years from being fully paid off did I want to buy out iris's share and keep the house probably not what Would a single man do with a large four-bedroom house and even if I stayed every corner of that house would be a constant reminder of what life was like before Iris betrayed me so that left two options Iris could buy out my share or we could put the house up for sale when I got got home dinner was already prepared and I sat down to eat I could tell Iris wanted to

say something but she couldn't bring herself to speak I finished eating and was about to leave The table when she finally spoke Ted told me you called him today and threatened him not true I replied calmly I didn't threaten him I made him a promise you'll only get yourself into trouble rob you could end up in jail why should you care I shot back I wouldn't interfere with your plans you'd have more time for hotel Rendevous with your favorite guy assuming I leave him in one piece please don't do this Rob please for me she

said her voice trembling I Laughed bitterly for you let me tell you what I did for you today I met with a lawyer and started filing the divorce papers you can tell your lover that you won't be able to hide behind your skirts much longer I wasn't thinking about him she said softly I don't want you to go to jail because of my stupidity I wouldn't mind I replied coldly I'd sit in prison and smile thinking about how you'd feel knowing you were responsible for putting me there imagine how excited I'd be to tell Dave

and Marcy that you sent their father to jail don't you dare say that Rob she exclaimed claimed her voice breaking why not I said my voice Rising I've already told you I'm going to make sure everyone knows this marriage was destroyed because of you get ready Iris you'll have a lot of people asking you why you threw away 24 years of marriage oh and one more thing start thinking about what you want to do with the house I don't want it so if you Do you'll have to buy out my share otherwise it'll go on

the the market sell the house oh God Rob no we can't do that then figure out how to buy my share I said flatly leaving her sitting at the table I went into the living room and spent the rest of the evening playing on the computer the next morning I left the house before Iris woke up at work I spoke with Barney my boss and explained the situation I told him I might need to take time off occasionally for La Appointments Court appearances and other matters he wished me luck and assured me I could take

as much time as needed when I returned home that evening Iris wasn't there I warmed up some leftovers then watched TV the phone rang and I picked it up it was my daughter Marcy mom called me she began and said you were leaving her did she tell you why she just said it was all her fault Marc replied what happened let's leave it at that I said it was her fault I was going To call you and Dave to explain everything but if she's already admitted it that's enough is there any chance you two can

work this out she asked hesitantly no chance at all I said firmly why dad you and Mom were so deeply in love the key word baby is were I replied gently how are you doing I'm fine I'd come home to help but I'm busy with an important project at work and can't get away it's okay honey there's nothing you can do Anyway you don't need to call Dave mom already called him and he called me to ask what I knew take care of yourself Daddy I love you I love you too honey I'll talk to

you soon 3 minutes after I hung up Dave called the conversation went much the same way as it had with Marcy just as I ended the call with Dave Iris came home out late tonight I remarked sarcastically were you with Herra no Rob she said tiredly for your information after work I visited your Parents and mine I told them about the impending divorce and made it clear it was all my fault I didn't go into details I just told them you hadn't done any anything wrong good I replied curtly she sighed now if you don't

mind I'll go to my room and pass out I saw tears running down her cheeks as she turned and headed upstairs a week ago the sight of her crying might have made me rush to her side to comfort her to hold her in my arms but now I just watched her go The next morning at work Barney called me into his office are you worried about about the divorce is there any chance it might not happen how are you both dealing with everything there's not the slightest chance this divorce won't happen why do you ask

I replied well your kids are grown and out of the house right nothing really ties you here except your parents and sister I just found out that O'Brien is retiring and I need someone to replace him in the Santa Monica office how would you feel about moving to California the job is yours if you're willing to relocate I blinked in Surprise are you kidding there are guys here more experienced than me who would kill for this job perhaps Barney said with a shrug but just because they're more experienced doesn't mean they can handle the job

I took a close look at everyone and you're my choice I'll do it I said immediately when do you need me there Obrien gave a month's notice starting yesterday I'd like you to be there during his last week so he can bring you up to speed I'll start making arrangements right away the first thing I did when I got back to my office was call my lawyer to ask how the move might affect the divorce it depends on whether she resists or not he explained if she resists you might have to fly back and forth

frequently for meetings hearings and other proceedings if she doesn't Resist there shouldn't be any issues how can she fight this I thought the whole point of no fault divorces was to get rid of all that crap that's usually true but only if both parties agree to the divorce if she doesn't want a divorce she can argue that the marriage can be saved with counseling and the court may agree to delay proceedings it wouldn't stop the divorce but it could make it more expensive and timec consuming sometimes that's enough to make the Person filing for divorce

reconsider well I'm not stopping I said firmly what about serving both her and herow are the documents ready they're ready I just need your consent do it this afternoon if possible consider it done he said at 300 p.m. he called to let me know that the documents had been served at 235 when I got home Iris was sitting in the living living room it was clear from her red puffy eyes that she had been crying she looked up at me as I entered the Room you did it she said her voice trembling you really did

it I can't believe you threw away 24 wonderful years because of one mistake you still don't get it do you I replied coldly it wasn't just that you slept with her just the way you threw it in my face looked me straight in the ey eyes and told me you loved it and might even do it again understand this Iris I didn't throw away 24 years you did you need to figure out what you want to do with the house Because in 2 weeks I won't be here I left the room went to the kitchen

and took some leftovers from the refrigerator after eating I went to my office and called Marcy in California after the usual greetings I said I don't know if this is good news or not but I'm moving to California in about 2 weeks you and Mom she asked surprised just me today I filed divorce papers with her dad she said softly I'm so sorry is there anything I can do to help Yes Actually could you start looking at apartments or condos near Santa Monica also find me a hotel or motel where I can stay temporarily when

I first arrive not a chance Dad she said firmly you're staying with me there's no way I'm letting you stay in a motel won't that be inconvenient for you and Alan I asked not at all don't worry about Allan he's completely fine with it if you're sure I'm completely sure I'm looking forward to seeing you I'm looking forward to Seeing you too baby I'll call you once everything is settled the next morning when I came downstairs Iris was already up and sitting at the kitchen table good morning she said I didn't reply pouring myself a

cup of coffee I've decided I don't need this house if I don't have you to share it with she said suddenly I'll call the realtor this morning and start making arrangements it doesn't have to be this way Frank she said her voice breaking sorry Iris but it does I Replied I poured the coffee into a travel mug and left for work from the office I called a real estate agent and scheduled a meeting at the house for 1: p.m. by 3:00 the process of selling the house was already in motion on the way home I

stopped at a U-Haul store and bought a few boxes to start packing when I arrived home Iris wasn't there but she'd left a note on the kitchen table saying she would be staying with her sister for a few days that evening I Spent my time packing and moving boxes into the garage by the time I went to bed most of the work was done all that remained was to pack up my office and the clothes I'd need over the next two weeks the next day my lawyer called me I've heard from Herra he said he

claims were very stupid because we don't have any evidence all we have is what your wife told you and he says he'll deny everything I hate to admit it he added but he's right don't stop the lawsuit I Replied is there any way we can find something useful I'll see what I can do the lawyer said let me think about it I spent the next two days preparing for the move Iris was still staying with her sister so when I got home from work I called her sister's house and asked to speak with her when

she got on the phone I said we need to talk can you come back so we can sit down and have an honest conversation I'll come in she replied but I won't stay Iris arrived at 7:00 That evening I made coffee and we sat down at the kitchen table I told her about my move to the coast and handed her the real estate agent card explaining that she would need to handle the sale of the house I promised to come come back for the closing once the house sold I also told her I'd be staying

with Marcy in California until I found a place to live and that she could contact me there if needed then I asked her The $64,000 Question why Iris why did you Cheat on me and why with Ted herau I told you rob it just happened it was spontaneous I don't understand Iris how could something like that just happen so suddenly I don't want to talk about it Rob she said looking down it was a stupid thing to do and it cost me you you may not want to talk about it Iris I pressed but I

need to know was I such a bad husband that you felt the need to do this was I so terrible in bed that you had to turn to someone else it wasn't Like that Rob nothing like that she said quickly I can't explain how I felt when it happened Ted invited me to lunch and I thought nothing of it until he made a move on me which completely caught me off guard he'd never shown any interest in me before then he asked me if I had ever cheated on you I told him no and I

asked why he'd even ask such a thing he told me he'd always had a thing for me and that since we were having lunch at a hotel restaurant with rooms upstairs he Decided to take a shot if I had cheated before maybe I would have done it again I think I surprised him when I asked him to pay the bill and get us a room I know it doesn't make sense to you but like I said I wanted to be something more than just a wife and mother at least once in my life I wanted

to do something exciting and wicked and Ted reaching out to me gave me that chance but why him Iris why exactly with Herra it just so happened that he was in the right place At the right time and he was the one who made the offer then why did you tell me you liked it and were planning to do it again I asked my voice Rising was her such a great lover no it wasn't that she admitted it wasn't better with Ted it wasn't even good I said I'd probably do it again because I wanted

more excitement telling you about Ted and Me That was another stupid thing I did by the way I'm so confused she continued on one hand it was the Betrayal that Made me feel so guilty but it was the guilt from the Betrayal that made me confess when I confessed I thought we could have a conversation like this and I could convince you that my one night outside our marriage wouldn't harm us I thought it could just be something private with Ted and you and I could still keep the love we've shared for 24 years I

was sure you'd understand that you'd see how much I love you and that you'd let me get rid of this Reckless Feeling and I thought you'd realize Ted wasn't even that good in bed it was the deception that made it seem exciting after a couple of times I thought I'd be over it but now I know I should have kept my mouth shut if I had let the relationship with Ted fizzle out naturally you'd still be with me you would never have known does this conversation mean you might change your mind she asked hesitantly no

way Iris I said firmly I told you before this Marriage is over but this conversation did help me calm down now I know that nothing I did or didn't do caused you to cheat and knowing that will help me sleep better Iris stood up and left the house after she was gone I stood up reached under the kitchen table and turned off the tape recorder I had hidden there the next day I made a couple of copies of the recording and dropped one off at my lawyer's office I intended to give the second copy to

Ted Harau but I decided to wait until after the lawsuit was resolved the following week was a busy one I spent my time bringing my replacement at work up to speed and preparing for the move the house was officially listed for sale and two couples had already expressed interest in seeing it the sale of the house progressed smoothly and on my last Friday in town the office staff threw me a going away party at a lounge just down the street the next afternoon I was in a U-Haul truck heading to California about an hour from

my destination I called Marcy to get directions to her house she must have been watching for me because as I pulled up and parked she ran out the door to greet me she gave me a big hug then helped me unhook the car from the trailer afterward we drove to the the storage Warehouse where I moved the items from the truck into the rented space from there we headed to the local U-Haul dealer to drop off the truck and Trailer on your first night here we'll go out to dinner Marcy said as we drove back

to her house and then I'll show you around what time will Alan be home I asked Allan's not coming she said her voice turning serious I kicked him to the curb when I caught him spending the night with the woman who lives next door there's no chance you two will work things out I asked about the same chance as you and Mom getting back together she replied with a Ry smile I looked at her Curiously nobody told me Dad she said answering my unspoken question but I know you and I know what kind of person

you are there's only one reason that could make you leave then mom called me and admitted it was her fault you broke up oh and the neighbor's husband got involved when he found out about Alan let's just say there wasn't much left of him after that why didn't you let us know what was going on I asked I was embarrassed or maybe ashamed you and Mom Had more than 20 years together and I couldn't even make it three we went out for dinner and enjoyed a pleasant meal afterward Marcy took me on a tour of

the area we eventually ended up at a place called the Blue grot it was a nice spot with a great live band Marcy seemed to be well known there before we could even sit down several guys and girls came over to say hello she introduced me to a few ladies and then to my surprise she started letting some of them know that I Was available why would you do that I asked mildly annoyed Dad if you're going to hang out with me you can't just be a Wallflower she teased I spend a lot of time

on the dance floor with some of the guys here and it wouldn't be right to leave you sitting alone at the table don't worry you won't have to make any effort the girls here are very persistent and they'll come to you I don't know honey this really isn't my scene it may not feel like it now but This is exactly what you need right now it'll give you some of your life back as if on Q a pretty blonde approached our table and asked Can I Have This Dance with your dad Marcy laughed and said

see what I mean for the rest of the evening I danced with five different women two of them even gave me their phone numbers and asked me to call them I have to admit after what iris did to me it was a huge boost to my ego while Iris had Claimed I had no flaws deep down I had doubts in the end though she left me for another man on the drive back to Marcy's house I asked her if she'd found any suitable apartments for me I found a few she said but you don't need

them you're staying with me I don't think that'll work honey I replied why not she asked puzzled well I saw you dancing with some of those guys tonight and I wouldn't want to interfere with your love life don't be ridiculous Dad she said with a Laugh those guys have their own places yes but what if I decide I want to spread some of my pollen I joked we're adults dad you have your own room we can handle it the next week was very busy I settled into my new job and got to know the people

who would be working under me Barney must have told Pat O'Brien something before I arrived and word spread quickly there were three single women in the office and I I noticed that Two of them showed some interest in me as attractive as they were there was no way I was going to have an affair in the workplace that wasn't going to happen on Friday night Marcy and I went back to The Grotto I had to admit I had a great time Anna one of the women who had given me her number the previous weekend joined

us at the table and asked why didn't you call me I've been busy settling in starting my new job and getting used to the area I replied Honestly I almost let Marcy talk me out of coming here tonight well you're here now Anna said with a smile so let's pretend you called me and we agreed to meet here Marcy laughed and said you're on your own now dad if I were you I'd just give up and go with it taking Marcy's advice I spent a very pleasant evening with Anna when the last bell rang Marcy

handed me her car keys and said don't wait up for me tomorrow's Saturday and I don't have anything to do You probably won't see me until noon as Marcy left with one of the guys she'd been dancing with Anna leaned over and said I thought she was telling you that you wouldn't be interrupted if you I knew exactly what Anna was hinting at and it caused a small war in my head you can't I thought you're still a married man no another voice countered you're separated and going through a divorce you're as good as a

bachelor I didn't Understand why I was so hesitant even my own daughter encouraged me to move on besides Iris had broken her marriage vows didn't that free me from mine in the end the thought no one is sleeping with you tipped the scales in Anna's favor and boy was I glad it did the next morning over pancakes and bacon Anna casually made her position clear I'm not suited for marriage she said I don't have the temperament to live with just one person I tried once and it Didn't work out but she added with a playful

smile I can be a great friend with benefits if last night was any indication I said the benefits are definitely worth it can I apply for a spot on the waiting list she grinned actually you interviewed for the position last night and you got the job I drove her home and returned to Marcy's house when I walked in Marcy was waiting for me with a big smile she made an okay sign with her thumb and forefinger Looking at me questioningly I smiled back and said very for the next two months I saw Anna two or

three times a week it was easy light-hearted and exactly what I needed but one Sunday morning she broke the news tonight's our last night together she said I got a promotion and I'm moving to Atlanta it was a huge disappointment I'd grown used to our relationship and had hoped it would last a lot longer Marcy noticed my mood and tried to cheer me up even Though you're going to miss Anna I wouldn't worry too much she said you've got a replacement waiting in the wings Anna's been telling all the girls at The Grotto how wonderful

you are if I had any money I'd bet everything that by the end of the week you'll have a new girlfriend she was right the following Friday we'd barely sat down at our table in The Grotto before women started coming up to invite me to dance one of them a stunning brunette named Melissa Or Mel as she introduced herself invited me to dance four times the Last Dance of the evening was a slow One Nights in White Satin as we moved slowly around the floor she looked me in the eyes and said I want to

be with you tonight Marcy had left about an hour earlier telling me not to expect her until noon the next day so I told Mel yes I have to be home before 9:00 she added I take care of my mother she's disabled and needs a lot of care next Friday night I asked Absolutely she said with a smile for the next two months Mel became my new friend with benefits we could only see each other on Thursdays and Fridays because she worked in the afternoons and those were her days off but one Monday evening as

I was leaving work my time with Mel came to an abrupt halt as I approached my car in the parking lot I saw a man leaning against it he straightened up as I walked over and said you came just in time do we know each other I asked Confused no he said coldly but you're going to regret ever meeting me what's this all about I'm going to kick your ass big time he said glaring at me I looked him up and down maybe it won't be so easy for you can you at least tell me

why you want to try because you're sleeping with my wife that's why I froze I'm not sleeping with anyone's wife I said firmly are you telling me Mel is married damn right she is she's been married to me for 10 years if that's True I said then I didn't know she doesn't wear a ring and no one at The Grotto ever mentioned she was married but I'll tell you this if you kick her out I'll take her in he looked at me like I was crazy why the hell would you do something so stupid if

she cheats on me she'll cheat on you too did you ask her why she cheated I shot back you need to find out why he hesitated and I pressed on all I know is if I take her in I sure as hell won't give her a Reason to cheat but I'll say this now that I know she's married I'll stay away from her until you two figure things out but I have a question for you how does she leave home every Friday and Saturday night and disappear without you knowing he sighed I drive a truck

I'm away from home from Thursday to Sunday he glared at me again but instead of attacking he turned and walked away I spent the next week thinking about who might replace Mel on Friday I went back to The Grotto About half an hour after I arrived Mel came in saw me and walked straight to my table she sat down and said I understand you've been seeing Roy Mel said if Roy's your husband then yes we've met does this stop us from having fun that depends I replied on what I told him I'd stay away from

you until he decided what to do has he kicked you out yet no and he won't kick me out because he loves me she said confidently then we can't be together why not she asked surprised Because you're married I said firmly if I'd known that from the start I would have never begun anything with you I would never knowingly do to another man what my wife and her lover did to me Mel looked at me for a moment then said I don't think so I think I'm just doing with you what Roy refused to do

with me I love that man but I need more you and I have a great thing and I don't want to stop sorry Mel I said but if Roy doesn't tell me he's kicked you out we're done She stared at me for a few seconds then got up and moved to another table 5 minutes later a guy was sitting next to her I danced with several other women that night but made no effort to speak to them afterward about an hour before Clos in the guy sitting with Mel went to the restroom and Mel stood

up and walked back over to me last chance she said sorry Mel I replied you know my position on this your loss she said before returning to her table when the guy came Back they left together that night changed many things for me but not my resolve around 4:00 a.m. I was jolted awake by loud knocking on the wall between Marcy's bedroom and the one I was sleeping in it took me half an hour to fall back asleep and when I woke up my plan for the day was to find an apartment Marcy was in

the kitchen making breakfast when I walked in as I poured myself a cup of coffee she smiled at me did you sleep well she asked Innocently I decided not to tell her that she'd woken me up so I just said like a rock it was Saturday day and I spent most of the day apartment hunting I found a place I liked and completed the paperwork when I got back to Marcy's she greeted me with some news mom called she said you need to call her back for what she said there's a contract on the house

and she said she'll send you the Power of Attorney papers by mail if you can't come to the closing call her dead It won't kill you I hadn't spoken to Iris since I moved to California and I wasn't sure I wanted to hear her voice again avoiding contact with her had helped me move on or at least it felt that way but the truth I still loved her damn it I loved her so much at hurt I thought about her constantly I even thought about her when I was with Anna or Mel the last thing

I wanted was to hear her voice again but Marcy handed me the phone and said call her I should have said no I should have walked away but I didn't I dialed my old home number the phone rang four times before I heard her voice hello hello Iris Marcy said you called and wanted to talk to me what's going on how are you Frank she asked softly I'm fine Iris what did you want to talk about I Miss You Frank the words hit me like a freight train before I could stop myself the words slipped

out I miss you too Iris there was a long pause oh my God Frank are you serious what's this about the house I asked trying to steer the conversation she hesitated then said we have a buyer I waited to call until the financing was settled the closing is scheduled for the 12th at 2: p.m. can you come I don't know I said truthfully that's only six days away I'll see what I can do and let you know I hope you can make it she said quietly we'll see Iris I replied I'll call you tomorrow after

I hung up I sat there wondering why I Didn't just tell her to handle everything with the power of attorney Marcy saw the look on my face and asked what's wrong dad what are you thinking about I Shrugged I'm trying to decide whether I should go back or just send the power of attorney why don't you want to go back just hearing your mother's voice was hard enough I admitted I don't know if I can handle seeing her Marcy sigh when are you going to be honest with yourself dad what do you mean by That

I saw the look on your face when you were talking to Mom she said do you miss her I didn't answer and she pressed on I don't know exactly what happened between you two other than the fact that it hurt you a lot but not being with her is hurting you too I wasn't going to tell you this but Mom calls me a couple of times a week to ask how you're doing she's miserable Dad she misses you like crazy it's been a few months now dad maybe you're strong enough to see her Again you

need to go back Daddy it won't kill you Marcy said handing me the phone to call Iris after the call I looked at Marcy and said since we're talking about what I need to do you should know I'm looking for my own place why well we've made it work so far but it's time for us both to have some space sudden understanding crossed her face and she blushed I need to check on dinner she said quickly hurrying out of the room after a quiet dinner Marcy asked are you Going to The Grotto tonight no I

think I'll just sit in front of the TV for a while the ladies will be disappointed she teased I know a couple of them who are itching to take your place Melissa I chuckled and said your words make no sense little girl on one hand you're telling me to go home and reconcile with your mom and on the other you're trying to set me up with your friends at The Grotto that's not what I'm saying Mar protested I don't even know if it's Possible for you and Mom to make peace what I meant is that

you need to find some closure and come to an agreement with her well I'm staying home tonight anyway I need to pack my things I found a place to live and all I'm waiting for is the credit check on Monday I got a call at work confirming my approval for the apartment that evening I began moving in I'd rented a two-bedroom apartment intending to turn the second bedroom Into a home office Marcy insisted on helping me and as we brought things in she made comments like I have the perfect curtains for this room and ug

the carpet is a terrible color you should ask them to replace it she helped me set up the kitchen then went home leaving me to spend my first night in the new place the next day after sorting out my belongings it was decision time should I return for the closing or fax my power of attorney after much Deliberation I decided to go back I picked up the phone and called Iris hello it's me I said I've decided to come back for the closing instead of sending the power of attorney where will the closing take place

in the conference room at First Bank on Shephard Street at 2:00 p.m. I replied I'll prepare a spare bedroom room for you she said I don't think that's a good idea I'll stay at a hotel near the bank don't be silly Frank she said firmly there's no need to spend Money on a hotel when you have a four-bedroom home I'll think about it see you at the bank goodbye during the return flight I couldn't stop thinking about my last conversation with Mel and more importantly about Iris Mel had walked away away from Roy because she

wasn't satisfied was iris's betrayal motivated by the same unmet needs Iris had said her Affair wasn't because I was bad in bed but because she wanted to do something wild and naughty for once in Her life was that the truth or was it a lie to spare my feelings would I ever know the real reason she turned to Ted harra when I arrived at the banks conference room Iris was already there she smiled when when I walked in and stood up walking toward me I quickly moved to the other side of the table keeping a

barrier between us her smile faltered slightly but I noticed how carefully she dressed for the occasion she wore my favorite dress her prettiest Heels and had styled her hair just the way I liked it before she could say anything others entered the room and we began the paperwork when it was all over I had a check in my pocket for $873 62 the 36 didn't matter but who counted them anyway as we left the room Iris asked will you stay you don't have to leave before 3 p.m. no I said I have a few more

things to do and we try to catch a late flight back to the coast Disappointment crossed her face will you ever forgive me Frank I don't know no Iris I said honestly you hurt me deeply maybe the pain will fade with time but I don't know she stood there watching me walk away it was hard to leave and I admitted to myself that I wanted to turn around and take her in my arms but the voice in my head spoke up calm down Frank she slept with another man but you've done the same with Anna

and Mel one justifies the other I forced myself To ignore ignore that voice at 5:00 p.m. I parked at the end of the block and waited soon harra walked out of the building and got into his car I followed him at a safe distance my lawyer had told me that the lawsuit against Herra wasn't going well he refused to settle and threatened to declare bankruptcy if he lost in court which would make it impossible to collect any damages harra pulled into a bar parking lot and I parked nearby waiting to see what would Happen next

when I saw Ted heral walk through the door of the grotto I froze for a moment Mel noticed my reaction and turned to look in the same direction is that Roy she asked no I said keeping my voice steady it's Ted who's Ted the guy who ruined my marriage her face went pale and I could feel the tension Rising between us Ted spotted me almost immediately and began walking toward us my blood boiled but I kept my composure determined Not to cause a scene in Public Frank Ted said when he reached us his voice low

but taunting long time no see I didn't respond just looked at him with a cold expression Mel sensing the hostility stepped slightly to the side I just wanted to let you know Ted continued that I'm doing fine you can drop your lawsuit but you didn't really think you'd win did you I clenched my jaw my hands balling into fists at my sides Mel stepped forward and said you should leave now Ted glanced at her then Back at me nice choice Frank he said with a smirk before turning to walk away I grabbed Mel's arm gently

let's go I said leading her back to our table for the rest of the night my mood was dark Mel tried to cheer me up but I couldn't shake the anger and frustration Ted's presence had stirred the next day Mel called me I need to know something Frank she said are you still hung up on what happened with your ex-wife why do you ask because last night when Ted walked In I saw something in your eyes you still have unresolved feelings about it don't you I sighed Mel I'm always going to carry some of that

pain with me iris's betrayal cut deep and seeing Ted just brings it all back do you think you'll ever let it go I don't know I admitted I've tried to move on but it's not easy Mel was silent for a moment then said I need to know where I stand with you Frank I don't want to be a placeholder I want something real I Hesitated Mel I care about you but I don't think I can give you what you're looking for you deserve someone who can love you without hesitation and I'm not sure I can

do that her voice broke slightly so that's it after everything we've been through you're just going to walk away I'm sorry Mel I said softly but I think it's better for both of us if we end this now she hung up without another word for the next two weeks I threw myself into work trying to Distract myself from the lingering pain of both Iris and Mel my evenings were spent looking for a new apartment and trying to rebuild a sense of normaly one evening Marcy stopped by unannounced dad you look like hell she said bluntly

thanks for the pep talk I replied with a weak smile I'm serious she said sitting down across from me what's going on just life I said with a shrug things haven't exactly gone the way I planned you're still hung up on Mom aren't you I didn't Answer right away finally I said I don't know part of me misses her but another part knows I can never go back you don't have to go back Dad she said but you also don't have to let her betay Trail Define the rest of your life you deserve to be

happy a week later I received a letter in the mail it was from Iris Frank I know I don't have the right to ask anything of you but I wanted to reach out one last time I've been going to therapy trying to understand why I Did what I did and how I hurt you so deeply the truth is there's no excuse for my actions and I'll regret them for the rest of my life I still love you Frank I always will I don't expect you to forgive me but I hope that someday you can find

peace I wish you nothing but happiness whether it's with someone else or on your own you deserve that much at least Iris reading her letter stirred a mix of emotions I wasn't sure if I believed her words but they didn't Feel like a ploy to win me back for the first time it felt like Iris was genuinely trying to take responsibility for her actions I folded the letter and put it away unsure of what to do with it or with the lingering feelings it had brought back a month later I moved into a new apartment

leaving behind the memories of both Iris and Mel it wasn't easy but it felt like a fresh start on my first night in the new place Marcy called Hey Dad she said how's the new Place it's nice I said quiet just what I need right now good she said you deserve some peace dad thanks sweetheart I said as I hung up the phone I looked around my new home it was a blank slate free of the baggage I'd been carrying for so long for the first time in months I felt a glimmer of hope maybe

just maybe I could start over Marcy walked into the grotto and wasn't alone Iris was with her to say Iris looked great would be a huge understatement my body tensed Immediately and Mel noticed she asked is something wrong no I lied I just felt a sudden chill Mel and I were sitting at a couple of tables pushed together with other regulars naturally Marcy headed there with Iris in toe by the time the band finished the number Mel and I were dancing too and announced a break Marcy and Iris were already seated at the table over

Mel's shoulder I saw Marcy introducing Iris to the others from the quick glances in my direction I guessed She must have introduced Iris as my mom or worse my ex-wife Mel and I walked back to the table and iris's face broke into a wide smile when she saw me but it quickly disappeared as she realized the woman walking next next to me wasn't just passing by she was with me we sat down and Iris spoke first hello Frank how are you doing I'm doing well Iris I replied how about you it's been better but it's

been so long she hesitated then asked are you going to introduce me to Your friend certainly I smiled thinly Mel this is Iris and Iris this is Melissa she prefers to be called Mel Mel raised an eyebrow and grinned come on Frank you can probably come up with something better than that fine I said Dry Mel this is Iris my ex-wife and Iris this is Mel my main girlfriend Mel laughed well done maybe we can meet and exchange stories sometime the look on iris's face made it clear that hell would freeze Over before that ever

happened the usual chatter resumed around the table but Iris studiously avoided looking in Mel's Direction when the band returned and began their next set I grabbed Marcy by the hand and pulled her onto the Dance Floor what the hell is going on here Marcy I demanded why is your mom here mom called me and asked if she could stay with me now that you've moved out and have your own place I'm not going to refuse my mom don't you think I should Have been warned before she came here maybe she admitted but she wanted to

surprise you well she succeeded damn it Marcy how could you do this to me it wasn't difficult dad I happen to love both of my parents and it's easy for me to see that you two still love each other don't bother denying it I saw your face light up for a second when you first saw her walk in and God knows I've heard enough from her over the past few months to know that being away from you Is killing her if there's anything I can do to get you two back together I'll do it bringing

her here tonight is just the first step you're interfering in our Affairs Marcy I know she said unapologetically but like I said I love you both and I want to see you together again this little girl doesn't stand a chance I muttered we'll see she said as the song Ended as we returned to the table the next number began I saw a man approach Iris and ask her to dance she Accepted and they went out onto the floor they stayed there for three songs about halfway through the third number I felt a sharp poke in

my ribs I turned to see Mel staring at me you should be here with me not stuck on the dance floor in your mind mind with your ex she said pointedly what the hell are you talking about you haven't taken your eyes off her since she started dancing and judging by the look on your face you want to go out there and kill the guy She's dancing with I opened my mouth to argue but realized she was right I did want to tell him to get his hands off my wife my wife where had that

thought even come from she wasn't my wife anymore call me when you decide what you really want Mel said standing up because right now it's clear your heart is out there on the dance floor and with that she left I was left sitting at the table staring at the dance floor the man dancing with Iris crossed the line Sliding his hand lower on her back than I could tolerate rage surged through me and before I could stop myself I was on my feet I stormed onto the Dance Floor grabbed the guy by the shoulders and

pulled him away from Iris get your dirty hands off my wife I snarled the man hesitated Gathering his courage to confront me but when he saw the look on my face he thought better of it he turned and walked away without a word I turned to Iris whose face was a mix of Shock and puzzlement are you forgetting something Frank she asked softly last I checked I'm not your wife anymore you moved borders Iris maybe I wanted this you wanted this she asked her voice shaking you wanted me to dance with another man I wanted

to protect you I shot back I couldn't stand seeing him touch you like that her expression softened Frank why do you care I didn't answer couldn't I will I said grabbing her by the wrist stop Frank stop it now Damn it Iris protested struggling against my grip let me go my handbag my purse is on the table damn it Frank stop it now I ignored her protests and continued to pull her outside what are you doing Frank damn it answer me she yelled trying to keep Pace with me I want it Iris I said firmly

if you want this she said her voice softer now but laced with frustration take me to your place and do it properly do it secretly but not here And not like this get in the car Iris I need my purse and to change my shoes she snapped Marcy will take care of it get in the damn car yes Frank she replied a hint of resignation in her voice as she climbed into the passenger seat when I woke up the next morning Iris was already awake she was sitting on the bed watching me intently as soon

as she saw my eyes open she spoke why Frank why what I asked groggy what happened last night you couldn't wait to get rid of me Before but last night you were jealous it was written all over your face anyone paying pay attention to you could see it that look it screamed this is my woman she paused her voice softening am I being honest Frank am I your woman I sat up rubbing my temples I don't know what happened last night Iris it just happened I don't know why well she said with a faint smile

I'm glad it happened Frank it's just a Pity it didn't happen sooner she got out of bed pulling on her Robe if you tell me where everything is I'll make us breakfast there's nothing here I admitted I haven't gone grocery shopping this week well we'll go to the Village but you should call Marcy first she might be worried I don't think so I replied shaking my head I think last night was exactly what she was hoping for when she brought you to the gr well Iris said smirking slightly I think you're the one who should

call her not me who should I call then I asked Already knowing where this was going that young lady you were with last night Iris said pointedly why do I need to call her I asked defensively I hope it's to tell her that you won't be seeing her again Iris said her voice firm I wish there were more nights like last night Frank maybe another 20 or 30 years of them I lay there staring at her suddenly realizing that I wanted the same thing the anger and hurt I'd been carrying for So long suddenly felt

lighter what do you think of our story today in my opinion the wife did the right thing by confessing immediately but at the same time she made a mistake by waiting until after the affair instead of stopping it before it began until the next video but