EXPENSIVE MISTAKE

I wheel in my suitcase, and I’m about to set it down in the hallway when I notice them—a pair of leopard-print kitten heels. I saw them on display in a store window recently and knew I had to have them, but they didn’t come in my size. Silently I take off my own shoes and creep across the wooden floors, terrified that the pounding in my chest will give me away. I grip the handle of my bedroom door and pause, knowing I don’t want to witness what I’m about to see, but my body ignores my screaming protests. I throw open the door and find Ben, my fiancé, in our bed with one of my coworkers, Claire. He looks at me, wide-eyed, while she attempts to appear demure.

“Lexi, I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow.”

“Clearly. I came home early to surprise you, but I guess the surprise is on me.” I hastily make my way from the room. I’m numb with shock, but my adrenaline is on overdrive, helping me put one foot in front of the other. I can’t believe this is happening. The reality of his betrayal sinks in and the pain envelops me like a dense, dark fog. It’s hard to think clearly, but I know I need to get the hell out of here.

“Let me explain,” Ben pleads, following me as he attempts to put some clothes on.

“Oh, I don’t think there’s anything to explain. It’s pretty clear what’s been going on.”

He places a hand on my arm. “Wait—let’s talk about this.”

“Don’t touch me,” I say, with such contempt that my voice is almost unrecognizable. “I don’t want to see you—

not now, not ever. It’s over.”

He runs a hand through his hair and looks at me

miserably. “Please...wait,” he says softly.

I look into his familiar hazel eyes, and I’m tempted, but I

can’t. I don’t want to hear any explanation. All I know is that the man I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with broke my trust—and my heart. I look at him one last time then walk out of the apartment. It’s weird how one defining moment can alter the course of your life so drastically. Just a few minutes ago, my life was perfect, and now I have no idea what my future holds or where to go from here. Once I’m outside I let the sobs escape and call my friend Jamie. Thank God she answers.

When she hears my voice, she says, “Lexi, what’s wrong?”

“It’s a long story. Can I come stay with you for a bit?”

“Of course. You can stay as long as you need.”

I hail a cab and slam the door just as Ben runs down the

front steps. He approaches my window, and I turn away as he presses his forehand against the glass, willing me to look at him.

“Ma’am?” the cabdriver says.

“You can go,” I tell him as I meet Ben’s gaze. Through my haze of tears, I see him mouth, “I’m sorry” as we pull away. I look back and watch his retreating figure until he fades from sight, and I wonder when we started to move in such different directions.

When I arrive at Jamie’s, she’s waiting in the lobby. “Lexi, what happened?” It’s hard to get the words out, but I manage to tell her the gist. “I can’t believe it. Ben, of all people!”