Perhaps it was my weakness that emboldened her, made her disregard my feelings completely.
“What’s going on?” Daniel came over.
I saw him and Emily exchange a glance, sharing some silent communication, as if asking why their plan had failed.
One of the gossiping neighbors filled him in.
Daniel scowled. “Michael, this is your fault. Emily was wronged—you should’ve stood up for her, not just brushed it aside.”
“Look at her, so upset, so hurt. How can anyone not feel sorry for her?”
“Women are meant to be cherished.”
Cherished? Sure—you cherished her while I was at work.
Now I understood why Emily always encouraged me to switch jobs. Not only would it mean more money, but the new office was farther away.
Longer commutes meant later nights home, leaving more time for the two of them to fool around.
I chuckled. “You sound experienced.”
Daniel nodded. “Of course. Want me to give you some pointers?”
I shook my head. “No need.”
Emily scoffed. “Michael, I’m so disappointed in you. Daniel’s trying to teach you, and this is your attitude?”
Daniel sighed and gave me a look of pity.
I smiled at him. “Since you’re so good at cherishing her, why bother? I’ll just leave her for you to cherish.”