Before she could speak, Noel's eyes reddened, his voice trembling with hurt.
"Ms. Sanchez, don't tell me you actually feel sorry for him? You promised you'd help me save face today."
"I'm just trying to teach your husband how to be a proper, tidy homemaker. Otherwise, all he knows how to do is spend your money and throw jealous fits. How's he supposed to take care of you?"
Noel's lip trembled, his eyes glistening on cue. "If you think I'm out of line, then fire me. I'll leave and never come back. That way I won't be a bother to either of you."
Lauren's expression melted instantly. She cupped his face and wiped his tears, then turned to glare at me.
"Laurence, a skin allergy isn't going to kill you. Pop a few pills and you'll be fine."
"Noel's right. You need to learn your place. Other women's husbands don't act like you. Some wives keep a whole stable of lovers and their husbands don't say a word."
"Behave yourself. Stop upsetting Noel, and I promise I'll keep the deal I just made with you."
My heart went cold. Completely, irreversibly cold.