Russ, fresh out of the shower, instantly looked flustered. He pressed his lips together. "Karen, I didn't know these were your husband's clothes. I'll go change right now."
I grabbed his arm. "You're not changing anything. Your clothes are soaking wet. You're wearing those."
Then I turned on Job. "Can you stop being so petty? It's one set of pajamas. You seriously can't spare them?"
Job's chest heaved, his breathing ragged with anger. "You think this is about the pajamas? Karen, do you even remember who the man of this house is?"
Right then, Kay appeared from the bedroom.
"Job, what's going on? Why did it take you so long to get my medicine?"
She was wearing the matching couple pajamas that belonged to me and Job. On her wrist was the bracelet Job had given me for my birthday. Pinned in her hair was the Miu Miu clip I'd bought just last week.
For once, Job went silent.
He placed the medicine in Kay's hand. When she tried to get him to stay, he said, "Get some rest. I have something to take care of."
Then he grabbed my arm and pulled me into the master bedroom.
He clearly had something he wanted to say.
But I didn't want to hear it.
I kicked him away, walked out, and shut the door behind me.
Only after I'd gotten Russ completely settled did I finally go back to the bedroom.
Job had been waiting for a long time.
He sat by the window, wreathed in cigarette smoke, the ashtray in front of him overflowing with spent butts.
I frowned, walked over, and shoved the window open.
"All you ever do is smoke, smoke, smoke. Why can't you be more like Russ? He's never touched a cigarette in his life!"
Job nearly choked on his own breath. He coughed for a long time before recovering, his words grinding out through clenched teeth.
"Karen, is Russ Harding the only thing you ever talk about?"
"Pretty much. Just like Kay is the only thing you ever talk to me about."
The moment I mentioned Kay's name, Job's expression shifted to irritation. He was about to accuse me of being petty again, but when he turned his head, his gaze landed on the anniversary cake sitting on the table.
Sitting there all alone. Untouched.
Only then did it dawn on him that today was our fifth wedding anniversary.
Job's tone softened immediately.
"Karen, I'm sorry. I forgot today was our anniversary. I'll make it up to you."
"I've already scheduled Kay's heart surgery. Once she's recovered, I'll send her on her way. Okay?"