“I want everything,” I told the stylist. “Cut, color, manicure, pedicure, deep conditioning, facial. Whatever you can do, do it.”
“Celebrating something?” she asked with a smile.
“Yes. My new financial independence.”
Lily watched me while I sat with foil wrapped through my hair.
“Mom, you’re acting weird.”
“I’m feeling EXPENSIVE, my love. Very expensive. And I love it.”
Fourth stop: Victoria’s Secret.
“Wait here with the bags,” I told the kids, pointing to a bench outside.
“What are you buying in there?” Owen asked.
“Lingerie your father will NEVER see. That’s what I’m buying.”
When I came out, Daniel called again.
This time, I answered.
“Where are you?” he shouted. “I came home and nobody is here!”
“Oh, your ‘project’ is finished already? Strange. I thought you had to work until Sunday.”
“Please, I need to explain.”
“You know what I need, Daniel? New shoes. Wait, the kids want to talk to you.”
I handed the phone to Owen.
“Hi, Dad. Mom bought me the Death Star Lego set. She said you’re paying for it.”
I grabbed the phone back before Daniel could use his guilty-father voice and soften the tiny piece of my heart that was still functioning.
