In Love with the Chimera

By Paul-Wesley Bailey Jr.

Do you love the connection or the competition? Christine Ferrari is a kindergarten teacher who resides in Chicago, Illinois. Terrell Bryant is a bartender who works late nights at a popular nightclub in Los Angeles, California, and Jason Jacobs is the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world of boxing while approaching the end of his storied career.

The three have separate lives, but the one thing they have in common is that they are in a failing relationship—Christine’s due to abuse, Terrell’s due to curiosity, and Jason’s due to his ego and tragedy.

Three worlds collide after Jason’s public divorce from reality star wife and his retirement from boxing. In order to stay relevant in entertainment and continue to build upon his wealth, he accepts an opportunity to host a reality dating show called In Love with the Chimera, which twenty-five women across the county will compete for his love in a series of challenges and daily activities.

Christine becomes a contestant against her own will but quickly discovers that she is at the top of the competition. Terrell is offered the lucrative opportunity to work as part of the reality show, but the opportunity becomes a nightmare when his past comes back to haunt him. Meanwhile, Jason Jacobs puts on a show for his girls and the cameras; but hidden deep in the basement of his mansion, away from the world of fame and media, is an extension of all the pain he suffered from his tragic loss.

In Love with the Chimera is an experience full of love and hate, which it will be discovered as to who in love, who is lying, who is the greatest of all time, and who is the snake.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664154988

Paul-Wesley Bailey Jr.

My name is Paul-Wesley Bailey Jr, I am currently enrolled in college full-time. My first recollection of tapping into my imagination was watching Barney and the Dinosaurs as a kid, playing with action figures, Super Mario, and Sonic the Hedgehog. I began writing creativity about 10 years ago, buying a composition book from my job, and creating characters and plots while at work. In my early elementary school years, I would stutter in front of the class, reading out loud, I took speech classes, and at home I had to use Hooked on Phonics. I never thought I would be a published author today, but creative writing has become the most effective way I have found to express myself, and my ideas. Through my own writings, I have learned that I was filled with flaws, beginning with immaturity, but I will live in prosperity, along with my loved ones as long as I strive for the best version of me. In Love with the Chimera is a story that places the reader in three separate relationships, in which all are failing. When the main characters meet, it will be up to the reader to determine, who is lying, who is the snake, and in show business, does it really matter who is the G.O.A.T?

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Once upon a time in the land of illuminating stars, Kendal Washington was the older sister of one of the largest of them all, superstar boxer, Jason Jacobs. As a result of his success and world-class athletic abilities, he changed her life from a nurse struggling to take care of the family, to now a stay-at-home mother who had the freedom and flexibility to focus on her dream of designing clothing. Jason fully financially supported Kendal’s dream.

Before Jason’s stardom, they lived in Roosevelt, Long Island. Balancing Kendal’s professional career and personal life was a struggle, but Jason rewarded her when he hit the jackpot with boxing. He was generous enough to pay for her wedding, honeymoon and buy her and her husband a car and house.

Jason purchased three mansions of his own over his career. His main mansion was in Los Angeles, California, 20 miles away from Kendal’s house. His second favorite mansion was in Miami, Florida, and his third was in Atlanta, Georgia. Kendal and Jason had a great relationship, as Kendal had to play the role of mom for Jason because their mother died in their teens. Kendal visited Jason multiple times every week. She even had her own set of keys to his Los Angeles mansion, but she usually never needed to use them. If Jason was not home, either his butler or his wife was.

Jason was currently in Las Vegas preparing for his fiftieth professional fight. Before he left, he offered Kendal money; liquid cash to help with her fashion design aspirations. Since he would be out of town for a few days, he allowed her to go into his safe to retrieve the cash.

Inside Jason’s state-of-the-art mansion was pitch-dark, but as Kendal took her first steps inside, the main lobby illuminated as if she were performing on a stage. Although she been here many times, it made her proud to see how his boxing talents that she was not fully convinced on initially has taken him from a small house in Roosevelt to a mansion in Los Angeles. Jason always believed in himself and trusted his gut feeling. He was also a man of good judgment. The only area he miserably failed was with his selection of women, including his wife Sharon Cruz.

Sharon was a superstar of her own, being a reality star, and she was drop-dead gorgeous, but she was the ultimate attention whore. Jason loved attention too, but Sharon was a different breed. It was like Sharon ate attention instead of food, whether it was on social media or on television. She also had a sleazy reputation with famous men that Kendal read about in magazines before meeting Sharon.

Kendal did not think that Sharon should be the woman his brother chose to make his wife, and Kendal told him this, but he married Sharon anyway, and Kendal supported him the entire way. At first Kendal did not get along with Sharon or the Cruz TV reality show family, and Kendal did not appreciate Sharon for not adopting the Jacobs last name publicly, but that was Jason’s business at the end of the day. Over time, Kendal learned how to get past the façade Sharon portrayed of a man eater, and deep inside, Kendal learned that Sharon was a very sweet girl, and they even grew to respect each other as sisters.

The halls continued to illuminate as Kendal advanced up the steps toward Jason’s room. He told her no one would be home, but the closer she reached to his room the more she began to hear odd sounds. A few feet away from his room door, it sounded like someone being aroused, and she could see the light inside was on. Her conscious battled over the situation ahead. Anxious of what she might see, she opened the bedroom door.

Kendal was baffled by the appalling sight: Jason’s wife, Sharon, nude in their bed with a man performing on her orally. Kendal found this extremely disrespectful. It was one thing to cheat, but to do it in their home, in their bedroom, was over the top.

Oh shit! Sharon said as she spotted Kendal.

What’s going on, Sharon? Who is this? Kendal asked.

The man slowly got off, then began to move away from the bed.

It’s not what it looks like. What are you doing here? Sharon asked in a state of shock.

What is this, Sharon? Kendal asked.

Sharon was too paralyzed by shock to speak. Kendal allowed Sharon time to come up with a good lie.

I’m leaving, the man eventually said as he began to put on his clothes.

As Kendal got a good look at him, she saw that it was Sharon’s ex-boyfriend, Doug Johnson, in which she left to be with Jason.

It took a moment for Sharon to respond as she grabbed the sheet to cover herself.

Look, I know it looks bad, but there is a lot going on between us that you don’t know about, Sharon eventually said.

Maybe there is, maybe there isn’t, but is this the way you handle it? Bringing another man in your bed? Kendal asked.

Sharon began to cry.

Are you going to tell him? she asked.

Kendal thought about how it would crush Jason, but he had to know that his wife was unfaithful.

I’m not going to tell him, but you will when he comes back from his fight, Kendal said.

If Jason was not out of town preparing for a big fight, Kendal would have made Sharon confess to him immediately. Kendal could not cast this heavy distraction on his brother when he was on the verge of making boxing history. He worked so hard for this moment, and she wanted to see him succeed.

As usual, Jason won his fiftieth professional boxing match by knockout to remain undefeated. He was back in Los Angeles the next day after his fight. Kendal went to his mansion to congratulate him. With Sharon being the queen of the Hollywood illusion, she was an expert of pretending she was the perfect wife as if she had not performed a forbidden act with another man in their bedroom.

Later, when all the guys were outside, Kendal got the opportunity to speak to Sharon privately.

So, you clearly haven’t had the talk yet, Kendal said.

I will . . . I’m just waiting for the right time. His friends are over now . . . I don’t want to embarrass him, Sharon said.

There is no more waiting. He must know today. If you don’t tell him today, I will tell him tomorrow!

Sharon took a moment to respond to Kendal’s threat.

Today is not a good day. I want to wait a day or two, so he could enjoy his victory, Sharon said.

I’m not going to give you time to come up with a lie! You should be grateful I’m giving you the opportunity to tell him what you did instead of me telling him what I saw! My generosity only lasts until tonight! Kendal said.

Tears began to run down Sharon’s face.

You’re such a bitch! Why are you doing this to me? she asked.

Because my brother needs to know that his wife is unfaithful, Kendal said.

How do you know he’s not unfaithful to me?

If he is, it should make it easier for you to tell him about what happened in your bedroom. Right?

Kendal did not allow Sharon’s tears to soften her stance. Suddenly, their butler Allen walked by. It was not wise for her sake to continue this conversation. She did deserve the opportunity to confess, but Kendal would not give Sharon time to come up with a lie.

I hate you so much! Our marriage is strong enough to survive this, but if it doesn’t…if I never see you again, I want you to know that I hate you! I have done nothing to you! I loved you like my sister, and now you’re ruining my life! Sharon said as she walked off.

It was just like an episode of The Cruz. She loved to play the victim. Kendal stayed around for another half an hour and then decided to go home to her husband Roger and newborn son Elijah Washington.

As the night drew to its closing hours, Kendal thought about the situation with Sharon and Jason. She wondered if she was handling it the right way. Should she tell Jason herself, or should she mind her business and not tell Jason at all? What kind of sister would she be to keep something like this away from her brother who virtually changed her life with his fortune?

Kendal decided to bring up the issue with Roger for the first time to get his perspective.

So, remember the other day when I went to Jason’s house to pick up the money? Kendal asked in the bed. Roger nodded as he put the baby to bed. Well, I saw something that I—

Suddenly, Kendal heard glass shatter. It sounded as if it were in the house downstairs. Roger and the baby appeared to hear the shattered glass as Elijah awoke from his sleep, crying.

I’m going to check it out, Roger said, leaving Elijah in the crib and then heading for the door.

Kendal wanted to go with him, but she did not want to leave the baby alone.

Moments later, while rocking the baby to bed, Roger entered the room.

What was it? Kendal asked.

As she turned to Roger, she realized it was not him. It was a man wearing a mask with a gun pointed at Kendal’s head. She was terrified out of her mind. Terrible thoughts swarmed through her head of Roger. She moved backward toward the crib to protect her baby.

What do you want? Kendal asked.

Move away from the baby, the man ordered.

Kendal did not know what to do. Fear invaded her heart. Where was Roger? Was he dead?

Please don’t hurt my baby. He’s a newborn, Kendal pleaded.

One last time! Move away from the baby! the man ordered.

Don’t hurt my son. He’s innocent! Give him a chance to live!

The man approached Kendal and grabbed her by the hair as she screamed. He tossed her over to the bed away from the crib, and then he pointed the gun at her and fired bullets, sending her into darkness.

THE LYING

CHAPTER 1

Once upon a time Christine Ferrari could not prove it, but she had a feeling that her boyfriend Adam was cheating on her. On a breezy spring Saturday morning in Chicago, Illinois, Christine Ferrari, along with her best friend Yolanda Cannon, went to the gym to complete the final day of their four-day-a-week gym schedule. The past three weeks they stayed true to their workout and diets. In that time, Christine managed to lose fifteen pounds. She was hoping her longtime boyfriend Adam James would begin to pay attention to her again.

Lately, Christine felt that Adam was not attracted to her anymore. In April alone, she could count the number of times on one hand that they were intimate. He would come home extremely late, at times in the early hours of the morning. She hated when he came home at those awful hours, but the more she addressed it, the more they would argue. He would use his savvy lawyer skills to manipulate her into thinking that she was overreacting. Sometimes it was better off not to say anything. Their relationship was at a stage where it almost had no purpose anymore, but she was determined to do her part to save it. She loved him unconditionally and saw her future with him.

In the ninth grade of high school, Christine moved to Chicago to stay with her aunt Serena. Christine was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, and her parents were Italian. During her first year of high school, her parents, Dan and Teresa Ferrari, were arrested on mob-related charges ranging from suspected murder to drug trafficking, along with many other family members, and what she knew to be family friends. Christine had an idea of what her parents were involved in, but she never could imagine it being so sophisticated and violent.

As a teenager, Christine lived a luxurious lifestyle. At that time, she did not fully understand what a mob was. As she grew older, her curiosity built, but her parents were good at keeping that life private, until the night federal agents raided their mansion, ending the lifestyle that she was accustom to.

Christine was fortunate to have her aunt Serena in Chicago to live with. It was there she fully learned about the mob, and how deep her parents were involved. The reason they raided the house was because federal agents suspected Christine’s dad of being a part of the homicide of an undercover cop.

It hurt Christine that she would not be able to see her parents for many years, if ever outside of a prison, but talking to her mother when available, she was optimistic about the situation, mainly that Christine would be getting away from the dangerous mob lifestyle.

In no time after moving in with her aunt, Christine saw that Chicago made Staten Island look like a playground. There was much more violence here. She could see someone in class one day and the next day hear that they were gunned down in gang activity. It took some time to get comfortable with the switch of environments, but the main priority was to stay out of trouble. There were some places she could not go, and she had to be careful of who she made friends with.

Yolanda and Adam were the first friends Christine made, all attending the same high school. When Christine and Yolanda were in the ninth grade, Adam was a junior. Yolanda was an everyday female friend that Christine had a lot in common with. They met in Spanish class and have been inseparable ever since.

Adam was the star running back on the varsity football team. He was the most charming boy in the entire school. Most of the girls in the school flocked to him throughout the day, sometimes in front of her, but being around him was euphoric. She was no longer the outsider; now she had friends to sit with during lunch.

Christine was amazed when Adam first showed interest in her romantically. His conversation was rich like her former life. He had dreams, and he set goals that he was confident in. He inspired her to be a dreamer herself. Overall, he was the perfect friend to have in this unfamiliar environment. Chicago was no longer a jungle to her. She felt safe with Adam and Yolanda as friends.

Valentine’s Day was when the relationship became official. Adam could have any girl in the school, but he went out of his way to make Christine feel special on this day by showering her with balloons and gifts. Now everyone knew she was Adam’s girlfriend.

Since that Valentine’s Day, the relationship has been a glorious roller-coaster ride. Now over ten years later at twenty-six years old, even though they were not together the entire duration, at key points, they still fought to be with each other. There was something about Adam that she could not let go of. She envisioned her future with him, even though they were hanging on by a thread.

He’s cheating on you, Yolanda said while walking the treadmill.

They both had their treadmill on a low level as they engaged in a speed walk, but the notion of Adam cheating sprinted in circles throughout her mind. It honestly bothered her numerous times throughout their relationship, but while together, Christine never caught him cheating. She never questioned what he did during the times they were separated. Their longest break from each other was eight months. He did not have any children, and he did not contact any STDs, so it was usually easy to take him back.

I don’t know, Christine eventually said.

It’s obvious, Steeny. If he’s coming home that late and not touching you, he’s getting busy with someone else. The only exception is if he has health problems, which is none of my business, Yolanda said.

Adam has no problem getting up. Part of me thinks that he’s cheating, but the other part does not see him as that kind of man.

Don’t be naive. It’s so obvious he’s getting busy. There is no reason why he shouldn’t be sleeping with you. You’re young and sexy. What’s the problem?

Christine did not feel sexy at all. She barely felt she was attractive, but she appreciated the compliment from Yolanda. It had been a long time since Adam did anything to make Christine feel beautiful. She could not overlook Yolanda’s perspective, even though Adam never gave a significant reason to believe that he was a cheater.

We broke up and got back together so many times . . . I hope he would respect me enough not to be seeing someone else while we’re together, Christine said as she increased the level on the treadmill two notches to channel her frustration.

Christine questioned Adam multiple times over the years when she was suspicious, but he could explain himself out of any situation. She never had any evidence to hold him to, only speculation. The main reason they would break up was because of constant arguing. It got to the point that their issues became a paradox. There was no compromise with him. His house, his rules, he would often say. Arguments would spawn from petty things, like him not appreciating dinner that she took valuable time out of her day to prepare, or her friendship with Yolanda, which he did not like. It was one of Adam’s hobbies to talk her down in front of people, and when Yolanda was around, she did not stand for it. Arguments could last for days; he never apologized, and he always had to have the last word.

Christine was a junior in high school during Adam’s first year at Ohio State University. She had her doubts about the long-distance relationship, but it was difficult to let go of him. She loved him. She could see herself with him for the rest of her life. He seemed sincere in wanting to be with her. He never gave her a major reason not to trust him.

Back then, the arguments started from simple situations like when Adam would not return her phone calls for hours or when he related his frustrations of football practice and how he deserved to be the starting running back. It was a growing feeling that if they did not argue, their conversations did not have meaning. She trusted him, but in the back of her mind, she really did not know what he was doing anymore. It was tough being in this kind of relationship, but Christine endured. Holidays when they got to see each other, it always reignited their passion. It made her remember why she fell in love with Adam. The sight of him made all doubt fade away.

Adam’s sophomore year began smooth, until he got his first concussion. Unfortunately, a series of concussions in his sophomore year forced him to hang up his aspirations of playing in the NFL. Instead, he focused on his major in law. He became meaner and often took out his frustrations on Christine. By the end of his second semester, the arguments were more intense than they had ever been. It was the first she questioned their future.

I don’t want to be with you anymore, Adam said one evening when he called her after his class.

Christine remembered how much it shattered her world hearing those words from Adam for the first time. Tears instantly streamed from her eyes. Even though the arguments were overbearing, Adam was everything to her. She could not imagine her life without him. He was her future, and she could not see it any other way. She wanted to have cute little babies that resembled him. She needed him.

Why? I love you, Adam, Christine cried.

This is not working out for me. We fight all the time, and it’s distracting me from what’s important, Adam said.

Adam did not even profess his love back to her. Christine tried her best to fight her emotions, but Adam made her weak.

So, I’m not important? Christine asked.

You are . . . School is just more important to me right now, and I don’t want any distractions, Adam said.

Christine wanted to beg Adam not to leave her, but she needed to control her emotions. She wanted to pour out her heart to Adam, but she most likely would humiliate herself, and he would eventually hang up. There was nothing left to say or do. If he did not want to be in a relationship, she could not force him.

It took about a month after the breakup for Christine to feel as if she had a purpose to the world again. A large amount of support came from Yolanda, her most sincere friend in the world. She urged Christine to go on dates, but they never felt right. There was always something wrong. Maybe Yolanda’s assessment was correct: You’re looking for a guy too much like Adam.

After graduating high school, Christine started to go on dates with a fellow classmate, Steven McNeal. He was one of her admirers for a long time. Whenever he had the opportunity, he would flirt; and if it were not for Adam, she would entertain it. Steven was a great guy, but she was a lot more into Adam. Now being single, she could explore romance with Steven.

In the back of Christine’s head, she knew this situation could not get serious with Steven, and he probably felt the same. In a couple of months, he was going away to college, and she did not want to do another long-distance relationship. It would not stop the two from enjoying each other while in the moment.

Although Christine began to build a close bond with Steven, the way she felt for him evaporated when Adam called her. It was the night of the Fourth of July. She was in the middle of eating with Steven, his family, and friends when Adam called, so she could not pick up.

Moments after Christine finished her meal, she went to the front of the house, away from the guest and music so she could call Adam back.

Hello, he answered after a few rings.

Hi, Christine said. Hearing his voice was as fascinating as watching the fireworks glitter through the dark skies.

Hey, beautiful. Happy Fourth of July.

There was no feeling in the world like when Adam told Christine she was beautiful.

You too. How are you? Christine asked.

I’m good. How are you? Adam asked.

Wonderful! I’m fine. I’m at a barbecue now. It’s getting late though. I think I might leave soon.

Can I see you?

Christine was hesitant to answer. She could not see Adam because it would be a challenge to control how it would make her feel, and she endured so much pain to try to move pass him. Plus, it was not fair to Steven. He was a great guy. She did not know where things were going with him, but she wanted to give it a chance.

I don’t know if that’s a good idea. I have work in the morning, Christine said.

So, can I see you after work? Adam asked.

Christine was silent over the line. She did want to see Adam, but there was only one way that night would end, and part of her did not want to take that course.

Why do you want to see me? Christine asked.

Adam took a moment to answer.

The same reason you called me back. I miss you, Adam said.

That was all it took. Adam picked Christine up from the barbecue an hour later, and within minutes of when he parked in front of her house, their lips and tongues were doing what they did best.

Just like the first time, every time they broke up with each other, something always drew them back together. Over the years, it never failed.

The treadmill now hit forty-five minutes. Christine and Yolanda were drenched in sweat. After a two-minute cooldown, they stepped off the treadmill. Instantly, it felt as she was balancing herself on a skateboard. It took a couple of seconds to adjust to being still.

That was good. How do you feel? Yolanda asked.

I don’t know . . . You really think Adam is cheating on me? Christine asked.

It’s obvious, Steeny. Now you must decide how to handle it.

The two headed to the water fountain.

What do you mean? Christine asked.

They drank from the water fountain and then headed to the locker room before continuing the conversation.

Look, I know you, Steeny. Whatever I tell you, you’re going to go back to him and pretend like everything is okay. You already know how I feel about Adam. He’s a piece of shit. He’s a pretender. He only pretends to love you when it’s convenient to him like when you’re around other people. Then he neglects what’s important to you, and he lies to make it seem as if it is okay. It’s okay if you accept it. I love you, and nothing or nobody will ever stop me from being your friend, but I can’t help you with Adam. You have to be bold enough to open your eyes and not accept his lies anymore, Yolanda said as they entered the locker room.

Yolanda knew the ins and outs of Christine’s relationship with Adam over the years. Yolanda was there from the beginning. She must have been annoyed by all the times Christine broke up and got back with Adam, but she was always available to listen and give sound advice. Christine could not have asked for a better friend than Yolanda.

What should I do? Christine asked moments later, leaving the locker room, heading for the exit.

First, I would start with not believing a word that comes from his mouth. It’s up to you if you want to investigate and find out what he’s really doing, or just say fuck it and leave him. The smart thing to do is the latter, but me, personally, I would be curious to find out, Yolanda said.

He’s good. He doesn’t leave any clues.

Christine and Yolanda were now outside the gym heading to the car.

The best way to defeat a monster is to become one yourself; the same with a dog. The best way to find out the truth and bring him to shame is to become a bitch. When men call me a bitch, I tell them, ‘Yup, I’m the bitch in total control here!’ Yolanda said, displaying her middle finger. She has been using that line since they met in high school. It was an endearing way to embrace a derogatory term. Show him a side of you that he never seen before. If you discover he’s a liar and you still go back to him, you can’t play the victim, Yolanda said.

Driving to Yolanda’s house, the two continued the conversation about Adam. Yolanda left Christine with a lot to think about. She was right about everything she was saying. This was all on Christine to take control of this relationship and find out if Adam was unfaithful. She did not know exactly how she would go about an investigation, but she would be alert and take advantage of any mistakes he made.

Later, when Christine entered her house, she prepared a protein shake that was a part of her diet. After drinking the shake, Christine showered then started to clean the house, beginning with the kitchen. It took about two hours for her to finish the entire house. Now she had the rest of the day to herself until Adam came home. It would be a miracle if he came home in time for dinner, but it would be an endless argument if he came home and dinner was not ready.

A positive with Adam was that everything Adam put his mind to, he gave his all to be the best. In college, it was football; now it was a lawyer. He was an up-and-coming attorney in Chicago, so at times, his schedule was unpredictable; but with his high demanding and time-consuming profession, Yolanda now opened Christine up to the possibility that he was using work to mask that he was seeing another woman. She did not know if she would ever find a hint that Adam was cheating or where to even begin, but Yolanda made the possibility clear. Their relationship was on its last leg, so Adam had to be getting satisfaction somewhere else. Christine had to confront him, and she had to take advantage of the first window he left opened. She would not let Adam know she suspected he was cheating until she had solid proof because he was good at lying. That was essentially the art of his profession.

Christine had a couple of hours to relax her mind and not think about anything—not think about Adam, not think about her job as an assistant kindergarten teacher, dealing with precious but busy children Monday through Friday. Now was her time to relax and maybe watch a couple of movies. She prepared herself a cranberry and vodka to relax on the couch and turned on the television.

Christine’s eyes were on the television, but her mind was on Adam. Even though her heart was not really into the relationship now, she loved him, and she wanted to get married to him. Deep in her heart, she was hoping that she would not find anything on him; and sooner than later, the attraction that always kept them together would fuel more passion in their relationship.

After Christine finished her drink, she dosed off. It was 3:30 p.m. when she woke up. Christine went into the bathroom to shower and then to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

While preparing dinner, Christine thought about what marriage would be like with Adam. Would a diamond ring, a pearly white dress, and a big ceremony cure their love? She simply could not see her life without him. She would be nothing without him, but now, more than ever, she questioned if he was honest. Amid the lack of passion, she had no reason to believe he would not be the perfect husband. Even though he did not make it to the NFL as he dreamed, he still was on the path of success. Hopefully by the next school year, Christine would get a promotion from an assistant to teaching her own kindergarten class. Their paths were aligned to be with each other forever. She hoped in her heart that Adam was not cheating because even if he were, it would be difficult to leave him.

Christine finished cooking dinner of steak and mashed potatoes with a side of steamed broccoli an hour after she began. Then for the first time all day, she called Adam.

Hello, Adam answered.

Hey, baby, when are you coming home? Christine asked.

It should be soon. I just have a few things I have to take care of before I come home.

There was nothing to be suspicious about in Adam’s voice. Christine wanted to ask, Like what? but she did not want to give away that she was open to the possibility that he was cheating.

Okay, dinner is ready. I’ll wait for you to eat, Christine said.

What did you make? Adam asked.

Steak and mashed potatoes.

Adam huffed. Didn’t you make that the other day? he asked.

Yeah . . . I thought you liked it? Christine asked.

But not again. I thought I told you about that.

Christine did not understand what the big deal was.

Do you want me to make something else? she asked.

No! I have to go! Adam said, disconnecting the call.

That was all it took—something small like that to get Adam upset. Overall, Christine felt he took a lot of his frustrations out on her for not being able to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL. It was best to ignore these outbursts because it would only lead to an argument of larger magnitude.

Adam did not step in until a few minutes after 9:00 p.m. As usual, he walked in as if he did not say he would be home hours ago. Christine played casual as