So so so sorry! I didnt for get about it promise I just got really busy. But I'm officially back and ready to pop out those chapters. But first Id like to fix up a few things. Thanks for reviewing and sticking with me guys. It means a lot (:

Enjoy,

~ C3S

I let out another groan as another article of clothing was thrown into my lap. If you couldn't tell I don't want to be here. Despite all women stereotypes, I hated shopping. Well maybe not completely. I disliked compulsive shopping. If I was going to buy something, it needed to be with purpose, it needed to be something I could use at that moment.

I practically lived in a mansion, and could drive any car I wanted right off the lot, yet I was a penny-pincher. It was a habit I brought in from my previous life. It was a good one though, I felt that it kept me level headed.

My friend thought otherwise.

"Are you kidding me? It's a beautiful dress! Why don't you want this!?"

Beautiful it maybe, but it also maybe expensive. Flicking over the tag in the back confirmed that.

"It's also seven hundred dollars, Monica. Seven hundred for one dress. It doesn't even come with matching shoes or a clutch," I cried in disdain.

Monica rolled her eyes as she snatched the garment from my hands. Unfolding it, she held it out in front of her, inspecting it critically.

"Do you see this? This is the epitome of sexy. You could wear this to a dinner date with John when he gets home, tease him a little. Then when you get home and he's all riled up, deny him," she instructed.

I shook my head at her devious antics but nodded obediently, knowing I'd never go through with it. I was all hard shelled now, but when John came home I was nothing but a softy. He is still my husband, and even if he leaves at inopportune times I still love him.

Plus, I have needs too. Denying him would be denying me.

Monica snorted as she folded the dress over her arm," You know some woman would kill to be able to purchase whatever they wanted. " she muttered as turned to head back toward the store's main room.

The tone of her voice brought me out of my deep psyche. Whenever we went out like this I always seemed to loose track of reality. ," Monica, I didn't-"

Monica picked up on my intentions and simply waved a hand in dismissal," Hey, we live different lifestyles. Naturally we would alter courses after high school."

A frown still tugged down on my lips," How is he doing?"

Monica shrugged uneasily and ran her fingers over the fabric of her dress as she muled over her anwser.

"It's inconsistent. But for the most part, good days," she concluded sending me a weak smile.

I wanted to reach out and hug her but I knew she hated being coddled in her vulnerability. I could only offer my condolences from afar.

"I'm sorry for bringing up such a rough topic on our girls day out."

"It's not such a big deal."

Monica's lip quirked slightly on the edges, "But you know how to make me happy again? Getting this dress!" she called over her shoulder as she resumed her trek to the cashier.

I rolled my eyes and resisted a laugh as I watched her march on confidently. I defiantly crossed my arms and leaned back cockily in my chair. She wouldn't get it. It was an ugly truth, but Monica didn't have near the funds to support a purchase like that . And even if she did there was no way she'd waste it on something unimportant like this.

"With what money?"

As if expecting my questioned, she turned halfway displaying a familiar card over her shoulder.

My hands immediately went for my wallet in my purse. But I knew it was in vain. The card that was usually tucked in the top pocket was gone.

I was going to kill her.

"I thought you were against unnecessary purchases!"

"I am. For me. But for you this is different. It has value, if you stick to the plan anyway, and purchasing this is the first step."

With a groan I let my face fall into my hands. Stopping her was pointless. Between the two of us, she always came out ontop.

An amused chuckle caused me to pick my head up. A soft caramel toned woman stood before me cupping her hand over her mouth. When she was sure she could contain her laughter she spoke," Interesting friend you have there."

My eyes flickered over to Monica who was signing something. No doubt the receipt to the dress.

"Yeah, she can get out of hand sometimes."

The women held her hand out, "Well if it makes you feel better she was right. Its a beautiful dress sure to make any man swoon. I'm Lily, by the way."

I took her hand politely knowing she was right.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Juliet Rahway"

My eyes widened as I felt her suddenly grip tighten. Looking up I found her lips parted in shock. Did I say something wrong?

"Did you say, Rahway?"

I nodded, urging her to go on. What was so shocking about my last name?

"Are you in any chance married to John Rahway?"

Now it was my turn to be confused. Her was this random women, obviously stunning, freaking out over my husband's name. My mind immediately jumped to the worst.

Lily must have read my expression because her hand quickly grabbed mine again giving it a reassuring squeeze," No not like that, hun. Johnny Boy is just a friend of my boyfriends, Jake. You heard of him?"

I shook my head numbly still caught up on the fact that she knew John. I always knew he had some other kind of life.

But I still felt betrayed that I just found it out. I knew it was going to catch up sooner or later but I wished it was through his introductions, not some awkward meeting.

Lily pursed her lips," Well in all honestly, John has never mentioned you either. He always keeps his private life-well private"

"How do you know him? Or how does your boyfriend know him?"

My mind was racing with questions. Here was a girl that could me the answers. Answers I had been waiting years for.

"John and Jake are business partners. Actually they're both away in-"

"Boston?" I finished, praying I was right.

Lily's smile confirmed it. I sighed in relief. Well at least he didn't completely lie to me.

"Yes, actually I'm pretty sure they're going to be heading in tonight. Jake and I have this club downtown that they meet in when the return."

So that's where he goes. He always had me believing he just had a late flight when in reality he was just clubbing the night away, leaving me alone.

So even if Lily wasn't a prospect, he had more than enough opportunists to pick up others.

Just the thought made me clench my fist," And he's heading there first?"

Lily hummed in response as she began digging through her purse. Producing a small card, she flipped it onto its blank side and scribbled some new information. After giving it an inspecting look, she handed it over with a smile.

"You should stop by, especially in that dress. I'm sure John would love to introduce you to everyone."

Of course he does, which is why I've already met you guys.

I played with the little card in my fingers. On the front side was a beautiful sign embracing the name of what I'm assuming was the club and on the other her number.

"Well I need to go. I've got to collect a few more things for tonight. I hope to see you there, Juliet. Nice meeting you"

I only nodded not having the words to speak. My mind was running a mile a minute as it processed all this new information. I didn't even notice Monica come to my side, newly bought dress in hand. Her eyes were locked on Lily's form exiting the store.

"Who was that?"

I quickly pocketed the card and stood up retrieving my card from Monica's hand, ignoring her questioning gaze.

"'No one"

When I entered my house I was met surprisingly by unexpected silence.

Not.

Just as I expected everything was the same as I left it this morning. The house was in complete darkness indicating that no one was home.

Guess I was spending another night alone, with new information that John partied his first hours home away in some club.

Shutting the door roughly behind me, I traveled blindly through my house making a beeline to the kitchen. The moon shone through the kitchen window shedding a little light in the room. Tossing my bags on to the counter I made my way to my newest favourite cabinet.

The alcohol cabinet.

Alcohol had never really been my thing, more of John's pleasure. But it seemed the more he left the more I craved it. I had never drunken to the point where I was incoherent but on the track I was heading it wouldn't be long.

Dropping down to the floor, I pulled open the door. Inside were a variety of names I still hadn't familiarized myself with. I usually just picked one and hoped for the best. Running my finger slowly across the names, I stopped at the third one from the left and pulled it out.

I stood up and turned the bottle to catch the title in the moonlight.

Jack Daniels Whiskey

Hmm... well there is a first time for everything.

I stood back up and wrapped my fingers around the cork. It was already loose from John. Most were, but every now and then I'd come across a bottle that he hadn't started.

" Isn't it a little late to be drinking alone?"

The bottle nearly fell from my hands as I turned around in shock. Clutching the glass bottle to my chest I stared wide eyed at the figure leaning against the entrance. He stood just out of the pathway of the light shielding his identity.

My mind immediately reeled back to when I first came into the house. Had I locked the door? I remember closing it. But I couldn't quiet remember if I flipped the lock.

Here I was frustrated about John and I forgot to lock the damn door. I always knew he would be the death of me.

I gripped the bottle by the neck as I brought it above my head. It wouldn't do much damage but it might buy me sometime.

"Whoever the hell you are. I have a glass bottle."

I tensed as the figure walked closer. The light from the moon revealed its identity. I had to squint a little but I could begin to make out characterizes. Broad face, slightly stubble chin, and the brightest baby blue eyes I'd ever seen.

"And what the hell are you going to do with that?"

I simply blinked as realization soaked to my core. I didn't even flinch as my fingers slipped from around the neck and the bottle crashed to the floor.

"John?"