It had been twelve days since Lex had seen Andy in person. Twelve long days since she'd seen her boyfriend of eight years. This was the longest they'd gone without seeing each other in a few years, and Lex's heart was aching to see him again, to kiss him, feel his muscular arms wrapped around her, smell his woodsy and sometimes sweaty scent.
Two and a half weeks ago, Lex left their small town in Upstate New York for a three-week long business trip to London. She was excited for the adventure, but was sad she wouldn't be able to see Andy for three long weeks. After two weeks in London, her boss asked her to return home to take care of some important business at home. She decided to surprise Andy, and found the first flight home - an overnight, which gave her the perfect excuse to disappear for 8 hours.
She finally got home after a 5 hour drive home from the airport in the city. It was almost dinnertime when Lex pulled into their long driveway, rounding the corner to see the small farmhouse they bought last year. Oddly, the lights were out but Andy's car was in the driveway.
Where could he be, she thought. It was a Thursday night - he had work the next morning, and rarely went out on a weeknight. Assuming he had spontaneously decided to go out with his friends or coworkers, Lex decided to drive through town down the main strip of restaurants.
As she was driving, she spotted him walking into a restaurant with someone she didn't recognize, another woman. He had mentioned a new coworker - Alex - the other day, but Lex assumed it was a guy, since they worked for a small construction and maintenance company. Maybe he was just showing her around? Maybe she was new to town and he didn't want her to be alone?
Lex pulled into an empty parking spot across the street from the restaurant, Bella's, an upscale Spanish and Italian cuisine. Something didn't feel right. Should she call him? Text him? Or should she march right up to him and see what his reaction is?
She sat in the car, watching him and this mysterious woman through the window. Her stomach felt odd when a large bottle of red wine arrived at their table. This woman was pretty. Long red hair, slightly wavy, a tight but classy dress, simple heels that I'm sure accentuate her calf muscles when she walks. She looked like she was fit - something that Lex knew attracted Andy.
Then Andy pulled a small box from his jacket. Lex quickly pulled out her phone and started to record a video. He opened the box, and it looked like an engagement ring. The woman gasped and took the box. Lex couldn't watch anymore. She started to sob, shaking with anger and heartbreak. How could Andy have hidden this woman from her for long enough to propose to her, even though he hadn't proposed to Lex yet?
Lex drove home, and decided to wait for Andy to return before saying anything.
Finally, around 7:30, Lex saw headlights swing through the trees that surrounded their house, concealing it from the street. She heard the car door slam a few minutes later, the door open...
"Lex? Are you home?" Rang out Andy's voice. He sounded out of breath.
"I'm upstairs," Lex replied. She somehow managed to keep her voice steady, but she was shaking. She had packed a bag with essentials for him to take. She was getting ready to kick him out.
She heard Andy run up the stairs, heard him coming down the hall, and then he opened the door. He looked excited, so happy to see her. But his face fell as soon as he took a look at her, and noticed the suitcase with his clothing sitting on the bed.
"What...Lex, babe, what's wrong?" Lex started to cry, she couldn't help it. Andy walked towards her, looking genuinely concerned. "Babe, what happened? Why is the suitcase full of my stuff? Are you okay?" His hands were on her shoulders, his fingers rubbing gently. Lex shrugged her shoulders to make his hands fall away.
"How dare you come in here, acting like everything is okay?" She said, unable to look at him, but trying so hard to keep her voice steady. "I am such an idiot. I didn't even notice any signs. But...you're cheating on me? And with someone that you love more than me? So you proposed to her? And you act like nothing's wrong...I just...I can't do this. You need to get out of my house right now."
Andy's face was in complete shock. "Get...Out...NOW!" Lex yelled. She slammed his suitcase shut and shoved it in his chest. "GO. You fucking asshole, you cheated on me."
"No wait, Lex, it's not what you think at all, baby, please--" but Lex wouldn't let him finish.