Keeping Secrets & Telling Lies by Trice Hickman

would understand what it means to find real passion, but I see that I was wrong. Stop judging me,Victoria.”
    Victoria softened her eyes. “Debbie, I’m not trying to judge you. I just want you to see what’s at stake and realize what you’re doing.”
    Debbie shook her head. “Forget it.You don’t understand.”
    â€œThen help me to,” Victoria countered, trying to keep her voice low. “I want to hear what’s so great about this guy that has you sneaking off to hotels in the middle of the day, while your son is at school and your husband is hard at work, trying to provide a comfortable life for you.”
    Debbie put her hand to her head. “That’s just it. It’s all so comfortable ... too comfortable. After Brandon was born, Rob and I eased into a routine that became predictable and boring. We used to take long walks in the park, hold hands at the movies, and spend hours making love. But little by little it all stopped. Now Rob spends most of his time at the office, and when he’s home, it’s like he’s not really there, not fully engaged. Although I have to say, he does make time for Brandon. But as far as the two of us is concerned, the spark is gone.”
    Victoria listened as Debbie went on. “When I met Stan, there was instant chemistry between us. He’s handsome and exciting, and he looks at me like no other man ever has. A couple of weeks ago he told me that I had a hidden beauty that was bursting at the seams, waiting to be freed. The next week he took me shopping, made a hair appointment for me, and basically put together my makeover.” She beamed.
    Victoria held her tongue as their server approached the table, sitting Debbie’s decadent tiramisu in front of her.Victoria had forgone dessert, a first for her. This was a rare occasion that had stolen her appetite. She concentrated on her words, choosing them carefully, because she wanted to say the right thing. “From what you’ve told me about this guy ...”
    â€œStan,” Debbie interjected.
    â€œExcuse me, Stan ... I still think you’re making a big mistake, and it’s not just because you’re having an affair. Frankly, there are plenty of marriages that suffer affairs and still survive. I think this is a mistake because this guy—excuse me, Stan —is trying to change you into someone you’re not,” Victoria said, taking a deep breath. “I listened to everything you said, and speaking as a sister who dearly loves you, I don’t like what I’m hearing.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œDebbie, he’s got you painting sunsets and baskets of fruit, instead of the geometric abstracts you love. He has you wearing heels that you can barely walk in, instead of your comfortable Birkenstocks.You even said that your new wardrobe has to grow on you,” Victoria pointed out. “And now you’re thinking about going back to the university to teach, when that was the very thing that burned you out and drove you to become a freelance artist in the first place.” Victoria leaned in close. “Debbie, you were fine just the way you were.”
    Debbie looked up at the ceiling, totally exasperated. “But I wasn’t fine the way I was. I felt like I was dying, Victoria. And, Stan ... he makes me feel alive. Do you know what it’s like to have someone literally wake you up from the dead?” she nearly pleaded, raising her voice.
    â€œDebbie, calm down.”
    â€œYou don’t understand. You’ve got a handsome husband who bangs your brains out and shows you open affection. You’re tall and beautiful, and men drool all over you when you walk into a room.You don’t know what it’s like to feel undesirable, but I do. And right or wrong, Stan makes me feel desired and wanted and full.”
    Victoria sat back in her chair, taking in Debbie’s words. She never knew her friend felt that way.