The Wife Comes Home Late

It was 3:10 in the morning when my wife came home from her school's Christmas party, a party that ended at 11:00. I stayed in bed pretending I was asleep as Jesse jumped in the shower. That was my cue to head to the guest room. I was on the edge of falling asleep when I heard Jesse push open the door. A few minutes later I heard the door shut. This was the first Christmas party we didn't attend together. Jesse made sure I knew that I wasn't invited.

My alarm woke me at five and I prepared to leave my wife. My bags were already packed and in the trunk of my car. I checked my cell phone and thanks to some app, it had captured last night's text messages between my wife and her lover. The last message was pretty graphic, Jesse complaining about all of her lover's come that was dripping out of her pussy and ass into her panties which were now trashed. She hoped her husband wouldn't pester her for sex because she was going to be sore the whole weekend. I knew where those panties were going to end up and after fishing around the kitchen trash, I placed them in a Ziplock bag using the salad tongs.

And that was the end of our marriage of 25 years. After transferring those messages to my new phone and the cloud, I left my wedding ring and old cell phone on the kitchen table. It was time to start a new phase of my life, after almost 30 years of my relationship with Jesse. On the way out, I went back and grabbed my old cell phone, there were still a few text messages I needed to send on it.

It had been my plan to send all of the text messages to our three children, but I thought the last message was too much. Jesse had already completely alienated our children. All three chose colleges on the other side of the country and stayed there when they graduated. As a psychologist, I recognized the signs of perimenopause but was unable to do anything about it. Jesse would lose her shit anytime she thought I was analyzing her. I took her shit though as her mood swings and irritability alienated one child after another. And when they were gone, she came after me.

I did work hard to maintain my relationship with my children. After Jesse refused to attend the wedding for our oldest because it was too far away, the three of them stopped calling her mom and she became Jesse. She wasn't invited to the other weddings or christenings. Jesse didn't seem to care.

Some people claim they had no idea their spouse's behavior was leading to infidelity. My training left no doubt in my mind. A friend gave me an app that would send Jesse's text messages which I used to track her relationship with shithead, another teacher in her school. Just because someone is heading in a bad direction doesn't mean they will actually be unfaithful. Like Jesse planning her big night in the Hilton, some wives will get all the way to the hotel room door and realize they were fucking up. I hoped that was going to be the case with Jesse. Obviously, I was disappointed, but it was time to put my plan into action.

That brings us to this cool Florida morning with me sitting in a restaurant eating breakfast. I had already checked into my hotel near the cruise terminal in preparation for a 21-day cruise that was leaving Sunday morning. I reviewed the email I drafted to my children announcing I was leaving their mother and my new cell phone number. After a long internal debate, I attached the text messages and hit send. Their response was swift and consistent, "what took you so fucking long dad?"

I also read the latest report from the PI I hired, showing Jesse and shithead leaving the Christmas party at nine and heading directly to the Hilton. There was a picture of them holding hands as they headed to their room. The picture of shithead walking Jesse to her car at 2:30 in the morning and then giving him a good-bye blowjob in the parking lot was going to allow me to enforce our prenup.

The PI report was forwarded to my attorney with directions to have Jesse served with divorce papers on Monday when she got home from work. She would be required to vacate the premises before I returned from my cruise. Shithead would be served with a restraining order barring him from my home. My attorney would also send the PI report to shithead's wife.

There was a four-hour drive to my hotel so after breakfast I headed out but not before turning off my old cell. The hotel was full of other people attending the cruise and I was shocked to see one of my co-workers sitting by herself eating dinner. Melanie was sweet and had survived a brutal divorce a few years ago.

"Hi Jack, I can't say I'm surprised to see you here," she said.

"Well, I am very surprised to see you here, care to explain?"

"I saw your cruise confirmation on the printer. Why would a married man book a solo 21-day cruise unless he wasn't planning on staying married. I knew you wouldn't be cheating on Jesse, you're not that kind of guy and everyone in the office knows what a bitch Jesse has become. We always got along with each other Jack, and I frequently referred to you as my 'work husband.' So, I booked the cruise, hoping we could have some fun together, whatever you are comfortable with. I also booked all the same shore excursions which I can easily cancel if you're uncomfortable with me joining you."

"Actually Melanie, it would be better for me if I didn't spend too much time alone so I would appreciate your company. But I'm not ready to commit to any long-term relationship," I said.

"Two psychologists thinking alike, who would have thunk it," Melanie added.

After a long dinner, I walked her to her room. At her doorway she said, "I'm not going to invite you in Jack. I'm in this for the long-term, not a one-night stand although my body is telling me I'm a fucking idiot."

I said, "I'm cool with that," gave her a kiss on her cheek, after setting plans for breakfast and headed to my room.

My mind was racing with thoughts of Melanie. We've worked together for at least 20 years and were always friendly. The only times it ever came close to being more than friends were at our company's Christmas party where Melanie would ask me to dance. There was something about the way she molded her body against mine which could be interpreted in many ways. It was after Melanie's divorce that Jesse went on a bitch spree about it. As usual, I was docile about Jesse's ranting.

Before going to bed, I turned on my old cell. There was one message to me from Jesse asking where I was around dinner time. I ignored it. There were several messages between Jesse and shithead beginning with her finding my ring on the table. There was no remorse in Jesse's tone, and I didn't expect any. I've treated enough patient to know the cheater rarely feels remorse. My feelings were hurt when she told her lover that she hoped I wouldn't do anything stupid like ask for her divorce because it would really fuck with her lifestyle. Funny, I knew that's why she stayed with me but seeing it in writing kicked my teeth in.

Over breakfast, Melanie asked me what triggered my decision to take the cruise.

"Are you asking professionally Melanie?"

"I'm asking in any capacity you want. We both know the more you talk about it, the less it will hurt. God, how many times was I in your office crying my eyes out when I discovered my husband was cheating on me. And I continued to cry in your office as he tortured me through the divorce. I think you're the only reason I didn't lose my mind. So, start talking Jack."

We had time before we had to board the ship, so I gave her the long story. I'll admit there were tears in my eyes at different points in the story and I'll admit I felt better after talking to Melanie. There was a part of me that didn't want to end up in the patient/counselor relationship with Melanie and I told her that.

"That's good Jack, because I ain't going to let that happen."

After boarding, Melanie surprised me again when I found out that she had the stateroom next to mine. We had dinner together and did some dancing that first night which ended with another kiss on her cheek. We had breakfast together on Monday morning and Melanie surprised me when she joined me on the treadmills in the gym. I didn't know she was a runner, and she said jogging was the best advice I gave her. We spent the rest of the day reading and talking in our deck chairs while enjoying the beautiful Caribbean weather.

Over dinner, we talked about my expectations for Jesse's response when she was served. Through the miracle of Elon Musk's satellite system, we were able to access everything through my phone.

The first thing we read was a text message from my daughter:

"Jesse called me this afternoon, telling me I was a traitor, that I had to know you were divorcing her and as one woman to another, I was obligated to tell her. Then she complained that you were overreacting to a little fling because your male ego was hurt. I told her she had treated you like shit for the last 25 years and fling or no fling, you should have divorced her long ago. I added that the brothers and I were thrilled that you finally ended that sham marriage. I called her a cheating slut and blocked her."

There were several from Jesse:

"Are you done sulking you piss ant, call me so we can discuss you ridiculous request for a divorce."

A second Jesse text read:

"You pitiful child, why did you have to send the PI report to his wife. Did you want some company in your misery. Call me."

The third was priceless,

"YOU CANCELLED MY FUCKING CREDIT CARDS ASSHOLE. I was having my hair and nails done and I had to use my debit card to pay for it. How am I going to live without my credit cards. This has gone too far, and you better get your head out of your ass if you know what's good for you."

The texts between shithead and Jesse were interesting. First, discussing the divorce papers and that she wouldn't be able to live on her salary alone. Shithead was reassuring her that I loved her too much to follow through with the divorce and that he would be there to support her.

Then his wife must have gotten the PI report because his attitude changed:

"You stupid slut, you told me your husband was a wimp, and he would roll over and accept our affair. He sent a copy of the PI report to my wife, and I'm fucked. All because some fat assed bitch with saggy tits wanted to get fucked and now, I am the one who will get royally fucked. Don't call me, don't talk to me and don't come near me at school. If either your husband or my wife sends that report to the school board, we will both be immediately dismissed. Good luck finding a lawyer when you're unemployed. I curse the day I met you"

Melanie and I both felt sorry for Jesse. We both had lots of experience with patients that failed to analyze the repercussions of their actions and were surprised when the shit blew up in their faces.

There was also a message from my lawyer telling me that Jesse was refusing the divorce and was going to do everything to delay it while she got me to come to my senses. I expected nothing less.

Melanie and I continued to enjoy our time together. Maybe 21 days on a cruise by myself wasn't a good idea because I probably would have spent too much time dwelling on Jesse. Melanie was determined not to let that happen. We really had known each other for too long and for the first time since my kids went off to college, I had a running partner.

Five nights in, after dinner and dancing, I went to give Melanie a kiss on her cheek at her stateroom door. She turned her head so that my kiss landed on her lips. The kiss was turning into something more than a good night kiss when she gently pushed me away.

"Sorry Jack, that was just a test drive, and I couldn't resist."

"Were you happy with the test drive?"

"Too much Jack, good night."

Was I disappointed? Yes. Did I have a huge smile on my face? Also, a yes. Between the dancing and the kiss, I had to take care of myself in the shower.

We sat down for breakfast after our run the next morning and Melanie said, "You know I can hear your shower running. Was that a long cold shower last night or were you taking care of business?"

I knew my face was a deep red.

"Well, I think your blushing answers my question. After watching so many people fuck up their lives because they underestimate the responses to their decisions, us psychologist over analyze everything. So, how would you react if I had invited you into me stateroom last night?"

"I would have accepted without the slightest bit of rational thought. I am a man, and you are a beautiful woman. A woman I have always liked, maybe a little too much when I think about our Christmas party dances. And this last week has been wonderful on so many levels, simple companionship, the compassion of a friendly ear, the way you feel in my arms when we dance. How could I say no to such and invitation."

"I agree with everything you said Jack. I've wanted you for so long, as you helped me through my divorce, I realized I had married the wrong guy. I was so vulnerable, and you never did or said anything that could lead to you to take advantage of me. And here we are, our situations are reversed. Am I taking advantage of you with my crazy idea to join you on this cruise."

"When you were going through your divorce Melanie, our relationship was much more of a doctor/patient relationship. Besides, I was married and would never violate my vows. But I think this is different. It's not like my love for Jesse ended when she came home after fucking another man that Friday. It had ended long ago. Probably at the time our daughter left, never to return. That was six years ago. And that was long after our sex life ended."

"Are my feelings for you Melanie just a rebound effect and maybe if we crossed the line, we would regret it when we got back to our jobs and reality? Or maybe we would realize that we were always meant for each other. I am willing to take the risk to cross the line, hoping that we would spend the rest of our lives together."

"So, we spend our time on board, boffing each other's brains out and get married when your divorce is finalized?"

"Sometimes dreams do come true Melanie."

She smiled and had tears in her eyes. It was a sea day on board and like most sea days, we planned on spending it sitting on deck chairs on the verandah while we talked and read. When Melanie removed her cover up, I almost came in my pants. Her bathing suits to that point had been pretty conservative but this bikini looked perfect on her.

"Judging by the bulge in your pants, I think you like what you see Jack."

"Jesus Melanie, I always believed you were attractive but you're so much more than that. Why have you been hiding that and are there more surprises."

"They wouldn't be surprises if I told you. And to your first question, I wanted your interest in me to be so much more than my physical appearance."

We had a pleasant day, and it took all of my self-control not to keep staring at Melanie. For someone old enough to be a grandmother she looked hot. After a nap on the verandah and a hot shower, Melanie joined me for dinner, rocking a little black dress.

"I don't have to ask if you like, your bulge gives you away. What are you packing down there anyway."

The dress left me speechless during dinner. Melanie wanted to know if I was okay.

"You're beautiful Melanie, I mean way beautiful, way out of my league beautiful. Why are you sitting here with me?"

"Jack, I'm two seconds away from reaching across this table and busting your nose. You are seriously underestimating your sex appeal or whatever you want to call it. I hear the other women talking about you and that's why I booked this cruise, so I could be first in line. Wait till we get back to work and you see how many of the single women and even some of the married women start throwing themselves at you. I'm just some old grandmother, and men don't usually throw themselves at grandmothers. You are way out of my league and Jesse's an idiot to push you away. You have no idea how long I loved you, not just the physical but your compassion for people."

Melanie had some tears in her eyes, so I asked her to dance.

"Whenever we dance Melanie, going back to the Christmas parties, there was something about the way you molded your body against mine... I don't know how to explain it."

"Because we were meant for each other Jack."

Melanie kissed me and led me to her stateroom, which would become our stateroom till the end of the cruise. I don't want to give you the details of two grandparents having sex or that Melanie came with a bottle of little blue pills. Or how wonderful it was to be entwined with a beautiful woman for the first time in a decade. The best part was that I was with a woman who loved me, and I had forgotten how good that felt, how much I missed it. Melanie caught the tears in my eyes.

"They better be tears of joy Jack or my self-confidence will go to shit."

"Yes Melanie, tears of joy. Maybe you can imagine how good it feels to be in the arms of someone who loves you when it's been over a decade since you felt loved."

"It's been over 15 years since I felt loved by someone other than my children Jack."

We woke up late, made love again, took a shower together and enjoyed another blue pill. By the time we got down for breakfast it was lunchtime. Over lunch, I turned on my old phone again, there were dozens of messages from Jesse, mostly threats on how she was going to take me for every penny I had.

I called my lawyer.

"Jesus Christ Jack, Jesse has been driving me and everyone in my office crazy. She was camping out in the lobby demanding everyone to tell her where you were. She was even harassing other clients. I had to get a restraining order against her. I'm going to sue her balls off for harassment. From what I heard, she was even worse at your clinic and had to revise the original restraining order to give your co-workers and their patients some peace of mind. Also, she has not taken any steps to vacate the marital home. I suggest that you stay away for an extra couple of days, and I'll have the sheriff's office forcibly remove her from the house. So how are you doing?"

"I'm doing very well. I've met someone since I've been away, and she's brightened up my world."

"This someone wouldn't be named Melanie, would it?"

"I'm going to assume this is covered by attorney-client privilege and say yes, why do you ask?"

"Jesse noticed that Melanie wasn't in the office and had been yelling that you two were shacking up together. Any truth to that?"

"It's more complicated than that. Melanie and I have known each other and been friends for decades, I counseled her when she was going through a nasty divorce maybe five or ten years ago. Patient confidentiality prevents me from saying more but I can assure you that there was nothing sexual or inappropriate about our relationship."

"We are on a cruise in the Caribbean I didn't know she was coming until I got here. Melanie saw the cruise confirmation on the printer and easily concluded that a married man wouldn't book a solo 21-day cruise unless he wasn't planning on staying married. She felt it was her obligation to help me through it, so without my knowledge, she booked herself into that cabin next to mine. I can't begin to tell you what a godsend she has been, I think without her I would have thrown myself overboard before the 21 days were up."

"I'm going to assume Jack that somewhere over the last 10 days the relationship may have become intimate, I can hear the sing song in your voice but don't tell me. This may make the prenup a little sticky"

"Let me ask this completely hypothetical question. Jesse and shithead are paranoid that someone is going to feed the PI report to the school board. As much as I hate shithead, I don't want his wife and kids to lose his income. What if we offered Jesse a cash settlement, say $100k and my guarantee that the PI report will remain confidential?"

"That may work Jack, but I'm certain if we offer 100, she'll want 200."

"Then we'll settle at $150k, but she walks away from everything else."

The text messages between shithead and Jesse that night was interesting on two points. One, they had to know from the PI report that I had access to their messages or maybe they thought only the PI had access. The only thing shithead cared about was keeping the PI report confidential, so he was pushing Jesse to accept the original offer. Jesse had dreams of a million dollars. Shithead called her the dumbest cunt he's ever seen and not only was she dog faced ugly, but she was just as stupid.

As expected, Jesse asked for $200k but wouldn't settle for anything less than $175k. I had a feeling that's where we were going to end up, so I told my attorney to accept it.

Melanie was thrilled that Jesse's shit storm would be settled before we came home. That left deciding where we were going to live as the big question. Neither of us waned to move back into my old home and Melanie was reluctant to give up her place until she was certain that there would be a 'we" as in a married 'we.' In the short term, I stayed in an extended stay hotel. My old house sold quickly. I moved the dining room and living room furniture into a rented condo near my office. Melanie insisted on a new bed, and we had fun picking it out and breaking it in.

The divorce was finalized a year after Jesse accepted my offer. We planned a small wedding for the following Saturday, but we had five kids between us, plus spouses and grandkids. Add in our siblings and we were quickly up to fifty people.

Jesse showed up at the wedding, she didn't come into the wedding hall, but watched from the sidelines It had been over a year since I had seen her. She always had trouble keeping her weight under control and had either lost or gave up the battle. She was now very overweight, a very unhealthy weight. After years of treating alcoholics, I was certain she had a drinking problem. Her kids were ignoring her, and her grandchildren had no idea who she was.

In a memorable act of compassion, I watched Melanie go over to Jesse and say hello. They chatted and then Melanie took her by her arm and led her into the hall. She had the wait staff set another setting to her right, and they sat down together. Jesse had a shocked look on her face and meekly smiled at me as I sat to Melanie's left.

During the dinner, one by one, Melanie led Jesse's children over to her. Jesse was crying non-stop as her children hugged her and she met her grandchildren for the first time. While I was dancing with Melanie, I told her she was a remarkable woman.

"Are you seriously just realizing that Jack? By the way, I offered Jesse some counseling sessions."

"Hmm, my wife is treating my ex-wife, who would have thunk it."