Code Name: Solace

CHAPTER FOUR

My body ached as I got ready for the day. Grocery shopping was long overdue. I'd been lax in restocking the past two weeks, and today I needed a massive haul.

My lower back throbbed, but I pushed through, promising myself I'd rest once this was done.

I dressed quickly, undoing my braid-out and swiping on a light layer of dewy makeup. Slipping into the comfiest matching lounge set I owned, I headed to the SUV. Warren had sold my old car in preparation for the baby, replacing it with a Volvo. He was a stickler for safety—he wouldn't even reverse into the driveway unless every seatbelt was fastened.

At the grocery store, I leaned on the cart for support, taking my time as I loaded up on everything we needed.

"Mrs. Solace, looking as beautiful as always."

Vincent, the store manager, smiled as I passed him in the aisle.

I returned the smile, but it didn't quite reach my eyes. I didn't feel beautiful.

His brows furrowed. "Is something the matter?"

I fought the sudden urge to cry—damn these hormones.

"I'm okay, thank you, Vincent."

He didn't budge. "Do we need to go for another coffee run?"

I chuckled. His "coffee runs" consisted of taking me to the coffee aisle, letting me pick any brew, and having it made fresh at the in-store café.

I nodded, and his face brightened as he walked with me.

"So... is it the baby blues kicking in? My sister had them her entire pregnancy."

I shook my head. "No, it's not the baby."

I didn't elaborate, but he seemed to fill in the blanks.

"I'm not married, so I don't know if I have the right to offer advice," he said carefully, "but I don't think every day should feel like how you look."

I groaned. "Way to make a girl feel special."

He stammered, "I didn't mean it like that! I just meant... I know there are ups and downs, but there shouldn't be plummets."

Something about what he said felt right. I felt seen.

"You're a beautiful, intelligent woman. If he doesn't value that, then he doesn't deserve you."

I met Vincent's warm brown eyes and saw the sincerity in them. I think he might have a crush on me. He was handsome—his dark skin glowed under the store's fluorescent lights, his curls pulled back in a loose, hippie-style bun. Despite being the store's manager, he clearly put in serious hours at the gym. His veins were prominent, his build deceptive under his uniform.

And here I was, starved for attention, latching onto a kind word like a lifeline.

"Thank you, Vincent. I mean it. I needed to hear that."

He grinned, teeth white and agonizingly straight.

I looked away. He was attractive, sure, but I was faithful to Warren. I always had been. I always would be.

But a little revenge wouldn't hurt.

"Are you free for dinner tonight?" I asked. "It's been forever since I hosted, and you've been such a good friend since we moved here. It's my turn to repay you."

The time was set. If I knew my husband's new habits, he'd be late—but just in time to see me and Vincent talking on the couch after dinner.

Vincent arrived early and finished cooking for me. It was the sweetest thing anyone had done for me in months.