3D: Truce

As time passed, Aubrey got used to waking up alone. Julio enjoyed early mornings, reading, rock music, and well-made Italian food. Those things made the man she adored and trying to change them would be like admitting she wanted someone else. Going to bed alone, however, was an unfavorable new trend. Ever since the fight a few days ago, Julio waited to retire long after Aubrey went to sleep. If he thought she were a passive person who would let things slide, he was sorely mistaken. It was a Sunday, the only full day they had off together. She found him sitting in the living room staring into blank space. “You’re avoiding me.”

“I’m not,” he said, still staring into the air.

Julio was not popular in school. If he weren’t so gorgeous, he would have been the awkward guy girls overlooked. Maturity ironed out a few wrinkles, but Aubrey still found him difficult to read sometimes. He was so chill. Too chill. And, his voice and expressions were often deadpan.

“Then explain why I’ve barely seen you the past three days.”

Those beautiful gray pearls above his nose fell to the floor, and his mouth opened and closed, canceling sentences before they formed. “I hurt you, Aubrey.”

The brokenness in his voice struck her, tearing huge cracks in her defense.

“My parents used to hurt each other, and I swore I would never do that. But, I did it anyway and didn’t mean to. I thought you wouldn’t want me around, so I stayed out your way.”

The sentiment behind the reason spoke volumes about his sweet nature, but the logic was completely flawed. “Julio, we’re married now! You can’t disappear every time you think I’m mad at you.”

He nodded and seemed relieved to learn her expectations. Sometimes she forgot he didn’t grow up in a good marriage. What other bad habits did he pick up from cold parents living estranged in the same house?

“I really didn’t mean what I said, Aubrey. I would never say anything like that.”

“But, you did.”

“I know! Gosh! I know I said it, and I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it as an insult.”

Frustration built up again, and the conversation needed to turn. “Then what did you mean, Julio? I’m failing to see what context that would be appropriate!”

“If you knew my dad, you would understand.”

He thrusted his hands, pleading with her to understand, but how could she? 

“I said it because it would disappoint him to see me working but not because I’m ashamed of you. I love you! And, I love that you have your own business.”

“I still don’t understand why this shouldn’t offend me,” she said, rolling her eyes.

Frustrated air flew out his nostrils as he sank back into the sofa. “My dad had fancy ideas about what wealthy people should do for a living. Things like waiting tables weren’t on that list. I’m not opposed to it. I’ve just never done it. I don’t know if I’d be good at it. That’s the only reason I hesitate. You gotta believe me, Sweetie.”

She shook her head in disbelief. “Is that what you think I do all day?”

His eyes also rolled. “I know you don’t wait tables. It was just an example.”

That was the second time he alluded erroneously to her work at the restaurant, and she didn’t believe him example or not. “I don’t cook either. If I didn’t enjoy being around my customers, or need to make sure everything runs smoothly, I could do the bulk of my work at home like you do. I’m on the phone a lot talking to vendors, negotiating contracts and stuff. I’m on the computer keeping track of inventory and sending orders. Heh, and lately scouring the Internet trying to find people to hire.”

Aubrey had a right to pick this fight, but she’d also be a hypocrite. She threw up her hands in surrender. “I can’t even be mad at you for not knowing what I do because I honestly have no clue what you do.”

A weird feeling in her stomach accompanied worry. “How have we been in a relationship this long and not know the details of our jobs?”

“I don’t know.”

If they were clueless about something as essential as their jobs, what else didn’t they know about each other? Was it normal to still discover things about a partner after marriage? Was it even possible to learn every single detail about a person? What if Skyla was right? What else hadn’t Aubrey considered?

“I’ll take you to the club if you really want to go.”

He talked her out of wanting to visit, but deep down the desire still existed. The club was an invisible being Aubrey wanted to meet. It felt like having a ninja as a roommate. She heard it enter and leave the house and noticed food missing but never saw it. 

“Really?”

“Of course. And, I’ll visit your restaurant soon. I’d love to watch you work. You’re right. We can’t go on like this. Maybe I’ll learn a thing or two so I can help you out sometimes.”

“Thank you, Julio! It’ll be so much fun.”