Seven Years In, and I CheatedChapter 3

Jay’s friend, Mike, was throwing a birthday party, and he invited both Kevin and Jay.

Jay asked me, "You want to go? If you don't want to, I'll stay home."

He was looking at me with such worry and tenderness.

I know that even though we're married, Jay's still a little unsure.

He thinks I'm still hung up on Kevin.

Those seven years leave a mark that's not easily erased.

I have to admit, I still think about Kevin sometimes.

And I always end up comparing him to Jay, and Jay always wins.

The more that happens, the more I know that Kevin doesn't deserve me.

"Sure, it's your friend. He'd be bummed if you didn't go."

Jay smiled. "I'm married now. I should be focusing on my family."

I poked him on the nose. "Kevin told me you used to be a player."

Jay paused, defensive. "What player? I didn't play anyone. You know that. You're the only one I've been with."

Jay might have gone to some clubs and knew how to act but I think it was all an act.

I thought he was a player too.

But the first time we were together, he was awkward and sweet.

As expected, I saw Kevin at Mike's birthday bash.

When he saw me, his face changed, but then he saw Jay beside me, and he relaxed a little.

Chloe stood silently next to Kevin.

Kevin introduced her to everyone. "This is my girlfriend, Chloe."

Chloe gave Kevin a shy smile, and they looked at each other like they were the most in love couple in the world.

Mike didn't know what was going on. All he knew was that I'd cheated on Kevin with Jay, and Kevin had been gracious enough to forgive us.

He gave me a dirty look, but kept his mouth shut out of respect for his friend.

I went to the bathroom, and Kevin followed me, and warned me.

"Em, we can't be together. Don't make things difficult for Chloe, okay? She's not like you. She doesn't know anything."

I kept my face neutral. "I know. It was my fault. I cheated on you with Jay."

Kevin’s face twisted for a second, but then his tone softened. "Jay’s not a good guy. After you two break up, find someone who's better for you."

"What makes you think we'll break up?"

Kevin stared, then laughed. "A guy like that? He's been with everyone."

I saw the contempt in Kevin's eyes, and I wanted to ask my younger self, how did I not see this before?

Love really does blind you.

"Kevin, I finally understand what people mean when they say that about you."

I left Kevin there, speechless.

Let him figure that one out.

Back in the private room, Jay was talking to Mike, and everyone else was hanging out with Chloe, being nice to the youngest one in the group.

I walked over to Jay, just in time to hear Mike say, "Dude, why would you steal your best friend's girl? What's so great about her? You can have anyone you want. You're not that shallow, are you?"

I instinctively touched my face and smiled. Mike was right, my face is definitely my best feature.

Kevin chased after me because of my looks.

But why is it okay for Kevin to cheat, but not for me?

Jay spoke up. "Mike, you can't just judge people by their looks. And it wasn't her fault."

Mike got even more excited. "Are you saying you're in love with her face? Seriously? She used to be Kevin's girl! You just don't do that, bro."

He suddenly saw me and his face turned red.

I casually sat down next to Jay and whispered in his ear. "Kevin came to find me."

Jay's hand tightened around mine, and I smiled. Jay's more worried about me than I thought.