Patrick headed into his senior year, and Grace was promoted to office manager. With her raise, she managed to put away some savings. She would need funds to go back to college. She wouldn’t have her scholarship anymore. She’d have to pay for tuition and books. With a little nest egg, she wouldn’t feel guilty about the expense, especially if they started a family. Every time she brought up the subject, Patrick said they should wait a couple more years. They were still young. He’d slaved for four years to get through school. He wanted to have some fun before they started talking about kids.
Graduation day came, and Grace felt an overwhelming pride as she sat with Patrick’s parents and her aunt Elizabeth. She and Patrick had both worked hard for this day. Patrick looked so handsome in his cap and gown. His parents boasted that he had graduated with honors. Several of his term papers were on file in the university library. Aunt Elizabeth looked pointedly at Grace. The Moores agreed Grace was the best thing that ever happened to their son, and they insisted on a celebration dinner at Lawry’s steak house. They also insisted Aunt Elizabeth join them.
The Moores ordered champagne. Aunt Elizabeth declined and drank water. Grace sipped cautiously. Patrick imbibed freely. He told stories about professors and students he’d hung out with at the student union. Grace was surprised to hear that. When his parents asked what he planned to do now that he had his degree, he said he needed a break to consider his options. His mother gave Grace a pained look. Aunt Elizabeth sat in stony silence.
He drained his glass and announced he’d joined a gym, and he’d already talked with someone in management who thought he’d make a great trainer. All he had to do was spend a couple of weeks in a course to get a certificate. Aunt Elizabeth gave a derisive snort and said he could have done that straight out of high school. When Mr. Moore agreed, Patrick poured another glass of champagne and sulked.
Embarrassed, Grace ate in silence. When had Patrick had the time or money to join a gym and get to know the management? He’d never talked about any of this with her. She felt Aunt Elizabeth watching her and tried to keep the smile on her face. She attempted to look as though nothing he said was a surprise and she was happy about the plans he’d made.
On the way out of the restaurant, Aunt Elizabeth gripped her arm and held her back. “You didn’t know, did you?”
“Know what?”
“About the student union. About the gym membership.” Aunt Elizabeth looked fierce. “Open your eyes. He’ll use you until you’re a dried-up husk, and then he’ll throw you away.”
“He’s my husband.” She couldn’t change direction now. She’d made vows.
“I know.” Her aunt turned away. “I tried to warn you.”
As soon as Grace and Patrick walked into their apartment, she asked him when he’d joined a gym and how he’d been paying for it. Patrick turned evasive. He’d gotten a really good deal. It wouldn’t cost her a dime. The way he said it made her feel like a moneygrubbing penny-pincher. She dropped the subject.
Two weeks later she came home to an empty apartment and found a note on the table.
Gone skiing with friends.
Needed a break before the certification class starts. I’ll be home Sunday night.
Enjoy church. Love, Patrick
Enjoy church? Easter Sunday was the last time she’d gone. She’d left halfway through the service because she couldn’t hide the tears streaming down her face. And they hadn’t been tears of joy. Every time she tried to talk to God, she felt her words bounce back off the ceiling. Why should God listen to her prayers? She hadn’t listened to Him. She missed the friend who had come to her when she was a terrified, lonely child. She hadn’t heard his voice since the day she gave herself to Patrick.
Skiing was an expensive sport, and Patrick wasn’t working. Suspicious, Grace logged onto the savings account. He’d withdrawn five hundred dollars of her hard-earned school savings. She dug her fingers into her hair and wept.
Hurt and angry, Grace confronted Patrick when he came home Sunday night. He dumped his duffel bag and said he knew she would say no, so he hadn’t asked. Why should he have to ask? He was an adult, not a child, and they were married. That money was as much his as hers. He could do what he wanted when he wanted.
When she said she wished she had the same privileges, he cursed at her. He’d worked four long, hard years to earn his degree. Some of his friends were going to Europe for the summer. It was bad enough he was stuck in Los Angeles and had nothing to look forward to but a nine-to-five job, without having a nagging wife waiting to harangue him the minute he walked through the door.