I found my missing birthday perfume on my mother-in-law’s dresser. She brushed off my question in front of my husband, then said something cruel when he left. Then my father-in-law told me something that made me question my marriage.
The perfume was a $300 birthday gift from Jordan, my husband.
I’d admired its delicate glass bottle with the gold cap for months.
But I could never justify spending that much on perfume.
Jordan remembered and surprised me with it on my birthday.
I’d barely used it twice before it disappeared.
My earrings and favorite silk scarf had vanished, too.
I searched everywhere.
Then, one Sunday, Jordan and I went to his parents’ house for dinner.
I was helping Linda find an extra pillow in her bedroom when something on her dresser caught my eye.
My perfume.
Same delicate bottle.
Same gold cap.
And it was almost full.
“Linda, is that mine?”
She laughed.
“Sweetheart, you’re not the only woman who can afford nice things.”
Jordan shrugged and went downstairs.
When he left, Linda stepped closer.
“My son paid for that perfume. He pays for your home and everything in it. I don’t need your permission to take what’s his. And don’t bother telling Jordan. You know how he hates our arguments.”
I forced a smile.
“Of course, Linda.”
The rest of dinner was unbearable.
Linda chatted and laughed as if nothing had happened, while I struggled to look at her.
I wanted to tell Jordan everything, but I knew he’d dismiss it as another argument between us.
