Lost opportunity

Sue stepped through the front door, her body still humming from the day’s reckless adventures. The weight of the coat on her shoulders felt like the only thing tethering her to reality beneath it, she was bare, her skin tingling with the memory of strangers’ stares. The ache between her legs was a relentless reminder of what she’d done… and what she still craved.

The living room was dim, illuminated only by the flickering glow of the television. Eric was slumped on the couch, a half finished beer in his hand, his eyes glued to the game. The sight of him unkempt in his faded t-shirt and sweatpants sent a pang through her chest. He hadn’t always been like this. There was a time when he would’ve noticed her the second she walked in.

Not anymore.

"Hi, honey," she called, forcing lightness into her voice. "Are the kids in?"

Without glancing up, he grunted, "Nah, they’re at my mum’s for the night."

Her fingers tightened around the edges of her coat. She exhaled slowly, then let her voice drop into something lower, smokier.

"What do you think of my new outfit?"

His gaze never left the screen. "It’s nice. How much did it cost?"

A hot wave of anger surged through her. Nice? After everything she’d done today after the way men had devoured her with their eyes, after she’d let one of them pay to have her this was all she got? A distracted murmur?

She strode forward, planting herself between him and the television, and flung the coat open.

Eric’s beer nearly slipped from his grip. His eyes bulged. "Fuck where the hell did you come in like that?"

Sue stared down at him, her jaw set. "You didn’t answer my question."

His face twisted with discomfort, his gaze darting anywhere but her naked body. The silence stretched, suffocating.

Her patience snapped.

"Well?" she demanded, stepping closer. "What are you waiting for? Get your cock out. I’ll suck it."

Eric swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. "I—I had a wank earlier. I don’t think I can go again."

For a heartbeat, she just stood there, the rejection burning like a brand. Then, without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed out.

The bedroom door slammed behind her. She collapsed onto the mattress, her body thrumming with frustration. The memories of the day played behind her eyelids the way strangers had looked at her, touched her, wanted her. And Eric couldn’t even be bothered to try.

As she lay there, simmering in resentment, a cold realization settled over her:

Something had to change.

And if he wouldn’t give her what she needed… she’d find it somewhere else.