Chapter 3

I wake up before Zander and take a shower.  Just thinking about him touching me last night makes me sick.  Why can’t he just go be with her, it’s not like he hasn’t been with her for the past two months.

I finish showering and get dressed not knowing what kind of mood he’s going to be in.  He’s already out of bed when I exit the bathroom. I go downstairs to the kitchen and freeze when I hear Zander and Mariah talking, “I don’t understand. Why would you force me to listen to you making love to her?” Mariah pouted.

“She is my wife, Mariah. I have marital relations only with my wife. How many times do I need to tell you this? You are my oldest friend, nothing more. I agreed to let you stay here until your ankle is healed, but I’m not going to change what I do with my wife in our bedroom,” Zander states. He sounds so cold talking to her like this, it’s almost refreshing.

I pull my phone out of my pocket and text, Jake. ‘I need to cancel yesterdays order. I need to do this on my own.’

‘Copy, order canceled. Take care.’ Jake replies back. I let out a sigh of relief. After last night, I don’t think provoking Zander is the right solution. I just need to fly under the radar for the next four weeks.

I continue to the kitchen to make myself something to eat before going into work today.  “Good morning, Mrs. Ward,” Mariah greets me with a tight smile.  “Sleep well?”

“I did, thanks for asking.  And Mariah, please call me Sara. Mrs. Ward is so formal and was my mother-in-laws name before it was mine,” I reply forcing a smile. “Do you still want that omelet I promised you yesterday?”  I’m hoping she says no. The smell of eggs turned my stomach the other day which I dismissed as nothing and opted to skip breakfast.

“You are too kind, I don’t want to trouble you,” Mariah cooed.

“It’s no trouble at all, Sara enjoys cooking,” Zander smiles. He gives me a kiss on the cheek before walking into another room to answer a work call.

I set to work on making an omelet for her, while trying not to throw up.  As soon as it was finished, I put it on the counter in front of her before turning to get myself some yogurt and fruit. “You think you’re so special, don’t you?” Mariah asked.

I quickly click my phone to record this conversation. I’m so tired of her twisting shit about me. “I have no idea what you are talking about. I simply made you something to eat. Is it not to your liking?” I ask.

“He may have fucked you last night but we both know who he was thinking about. After all I’m sure you know by now he’s been sleeping at my place for the past month,” Mariah stated.

“You sound jealous, Mariah.”

“Don’t play smug with me, you little bitch. You know who he’ll come running to every time I call.  Your just a stand in for me, and in time he’ll give up on you completely,” Mariah continued.

“You are absolutely right. I can’t compete with you and I’m done trying. In three weeks, he’s all yours,” I answer turning to wash my dishes.

“What’s that supposed to mean?  What’s happening in three weeks?” Mariah pressed.

“You’ll get your wish; I’ll be completely out of your way.” I dried my hands before grabbing my briefcase and walking out the door. I stop recording and get into my car.  Just before I get to work, Zander calls me.  “Hello?” I answer the phone.

“Did you have to upset Mariah before you left? Honestly, how many times do we have to go over this?  She is my friend, and there is nothing going on between us.  This jealousy streak needs to end.  I expect you to apologize to her when you get home,” Zander seethed through the phone.

“Understood. Have a good day, husband,” I reply before hanging up my phone. I turn it off not wanting to deal with him any more today. Of course, she’d twist it and he’d take her word for fact instead of talking to me first.  I’m so tired of the hypocrisy of this marriage.

                          *******************************************

I finish work and go home to find them cuddled together on the couch.  “Your finally home,” Zander states standing up. “We’ve been waiting for you so we can go out to celebrate.  Mariah got a modeling job she’s been waiting to hear about.”

Of course he wants to celebrate her, but he forgot about my promotion he promised to celebrate. I forced a smile as he helped her to the car. I climbed into the backseat knowing too well what my place is here. Honestly, I’m surprised they even waited for me.  Then again, my money is on her insisting they wait so she can rub shit in my face some more. Only I don’t care anymore.

We arrived at the restaurant, and he helps her to the table, holding the chair out for her before sitting down next to her, leaving me to move my own chair and sit across the table from my husband. She kept her hand on his arm the entire time we waited for the waitress to come take our orders.  He ordered her meal for her, leaving me to order for myself, and it hits me, I wonder how he’d feel if someone came tonight to pay me attention like he’s giving her?

I excuse myself to the bathroom and call Jake.  “Already calling, is it that bad?”

“Can you come to Michelle’s on Main Street?  Bring a friend, preferably one who I know and is willing to shamelessly flirt with me when it’s called for.”

“I know just the person,” Jake replied.  “Be there in 10.” He hangs up and I return to the table.  She’s now leaning in whispering in his ear having their own little show. 

“Congratulations, Mariah on landing the job.  When do you start shooting?” I ask, faking interest.

“Next month, they want to wait until my cast comes off.  Can’t wear heels with a bum ankle,” She pouts.  “I’m just so glad Zander is taking such good care of me,” she states, rubbing on him while looking straight at me.  I on the other hand am looking at the door, waiting for Jake to arrive.  I wonder if Zander will remember Jake, after all it’s been a few years since he’s seen him last.

“He is something,” I smile.  The food arrives at the table, just as Jake and his best friend Ace walk in.  They follow the hostess and stop when they see me. 

“Saraphina?” Jake smiles.

“Oh, my goodness, Jake.  Mom didn’t tell me you were coming to town,” I lie getting up to greet him with a hug.  Instantly, Zander pushes Mariah off of him and stiffens.

“I figured I would surprise her tomorrow.  We just got in, and Ace here was hungry,” Jake replied.

“Ace, it’s been what, four years?” I state, pulling him in for a hug.

“Something like that,” Ace answers.  “How have you been?  Still married to that guy…  What’s his name?”

“Zander,” I offer.  “He’s here, and we’re celebrating his friend Mariah landing a modeling gig she’s been chasing.”

“I see,” Ace nodded.

“Why don’t you two join us?” I suggest.  “Zander and Mariah won’t mind, will you?” I ask challenging Zander to tell my brother no.

“More the merrier,” Zander stated, trying to straighten in his seat.  Jake sits in the chair next to me, while Ace grabs another chair from the table behind us, and sits even closer to me on the other side.

“I heard you got promoted at work,” Ace stated stealing some food off my plate.

“Mom’s been bragging already?  I just told her about it the other day,” I giggle.

“Mom’s proud of her little girl.  I’m sure the whole church has heard about it by now,” Jake added.  The waitress came over and took Jake and Ace’s orders.

“Zander, I’m feeling tired suddenly,” Mariah pouted.  “Perhaps you were right, all this fuss is too much excitement for one day.”

“Are you okay?  Do you need the hospital?”  Zander asked, suddenly full of concern as he cradles Mariah.  I see both Jake and Ace tense at the scene. 

“I think it would be a good idea, but I don’t want Sara to have to leave,” Mariah replied.  “Her friends just arrived, and…”  She lets out a loud sigh.

“I’ll send her a car.  Let’s get you to the hospital,” Zander said.  “You understand, right Sara?  You know Mariah’s been ill for the past few months.”

“Completely understand.  Go on, she needs a doctor, it could be serious,” I reply.

“No need for a ride, I’ll make sure she gets home safely,” Ace states.  Causing Zander to pause until Mariah lets out a dramatic whimper.  As soon as they left, Ace turns to look at me.  “What the hell was that?”

“That would be the actress and the blind man,” I smile.  “Three more weeks of this shit and there won’t be a thing he can do to stop me.  The divorce will finalize in four and I can walk away free.”

“He just abandoned you?”  Jake asked, his voice tight.

“I’m used to it by now,” I shrug.  “It would happen every so often, usually when he makes it known we had plans, then about three months ago, she was diagnosed with this mystery illness that comes and goes on a whim.”

“You didn’t even protest,” Ace pointed out.

“If I had he’d just say I was being cruel and unreasonable.  After all, there is nothing going on between them.  She’s just an old family friend who has no one since her grandmother passed two years ago,” I explain. 

“Could have fooled me when we walked over,” Jake muttered.

“I thought they were the couple, which is why I asked about your husband,” Ace admitted.  “I’m an old friend, maybe we should cozy up like them.”

“I’ve considered it, but until the three weeks is up, I’d rather not find out how bad things can get,” I admit.

“What are you not telling me little sis?” Jake pressed again.

“Leave it alone, Jake.  Like I said, there is more at stake right now, the less I piss him off, the better,” I reply.  “Don’t worry, he’s covering dinner for all of us,” I smile taking Zander’s credit card from my purse. 

               After dinner, Ace brings me home on the back of his motorcycle. He walks me inside and asks me to use the restroom.  I point him to the bathroom, while I walk over to the kitchen to get myself a glass of water.  “No one’s home,” Ace commented when he returned.  I handed him a glass of water with a smile.

               “I’m used to it, hopefully they stay at the hospital overnight,” I reply.  “I could use a full night’s rest without her drama act.”

               “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” Ace asks.

               “Only, if I ever call you for help, don’t tell Jake.  Just help, okay?” I request.

               “Is it that bad?”

               “No one needs to go to jail because I married an asshole who can’t let go of his first love,” I answer.  “He signed the divorce papers and thought they were papers for a charity auction my work is doing.  He doesn’t listen to me.  I need one guy in my life to listen to me, and I know if I ever call Jake for help, he’d make a side trip.”

               “Understood,” Ace replied taking my phone and putting his number in.  “Any time, day or night.”

               “I should also mention I’m seven weeks pregnant, but I’m not telling Zander.  He doesn’t deserve to know.  I doubt he’d hear me or care as long as she’s around.  I say they can have each other,” I add.

               “Noted.  Does Jake know?”

               “Yeah, it’s what got him to calm down when I told him about the divorce,” I reply.

               “What divorce?” Zander asked, coming inside.

               “My parents are getting a divorce, and I was just saying how tough it’s been on my mom,” Ace jumped in.  “Saraphina was just agreeing with me on how tragic it is.”

               “I see.  The hospital is keeping Mariah overnight for observation.  I just came to grab her a few things,” Zander explained.

               “Zander, would you mind if Ace crashed on our couch for a couple nights next week after he helps his mom move out of his childhood home?” I ask, trying to hold back a smirk.

               “What?”  Zander asked, just as his phone began to ring.  “Hello?  Yes, I just walked in.  I will make sure to get them.  I’m hurrying.” He walks down the hall on the phone with Mariah.

               “What are you playing at?”  Ace asks.

               “Trying to see if he falls for his own game,” I shrug.  “Two nights, you game?”

               “You telling Jake?”  Ace chuckles.

               “What he doesn’t know won’t kill him,” I remark.  Zander comes back with a duffle bag.  “You won’t mind, will you?  It’ll only be for two nights.  I’d offer him the guest room, but with Mariah staying here, the most I can offer my childhood friend, is a couch.”

               “It’s fine.  I need to go; Mariah is waiting for her things.  Don’t wait up,” Zander states without even looking up from his phone.

               “I won’t,” I call after him.

               “Something tells me, he didn’t hear a word you said,” Ace comments.

               “But he agreed,” I shrug.  “Next week, two nights back-to-back.  If you can walk around in just your underwear it’d be more entertaining.  She likes to parade around in lingerie and a sheer robe.  I think it’d be fitting.”

               “Done.  How intense do I have to make it with you?”

               “None, just be you.  I don’t want to provoke him, just make your presence known.”

               “He’s hit you, hasn’t he?”

               “Leave things as they are Ace.  I make the rules, and you follow, understood?  If you’re going to help me, I’m in charge.  No rogue shit or telling Jake.  Everything stays between us,” I clarify. 

               “I can’t guarantee I won’t break his arm if he hits you,” Ace replies.

               “We’ll cross that bridge if it comes,” I state. 

               He holds out his hand, “let the games begin my friend.”  I shake it with a smile.  I walk Ace to the door, bidding him goodnight, before locking up.  I know Zander won’t be coming home tonight, and honestly, I don’t care.  I stopped caring a month ago.  I’m more relieved than I should be.