The Perfect Marriage

by Debbie Viggiano

  Rosie’s mouth dropped open. Good heavens. What was wrong with her imagination? Was she a repressed violent person? Should she go and have counselling? Perhaps she was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Matt had warned that the recent frightening and traumatic events might catch up with her. She came back to the present.

  ‘Your clothes were all torn. What happened?’

  ‘I don’t really want to go into detail – I’d prefer to spare Cheryl’s blushes – but there will be no second date.’

  ‘Did you sleep with her?’ Rosie blurted. Her voice seemed to have gone up two octaves. Her hand shot to her mouth. Fancy asking a question like that! Matt’s private life was none of her business.

  ‘No.’ Matt put his knife down. He gave Rosie a frank look. ‘No, I didn’t sleep with her. But while we’re talking like this, and being honest, there is something I need to talk to you about.’

  ‘Oh?’ She stared at Matt. He was looking at her in a peculiar way. She couldn’t quite fathom his expression. He had a look of hopelessness on his face. And yet his eyes…oh, those eyes…she could have sworn they were regarding her with such tenderness. The air between them was starting to crackle. Rosie could feel her mouth drying out. Was she imagining this, or was something actually going on here?

  ‘The only reason I asked Cheryl out,’ said Matt in a faltering voice, ‘was because–’

  Rosie’s mobile phone suddenly shrieked into life making them both jump. She rummaged under the pages of the Sunday newspapers and grabbed it. The caller display said Lucy. Rosie slid her finger along the touch screen.

  ‘Hello?’

  ‘Rosie!’ Lucy squawked, ‘I have something to tell you, and it simply cannot keep.’

  Chapter Fifty-Two

  Lucy had felt like she would burst if she didn’t tell somebody her news. But who could she tell? If she rang her parents, they’d be horrified. She could just imagine what her mother would say.

  ‘Don’t be so ridiculous, Lucy! I can’t believe I’m hearing such a thing. You’ve obviously gone stark raving mad. Gerald? Gerald! Our daughter is on the phone with the most preposterous news ever. I think I’m going faint. Pour me a triple gin and tonic.’

  And then her father, henpecked and subservient, would have taken the phone from her mother and spoken calmly into the receiver. ‘Hello, Luce. Your mother seems a teensy bit overwrought. What’s up? Oh, really? I see. Well, I don’t see really. I think Mummy might possibly be right on this occasion. Yes, dear. Stark raving mad. Would you excuse me, darling? I’m going to join Mummy for that triple gin.’

  On occasions like this, you needed to confide in somebody who had known you all your life – a person who was privy to the secrets of your heart. Like your best friend. Lucy had immediately reached out to Rosie.

  ‘I have the most exciting news ever!’ Lucy was bubbling over with happiness. Her heart was expanding with so much joy. Any second now it would squeeze through her ribs and, like a cartoon, pulsate on top of her sweater with little red hearts floating upwards.

  ‘What is it?’ Rosie laughed.

  ‘You’ll just never guess.’

  ‘No, you’re right, I won’t.’

  ‘Well, you could at least try! Go on. It’s not difficult.’

  ‘Okay. You’ve been promoted.’

  ‘Nope.’

  ‘You’ve won the lottery.’

  ‘Nope.’

  ‘Oh my goodness, you’re pregnant.’

  ‘No! My news is…I’M GETTING MARRIED!’

  ‘Married? Oh, I see!’ Rosie smacked her forehead. ‘The wedding is back on again. In which case you’ve presumably come to terms with Terry being a cross-dresser, and you’re willing to accept Tracey. Right?’

  ‘You’re half right and half wrong.’

  ‘Sorry,’ said Rosie, ‘in that case I’m thoroughly confused.’

  ‘Yes, the wedding is back on. But I’m not marrying Terry. I’m marrying Gregory instead!’ Lucy beamed into the phone, waiting for Rosie to give a thunderous howl of approval. It didn’t come. Instead there was a long pause.

  ‘Gregory? You mean Gregory Tibor?’

  ‘Yes, of course Gregory Tibor. The owner of Tibor’s Tasty Titbits and, as from tomorrow, your new boss. That Gregory.’

  ‘Blimey.’

  Lucy’s shoulders sagged. This wasn’t the reaction she wanted. ‘Is that all you can say?’

  ‘I’m gobsmacked. This isn’t some prank you’re playing on me, is it?’

  ‘Most definitely not!’

  ‘In that case,’ said Rosie cautiously, ‘congratulations.’

  ‘Aren’t you pleased for me?’ Lucy could feel her bubbles of happiness slowly starting to pop.

  ‘Luce, don’t take this the wrong way, but this has Rebound stamped all over it.’

  ‘I don’t care.’

  ‘Well you should care. Take a leaf out of my book. Rushing down the aisle because you think somebody might be a good husband is actually a recipe for disaster.’

  ‘Ah, but that’s where your rebound and mine have nothing in common. You were never in love with Dave, whereas I am head-over-heels with Gregory.’

  ‘I thought I was in love,’ Rosie protested.

  ‘Rubbish,’ Lucy tutted disparagingly. ‘Did you ever want to rip Dave’s clothes off and roger him senseless?’

  ‘Okay, point taken. But lust doesn’t last forever. What happens when you’ve finished bonking for England?’ She was aware of Matt suddenly looking at her, a startled expression on his face. ‘I mean, what exactly do you two have in common with each other?’

  ‘Loads of things! We’re both business people, and understand the pressures of each other’s work. We know that down time is precious, and we want to spend it together. We love the simple things in life – a walk in the park, watching the world go by, seeing the sun set. We’re never short of conversation. We never stop laughing. And we want to start a family – immediately – and then grow old together.’

  ‘Fine, but the reality is you’ve known this guy for five minutes.’

  ‘Yeah, that’s true. But I feel like I’ve known him forever.’

  Rosie swallowed. Yes, she could identify with those feelings. She stole a look at Matt who had resumed munching his way through marmalade toast, head buried in the newspaper she’d been reading earlier. ‘Don’t you think you should just slow down a bit? Please tell me you’re going to have a long engagement and thoroughly get to know each other.’

  ‘What, and miss my wedding slot?’

  ‘Eh? Didn’t you cancel the wedding?’

  ‘No,’ Lucy confessed.

  ‘Why ever not?’ Rosie asked, flabbergasted.

  ‘Oh, I don’t know,’ Lucy sighed. ‘I suppose it was because all the deposits were non-refundable, and so much has already been paid for in full. Take my dress for example, and all the bridesmaids’ dresses. I can’t get my money back on those – they were made to measure. And there was a part of me that just couldn’t bear the thought of another bride gleefully taking my cancellation date. The idea of my misfortune being another’s gain just made me depressed. I was going to cancel it. Eventually. But not until the very last minute.’

  ‘Gosh.’

  ‘I haven’t even informed the guests.’

  ‘You’re kidding!’

  ‘I was psyching myself up to do it, honest. It was just the thought of sitting down and writing out umpteen letters of explanation, and returning hundreds of pounds’ worth of gift vouchers and cash. It was a bit daunting. But now I don’t need to!’

  Rosie’s brow furrowed. ‘So, let me get this straight. This wedding is going ahead, as previously, and there will be no changes at all.’

  ‘The only change will be the bridegroom,’ said Lucy cheerfully.

  ‘Nothing major then,’ said Rosie drily.

  ‘Very funny. And please tell me you will still be my bridesmaid?’

  ‘Yes, of course. I’d be delighted.’

  ‘Although, whe
reas Matt was previously Terry’s usher, Gregory would like him to be the best man, being that Matt was indirectly responsible for us meeting. But look, I’m getting ahead of myself here. I’m also phoning to ask the two of you out this evening. We’d like you both to help us celebrate. Please say you’ll come for dinner?’

  ‘Well, that would be lovely, but I don’t think I’ll get a babysitter at such short notice.’

  ‘That’s fine. Bring Luke along.’

  ‘Let me just have a word with Matt.’ Rosie cupped a hand over the mobile. ‘It’s Lucy on the phone.’

  ‘I gathered.’ Matt gave a mischievous grin. ‘Has she finished bonking for England yet?’

  ‘Ah, sorry about that,’ Rosie blushed. ‘She’s asking if we’ll both have dinner with her and Gregory this evening. They’re getting married and want us to celebrate with them.’

  Matt didn’t bat an eyelid. ‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world.’ He then shook out the newspaper and returned to the sports page. Wild horses wouldn’t keep him away from spending an evening with Rosie and Luke. The fact that it would also be in the company of Gregory and Lucy, was neither here nor there.

  Chapter Fifty-Three

  Rosie was sitting in the passenger seat of Matt’s BMW. It was Monday morning and she was on her way to work. Matt was due to have a meeting with Gregory Tibor, so was able to give her a lift directly to the factory. He’d assured her that ninety-per-cent of his business was in London, so diverting via Erith was not a problem. They’d dropped Luke off to his nursery and there had been a few tears – Rosie’s, not Luke’s.

  Meanwhile, Dave’s life insurance cheque had been received and was in the process of clearing. Just as soon as the funds were in her account, Rosie determined she would buy a decent car for her and Luke, and be independent. It was lovely of Matt to transport her around, but the guy needed a break. All she required now was an offer on the house, and she’d be ready to crack on with purchasing a new home and putting down proper roots. She loved living at Penshurst. The countryside was both tranquil and stunning, and Matt’s place was truly beautiful. Moreover, it felt like home. But living with Matt was impossible. After waving him off on his date with Cheryl, the subsequent ache in her heart had left her with one realisation. She was in love with the guy. The sooner she moved out, the better. She had no clear idea of what had truly happened between Matt and Cheryl, but Rosie knew it was only a matter of time before he met another woman and wanted to bring her back to his apartment. And Rosie really couldn’t bear the idea. She imagined settling down to watch yet another Laurel and Hardy film, just as Matt waltzed in through the front door with a Miss World look-a-like.

  ‘All right, Rosie?’

  ‘Yes, thanks. You?’

  ‘Never better. What are you up to this evening?’

  ‘I’m watching Laurel and Hardy again.’

  ‘Excellent. Well, we’ll leave you to it. I’m just about to,’ and Matt would incline his head meaningfully, ‘you know.’

  ‘Yes, yes,’ Rosie would hastily say, ‘do carry on.’

  ‘Will do. Enjoy your film.’

  ‘Yes, and enjoy your…you know.’

  And Rosie would smile gamely whilst inwardly wanting to hurl the boxed set of Laurel and Hardy at Miss World’s head.’

  ‘Penny for them?’ asked Matt as the traffic slowed to a crawl.

  Rosie jumped guiltily. ‘I was just thinking about, um, Lucy and Gregory’s whirlwind romance.’

  Matt laughed. ‘Well, I say good luck to them. Life’s too short for regrets. They certainly seem tremendously happy. And actually, seeing them together last night, properly, as a couple, I thought they looked very right together.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Absolutely. I think they’re going to have a very happy marriage.’

  ‘I hope so,’ Rosie chewed her lip. ‘I suppose I can’t help being the pessimist. However it’s dressed up, Lucy is still rebounding.’

  ‘Her experience with Gregory isn’t the same as yours with Dave.’

  ‘That’s what Lucy said.’

  ‘Sometimes people know in their hearts what is right for them.’ Matt took his eyes briefly off the road. His eyes locked on Rosie’s. ‘And instinctively, who is right for them.’ He looked back at the duel carriageway as the traffic began to pick up momentum. Another ten minutes and they’d be at the factory. ‘And actually,’ he cleared his throat, ‘this conversation kind of brings me back to what I wanted to talk to you about when Lucy rang yesterday morning.’

  ‘Oh? What were we saying?’

  ‘Well, it was, er, kind of getting personal. Not to put it too finely, you asked whether I’d slept with Cheryl.’

  ‘Ah. That conversation.’

  ‘And I said that while we were chatting like this – and being honest – there was something I needed to talk to you about.’

  Rosie paled. Oh God. This was it. Matt wanted to talk to her about sleeping with another woman. Not Cheryl. But somebody else. Clearly he’d already met her. Miss World. Or whatever her name was. The name didn’t really matter. The end result was still the same. There was another woman on the scene, and Rosie was cramping Matt’s style.

  ‘It’s all right,’ Rosie put up a hand to stop Matt from speaking. ‘I know what you’re going to say.’

  ‘You do?’

  ‘Yes. The writing’s been on the wall for ages.’

  ‘Rosie, I want you to know you mean the world to me.’

  ‘That’s kind of you to say so. But you don’t have to explain anything. I know what’s coming.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Yes. You want to,’ Rose paused, wondering how to phrase it, ‘have private relations.’

  ‘Private relations?’ Matt started to laugh. ‘Well, that’s not quite how I’d have worded it. I was actually thinking more along the lines of…well…a proper relationship, like you do when caring deeply for somebody. So deeply that,’ Matt’s voice went husky, ‘you realise you’re totally in love with that person.’

  Rosie gulped. Shit. She’d totally underestimated the situation. Clearly Matt had not just met Miss World, but also fallen for her hook, line and sinker. And it must have been damned quick. No wonder he was justifying Lucy and Gregory’s hasty march down the aisle – because he’d met somebody so breathtakingly fast that it made Lucy and Gregory’s romance seem like the longest engagement in the world!

  ‘Matt, I really don’t–’

  ‘Hear me out, Rosie. I just want you to know that for me it was love at first sight.’

  Rosie thought she was going to be sick. She just didn’t want to hear this. And then, in the nick of time, she was saved by the bell. Or, in this case, her mobile once again interrupting the moment. Scrabbling for her handbag in the floor well, she rummaged through it until she found the chirruping handset.

  ‘Hello?’

  Matt sighed. This wasn’t going well. He felt a sense of desperation in the pit of his stomach. He was making a total balls-up of trying to say how he truly felt. It was one thing to tell somebody, for the very first time, that you loved them, but quite another to do it on the commute to work – especially after the woman in question had been sobbing forty minutes earlier due to dropping her baby son at crèche. Excellent timing, Matthew. Not. Matt sighed again and risked another glance at Rosie. He was surprised to see her whole face alight with joy.

  ‘That’s absolutely wonderful,’ she was saying, ‘please tell your client I accept his offer.’ Rosie disconnected the call and turned to Matt. Her eyes were shining. ‘That was the estate agent. He’s sold my house! Now Luke and I really will soon be out of your hair.’

  Matt stared through the windscreen. Clearly Rosie was not interested in hearing his declaration of love, or anything else. And in that moment, the bottom fell out of his world.

  Chapter Fifty-Four

  Rosie approached the reception of Tibor’s Tasty Titbits with a spring in her step. What a great start to the working week! A new job, and a sale o
n her property. There was a saying that all good things came in threes. Rosie inwardly hugged herself. If superstition was correct, then a third wonderful event should be happening any time now!

  Matt had gone very quiet after the estate agent’s call. Getting out of the car, he’d not fallen in step with her. She looked over her shoulder to see where he’d got to. He was lagging behind, a mobile phone clamped to his ear. Whoever he was talking to, the conversation sounded terse.

  ‘Listen, Nigel, we’ve gone over this before, and my time is your money. But I’ll happily tell you again. When you hire your own sales reps, things like salaries, training costs, fringe benefits and expenses all add up. Whereas contracting independent manufacturers’ sales reps that are paid on just commission means less expense for you.’ Matt caught Rosie’s eye and put a hand over the phone. ‘Don’t wait for me. You go on ahead. I need to finish this call before I see Gregory.’

  Rosie nodded in acknowledgement and carried on walking towards the double doors of the reception area. She wanted to check in with Gregory first, before she sought out Harold, her dog food tasting colleague. As she stepped into the swish reception, so at odds with the rest of factory, she saw Cheryl sitting behind her state-of-the-art desk. The woman was looking even more glamorous than usual. Rosie wondered if it was for Matt’s benefit. Her hair was like something out of a shampoo advert, and the make-up flawless. Whoever Matt had fallen in love with, she must be quite something to put Cheryl in the shade.

  ‘Good morning,’ Rosie smiled.

  ‘Is it?’ Cheryl snapped.

  Suddenly the atmosphere in reception was colder than the ice-cubes dispensed by Matt’s American fridge.