Secret Obsession

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

  “Of course. What’s up?” Paige said.

  “To tell you the truth, I’m not even sure where to begin or why I’m even telling you this.”

  Paige gave Camille her undivided attention. “This sounds serious.”

  “Actually, it is. Sort of.”

  “You’re not sick, are you?”

  “No, it’s nothing like that.”

  “Then what’s wrong?”

  “It’s Pierce and me.”

  “What about you?”

  Camille took a deep breath. “For the first time, I feel like we’re slowly drifting apart.”

  Paige was flabbergasted but also wanted to jump for joy. She’d had no idea her sister and Pierce were having problems. Not when they seemed so happy with each other.

  “Why do you think that?” Paige asked, desperately wanting to know.

  “Because we are. When you’ve been happily married for fifteen years and then suddenly something feels different, you just know.”

  “How long have you felt like this?”

  “For about six months now. I mean, it’s not like we don’t get along, but we seem to be going our separate ways a lot more than normal. Although it’s not like it can really be helped, because over the last year I’ve really stepped up my involvement with church activities and the children’s school events. Plus, I also now volunteer with a domestic violence and women’s shelter organization.”

  “Well, what’s wrong with that? Especially since it was only a year ago when you were feeling bored and like you wanted to do a lot more than just cooking, cleaning, and taking the kids to school.”

  “Yeah, but Pierce doesn’t like the fact that I’m not home as much. He feels like I’m now putting my outside activities before our marriage, which isn’t true. And then a month ago, he actually suggested that maybe I was tired of him and either wanted or already had someone new.”

  Paige wasn’t sure how to respond to that comment exactly, but what she did know was that this whole trouble-in-paradise scenario was a real blessing. A blessing indeed. For her, anyway, and she couldn’t be more elated.

  “I just hate this, Paige. I hate what’s happening to us after all these years, so maybe it would be best if I gave up all these other things and just went back to being a housewife.”

  “Is that what you want?”

  “No.”

  “Then I wouldn’t give up anything. I mean, you know I love my brother-in-law, but if he really cares about you and respects you, then he’ll support whatever it is that makes you happy. He’ll stand behind you and will understand that cooking his meals and taking care of the children isn’t enough for you.”

  “Yeah, but I have to admit that, lately, there have been times when I’ve done so much in a single day that I’m too tired to even make love to him. And that, of course, isn’t going over very well.”

  Good, was all Paige could think, because she didn’t want them being intimate on a regular basis anymore.

  “Hey, you know what?” Camille said. “Forget I even brought this up.”

  Paige frowned. “Why?”

  “Because my problems are nothing compared to what you’ve just gone through, and now I’m sorry I even burdened you with them.”

  “Are you kidding? Camille, I love you, and you can always tell me anything. I mean, come on now, what are sisters for?” she said, standing up and hugging her.

  “Thank you, girl. And thank you for listening.”

  “Anytime. And you just hang in there.”

  “I’m sure everything will be fine, because one thing I know is that I love Pierce with all my heart, and I know without a doubt that he feels the same way about me.”

  Paige smiled. “Well, then there’s nothing at all for you to worry about, right?”

  “Right. Now, you get back to work, missy.”

  “Yes, ma’am!”

  They both chuckled, and Camille left the room. But then she stuck her head back inside the doorway. “Oh, and just so you know, I’m going to head out in about an hour for a school fundraiser meeting, so will you be okay?”

  “I’m good. Do you need me to pick up the kids or anything?”

  “No, PJ has a soccer game right after school, Crystal is staying after to watch it, and Pierce and I are going as well. Then, when it’s over, I have a board meeting. Oh, and do you want me to drop some dinner off to you before then?”

  “No, I’ll get something on my own.”

  “Okay, but if you change your mind, just call me.”

  When Camille left again, Paige wanted to turn flips. She couldn’t have been happier about Camille and Pierce’s marital woes, and this meant her job of breaking them up was going to be a lot easier than she’d thought. It wouldn’t be simple, but she certainly wouldn’t have to work as hard as she’d imagined.

  Chapter 10

  Camille hadn’t even been gone a full two minutes and already Paige was perched in front of her sister’s computer. The same as yesterday, she signed into Camille’s email account and sent William a message:

  Dearest William:

  It was really great talking to you this morning, and I wanted to let you know that I’ve made my decision. I’ll meet you at the hotel we spoke about at 11. I won’t deny that I’m a little nervous, but what’s important is that you and I have made such an amazing connection. I realize it’s only been through emailing and phone conversation, but I feel as if you are my soul mate. It’s also hard to believe that we’ve never even met and only ran across each other more than a year ago by accident. But I guess that’s social networking for you, huh? Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow.

  With love,

  Camille

  Paige sent the email and signed into William’s email. She typed a quick response from him to Camille that basically said he was excited to finally meet her and that she wouldn’t regret it. Paige hit send and repeated what she’d done yesterday by printing out both the incoming and outgoing messages for the two of them. Then she deleted both from Camille’s account again.

  She turned off Camille’s computer, but when her phone rang, she was glad she’d brought it with her into Camille’s office. However, when she picked it up and saw that it was Owen, she scowled and considered letting it go to voicemail.

  Still, she went ahead and answered. “Hello?”

  “Why haven’t you been answering your phone?” he said in a panic.

  “I just haven’t.”

  “I’ve been calling you for two days, and I’ve been worried sick. If I hadn’t gotten you today, I was driving over to your sister’s house.”

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “But the truth is, I’ve been feeling so down and depressed, I haven’t felt like talking to anyone.”

  “Well, I still wish you had at least let me know how you were doing.”

  “I know, and I apologize.”

  There was a moment of silence and then Owen said, “You know I still love you, right? I love you, and I miss you terribly.”

  Paige knew it was best not to say anything, so she didn’t.

  “Did you hear me?”

  “Owen, please let’s not do this, okay?”

  “Baby, I really thought we had something special, and not being with you really hurts.”

  Paige hated whiners and rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. “Well, it’s like I’ve been saying, Owen, I’m really sorry about that and I wish things could have turned out differently.”

  “Then why don’t we start over?”

  “That won’t be possible.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I don’t love you,” she said bluntly.

  “Wow, even after all you’ve been through, you’re still the same ol’ selfish Paige.”

  “No, I’m just being honest.”

  “You know, it’s never good when people play with your emotions and then they just walk away like you never even mattered to them. People should be very careful when they do things like that.”

  His tone had chan
ged, and Paige wasn’t sure how to take it. “I don’t know how many times you want me to say I’m sorry, Owen, but I really am.”

  “You should be,” he said and hung up.

  Paige set her phone down and didn’t know what to think of Owen or his phone call. He’d sounded normal in the beginning, but it was almost as if he’d switched his entire tune toward the end of their conversation and had found the nerve to hang up on her. Jerk.

  She picked her phone back up to call one of her clients, but as soon as she did it rang again. This time it was her mother, and Paige groaned. “Hello?”

  “So are you feeling better?”

  That was just like her mother to jump straight to the point with no greeting, no anything. “I am.”

  “What are the police saying?”

  “Nothing. They have no DNA matches and no suspects.”

  “Camille told me you checked in with them this afternoon.”

  “Then why are you asking me about it?”

  “Because for all I know you could have heard something different just a few minutes ago.”

  “Whatever, Mom.”

  “So how long are you plannin’ on staying at your sister’s? Because I would hate to see you cause problems for her.”

  “Mom, what in the world are you talking about? Did Camille say something to you?”

  “No, Camille, God bless her soul, is very naïve when it comes to you. But I know who you are, Paige. You’re a bad seed, and that’s why I’ve never been able to love you the way a mother should.”

  Paige paused for a few seconds, tears streaming down her face. “Mom, how could you say that to me? How could you say something so cruel?”

  “Because it’s the truth, and I’ll feel a lot better once you’ve moved back home. Camille has a wonderful husband and two beautiful children, and the last thing they need is you hanging around there.”

  Tears flooded Paige’s face. “Mom, I was raped,” she shouted. “Remember? I was raped and beaten with a gun, and you have the nerve to talk to me this way?”

  “Well, if you were, then I’m really sorry about that.”

  “What do you mean, if ?”

  “Well, it just seems awfully strange that this so-called rapist was nice enough to use a condom, and of all nights, you forgot to turn on your security system.”

  “Are you saying I’m lying?”

  “No. Just pointing out facts. Not to mention, I would hope that not even someone as low as you would fake something so serious.”

  “You know what, Mom? Go to hell.”

  “No, you go to hell! As a matter of fact, you can go anywhere you want as long as you get the hell out of my daughter’s house.”

  Paige was crushed. “But Mom…I’m your daughter, too.”

  “Biologically maybe, but that’s where our relationship ends.”

  “What?” Paige asked, her heart beating frantically.

  “Look,” her mother said. “All I want is for you to pack your things and leave Camille’s house. You hear me?”

  Paige pressed the end button on her phone and threw it onto the desk. She couldn’t remember when she’d been so upset. Her mother made her sick, but what worried her was that if Maxine truly believed she was up to something and was going to cause trouble for Camille and Pierce, it wouldn’t be long before she mentioned it to them. For all Paige knew, she’d already hinted around to her favorite daughter as a warning. But that wasn’t her mother’s style, though, and had she already spoken to Camille, her words would have been straight, no chaser, and Camille would have quickly asked Paige about it. Still, Paige couldn’t take any chances on her mother messing things up and had to act faster than planned. Instead of a month or so, she would have to drop a major bomb within the next two weeks.

  Paige looked back at Camille’s computer screen and casually browsed through some of the “real” incoming messages Camille had already opened. She could tell they’d already been read, because they were no longer displaying in bold print. The latest email was from Nordstrom, so Paige opened it to see what Miss Thing had purchased for PJ or Crystal, because she doubted she’d purchased anything for herself. But as she scrolled through the order confirmation, she saw an order for three cashmere sweaters, one in black, one in hot pink, and one in mustard. Then she saw a notation that said, “Ship to: Paige Donahue,” and realized Camille was sending her a gift. For a moment, Paige felt a bit guilty, especially since she loved cashmere anything, but it was only for a moment, because seconds later she closed the email, clicked the “Keep As New” button, signed off Camille’s computer, and never looked back. Her sister’s gesture was kind, but it wasn’t enough to make up for all the years her parents had worshiped their little darling yet treated Paige like some orphan. It wasn’t enough to stop Paige from getting what she wanted. It wouldn’t stop her from taking Pierce.

  Chapter 11

  The day had sort of flown by, and it had only been seconds ago that Paige had heard Pierce and the children entering the house. So she did a once-over in the mirror, making sure her shoulder-length ponytail was smooth and had no stray hairs flying out of place. Then she slipped on a pair of brand-spanking-new black skinny jeans and a cropped orange sweater. She’d known there would come a time when Camille wouldn’t be home and she’d have her first opportunity to flaunt what she had, and it was the reason she’d remembered to pack these two clothing items in particular. She’d done so just this morning when Camille had taken her to her condo. Then, when Camille had told her the great news, that she had a board meeting this evening, Paige had known it was high time for Pierce to see what he was missing. Of course, her face still didn’t look its best, but Pierce knew the reason for that and certainly hadn’t forgotten what the real Paige Donahue looked like.

  Paige waltzed down the stairway and strolled into the kitchen.

  “Hey Auntie Paige,” Crystal said, smiling brightly and hugging her.

  “Hey, sweetie. How was school today?”

  “Good. And guess what?”

  “What?”

  “All the girls in fifth grade are sporting dresses tomorrow, so I have to pick out something really, really cool to wear.”

  “That sounds like so much fun. I remember when I was growing up, I loved when some of my friends picked out certain days to get all dolled up.”

  “I know, and I’m so excited,” Crystal said.

  Pierce laughed at his daughter and shook his head. “How’s it goin’, Paige?”

  “I’m fine. How are you?”

  “Tired.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “I can’t wait for Mom to get home so she can help me pick something out,” Crystal interrupted.

  “Well, if you want, I can help you start looking, too,” Paige told her.

  “Would you really?”

  “Of course.”

  “Wow, that would be great, Auntie Paige.”

  “Girls!” PJ griped, clearly unimpressed. Then he hugged his aunt. “Hey, Aunt Paige.”

  “Hey honey. So, how was your game?”

  “It was great. We won, and we have a super talented team again this year.”

  “And PJ made half of all the points,” Pierce said, beaming.

  “Really?” Paige said. “Oh my goodness, PJ, I’m really proud of you.”

  “Thanks,” he said, smiling.

  “And once my face heals up a little more, I’ll have to come see you play.”

  “That would be the bomb,” he said.

  Pierce took a seat at the island and sorted through the mail lying on the granite tabletop. “So, have you eaten, Paige? The kids and I stopped at their favorite restaurant, Fuddruckers, and had ostrich burgers.”

  “Actually, I have. I ordered some Italian food a couple of hours ago and had it delivered.”

  “Good,” Pierce said and then looked at his children. “So, who has homework?”

  “We both do, Dad,” PJ said. “And when don’t we?”

  “Well, it’s not lik
e we’re paying all that tuition for nothing, right?”

  “I guess, but Crissy and I have homework every single night and every single weekend. And she’s only in the fifth grade.”

  “But that’s why you guys have excelled so much educationally. And when you’re older, you’ll be glad you went to such an esteemed K–12.”

  “I guess,” PJ said.

  “You’ll see.”

  “So, you’ll be up in a few minutes, Auntie Paige?” Crystal confirmed while grabbing her book bag from the chair.

  “Yep.”

  “See you, Aunt Paige,” PJ said, and they both went up to their rooms.

  Paige glanced at Pierce and could barely contain herself. She was finally alone with him and was having a hard time trying not to stare at him. He always looked handsome, but for some reason he looked even better to her now, and being this close to him drove her wild. So, as a distraction, she strutted over to the stainless steel double-door refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of Fiji water. She opened it, took a quick drink, and then sat across from Pierce, watching him read what looked to be some banking magazine.

  “So,” she began. “Camille had another meeting tonight, I guess.”

  Pierce didn’t look up but said, “Yeah, and lately that’s pretty much the norm.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “She’s involved with a lot of organizations, and she has a lot of meetings to attend these days.”

  Paige waited about fifteen seconds and then responded. “Well, actually, I’m going to be honest with you. I mean, I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but Pierce, I’m really worried about you and Camille.”

  “Worried why?”

  Paige drank more of her water. “Can we keep this entire conversation between just the two of us? Because Camille would kill me if she knew I was saying anything to you.”

  “I guess it depends on what it is you have to tell me, because Camille and I have never been in the habit of keeping secrets.”