by J. G. Sumner
“You are throwing the party. I’m just providing the venue.” I put my hand on Dianne’s thigh. “Please let me do this for you. You’re my best friend. It’s the least I can do. You never let me help you with anything else.”
Dianne takes a moment before answering. “Okay. If you’re sure about this.”
“Absolutely. Now how many people are we inviting?”
Dianne and I talk for a couple of hours, planning out all of the details. Some she asked for Beth’s input, but mostly it was just us. For the most part Beth remained quiet, texting her friends and flipping through magazines. I glanced at her periodically. If she lost five pounds, she could be a model.
“Is there anything else we’re forgetting?” I ask at Dianne and Beth.
“No, I think you’ve thought of everything.” Dianne smiles. “I appreciate everything you’re doing for us. It’s very generous of you.”
I wave my hand through the air. “Don’t mention it. It’s the least I can do for my best friend.” I glance over at Beth, who stares at me expressionlessly. I’d kill to know what she’s thinking right now. No, I don’t care. As sweet and hardworking as Dianne is, it’s hard to see her with a daughter who is nothing but a little slut.
I check my watch. “I’ve got to go, I’ve got some errands to run. We’ll have to have lunch soon.” I kiss Dianne on the cheek and head out the front door.
Once in my car, I grab the hand sanitizer. I’m sure Dianne cleans her house regularly, but you can never be too sure what germs might be lurking. Once I’m happy with the cleanliness of my hands, I set off to my brother’s house for our weekly meeting.
My father expressed to Porter and I a few months ago that Jonathon Davis was involved in some shady dealings that were going to destroy our family financially. He tasked—no demanded that my brother and I find out what Jonathon is up to. There wasn’t another option for us. He demanded our loyalty even though our families have been close for years. Trent’s parents are practically mine and Porter’s and vice versa.
He laid out some crazy plan. Since then, Edward, Porter, and I have met once a week to ensure we are all on the same page. I’ve got to say, I never thought it would go this far. I thought my dad was crazy and still think so. I continue to play along to appease him.
I glance at my watch as I pull onto Porter’s street. I’m a couple of minutes late, but they can deal with it. I check my lipstick before getting out of my convertible Mercedes. I swear I look good in this car. You can’t imagine how many heads turn as I drive by. Men and women alike.
I enter through the door and both men look at me like I have four heads. “Settle down guys. I’m only a couple of minutes late.” I place my purse on the hook and then take a seat at the kitchen table.
“You’re always late. When are you going to get it together? Unlike you, Dad and I have jobs. I have to be back in court in an hour. I don’t have time for your antics.”
I roll my eyes at Porter. “Look, I was doing what you two asked me to. I was at Dianne’s house planning a birthday party for her daughter. You told me to invite her in and make her close to us. That’s what I’m doing. I’m not sure what you expect to learn from a babysitter in the house all the time. “Parker, honey, please just do what you’re told and don’t ask questions. If this is going to work, you’re going to just have to do what we say.”
I hate it when my father treats me like a stupid girl. I have an education and I’m not an idiot. I chose to be a stay at home mother. I can always go back to work if I so choose.
“Since we’re in such a hurry, why don’t you tell me what the plan is today?” My tone is snarky, but I don’t care. This entire thing is ridiculous.
“Don’t use that tone with me, young lady. I am still your father!”
My dad speaks to me like I’m still a teenager. I guess in his mind I’ll always be his baby.
“I need you to start reviewing all the video footage in the house,” he says, “especially in Trent’s office. I want to know about every conversation he’s having. I don’t care what it is, I want to know about it. And make sure that girl is spending every possible moment at your house. We’ve got to find something that will lead me to Jonathon. I’ve got to stop him from destroying our family. Porter, you need to bug his office. Find some cases for Trent that will throw him out of his comfort zone, scare him into being careless.”
“Dad, this is all so ridiculous. What are you trying to gain by going after Trent? He’s never done anything wrong. He’s always been a straight arrow.”
My dad waves me off. “The less you know, the better. Now, can I count on the two of you to not screw this up?”
I nod despite the fact that my father is infuriating me right now. I hate how he orders me around like one of his employees. That’s probably why Jonathon left the company, but I’d never tell my father that.
“Are we finished here? I have a nail appointment I have to get to.” I stare at the chips in my latest manicure and shake my head in disgust.
“Yes, Parker, you may be excused.”
Done in record time. Maybe next time, I’ll just not show up at all, although I’m sure that would somehow elicit more threats from my father. I can’t wait for him to get whatever information he’s dying to have and leave me alone to get back to my life.
Chapter 6
Trent
Beth turned seventeen a couple of weeks ago. Despite my protest, Parker stood firm that we hosted her birthday party at our house. I explained that I didn’t feel it was appropriate. She insisted that because Dianne was one of her best friends and they didn’t have the money to throw such a bash, she wanted to be the one to do it. I’m still finding it hard to believe that Parker has become such close friends with someone who doesn’t come close to running in her social circle.
Normally, I would have given in to her request. However, I’ve been thinking about Beth non-stop. I continue to savor the sweetness of her mouth on mine. My heart flutters when I think about the desire in her eyes. It’s something I haven’t felt since early on in my relationship with Parker.
I’m not sure Parker ever cherished me. Like me, I wonder if it felt more like an obligation than that we were in love, even though we dated for some time before marrying. It’s not that I didn’t love Parker, I just never had the overwhelming need to spend the rest of my life with her. It was simply comfortable.
Beth.
She has not left my mind since that night. I imagine her smell, her touch, her taste. She’s opened Pandora’s Box and I’ve taken the proverbial bite of the forbidden fruit. Now that I’ve had a taste, I want more. I crave more.
Parker spent weeks planning this party. She hired a decorator to place little white twinkle lights all over the house and yard. She hired a caterer to have appetizers passed, set up a candy bar, and make several hundred different flavors of cupcakes. In regular Parker fashion, she’s gone over the top.
Beth and her mother arrived first. Beth was unusually quiet but her eyes never left me. Her mother Dianne on the other hand was unusually friendly. I might even say she was flirtatious. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. While Dianne is a beautiful woman, she has nowhere near the same allure as her daughter.
I excuse myself to fetch a glass of champagne for Dianne. When I think I’m alone, Beth comes up behind me and places her arms around my waist, rubbing her warm hands along my pecs and nuzzling my neck. I close my eyes and grit my teeth. How can something so wrong feel so good?
I pull her hands off me. “We can’t do this. My wife and your mother are in the other room. Like I told you before, I’m a married man and you are a child.”
“I’m not a child. There are some places where I can legally get married right now. Besides, I’m not looking for anything from you. I just want the chance to be carefree and give in to our feelings for each other. I want to make you feel good.”
My cock twitches. I don’t know how long it’s been that someone was focused on making me fee
l good. You kind of lose that with each kid you have. Your focus and priorities change. God, how I want so badly to be selfish right now.
“Why don’t you go enjoy your party? There are going to be a lot of your friends here and I’m sure there are plenty of boys your age that you can choose from to have some fun with.” I pick up the glass of champagne and attempt to escape Beth’s clutches.
“That’s just it. They’re boys.” She stands on her tiptoes and leans into my ear, her hot breath sending chills down my spine. “I need a man, not a boy.” She slides her tongue down the side of my neck.
My muscles go weak like melted butter. My desire to give in to Beth is overwhelming. My self-control is constantly challenged around her. I know that I’m the adult and this is wrong, but I can only say no for so long. I need to make sure Beth is no longer a part of my life or she could end the one that I’ve worked so hard to build. Why is this happening to me?
Beth reaches for the bulge forming in my pants. I swallow hard and almost drop the glass I’m about to break the stem off from squeezing so hard.
“I want you. I want to worship every part of your body, especially this one.” Beth squeezes a little harder.
Just as I go to set down the glass and do who knows what, Parker and Dianne stroll through the door. I move my body against the island to block the view of my erection.
“Trent, what’s taking you so long?” Parker asks in her high pitched, overly happy voice which clearly indicates she’s not pleased with me. What else is new?
“I’m sorry, it was my fault. I wanted to personally thank Mr. Davis for allowing us to use your house for my birthday party. I’m sure the last thing he wanted was to have a bunch of teenagers he doesn’t know in his house.” Beth glances over at me and winks. “Thank you again.”
Beth walks out of the kitchen and I hand Dianne the glass of champagne I’m sure is now very warm from the grip I had on it. Hopefully she won’t notice.
Parker interlocks her arm in mine. “Come on, dear. We have guests arriving. I’d like them to see my big lawyer husband so these kids don’t think about getting too rowdy,” she whispers.
“Why would you invite them here if you were worried about it? I told you I thought this party was a bad idea and yet you went ahead with it.”
“Well, dear, I have to counteract your narcissism and lack of generosity with my Robin Hood-esque need to give to others.” Parker plasters on her fake smile. “Besides, we’re never going to have a daughter to celebrate a birthday with. I’m sure the extent that we’ll be celebrating is you buying the boys new Mustang convertibles.”
Through gritted teeth masked by my own phony grin I respond, “I guess the fact that I work long hours and have built one of the most successful law firms in Boston to provide you with the finer things in life and the finances to help you give to charities means nothing. I think I’m plenty generous, and if providing for my family makes me a selfish person, I guess that’s what I’m going to be known as.”
Parker maintains the plastered on look of a blissfully happy housewife and hostess while shooting invisible daggers in my direction. “I don’t think this is the time to be having this discussion. Perhaps you could step in the backyard and keep an eye on the kids out there.”
“My pleasure.” I storm off and almost run right into one of the servers. I pour myself a drink before heading off for yard duty. This party is getting worse by the second.
After I pour my drink, I head out back. A DJ is playing music and the kids all seem to be having a good time.
I’ll drink to that.
I throw back half of the amber liquid in my glass.
The crowd seems to part like the Red Sea when Beth and I make eye contact and she slowly approaches, her forehead wrinkled with concern. Her auburn hair flows in soft curls over her shoulders, her strapless turquoise dress making her amber eyes look golden. She’s absolutely stunning. How did I not notice this earlier?
“What’s wrong?” her full, pink lips ask. I take another sip. “What makes you think there’s anything wrong?”
She crosses her arms. “Are you kidding me? It’s written all over your face and in that glass you’re holding. Is your life that unhappy that you have to drink heavily in the middle of the day?”
Her remark slams against my chest like a ton of bricks. How is someone so young so perceptive?
“It’s a party. I’m an adult, and I’m allowed to have a drink.”
“A beer or a glass of champagne is one thing. You’re drinking like you’re trying to forget something. Tell me, is it Parker? Has she driven you to this?”
I pause, wanting more than anything to be able to confide in Beth, although I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because she has no expectations of me. Perhaps it’s because she’s a stranger for the most part. Or maybe it’s because she’s the first person since I can remember who actually seems to give a damn about me and not just about the fortune behind my name.
“I think you need to quit worrying about this old man and go enjoy your party,” I say lightly. “After all, seventeen only comes once in a lifetime.”
“I don’t give a crap about this party or these people. The only reason I agreed to this is because I knew you’d be here. I haven’t seen you since you put me in that car a couple of months ago. You’re all I think about. The way you touched me…kissed me. I want more of that.” Beth moves in a little closer and I simultaneously take two steps back.
“You’ve got to stop, Beth. What if someone hears? This could destroy me and my family. What if your mom or Parker sees us? What then? I can’t afford for this to go any further. Now please, go enjoy your party.” I escape from Beth as quickly as possible to put separation between the two of us. Knowing full well I shouldn’t, I head back to my bar for a refill.
***
According to Parker the party was a success despite my inadequacies. She proceeded to read me the riot act, letting me know I wasn’t social enough and I drank too much for her liking. Apparently my dutiful watch made the guests uncomfortable. My reminder that she told me to go keep an eye on the kids in the backyard didn’t seem to make a difference. I didn’t do it right. Needless to say, I left the house, slamming the door behind me.
I had no plan to go anywhere. I simply got in my car and started driving. It probably wasn’t the smartest thing, but I hadn’t had a drink in several hours. Next thing I know, I find myself in front of Beth’s small, quaint house. I stare into the well-lit window that I presume is her bedroom hoping to catch a glimpse of her. I should be scolding myself for being here right now, but my wife has done plenty of that. I pull out my phone and text Beth.
Me: Did you enjoy your party?
She responds immediately.
Beth: I appreciated the party, but it wasn’t necessary. I would’ve rather spent some alone time with you.
I let the air I’d been holding out of my chest. I had hoped that’s what she’d say. My hands begin to tremble as I respond, knowing full well I should put the car in gear and drive off.
Me: I can remedy that. Are you able to leave for a little bit?
Beth: Uh yeah. Mom’s passed out. Where would you like to meet?
Me: I’m out front.
Within seconds, the light goes out in her room and she’s moving down the walkway at a steady pace and quickly slides into the passenger seat. Without looking at her, I put the car in drive. I don’t know where we’re going but I do know I can’t look at her or we won’t make it far.
“Why are you here?” she asks.
I’m unable to speak, mostly because I don’t know the answer to that question. Or maybe I do and I’m not willing to admit to myself. In either case, I continue to stare forward and drive.
We ride in silence until I end up in the parking lot of Fort Independence Park. It’s apropos that I’m at a place with the title of independence when I haven’t been independent in years. Now, there’s a light. I feel like I might be getting myself back, that perhaps happiness
is within reach.
I stop the engine and dim the lights before I give Beth my attention. She’s wearing jeans and a long-sleeved form fitting shirt. She has no makeup on and her hair is pulled back in a ponytail. She looks natural and beautiful, her skin glowing from the streetlight. She’s radiant.
“You’re beautiful.” The words pop out of my mouth like a jack-in-the-box. I’ve lost all self-control. I’ve thrown caution to the wind, and for once in my life I don’t care.
Beth takes my hand and places it on her cheek. It’s soft as silk.
I take my other hand and caress her skin. No Botox, no collagen. Just pure beauty inside and out. She’s what Parker used to be, but is no more.
I rub a thumb across her bottom lip. Beth’s hooded eyes stare longingly into mine. A warm fire stokes in my chest and I lean in to kiss her. Her pouty pink lips are warm and inviting. They lure me in deeper until our tongues engage in a slow waltz. She moans when my chest brushes against her hard, peaked nipples.
I deepen the kiss as though I am staking claim on her. I want to touch and caress every part of her body, know her intimately inside and out. Then it occurs to me, she’s not mine to own. She’s barely old enough to understand the ramifications of what would happen if we continue down this road.
I pull back, the wind in my sails diminishing, leaving me stranded in the middle of the ocean, not knowing what to do or where to go. I stare into her golden eyes. She places her fingers to her lips and closes her eyes, as though she’s trying to remember the sensation of my lips on hers.
I run my hand through her dark auburn hair. “Are you okay?”
She nods and gazes into my eyes seductively. Her eyes lull me into a trance in which I can think of nothing except the woman before me. She is my lifeline as she throws a flotation device in my direction, pulling me from the abyss of the ocean into her loving arms.
