by J. G. Sumner
“Beth, I love you. I know I do. But I also love Parker. I’ve been with her almost my entire life. Our families have a long history. There is so much that I can’t begin to explain. Plus, you’re seventeen. There are so many things wrong with that.”
“I’ll be eighteen in a few months. I can emancipate myself and become an adult. We could work this out. Tell me you don’t feel that fire between us. When you walk in the room, I can’t help the way my body responds to you. You have complete control over me and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Why does she have to make this so incredibly easy? She says all the right things and I’m like putty in her hands. I’m ready to walk away from everything and give her my world. “There’s gotta be someone better for you out there, Beth,” I say instead. “I’m twice your age. Don’t you want to be with someone your own age?”
Beth places her hands on my cheeks and looks directly into my eyes. “They are all boys. Only a man can treat me the way I need. Only you can make me this crazy in love and full of need. Please don’t say no. Say you’ll think about it.”
How does she know exactly what to say? It’s what every man wants, I suppose. To be made to feel as though he’s his woman’s hero. To feel wanted and needed. Something Parker hasn’t been able to give me for a very long time.
“I can’t give you what you want right now, but I won’t say no.”
Beth pulls back. “I’ll take what I can get. I’m going to help the boys get set up for dinner.” Beth leaves me alone with my thoughts and a grill full of food.
How did I make such a mess out of my life? I’ve asked myself this question a million times, but I still don’t have the answer. It’s not just a sexual attraction anymore. I have real feelings for Beth. She could potentially even be my soulmate. Why couldn’t she be older or me be younger?
I finish the food and take it into the dining room. Beth and the boys are sitting around the table laughing and conversing. I pause for a moment to take it all in. Everything looks so normal. It’s as though we’re a real family. It almost seems possible.
“Dad, come sit next to me. I saved you this seat.” Tyler waves me over. “Mommy—I mean Beth gets to sit on the other side.”
I can’t help but grin at my middle son. He’s always been the sweetest. Very into his family and always wanting Parker and I to sit next to him. This time he has Beth on one side and me on the other. It appears Beth is quickly taking Parker’s place.
We spend the next few minutes talking and eating. Tyler and Tanner play with the lobster claws, pretending to pinch each other. I sit back in my chair and quietly sip my wine, taking it all in. This is what life is all about. Laughter and happiness. This is what Beth and the boys give me.
Right when I think all is right with the world, Parker comes barreling through the door. The shocked look on her face when she glances up at us is unsettling. It’s as though in that moment she’s also realized she’s been replaced. We maintain I eye contact, and I don’t move. So many unspoken words pass between us I can almost see the defeat written across her face.
“Mom, come sit down. I saved you one of my lobsters just in case you came home,” TJ calls out.
Parker takes a seat at the head of the table TJ while runs to the kitchen to get another place setting. I find it very ironic that she chooses that particular place to sit. We always try to make the table more intimate by sitting next to and across from each other rather than at the head of the table. Perhaps this is her way of staking claim to what is hers.
“What’s the occasion?” Parker stares at me, the daggers she’s throwing hitting me straight on in the chest.
“Well, dear, I wanted to do something nice for you. I came home early to prepare you this nice meal, but you weren’t here. Beth said you weren’t going to be home until late.”
“It’s not our anniversary.” Parker smiles at TJ when he places the dishes in front of her. “You’re right. I’ve been working longer hours. I was talking to your brother and realized I needed to be home and spend some time with you and the kids. I thought it would be nice to do something special. The boys have been enjoying themselves and the lobsters.” I wink at TJ as he stuffs another piece of the crustacean into his mouth.
Parker places a napkin in her lap. “I’m sorry I’m late then.”
“Mommy, look what I can do with the claw.” Tanner picks up his napkin and raises it up in the air.
“That’s very nice, dear. But you know that’s not very good table manners.”
Tanner puts the napkin back in his lap and takes a sip of his drink, resigned to the fact that playtime is over.
Beth pushes back in her chair. “Thank you, Mr. Davis for allowing me to stay. I should get going.”
Parker doesn’t pay any attention to Beth. I’m a little perplexed by it.
“I’ll walk you to the door.” I follow Beth out.
“Bye, Beth!” the boys call after her.
Beth smiles and responds cheerfully, “See you tomorrow, boys.”
When we get to the door, Beth turns around and winks at me. “Thank you for exposing me to my first taste of lobster. The entire meal was delicious.”
She proceeds down the walkway to her car. When I shut the door, I’m startled by Parker standing next to me.
“Are you attracted to her?”
Parker’s question totally catches me off guard. “Why would you say that?”
“Oh, I don’t know. The way you were just looking at her?”
“Don’t be silly. I was just making sure she got to her car okay. That’s what a gentleman does. I’d do the same for any woman.”
“Yeah, but you don’t look at other women like that. Hell, you barely look at me like that.”
I try to remain calm even though my heart is beating out of control. “I don’t like what you’re insinuating and you shouldn’t even go there. Now let’s sit down, finish the meal, and try to enjoy one another’s company.”
Parker shakes her head as she enters the dining room. I take a few deep breaths to steady myself before jumping into the lion’s den.
Chapter 14
Parker
I should never have agreed to this. Right now, I’m hating Porter and my father. It’s bad enough they want to get even with Trent’s dad, but sacrificing my relationship to do it is just unconscionable. What was I thinking? If you don’t do this, your trust fund and support from this family will disappear. You will be nothing but a pathetic housewife begging for Trent not to leave you. My father’s words ring loud and clear in my head.
For so long my identity has been wrapped up in the Matthews and Davis family names. People want to be my friend. I’m always on the top of guests lists for every party. It’s been this way since high school. Who would I be if I’m disowned from my family? I don’t know that Trent would ever leave me on his own, but I wouldn’t put it past Porter and my father to sway Trent in that direction. This is how it is with my family. This is how old bloodlines work. One for all and all for one. If you don’t give your life for your family they cut you out.
I think about my own children. There is no way I could ever cut them out of my life. They are my pride and joy. Part of me wishes I weren’t a Matthews. Then I could protect my children from this crazy family dynasty. Hell, my dad has already started talking to TJ about taking over the business one day. He’s barely twelve years old. Let him be a kid for crying out loud.
I pour two fingers of the cherished amber liquid that Trent saves for special occasions. I take a long sip, begging and pleading for it to numb some of the pain that I’ve only inflicted on myself. I know I’m not supposed to be in his office, but Trent is asleep right now and this is the only place I can be safely alone. No one will look for me in here.
I sit in his oversized leather chair and inhale his scent that constantly lingers in this room. It’s earthy and sensual with hint of sophistication. Oh how I long for his arms to be wrapped around me. To look at me the way he did Beth earlier. I
wasn’t imagining it. I know he’s at the very least attracted to her. At this point it wouldn’t surprise me if they’ve had sex. From what I’ve seen in the cameras they have come very close. Maybe I should confront him. I should be mad he has betrayed me. Unfortunately, I’m no better than he is. I’ve lied to him about who I am. I have denied my feelings for my true love for the better part of two years. Trent cheating on me gives me an easy out. A way not to take the blame for our marriage not working. When Porter called me earlier and said Trent was on his way home to make dinner, I couldn’t get out of here fast enough. I didn’t need the reminding or threatening comments from Porter. I went straight to Delia’s hotel and spent a couple of blissful hours with her. I guess I just didn’t expect to see the smug look on Beth’s face, the one that told me that she could have him in a heartbeat. I’ve got news for that little bitch. The only reason she has him is because I’ve handed him over. I practically threw them together.
Okay, Parker. Come up with a plan. You’re a smart woman. Get the information you need to make your father happy and then move on with your life. Things will work out just how they are supposed to.
I take another long sip of the Scotch and swallow it, feeling the burn with every drop that goes down the back of my throat. This kind of pain is good. This pain doesn’t involve the crushing of my heart.
I open one of the drawers in the desk. I don’t know what for. Maybe there will be something that can help me keep my family intact.
I sift through the drawer. Nothing but a few pens, post-it notes, random packages of staples, and paperclips. I’m about to close the drawer when something starts to vibrate. I look further into the back. Under a stack of notepads there’s a small black phone. It’s cheap looking and certainly not anything like the smartphones out there today. I debate whether or not to answer it. Why would Trent have this? Who could be calling him? Maybe this is how he and Beth communicate. Maybe they’re planning some sort of secret rendezvous.
The scotch has made me brave. Or maybe it’s just my curiosity. Either way, I answer it.
“Hello?”
There’s silence.
“Hello?” The line goes dead. I close the phone and take another look at it. It looks like one of those pay as you go phones. I wonder why Trent has this. Maybe this will be what Porter needs. Maybe after this he’ll leave me alone.
I pick up the landline and call him. He answers groggily after a few rings. “What’s wrong? Why are you calling so late?”
I don’t waste any time getting to the point. “I found something.”
“What is it?” Judging by the tone of his voice, he’s now wide awake.
“A burner phone. I was sitting at his desk and it rang. I answered it but no one was there. What do you think it could be?”
“I don’t know. Hide it back in the desk and I’ll stop by first thing in the morning. Don’t say another word about it. I don’t want him to grow suspicious.”
I frantically try to put the phone back in the drawer the way I found it. The last thing I want is Trent to know I’ve betrayed him. If that ever happens our relationship is surely over. I’m not sure I’m ready for it to be over.
“Okay. I’ll see you in the morning.” I hang up the phone and finish off the rest of the Scotch. My Lord, how did I get to this place? My past demons have finally caught up with me and the blissfully happy life I had is slowly melting away.
I love my husband, there is no doubt in my mind. If he knew the truth about my past, he would be so ashamed he would throw me aside. This is my only chance. I’ve got to keep my secret hidden and try to do my best to help my family without destroying my relationship with my husband. I don’t know if it’s possible, but I’ve got to try for the boys’ sake.
I head upstairs with a plan. It may be a foolish one, but it’s a plan. I stumble into my bedroom, the alcohol now in control of my limbs. I stand at the end of the bed watching Trent sleep. He’s perfect, with his blond hair, chiseled chin, and rugged features. He could easily be on the cover of GQ. There would be no competition for him for People Magazine’s sexiest man of the year. Trent is the entire package. Handsome, sensitive, loving, caring father, and doting husband. I couldn’t ask for more.
I crawl into bed next to him. So peaceful. I can barely even hear his breath. The man has never snored a day in his life. I slowly place my lips to his. They’re so soft. The small amount of scruff from the day rubs against my chin. He shifts and then he’s back to a deep slumber.
I cuddle up next to him and wrap my arms around his chest. His scent could make any woman swoon. There’s nothing like it. He doesn’t even have to wear deodorant. This is where I belong, in his arms and in his bed. I nestle in deeper, unable to get close enough.
“What’s wrong?”
His voice startles me. I had no idea that I woke him.
“Nothing, I just wanted to be close to you. I love you. You’re my world.”
“Parker, I haven’t been your world in a very long time.”
I’m not sure if he’s half asleep or wide awake. I only know his words cut deeply. “You are my world. How about we go away and escape this life? We can go live abroad. Maybe we could buy our own private island and raise the boys there, without any outside influences. Just the five of us.”
I know it sounds crazy. Buy an island? Between the two of us, we have enough money to purchase a small country.
Trent props himself up slightly. “Where is this coming from?”
“I want to get away. Away from the pressures of society, and more importantly, the pressures from our family. I want to live our own lives without their meddling or approval.”
“Sweetheart, our families have never been a problem. My family loves you, and I thought yours loved me. Until recently everything has been great.”
I think back to the last year. Things haven’t been great, Trent just hasn’t been aware of the upheaval between our parents until a couple of months ago. He has no clue what’s going on. Our fathers have been silently feuding for years trying to one up each other. I guess his dad just keeps his affairs private.
“I want to leave Boston. Let’s just go away for a while. Summer is coming up. We can travel.”
Trent sits up. “I have a busy practice. Your brother would be ticked if I left for two months. Not to mention I have several court cases scheduled throughout the summer.”
“Honey, please. We haven’t had a vacation in a long time. We need this.” I hate begging. It’s so unbecoming.
“I’m going to have to talk this over with your brother.”
“No! You can’t do that. Just tell him we’re taking the kids for a holiday.” I cover my mouth, surprised that I snapped.
“What’s going on here? You’re acting strange.”
I swear Trent’s probing eyes can see through me. My heart races and my palms become sweaty as I fall deeper and deeper into this lie.
“Porter will always find a way to make it so you can’t go away. He’s a workaholic and wants you to be one too. Don’t let him do that to us. We’ve got to go somewhere. Even your mother is going on a cruise around the world. Don’t you think it’s our time?”
“Where exactly did you have in mind?”
“Let’s go to Mustique. I’ve always wanted to go, and it’s private and secluded.”
“I don’t know if we can get a reservation on such short notice. Plus, it’s an extraordinary amount of money. We’re talking close to a hundred thousand dollars to go the extent of time you’re talking about. Don’t you think that’s a little much? I thought we agreed to live a more modest lifestyle.”
“We did. But it doesn’t hurt to take a nice vacation once in a while. Come on, please? I’m sure they can find a place for us to stay. All we have to do is let them know who we are. Wouldn’t it be something if we could stay in Mick Jagger's estate?”
“Have you been drinking or have you totally lost your mind?” Trent lays back down as though he’s resigned to the fact that the con
versation is over.
“I may have had a little to drink, but I’m serious about this. I think it’s just what we need to pull our family back together. You promised me you’d try for six months. Please agree to do this.”
“I’ll think about it. Don’t get your hopes up. I have a lot of work that I’m going to have to get covered or postponed. Now I need to go back to sleep. I have a busy day tomorrow.” Trent rolls back over and is asleep in a matter of moments.
I lay back against the headboard and watch him as he sleeps. He has no idea what’s going on around him. No idea how his world could turn upside down at any time. I’ve got to convince him to go on the trip. I’m not sure what else I could possibly do to fix this.
Chapter 15
Trent
I sort through the mail on my desk. Mostly junk. Then I come upon a large envelope. No return address, only a big red confidential stamp across the front. Upon further inspection, I notice the lack of mail handling. Nothing to suggest it’s gone through the post office. I open it, wondering what client might have brought this to the office and why the staff didn’t notify me of their arrival.
Inside is a burner phone and a letter:
Your phone has been compromised. Parker knows about it. Make sure she doesn't find this one.
There’s no signature stating who it’s from, but I already know it’s my dad.
What the hell is going on?
I thought Parker’s behavior was strange last night. Why was she so insistent about going on a vacation? What is she running from? I don’t think I buy it that she wants to rekindle the marriage. There’s something else to it. And what was she doing in my office? She knows it’s off limits to everyone. There is a lot of confidential information in there. I’m going to have to connect the security footage in there. I want to know exactly what is going on.
