THE VIRTUOUS CON

by Maren Foster

  “Do you have any reason to think that you’ll have trouble?” Vi asked.

  “Not particularly.”

  “Sounds like an excuse to me,” Ali said. “A great reason to quit working.”

  “Yep. That’s right. I’m just looking for a reason to quit my job and be a stay-at-home mom as soon as possible,” I said with a hint of sarcasm.

  “You would be an idiot to quit your job,” Ali said.

  “Well, you should at least think long and hard about it before you do,” Vi added.

  “It’s Nate isn’t it?” Ali asked. “He wants you to quit your job, doesn’t he?”

  “He’s supportive, that’s all.”

  “I knew it!”

  “It’s just that I’ve been under a lot of stress at work lately.”

  “It’s called being an adult,” Ali said.

  “Freddie, you know how I feel about it. I won’t tell you what to do, but I think you should give it some time. Don’t rush into a decision like that,” Vi said.

  “You had Ali when you were eighteen. I’m twenty-four. I think I’m old enough.”

  “You are older than I was, but you’re still so young. You have plenty of time to have kids. I’m just saying…”

  “You’re just saying having kids was a big mistake?” I said.

  “No, I’m not saying that. Neither of you were exactly planned, I’ve never been dishonest about that, but even if I could go back I would never change having both of you. Having a young child when I was young and just starting my career made things much more difficult than they had to be,” she paused and it seemed as if she was reliving the pain of the difficult moments as she spoke. “In hindsight, when I got pregnant the second time I thought I was so mature, but I wasn’t. I was still a kid myself. I’m just saying wait. Take your time. What’s the hurry?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t love my job like you do,” I said.

  “You mean your career?” Ali said.

  “I guess so, but I don’t think of it that way. For me it’s just a job.”

  “No, it’s the thing that gives you freedom and security. I thought you wanted that and more.”

  “That’s what you both want and you expect the same from me without stopping to ask me what I want.”

  “You’re probably right,” Vi said, with a rare contribution to one of our arguments. “We’ve probably put our expectations on you more than we should have over the years, but we just want what’s best for you.”

  “Maybe what’s best for you isn’t what’s best for me,” I said.

  “How can having financial independence and security not be best for you?” Ali asked.

  “I’m not saying that it isn’t important, I just think that there are other important things in life that I want, like a family of my own, so I don’t end up miserable and alone.”

  “I still don’t see why you can’t have both, a career and a family,” Ali said.

  “Enough,” Vi sounded tired. “I think it might be helpful if you talk to a professional about all of this. That has helped me through making some big decisions in my life.”

  “Sure,” I said.

  “What do you want us to do with all of these?” I changed the subject, holding up a handful of loose photos.

  “Oh, Theo’s photos!” Vi said.

  “There are a lot of duplicates.”

  “Yeah, I need to go through those. Leave that box by the hatch please.”

  I placed the photos back in the box and folded each of the four leafs of the box top, one at a time so that they locked together. I slid the box across the floor to the side of the hatch and pulled another box down from the stack. I began sifting through our old baby clothes and childhood Halloween costumes.

  By three o’clock my mouth was dry from the layer of grey dust that had transferred from the collection of memories to coat everything that was exposed. I packed up one small box of my things, put Vi’s diary in my oversized purse, and the pestered Vi until she agreed to ship my box across the country to me.

  Vi caught me alone after dinner. “Wyn, how are you? How are things going with Nate? How is work?” she asked.

  “Things are good.” Well, on track at least. “Work is fine.”

  “Just fine?”

  “Yeah, like I said, I don’t love it like you do.”

  “Is quitting work your idea or his?”

  “Mine.” If I’m not working and I tell a judge that I’m pregnant I might get more alimony in the divorce!

  “And Nate thinks it’s a good idea.”

  “He does.”

  “Of course,” she mumbled.

  “Excuse me?”

  She practically whispered, “I’m just not sure he has your best interest in mind.”

  He doesn’t, but who does? Who can I trust anymore?

  “He’s my husband,” I said, tired of defending a life that I’d wanted so badly but which had been born out of a nightmare.

  “Yes, he is, but that doesn’t mean that he knows what is best for you all the time.”

  “And who does? You?” You have no idea what I’ve been through. How can you know what’s best for me?

  “I think I know as much as he does about you and what you need,” Vi said.

  “Maybe you just want me to need what you’ve needed,” I said.

  “Maybe he just wants to control you.”

  Maybe I’m in control. “It’s always about that, huh? Men controlling women?” I said.

  “In my experience, it usually is.”

  “Yep.” I began to get up.

  “Wynafreda!” she said sternly, “do not quit your job. I know you will regret it.”

  The Tale

  Saturday, July 22, 2017

  Manhattan

  I was fashionably late on Saturday for Julia’s wedding shower, which was held in the party room of a fancy restaurant in Midtown. I grabbed a glass of wine immediately and tried to blend in with the crowd of mostly women, although there were a few well-dressed men sprinkled throughout.

  I made small talk with another young woman named Kassie who also looked out of place. She said she had worked with Julia at a women’s clothing shop in college, and she didn’t seem to know the other women who were catching up loudly about their sorority days.

  A woman in the center of the room tapped a fork against her glass and everyone joined in. Julia entered from the back side of the room wearing a bright pink dress. Her long platinum hair fell in loose rings below her shoulders. She looked even thinner than when we’d first met.

  She motioned for everyone to sit at the long table. My new friend, Kassie and I sat at one end surrounded by Julia’s college friends.

  “Did you hear who is getting divorced?” a petite woman with blonde hair and freckles asked.

  A few of the other women responded, “Who?”

  “Aubrey!” she exclaimed.

  “Oh, that’s not too surprising,” another woman replied, without trying to hide her disappointment.

  “I told you she was settling when she married him,” another added.

  “How many kids does she have now?”

  “Three. The last two are IVF twins.”

  “Mmm hmmm.”

  They all nodded as if IVF was as commonplace as birth control. I looked around the table and realized that not one of them was bigger than a size four.

  “Caroline, did you have IVF with your last one?” one woman asked

  “I did. What a pain in the ass, but totally worth it of course,” Caroline said and immediately pulled up photos on her phone.

  “Oh, he’s just the cutest thing in the world, isn’t he?”

  “Oh, thanks, Jenny,” she said. “You know, you’ve never looked better. I can’t believe you gave birth just last week. How is your little one doing?”

  Jenny grabbed her phone and showed off pictures of her one week old girl swaddled in a magenta blanket.

  “Oh my gosh, how sweet!” they all crooned.

  Must
be nice to have things work out just like you always hoped.

  Various plates with small bites were delivered to the table and side conversations picked up.

  “Doesn’t Julia look fabulous?” Jenny asked.

  “Incredible,” they all agreed.

  “I don’t know how she does it,” Caroline said.

  “Right!” Jenny added. “Have you seen that woman eat? I can’t believe how thin she is. I wish I knew her secret!”

  “I know. I’m so jealous,” one of the others added.

  I laughed to myself thinking about how disgusted Ali would be by their conversation.

  The women at the other end of the table began cheering. I looked toward them and saw Adam enter behind Julia. He pulled her around, they kissed, and the cheering grew louder. I clapped and watched as he followed Julia’s lead and every move. Martina, Julia’s personal assistant and photographer, got into position about fifteen feet in front of them and took a few photos.

  When Adam was finally relieved of his ceremonial duties, my eye caught his, and he smiled convincingly. I looked away. Julia commanded all of her guests to crowd around her. She tousled the top part of her long blonde hair a few times and then pulled it forward over her left shoulder. She tucked herself in front of Adam and then compelled us to lift our glasses into the air. Martina took a few shots of the group and then a close-up of Julia and Adam.

  Julia opened presents after we were forced to play a silly game about the couple’s history together and unique habits.

  When the party finally started winding down I made sure to congratulate them before heading home.

  Nate was out when I got home, so I settled in with Vi’s diary to pass some time.

  September 23, 1988

  Shreveport, Louisiana. Mom and Dad had a big fight again tonight. It started when Dad overcooked the meat on the grill and Mom said it was because he was drunk. He might have been a little tipsy but he wasn't drunk. I've definitely seen him worse, but he did overcook the meat. It was burnt and chewy. He stormed out and I haven't heard him come back in yet. Sometimes he doesn't come home by bedtime and I wonder whether he comes home all night. I asked Mom once and she wouldn't even acknowledge me. She said he always comes home, but sometimes much later than he should. I wonder if she lies to me because she thinks I can't handle it, or shouldn't know the truth, or maybe she really believes her own lies. She’s so weird, but it makes me sad too. I want Dad to be good but I also want her to be honest and stand up for herself sometimes.

  September 28, 1988

  Shreveport, Louisiana. I was walking home from school today and crossed the street out of my way to walk past him. He looked up and said Hi!!! He has really beautiful eyes! He was smoking a cigarette and he took it out of his mouth to smile at me. I smiled back and said Hi too. I could feel him watching me as I walked away. I had my new All-stars on!

  October 11, 1988

  Shreveport, Louisiana. It was hot out for early October and as I walked home and passed by him, he asked if he could buy me an ice cream at the drug store. I said yes! As we walked the few blocks together to the drug store he held my hand! I got a scoop of chocolate in a cone and we sat on a bench behind the shop. He watched me with a funny look in his eyes as I licked the ice cream. When I was done he turned to face me. He said he thought I was really pretty and then he leaned forward and kissed me. NOT ON THE CHEEK!!! He pushed his lips against mine gently at first. Then he gave me a French kiss! His tongue was in my mouth!! It was amazing!!! He tasted like chocolate ice cream! He is such a good kisser! I know he is, even though I don’t have anything to compare it to except the kisses I’ve seen in the movies.

  I had to laugh. I had always figured Vi was a bit of a prude, and it was funny to read about her reaction to her first kiss.

  I heard Nate at the door.

  “Hey!” I called.

  “Hey!” he called back. He opened and closed kitchen cabinets as he made himself a snack.

  “Whatcha up to?” he asked.

  “Just reading,” I said.

  “Whatcha reading?”

  “Oh nothing. Just an old diary I found at my mom’s house when we were packing up her attic.”

  “Does she know you’re reading it?”

  “No.”

  “And you don’t think she’ll mind?”

  “Not if she doesn’t find out.”

  He nodded and looked away.

  “Hey, did Jack send you a copy of our marriage certificate yet?”

  “No.”

  “Oh, can you ask him for it please? I need to get a new ID and change my social security card soon.”

  “I thought you weren’t changing your last name?”

  “Why would you think that?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe because your mom never did.”

  “Oh, I guess I hadn’t thought of that.” Total lie. Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t hesitate to take my husband’s last name, but in this case it’s just another means to an end.

  “Just doesn’t seem like the kind of thing women in your family do,” he said.

  It’s not, but I need proof. I need to see it with my own eyes. I have to know that we’re legally married in Connecticut.

  “I’m not like the other women in my family,” I said. “I always thought I would change my name when I got married.” I have to see that marriage certificate. I have to know that it’s official. We have to be married for this con to work.

  I continued, “I think I’d like to be Mrs. Ellis, that’s all.” If I have to change my name to see the certificate, then so be it.

  “I don’t get it. You already have a career. Everyone knows you as Wyn Laurent. Don’t you like your name?”

  “Yeah, I guess I do, but then again, we’re married now, and I like the idea of being Wyn Ellis,” I lied. “Will you please ask Jack?”

  “I don’t think you should change your name, but sure, I’ll call him today.”

  “Thank you.”

  The Tale

  Saturday, August 5, 2017

  Manhattan

  Adam and Julia’s wedding was on the Saturday of our one month anniversary. Vi had flown in the night before and was staying in our guest bedroom. Adam’s mom, Adrienne, had invited Vi to the wedding. The invitation read:

  Adam + Julia

  Saturday, August 5

  At 3pm eastern please call 585-420-2326

  Rye, NY

  I began to get ready around two o’clock. I blew out my hair and got out my best make-up. I went all out: smoky eyes that faded to a lighter charcoal grey; fake lashes that I glued on one by one with a pair of tweezers; and a dark pink lip stain.

  Just after three, I picked up my cell phone and dialed the number on the invitation. A pre-recorded message provided the following details: “Your prompt arrival at 330 New England Road is requested at five o’clock. This information is confidential. Do not share it with anyone who was not a direct recipient of an invitation to the event.” Jeez, who does she think she is!

  I yelled to Nate, “Leaving in twenty!”

  Twenty minutes later I was ready and on my way downstairs just as he went up to throw on pants and a dress shirt.

  “Don’t forget your dinner jacket!” I yelled after him.

  Vi was waiting in the living room. We piled into Nate’s car.

  We pulled up to the end of a long line of cars at the end of a long driveway. A sign on the side of the road read, “Highclere Castle”. Figures, not to be outdone, she’s rented out a country estate that is a replica of a castle!

  Nate handed the keys to the valet and we followed the other guests down a long brick walkway protected by a trellis covered in baby pink roses. I walked slowly, careful to avoid losing a heel between the bricks. At the end of the walkway, the path gave way to a large lawn, bordered by mature trees. A large white tent sat at the back of the lawn, and wooden flooring had been laid between the tent and the back of the Jacobethan style mansion; its smooth terra cotta brick looked soft a
gainst the embellished stone carvings, Tudor arches, and steep roof gables. It is beautiful.

  A small ensemble played jazz in the back corner of the tent, as waitresses offered champagne and hors d'oeuvre. I spotted Kassie, the friend I had made at Julia’s bachelorette party, and made my way over to say hello. She introduced me to her husband, and Nate offered his hand distractedly to each of them. The four of us stood together and made small talk about the weather and the wedding party. Just as I was beginning to feel the warm flush of the champagne cloud my senses, a voice overpowered the band and instructed us all to proceed inside.