by Hicks, I. M.
“I need to go” I said.
“I know, we need to figure something out to be together”
“You know that’s not possible”
“We’ll make it work” he whispered.
“Are you forgetting about Nathan? He’s going to blow the lid on this, Rob is going to notice money missing, even if it’s from the business, I have to document it all, his company does my accounting”
As I was talking I thought about the credit card charges.
“Leave him”
“No”
“Alex” he sighed.
“I won’t leave him, contrary to what you may think of him, he does love me and I love him, yesterday, that wasn’t him, he’s a good man Marc.”
“I would never talk to you like that, I don’t care how bad my day was”
“Marc, I can’t do this with you any longer, we’re going to end up hurting too many people”
“I’m in love with you” he exhaled, and my heart stopped.
I looked at him and I knew he was telling me the truth which made it even worse.
I opened the door and ran out of the car, as fast as I could back to my house. I heard him running after me calling out my name, but I got back inside and locked the doors. The phone rang, and the caller ID was unknown again so I didn’t pick up. I ran upstairs and jumped in the shower, my entire world was spinning out of control and I began to lose my grip on things. Everything that was once right and made sense was now a convoluted mess and I created it. His words kept repeating in my head, and Pam, my best friend, the kids, their lives will turn upside down because of this, me.
I didn’t love Marc that I was sure off. Sure I had a place in my heart for him because of our closeness but it wasn’t love, lust maybe, I was attracted to him physically but that would never be enough and I had to end it now.
Robert came home a little after noon. He was wearing his navy Armani suit when he came in the room. I was waiting for him in bed wearing pink thongs and a matching see through baby doll dress.
“Sorry I’m late, I stopped by Marc’s office before I came home” said Robert removing his tie.
“Oh, how come?” I asked suddenly feeling like I wanted to crawl under a rock.
“I drafted a document with the terms of the loan you gave them”
“Why did you do that?” I asked, suddenly my blood began to boil.
“Don’t worry, it’s merely a payment plan, there’s no interest, just a small penalty for late or missed payments” he said unbuttoning his vest.
“They are our friends, my friends, I know they’re good for it, why would you overstep me like that?”
“Because Alexandra, it’s money, not a cup of sugar. And the fact that they are YOUR friends gives them the right to take their time to pay it back and we both know that’s not how things work” he said looking at me from the end of the bed.
I sighed “How much time did you give them?”
“Five years, I thought that was more than fair” he began “Marc shrugged it off and signed it without breaking a sweat, $ 83 dollars a month, he can handle”
I laughed “You’re worth billions now and you’re shitting your pants over five grand, you’re unbelievable” I said getting up reaching for my robe but he caught my wrist just before I was able to.
“Its five thousand now, and that could turn into more next month for all we know. She doesn’t work and he’s barely making ends meet because he refuses to leave his brother, we both know that. He could be making a lot more money elsewhere but he won’t. The fact that they are our friends doesn’t make us their own personal bank account” he said calmly.
“I offered them the money Robert, you didn’t see what I saw this past weekend. Marc took it reluctantly because he didn’t feel right about it and you know what? Now I know why” I said glaring at him and pulled my wrist away from his hold.
I put on my robe and went downstairs.
I had a sudden urge to light a cigarette. I remembered I had some stashed in one of the kitchen drawers in case of emergency. I had started smoking back in college and after many attempts to quit, I finally went to smoking cessation therapy and I had successfully quit about a year ago. I had one now and then still, and then smoked a bit again with Marc at the hotel. After scrimmaging through one of the drawers I found the pack and a lighter and went outside to sit on my recliner.
After a few minutes and a few puffs, Rob came out and sat beside me. “I’m sorry” he said “I didn’t think this would bother you so much” I looked over at him he had changed to his bathing suit, his upper body looked beautiful in the sunlight. I loved looking at him, he was and looked powerful.
“No you don’t think, you just do” I retorted “Alexandra” he warned, I took another puff and put it out.
“So how are you gonna make it up to me?” I teased, he smiled and looked at me through his sunglasses.
“Come here” so I did. He undid my robe and let it slip to the floor. He stood up and undid the bow holding my baby doll together in the front and let it slip. He kissed me hard sliding his hands through the side of my panties and slid them down. I could feel his hard cock through his shorts, so I undid hid drawstring and pulled them down. He jumped in the pool, went under for a few seconds and came back up reaching for me, I was already sitting on the edge with my feet submerged. He grabbed me from the waist and put me in with him. He wrapped my legs around him and kissed me again, my nipples were hard, I’d forgotten how much I loved making love to him in the pool, it was a huge turn on. He pulled me up and sat me back down on the edge, opened my legs wide and rubbed my clit, licking it and sucking on it, it felt so good I laid down. He slid his tongue in me and played with me as he pleased, I was on the verge of coming when he pulled me back in the water with him. He kissed me again and entered me gently, he was engorged, thick all around me. He thrust in and out hard and fast once I got used to his size. I came hard on him, making him moan with me but he wasn’t done. As I recovered, he turned me around and I knew what was coming and I was horny again. He pulled my cheeks apart and I held on tightly to the edge of the pool waiting for the pain and pleasure that was coming. He was so thick I screamed when he entered my backdoor. He moaned loudly and held on to my hands as he began to thrust in me. He was enthralled by what he was doing, moaning deep and loud in my ear. He took his left hand and began to rub my clit again, to the point I wanted to come again, he didn’t stop as he thrust faster into me. We knew our bodies so well, we could anticipate each other. He knew when it was time to touch me again so I could achieve orgasm with him. We came together and it was wonderful. He melted into me and I turned around to kiss him madly. “I love you” he whispered “Please forgive me, I’ll fix it” he added looking into my eyes. I nodded and kissed him again.
CHAPTER NINE
It was the day of the party, I had been dreading this day all week. Well not the party, I usually love our parties, except now I was involved with my best friend’s husband, and she and my lover were coming tonight. Then, there was the issue with my husband and the business with the contract over the loan I gave Marc which I knew for sure would escalate into something even more ridiculous once he tried to do whatever he was planning to do to fix it. Either way, Marc would think Robert was even more of an asshole and Pam would feel terrible about the whole thing.
We were up early this morning getting the house ready for our guests. Today was a national holiday so the party was set to start at 3pm. By 10am caterers had already started to arrive, the sushi chef was setting up in the kitchen, the rental lounge chairs had already been delivered along with the towels, the bartenders had already set the outdoor bar and were coming back shortly before 3. The DJ was coming shortly after lunch time to set up. Robert was going to barbecue but he hired someone to take over when he was busy. The wait staff was also set to come shortly after 1pm to set up. We had over seventy five guests coming today, which was a lot but small compared to some of the other parties we’ve hosted in
the past.
“Florists are here” yelled Robert as I was standing in my walking closet deciding what I should wear today. It was hot, sunny and muggy, typical for July weather. The invitation called to bring a bathing suit, and after all that’s what it was and what it would turn out to be, a pool party for 20 and 30 something’s, those were my friends and acquaintances, with a mixture of older business men and their girlfriends and wives, those were Robert’s friends. However in my past experience hosting these things, they were the ones that got the craziest. It wasn’t out of the norm to catch one of Rob’s friends doing coke lines in the bathroom or having sex in the Jacuzzi when they got really drunk.
As I was looking at my array of designer label sun dresses, skirts, wraps, I remembered about the bikini I had purchased while I was out with Victor about a month ago. It was a white string bikini with metallic gold detail on the straps on both the top and bikini bottom, it was sexy as hell. I scrimmaged through some of my shopping bags and finally found it, with tags and all still attached. I also purchased a golden see through wrap to match, it was perfect.
Now that I had my wardrobe all set, I set it aside and went downstairs to instruct the florists.
“Security is coming over by 2 pm, they we’ll be confiscating cameras, smart devices, and video from guests” said Robert as he was passing by me downstairs. Another small detail which was of huge importance. Most of these business friends and colleagues did not appreciate their picture appearing in the tabloids over some indiscretion, and Alexam Limited’s name needed to be protected as well for the sake of the many retailers my company was linked with.
“Perfect” I retorted.
The florists prepared multiple arrangements of summery wild flowers, tulips, roses and various greens in glass water vases completed with floating candle tea lights for ambiance. They were strategically placed around the pool on their own pewter tables, throughout the back yard and inside the main floor of the house.
“Fantastic job planning Alexandra, it all looks perfect” said Robert as he was standing outside with me watching all these strange people taking care of the set up.
“This is the easy part, getting the guests to leave is another story” I pointed out.
“Yes well, the party is not over until someone gets really drunk” he laughed.
“Is your friend Bill coming?” I asked. Bill Warren, was one of Rob’s longtime friends. Rob was his protégé in the beginning and the friendship built from there. Married for the third time and since I last heard working on a divorce, he was a well-known ladies’ man. Never brought his wives to our parties, always his girlfriends and as far as I’m concerned he was a prick. A true alpha male, which is where I think Robert learned his ways. Except Bill was worse, he treated women like objects openly without a care, he was abusive too, his second divorce there was talk of spousal abuse but his lawyers buried the story and Robert never told me the truth. Bill was now in his mid to late fifties and rich and as far as I know still did a lot of business with my husband.
“Of course” he replied looking at me suspiciously.
“Great” I rose my eyebrows.
He sighed “You get to invite your flamboyant friends why can’t I invite one of my best friends?” he asked.
“Because he’s a prick, never leaves and always brings skanks into our home, at least my friends get the hint when the party is over” I remarked.
He gave me a warning look.
“Just saying” I added.
“Well I’ll make sure he leaves in a timely manner Alexandra, as for the skanks, nothing I can do about that”
“Well its 2:30, I’m going to take a shower and get ready” I said offering him a smile and walked away.
He grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to him.
“I can’t help feeling like there’s something wrong Alexandra, you haven’t been yourself since I got back”
I shrugged “I don’t know, maybe I’m bored, I think I just miss work” I lied.
“Are you sure it’s not something else? Should I be worried?”
I smiled “No, everything is fine Rob, really I’m fine, and this party should do me some good”
He kissed me deeply and let me go.
At 3pm sharp, the guests started to arrive. Many of my staff came together including my assistant.
“Darling you look fa-bu-lous!” said my assistant Jerry. Jerry was young but he was by far the best assistant anyone could ask for. A hard worker, stayed with me during the long days, kept me on the loop with everything going on, including office politics which I’m very particular about. He was my eyes and ears. I hired him now almost two years ago and have never regretted. He was a recent fashion design grad and eager to work and that’s how I liked it.
“Aww thank you Jerry, you look fab yourself darling” I said as we air kissed.
“Your house is to die for, every time I come here there’s something ever more wonderful that you’ve done with it”
“Jerry I don’t do jack shit, that’s a Robert thing, he loves spending money on frivolous things like that stupid painting up there” I whispered showing him a very large post-modern painting Robert had purchased on his trip to Italy last year. Jerry laughed “Oh who cares about the painting, just look at your husband, I would live in a card board box if it meant I got to see him naked on a daily basis. Speaking of naked, where’s your friend Victor?” he asked grinning wide.
“He’ll be here shortly, but” I began “He’s bringing his boyfriend and he really likes him” I said holding Jerry’s hand.
“Oh well honey, his loss” he said pointing to his fit slim body and I laughed.
Shortly thereafter, Bill arrived. I was talking to one my junior designers when he walked in and Robert greeted him. My blood boiled when I saw he had not one but two blond models in his arm. I knew they were models because they were both at my runway show during fashion week. Both of them in their very early 20’s.
“Alexandra” Robert called out and I knew what he wanted, I was livid.
I saved him the trouble and walked over to meet Bill.
“Bill how are you? It’s been too long” I said extending my hand offering him a smile which I tried my best not to seem to fake.
“Alexandra” he said taking my hand and kissing it. “You look ravishing, if you weren’t Rob’s wife I would woe you till you were mine” he said smiling at me wickedly. If any man said that to me, Robert would not hesitate to take him down. But for some reason he allowed Bill to do this, he allowed him to flirt with me, he’s gone to the extent of my grabbing my ass as I walked by and Robert never did a thing about it, which always bothered me.
“Yes well…Thank you, anyway welcome to our home, I will leave you now. I have to tend my other guests” I said taking my hand away and walked away.
By 4pm almost everyone had arrived. I say almost because Pam and Marc were not there yet. Victor and his new boyfriend were already enjoying the pool. Robert and Bill were deep in conversation while his two models were soaking in the pool.
My heart was racing, I was sad, disappointed even, that my best friend wasn’t here, but I think it was the fact that I wouldn’t see Marc today that hurt the most. So I went to the bar and ordered a tequila, that didn’t take the pain away so I ordered another and another, and then I felt fine. I felt mellow, and I wanted to dance. I gave the DJ a playlist of the music we wanted, he was still playing the slow stuff and I was getting annoyed by it.
“Hey, give me a set of headphones” I ordered the young DJ. He looked at me reluctantly and handed them over. I took over the laptop and searched for I wanted to hear “This one, play this one please” I pointed.
He obliged and selected it. I turned up the volume, turned up the bass and started playing Bob Marley vs. Funkstar Deluxe “Sun is shining” extended dance version. I was dancing with my headphones in his booth, Victor was hooting and hollering by the pool, we both loved this song. Many started dancing and getting in the pool as I was dj’ng
. I closed my eyes for a few seconds to enjoy the loud rhythm and the bass thumping all around me, when I opened my eyes, there he was, staring back at me smiling and I couldn’t help smile back at him. He was wearing a pair of blue swim trunks and a white tight t-shirt which accentuated every muscle in his tight body and of course his trademark aviator sunglasses. I wanted him so badly at that point, until I saw Pam reach for his hand as she walked in behind him. She wore a one piece bathing suit in black with a fuchsia wrap around her waist, big sunglasses and a straw hat. She didn’t look so bad, or fat, it was her breasts that were huge and heavy due to the breastfeeding. Sure she had extra around the bum, lower tummy and under her chin, but that was expected after having a baby three months ago.
I told the DJ to keep playing dance music and I stepped down to greet my friends. I hugged Pam first. Pam looked at me with slight jealousy in her eyes “You look amazing Alex” she said “You’re looking good yourself, I wish I had your boobs” I joked, she laughed.
Then I hugged Marc “I though you weren’t coming” I whispered low enough for only him to hear, he hugged me tightly for a second and let me go and suddenly all the dread and sadness left my body.
“Well guys the bar is over there, there’s food everywhere and plenty of places to sit” I said leaving them to it.
I let them go and I wasn’t sure what do with myself at that point, everyone was talking amongst themselves, dancing or playing in the pool.
I was still edgy, so I went to the kitchen and grabbed a smoke. Went back outside, walked away from everyone to have my cigarette. Didn’t want to offend anyone, I always thought it was funny at these parties, smoking weed was cool but if you lit up a smoke it offended most.
“You ok?” asked Marc coming up behind me, I smiled because I knew deep down he was going to smoke purposely to talk to me.