“Then find another way.”
“Why are you protecting him?” Carter chimed in. “You heard him. He drugged you with the intention of outing you to Melanie and when she didn’t care and told him she was pregnant, he strangled her. He ruined your whole life. Why don’t you want him to pay for that? We could go to the judge and get the case dismissed right now. You’d be a free man.”
“No I wouldn’t. Do you know what would happen if my father found out I was gay? I’d lose everything. It’d be his worse nightmare.”
“More of a nightmare than having his only son go to prison for murder?”
Jason didn’t answer. He crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head, dismissing the topic, and just like that they were back at square one. They still had testimony from the toxicologist confirming Jason had been drugged and wouldn’t have physically been able to strangle someone, but Keith didn’t know if that would be enough. It was their entire defense. He felt defeated. His whole world was crashing down around him. First Annabel that morning and now this. Everything he’d worked so hard for was completely fucked.
Keith slammed Jason’s door on the way out. It was childish, but he was pissed. He always seemed like such a push over, but when it came down to it, he was just as stubborn as his father. They actually got Chris on tape, from the bugs in Jason’s house, breaking down and admitting to everything. Who cares if his father would find out he was gay? It had to be better than the alternative, but apparently not in Jason’s eyes.
Keith could pretend he wanted the win for Jason’s sake, to free an innocent man, but it was more than that. He needed it for himself. To further his career. Losses are not condoned in his industry, even if the client is being difficult. No one will know what he went through. They won’t see how ethical he was by withholding information to salvage his client’s image. All they will see is the loss. Keith hated thinking this way, but it was the truth. He had to think of himself.
“Who are you calling?” Carter asked as Keith pulled his cell phone from his pocket.
“Judge Sanders. She has to know. We can ask her to seal the information.”
“And if she doesn’t?”
“Then I did my job.”
“That sounds like something I would do. Not you,” he told him, pulling the phone out of his grasp and ending the call. “What’s going on Keith? I’m not going to let you do something you will regret later. We can fix this. We’ll find another way. I can be very convincing. Chris is going to come forward all on his own without any implication of Jason’s sexual proclivities.”
“And how are you going to do that?”
“Just trust me. I have my ways. Why don’t we take a break for the day? It’s already after four. We can start fresh tomorrow.”
Keith groaned into his hands. He didn’t want to start fresh tomorrow. He didn’t want to go home at all; was scared to face her. She was going to end it. He could feel it coming like the calm before the storm. Their four years of marriage, ten years of happiness, just gone. How had he let things get so bad? He stopped trying. That’s how. He gave up the minute he found out she lied to him and with every lie Carter found, it made it easier and easier to push away. Now he had nothing left. His career was a total fucking mess and his marriage was even worse. He didn’t want to lose his perfect life and yet it seemed like that was what it was coming to.
“My wife’s leaving me tonight,” he blurted on their drive back to Carter’s house.
“Shit. You sure?”
“Pretty sure. This morning, before I left for your place, she told me she wasn’t in love with me anymore.”
“Fuck. That’s got to hurt.”
“It did, but it’s not like it was a shock, more like a reality check. I mean, you’ve told me all these things about her, hard to believe things, and a part of me didn’t want to believe them, and then this morning, it quite literally hit me. I lost everything and it was my own fault. I should have fought for her. I know you told me not to tell her, but I should have. She’s been hiding things from me, but I’m no better because I hid things from her too. I mean, what kind of husband has his wife investigated? That’s when it was really over. Tonight is just closure. Verbally calling it quits. And even though I know it’s coming, have for a long time, it’s still scary as hell.”
“Are you going to ask her about the affair? Tell her you know about the money?”
“I don’t know,” he leaned his head back into the seat, staring up at the sun visor while he thought. “Thinking of her cheating on me makes me sick, and not just the act of cheating, but the fact that she would do it. I told you she made me wait a year to sleep with her. One goddamn year,” his voice cracked and he had to swallow before he could continue. “If she is cheating on me, how long has it been going on? Did she make him wait too? Did they fall in love? They’re all questions I don’t know if I want to know the answers to.”
“What about the money? Are you going to ask her where that came from?”
“No.” For some reason the money irked him more than everything else. It made him feel like what they had was so insignificant that some rich millionaire could take it away from them with the swipe of a card. “If my wife has a bank account with millions of dollars, I think it’s best to wait until the divorce settlement before bringing up that piece of information. I’m sick of always being the nice guy. I moved out here for her. I gave up my life for her. If she’s cheating on me and that asshole gave her fifteen million dollars you better believe I’m taking half of it.”
“Well shit. I think I rubbed off on you Nichols. And I agree. You should take the money.”
Carter invited Keith to stay for drinks, but he wasn’t feeling up for it. It was finally time to face the music. To talk to his wife and condemn their failing marriage. He parked his car in the driveway, right next to hers, and sluggishly made his way to the front door. It creaked as it opened and he stopped to set his keys on the side table before walking into the quiet house.
Loosening his tie, he made his way through the house, calling out her name.
“Back here,” she called.
Keith followed the sound of her voice up the stairs and to the small room nearest theirs. The one they never go in. Annabel leaned against the crib, letting her forearms rest atop the wooden slats. He stood in the doorway, giving her a moment, and when she finally turned around her eyes were wet from tears.
“We almost had it all, didn’t we? If she was here. Right now. We’d be perfect. I wish I could have given her to you Keith. You’ve always given me everything. You deserve better.”
“Babe,” he started to speak as the tears flooded his eyes. “I always thought we had it all. I never held the baby against you. You were my everything. From the moment I met you, all I wanted was you.”
A sob escaped as she brought up her hands to wipe her eyes and Keith couldn’t help himself, he careened forward and wrapped his arms around her; holding her close, memorizing her smell, needing to console her one last time before they said their goodbyes.
“I think I held the baby against you. A part of me felt like you did this to me and I was too scared to let it happen again. I know it’s not fair, but somehow in my fucked up mind it’s how I felt.”
“You don’t think I know that?” He pulled back to look at her. “It was written on your face every time I saw you. I just didn’t care. That’s how much I loved you. I thought you’d get over it, that we’d get through it. I never once saw us ending up here.”
“I’m sorry Keith,” she reached for his hand and brought it to her chest. “So sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t try harder, I’m sorry I couldn’t be the wife you needed, I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you after she died. You were right. I only thought about myself.”
“Shhh baby. You don’t need to apologize.” He pulled her close again, running a hand through her hair. Each condolence she uttered only made the situation that much harder to bare. He didn’t know where they would go from there, what would
happen in the future, but he did know, for now, they were done. Each apology was like it’s own little goodbye and he felt his heart breaking. It’s what she needed, what they both needed, but it wasn’t easy and it hurt like hell.
“I love you Keith. I want you to know that. You are the best husband a girl could ever hope for and I know in a million years I will never find anyone better than you.”
He didn’t respond. What could he say? Thank you? If I’m the best, then why are you leaving me? If you’ll never find anyone else, then why don’t you stay? Those were all the questions running through his heart, but his brain knew better. He needed this separation as much as she did. He was done with the lies, the loneliness, the heartache. He deserved to be happy, and to find that, he needed to get away.
They held each other in silence. Letting their unsaid emotions fill the room that once held all their joy, and now only represented their demise. Keith didn’t want to let go. This was the most emotional contact he’d received in months. Funny how they were finally in a position to comfort each other; both going through the same thing at the same time.
Annabel loosened her hold minutes later, taking a small step back, enough to give her room to look him in the eyes. There were so many questions he wanted to ask her, so many things he could say, and yet he didn’t want to ruin the moment. Nothing he could ask would fix them. He’d find out eventually, but for now, this is how he wanted to remember their last night. Loving, gentle, affectionate, kind. All the traits they went into their marriage having.
She let her hands wander up to his face where they rested on his cheeks, one of her thumbs stroking back and forth. Her eyes were puffy and red, but she was still as beautiful as the first day he saw her.
Leaning in slow, she stood on her tip toes to place her soft lips to his, letting her mouth open slightly before closing again. They stood in a holding pattern and once more she opened her mouth, a little wider this time and pulled him closer.
Keith was following her lead, giving her whatever she needed. If he was being honest, he needed it too. A goodbye kiss. Who knew if they’d ever kiss again. At that thought his mouth became more demanding, opening further. She slipped in her tongue and he moaned loudly, a sound mixed with pain and lust.
“Make love to me,” she told him through their kiss. “Please. I need you.”
He needed her too. More than words could say and let his hands drop down low to pick her up by the back of her thighs. Her legs connected around his waist and she clung to him like she used to; with desperate need.
He carried her over to their room, trailing kisses down her neck the entire way. The baby camisole she was wearing rode up to her hips and she pulled it over her head before he deposited her on the bed. She sat on top of the mattress in only a black thong and slowly pushed herself backward toward the headboard, never breaking eye contact.
Keith’s mouth began to salivate as he unbuttoned his shirt, sliding it down his arms and let it fall to the floor. He wanted to take his time with her. If this was going to be their last night together he wanted to make it count. Wanted to show her with his body, everything he felt over their downfall, but wasn’t able to say.
They made love three times that night, well, the second time was more of an angry fuck. A how the fuck did we let this happen fuck to be followed up with the kind of sex that says, I’ll love you forever no matter what even if we aren’t together. It was the best way they could have possibly ended things and when they woke in the morning they were under no delusions. She told him she was planning to move out. Requested to have the day alone so she could get her things together and he agreed.
He also told her he’d take care of finding the divorce attorney, that he was more than happy to split everything with her right down the middle. Fifty, fifty. She shockingly countered, or maybe not so shockingly since she had a hidden bank account, and told him he could keep everything. That the divorce was her doing and she didn’t want or deserve his money. He told her it was both their faults and they’d talk about it later. He still wasn’t fully convinced they’d go through with the divorce, maybe this would just end up being a separation, and he wanted to hold his cards close.
Keith left for work that morning sad, but content. He was in a better place than he had been over the past couple months. His marriage might have been over, but he finally had something to look forward to. He wasn’t sure what, but it was out there waiting for him. It was all uphill from there.
Twenty-Four
She did it. She actually did it, and it was perfect. Keith never suspected a thing. He could feel things going bad, just like she hoped he would, and he left with no animosity what-so-ever. If there was an award for best way to end a marriage, she would win. That sounds harsh, but it was true. Now he never has to know the truth. She can tell him the story about moving to New York for a job. They’ll break the news to their friends and family at some point and tell them the separation was mutual and they are both happy. There will still be some unwanted chit-chat amongst the Scottsdale socialites, but overall an easy split.
Annie hovered above the cardboard box and held it together with her legs while using the tape gun to seal the flaps. Packing was taking her less time than expected. It was just past noon and her bedroom was mostly finished. Another hour and she’d be working on the living room and kitchen. All she had down there were some minor knick knacks and some of Trevor’s paintings. Everything else she’d leave behind.
She still hadn’t spoken to Brax besides a quick I love you text exchange right after Keith left. You’d think she’d still be mad over what Sara told her, a part of her was, but there is something very self soothing about knowing you have a secret too. She betrayed him and he’ll never know. It was something she needed to do for herself. To make herself feel better, and it worked. He may have slept with Sara, but she slept with Keith. Tit for tat. Now she could move on.
Walking in her closet she began removing shirts from their hangers and stacked them upon the white ottoman taking up space in the center of the room. After creating three tall stacks she gathered a pile in her arms and walked it over to the box, filling it to the brim. She did the same with the next pile and her phone rang just as she was depositing them.
Checking the caller ID, she saw Trevor’s name and goofy picture and let out a squeal. “Oh my god. Why haven’t you called me in forever? How’s work in Vegas?”
Trevor chuckled on the other end. “Sorry sorry. I should have called sooner. Work’s actually exhausting. I’m seriously working all hours of the night, but they’re paying me a shit ton so I can’t complain too much.”
“Do you like it? Is it fun?”
“Yeah. I like it. Lots of perks.”
“Well I am without a job at the moment and Brax doesn’t need to be back in New York for another month, so let me know if there’s a weekend soon where you’re not too busy and we could come visit.”
“You sound like Sara and Mandy. They’ve been begging to visit too.”
Annie let out a grunt. Just the mention of Sara’s name had her blood boiling all over again. In standard female fashion, even though she’d forgiven Brax, or more like, let him live, she was nowhere near doing the same for Sara. That bitch could rot in hell for all she cared.
“Don’t ever say her name to me again Trevor. I hate her. Just hearing her name makes me want to vomit.”
“Uh oh. What happened?”
“She slept with him,” her heart accelerated as she told him. “With Brax.” Her voice broke as she said his name and she lost the edge of her steel demeanor.
“No. That’s not true. He wouldn’t do that.”
“He did Trevor. She told me everything. Details.”
“Are you sure? Did you ask him about it?”
“No I didn’t ask him. I didn’t need to. Her description was clear enough.”
Annie had to brace her hands on her knees, breathing in deep while she relayed everything Sara had told her. Apparently she wasn’t ov
er his discretion as much as she originally thought.
“What are you going to do? Are you ending things with him?”
“Brax wouldn’t let me end things with him if he fucked the whole damn city while he was with me. I’m not that naïve. He swore up and down he’d let me make my own choice when it came to him or Keith, but I know that’s only because he was so sure of the outcome. He’s a businessman. He wouldn’t risk losing an asset unless he knew he was going to win in the end.”
“So you’re not going to do anything? Not even confront him about it?”
“I’m not going to confront him, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to do anything, that I haven’t already done something.” Just thinking about her night with Keith was making her feel better. Maybe it was the right choice after all.
“Oh god, Annie. What’d you do?”
“I slept with Keith,” she told him point blank. “Three times and it was great. Like sex used to be before we got married. It was passionate and wild and loving and now we’re even. He had his transgression and I had mine.”
The line went silent. Annie had to say Trevor’s name twice before he finally responded.
“I’m sorry Annie. I have to go.”
“Wait. I didn’t even tell you the other news.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll call you later.”
Braxton put in a couple hours of work in the morning, but had called it quits by noon. He missed his girl. This time off was supposed to be about her, and recently his work had been taking a toll on the amount of quality time they were able to spend together. He didn’t even care about the job. It was all a ploy that avalanched into something much bigger and he could tell it bothered her, especially since he never told her what it was he did all day.
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