"My poor angel," I cooed. "You must have caught the horrible bug that is going around. Lucky for you, everyone I know has recovered the next day."
Handing him the electrolyte water, he took a long slow drink and then handed it back to me. Stumbling to bed, he climbed under the covers. I slipped in behind him and wrapped my arms around him.
"Just sleep, love and it will all soon be over," I said, stroking his hair.
As he began to gently snore, I moved away from him and took his phone. Carefully using his index finger to unlock the phone, I smiled as I saw messages from Ginger.
Ginger: Babe. Where are you?
Ginger: Baby, I am worried. You always call me before bed!
Ginger: :( You are just being mean now.
Ginger: Fine. You are missing this.
Attached to the last message, Ginger had taken a selfie of herself naked, sitting on the edge of a hot tub. Does she have no pride? I locked up the phone after deleting her picture and climbed into bed, grinning. I couldn't wait for tomorrow's workout.
Chapter 6
Befriending Ginger became a game with a delightful outcome. One month and I had become her best friend. Pity I hated her guts. We could have had a nice friendship if she wasn't sleeping with my husband. I had always followed the rules but with my new persona, I was free. I was smart with the details I shared of my pretend life. Having no parents alive and just moving to Los Angeles became our shared story.
When I told Ginger about my parents' sudden death, tears filled her eyes and she threw her arms around me. "We have been through so much of the same things. I’m so glad we met, J."
She gave me a nickname. Nice. Now we found out more about the boyfriend. "I am so glad, too. I really have no one here since I broke up with my boyfriend. It’s been a relief to find such a great friend."
"You will find someone, like my Jeremy, one day. I promise. You are so beautiful, J. I can't believe any man was stupid enough to let you get away." Once again, tears filled her eyes. Not rolling my eyes would be my greatest test in this game.
Sniffing, I said softly. "I found out he was cheating on me and I couldn't bear to spend another day with someone who couldn't be with me . . . only me." Wiping away a tear, I laughed. "I guess I don't like to share my toys."
Ginger let out a small laugh but her cheery demeanor changed. I had struck a chord. I felt I needed to pluck harder.
"I mean, she was just the perfume girl and he would meet her in the morning, when he should have been at work. You wouldn't believe the lies he told me. The worst thing was I found out after he would have sex with her in the morning,” I stopped as if the story was too painful to share. Ginger patted my hand encouraging me to continue. “He had the nerve to make love in the evening. How can anyone with self-respect and dignity ever live with that lie? I'm just not that girl."
Ginger was silent while I talked.
"What's wrong, Ginger? Are you ok? Did I upset you?"
"Oh, J, I am a horrible person. A truly bad person." Ginger looked around to confirm we were alone. In a hushed voice, she said, "My boyfriend is married. He says it is a loveless marriage and he’s only staying with her until they stabilize her medication. She’s bipolar and goes into a horrible rage where she breaks everything and she’s even tried to kill him. I saw the home he made for her. She really shouldn't be angry."
I wanted to slap her across the face. "You were in his house? You’re lucky his wife didn't show up."
"No, she was at a women's luncheon. He even let me try on one of her evening gowns," she giggled. "I didn't wear it long before he had me out of it and on their bed."
Her voice rose as she continued to talk about Jeremy's horrible wife. "You must think I am terrible but they haven't had sex in two years."
More like two hours, I thought wryly.
Taking my hand, she said, "Do you hate me? I promise I didn't know he was married until it was too late. Until I was so head over heels I couldn't imagine life without him."
“Oh Ginger, you don't have to apologize to me. I understand. Men can really play with our heart strings," I said, patting her hand. "Look at the time. Don't you need to meet with your stud soon? I know that’s why you run off after our workouts."
"Not today, he has a work meeting but he’s going to make it up to me tonight. He made reservations for us at a cozy Italian restaurant and booked a hotel that overlooks Rodeo Drive. Can you believe it? He said we’re going to shop and shop until we fall into bed. He is so kind. I can't believe I found a man like him."
"Wow, that sounds so great. A long weekend with a sexy man with money." I encouraged her to talk more.
"Well, after we are done here, I am going to the salon to get my hair done. I am so thankful Jeremy . . . oops . . . I mean, my boyfriend paid for laser hair removal. One less thing to get done." Holding her hands out, she said, "I should probably get my nails done. He loves for me to drag them down his back. Don't all men love that?" Ginger giggled at her comment and I joined in.
"Well, Ging. I have an appointment with a client in an hour. I need to run home and shower," I said. "You have a fun time, hun. You really deserve it."
"Thanks, J. I’ll see you Monday. I might be tired from my sexy weekend, so you will have to push me." Ginger giggled again.
"Oh, I will push you hard," I laughed and waved. Oh, I will push you, Ginger. If I could, it would be off the terrace of the nice little condo my husband is paying for.
I had no time to be angry or bitter. I needed to focus on how to destroy his weekend and I had the perfect plan.
Caitlyn: Up for Coffee?
Vicki: Always!!!! Usual place in 30?
Caitlyn: CAN'T WAIT! See you there.
After I ditched my costume, I prepared myself for a nice visit with Victoria Charleston. Vicki, as she liked to be called, was the third wife of Tad Charleston, who happened to be one of my husband's best clients. Today, Vicki would be the key to ruining Jeremy's weekend.
"Caitlyn, you look fabulous. What have you been doing with yourself? You’re glowing," Vicki said, kissing me on both cheeks before sitting down.
A man carried over two steaming cups to us and set it down on the table. "Hope you enjoy, Vicki. If this isn't what you gorgeous ladies want, holler. I aim to please."
"I ordered for us. I hope you don't mind," Vicki smiled. "Phil always knows just what I like."
"Now, Vicki, if I didn't know better," I said, with a sly smile.
"Oh, no. Phil doesn't bat for the same team as us. Pity, though. He would be a nice distraction for those long work weeks." Slapping herself on the hand, she giggled. Her giggle was not a childish one, like Ginger but a sexy, sophisticated one. "I'm so naughty."
Returning the laugh, I said, sipping the drink Phil had made for us, “I understand. No matter how much we love them, sometimes an adventure would be exciting. Pity. If his drink choice indicates what he would be like as a lover . . ."
"You’re bad, Caitlyn. You don't need an adventure. Your Jeremy is a fine specimen. Tad has been eating his stress. I am going to send him on a spa weekend soon if he doesn't get rid of those love handles. You’re lucky to have a man who cares about his appearance."
"Yes, my Jeremy is a bit vain but sometimes there can be too much perfection for any one person. Sometimes a change to someone like your Tad would be exciting," I said, copying Vicki's slapping of my hand and giggling.
"We really need to get together. Maybe we can swap husbands," Vicki said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Oh, Jeremy, would never go for that. Not that you wouldn't be a tempting morsel but he wouldn't share me with Tad."
"Sexy idea but Tad would be the same. I guess we just need to settle for dinner." Vicki sighed.
"Why don't we make it a weekend? Let's surprise the guys and whisk them away to San Diego. They can golf and talk business and we can get massages and fantasize about cabana boys," I suggested.
"Done. Tad had been talking about a relaxing weekend. Great
suggestion," Vicki said, pulling up her phone and punching buttons. "Done. Two villas booked. We can square up later. We leave tonight and don't return until Sunday night. Maybe we can skip the fantasizing and find cabana boys to keep us occupied."
"You are so bad," I said.
"But that is why you love me," Vicki said.
Caitlyn: Exciting news
Jeremy: Great. What?
Caitlyn: Tad and Vicki booked a getaway for the four of us this weekend. Golf, Villas and you have Tad's ear all weekend.
I smiled as I imagined the panic on his face. He had plans with Ginger. He would be stuck with his wife for a weekend when he could have been with his mistress. Poor Jeremy.
Caitlyn: Not good?
Jeremy: Sorry, phone rang. That’s great, babe. I can't wait. When do we leave?
Caitlyn: At 6. Tad's limo will drive us. I’ll pack for you.
Jeremy: I’ll come home early. See you then, babe
"Jeremy is so excited for the vacation," I smiled. My smile was not from happiness or joy. It was the cold calculating smile of a predator that had lured its victim into a trap. Poor Ginger. I wondered what story Jeremy made up to let her down.
Chapter 7
When Jeremy arrived home, he seemed flustered. I had packed our bags and been editing for several hours. Tucking away the papers under the couch, I went to him.
"You’re home early, love," I said, kissing him. "Is everything ok?"
"This is just a bad weekend for a getaway. I had business to deal with," Jeremy said, sharply.
"Oh, I am so sorry," I said, picking up my cell phone. "I’ll cancel right now. I just thought that with how stressful work has been, time with Tad would be a good thing."
As I began to pretend to text, he stopped me. "No. Wait. The other stuff can wait. You’re right. You’re always, right."
Scooping me up into his arms, he carried me to our bedroom. "We don't have time for this, silly," I said, coyly.
"I always have time to make love to my beautiful wife. You know, seeing you in that dress always gets me hot," Jeremy said. He set me down beside the bed and unzipped my dress. As it fell to the ground, he looked me up and down. "I don't think there’s a more beautiful woman in the world than you."
Smiling at him, I lay down on the bed. "I am sure there are more beautiful women out there. Blondes with larger breasts. Brunettes with perkier breasts. Beautiful black women with luscious asses."
I described the women I had seen in the photos Jack gave me. Pity Jeremy was too stupid to connect the dots.
Sliding onto the bed next to me, he trailed his mouth along my neck and stopped to nip and play with tender spots. This time, I did not fantasize about my oily cabana boy. I imagined Jack was running his fingers along my inner thighs and it was Jack making my body rock back and forth as he gently teased me. When I was on the brink of climaxing, Jeremy stopped and my fantasy crashed before me. Instead of the delicious image of Jack and me combining, I had the cold realization that the man moaning on top of me was my husband but in no way the man I loved anymore.
One month, twenty-nine days, twelve hours, three minutes. Then, you’re free.
When Jeremy finished, he lay on me, just breathing in my ear. When he finally kissed my cheek and then rolled off me, I waited for him to fall asleep. When I was sure he was out cold, I slipped out of the bed and went to the bathroom.
Filling the tub with the hottest water I could stand, I sat fighting back my tears. I didn't need to stay any longer. I had enough money and a job. Did I really need to hurt him? What kind of person had I become? I was no better than him.
Caitlyn: We need to talk.
Thomas: What's up, love? Did he do something? I will come and slap that tan off of his face if you want.
Caitlyn: No. I just don't know how much longer I can fake it. Every time he touches me I want to die. I need out sooner.
Thomas: I was going to talk to you about an opportunity next week but now seems right. I’ve been talking to a rich old lady. She wants her story written. You would be perfect for this job.
Caitlyn: Catch?
Thomas: You have to move to Montana
Caitlyn: For fuck's sake, T. Montana?
Thomas: Let's meet up tomorrow and figure it out.
Caitlyn: Can't. Going to San Diego for the weekend with J. My fault
Thomas: Oh, Cat. Why?????
Caitlyn: Possibly the worst idea I have ever had. Can't talk. See you Monday.
Thomas: Luv you. Text if you need me.
Caitlyn: <3
Slipping under the water, I opened my eyes. One day, I would be free of Jeremy but would the guilt for what I did consume me? Leaving my pity party behind, I wrapped myself in a robe and crept into the bedroom. It was only four o'clock. I didn't need to wake Jeremy. His phone was on the ground next to his pants. Kicking it with my foot under his clothes, I picked it up and then checked to see if he moved. Carefully, I pressed the phone to his finger, unlocking it.
He grabbed my arm. "Back for some more lovin', babe?" he said, sleepily.
Dropping the phone, I smiled down on him. "You looked like a sexy angel."
He pulled me into his arms and crushed his mouth against mine. His tongue explored my mouth frantically. I hated that more than anything. I never felt anything loving about it being jammed down my throat but today, I didn't care. I didn't want this to be a tender moment that he would make linger up until the last minute before we left on our trip. If it had been seven years ago, I would have longed for Jeremy to spend the day with me like this. But now, I had to make it fast and exhaust him. My breaking point felt close. Digging back into my memories of our early days of passion, I twisted around onto him and put myself in the dominate position.
Jeremy grinned as he undid my robe. The next fifteen minutes I focused on tiring him out. My movements were quick and hard. My hours on the treadmill had been helpful. My energy was high and I had a mission. When he finally finished, he was panting and moaning.
"What are you trying to do, kill me? You were a tiger," he breathed.
Slipping off of him, I purred, "If you want to go again, I’m ready, willing and able."
His heart was still beating fast. Please say no . . . please say no . . . please Jeremy, close your eyes.
"You spent me, babe. I need to take a nap." Grabbing me around the waist, he pulled me close to him and nuzzled into my neck. "Let's just stay like this. Damn it, Caitlyn. It was like the old days. What has come over you? You make me insane. I don't think you know how much I love you."
I didn't respond. I just shifted as if I was trying to snuggle closer. Why did you not say those things a year ago, Jeremy? Why was I not enough? I lay still while I waited for the sound of him sleeping. This time I knew Jeremy was in a deep sleep before I left the bed this time. Reaching to the floor, I picked up the phone and unlocked it.
I took the phone with me to the living room, where I quickly gathered the manuscript I had hidden and returned to my closet. When I had the door shut, I hid my work and began to look through his phone.
Jeremy: Bad news. I need to cancel this weekend.
Ginger: No! Why?
Jeremy: Business in San Diego
Ginger: I love the beach. I can come like San Fran?
Jeremy: Sorry, babe. The bitch is coming
Ginger: Not fair!!! Jeremy I am sick of this. I deserve more!!!
Jeremy: If you want to be a bitch, pack and get out of my condo. I pay your rent. You don't work. What the fuck else do you deserve for a couple of bjs? I already have a fucking crazy wife. I don't need another. If you want to end this - I will find a new piece of ass. Trust me. There are others to fill your spot and cost me less.
Ginger: No, Jeremy, I’m sorry. Don't say that. I love you. Please don't do this. You’re right. I’ll be better for you, baby.
Jeremy: I will talk to you when I return and you better make it up to me. You might want to get to the gym while I am gone. I noticed you have put on a couple
of lbs. I don't need a fat girlfriend.
Ginger: I will. I’m sorry. Please, baby, don't be mad at me. I’ll go to the gym. I love you.
I wanted to type into the phone that he was not worth this. Seeing the cruel words he wrote to Ginger, my heart hardened. He didn't deserve my guilt. He was a horrible person. I couldn't save Ginger but maybe I could help. Picking up my phone, I knew what I needed to do to ease my guilt.
Caitlyn: I need a favor?
Jack: Anything.
Caitlyn: I have to go away for the weekend with my husband.
Jack: Is everything ok?
Caitlyn: No. Ready for this to end
Jack: End it now. You don't need him.
Jack: Sorry. What did you need?
I sent the picture of the conversation between Ginger and Jeremy. It took several minutes before he replied.
Jack: He's a real piece of work. I’ll check on her. You’re lucky to be free of that, Caitlyn. You deserve better.
Caitlyn: Thank you. I’ll talk to you soon.
Jack: If you need anything, I'm here.
Caitlyn: ty
Deleting the message, I threw on my clothing and carefully put on my make-up. I would be the trophy wife for a little bit more time. I would continue with my plan, even if it meant one last weekend away with a man I knew I would never love again.
Chapter 8
Saturday, the men played golf while Vicki and I spent the day in the spa. By the time the men returned, we were both dressed and ready for a night out. My mind had been spinning. Step 1 - securing my finances was solid. I had a job and enough money to not worry about my security for a long time. Step 2 – shake up his world was in play. I had met the mistress but now, I needed to bring it to a new level. Step 3 –tarnish his reputation. The thing that was most important to Jeremy. Without his reputation, he would be nothing.
Friday night, while Jeremy and I were getting ready for bed, I told him about the conversation Vicki and I had earlier that day. His eyes lit up at the suggestion of swapping partners.
Flawed Perfection: A Collection of Winter Wishes Page 43