by Nesly Clerge
The Anatomy of Cheating
Nesly Clerge
“The Anatomy of Cheating”
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved
Copyright © 2017 by Nesly Clerge
(Print) ISBN: 978-0-9965017-8-1
(Electronic) ISBN: 978-0-9965017-7-4
Publisher: Clerge Books, LLC
Editor: Joyce L. Shafer (http://editmybookandmore.weebly.com)
Cover and Interior Book Design: Damonza.com
E-Book Formatting: Ebooklaunch.com
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the author or publisher.
Table of Contents
ALSO BY NESLY CLERGE
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31
CHAPTER 32
CHAPTER 33
CHAPTER 34
CHAPTER 35
CHAPTER 36
CHAPTER 37
CHAPTER 38
CHAPTER 39
CHAPTER 40
CHAPTER 41
CHAPTER 42
CHAPTER 43
CHAPTER 44
CHAPTER 45
CHAPTER 46
CHAPTER 47
CHAPTER 48
CHAPTER 49
CHAPTER 50
CHAPTER 51
CHAPTER 52
CHAPTER 53
CHAPTER 54
CHAPTER 55
CHAPTER 56
CHAPTER 57
CHAPTER 58
CHAPTER 59
CHAPTER 60
CHAPTER 61
CHAPTER 62
CHAPTER 63
CHAPTER 64
CHAPTER 65
CHAPTER 66
CHAPTER 67
CHAPTER 68
CHAPTER 69
CHAPTER 70
CHAPTER 71
CHAPTER 72
CHAPTER 73
CHAPTER 74
CHAPTER 75
CHAPTER 76
CHAPTER 77
CHAPTER 78
CHAPTER 79
CHAPTER 80
CHAPTER 81
CHAPTER 82
CHAPTER 83
CHAPTER 84
CHAPTER 85
CHAPTER 86
CHAPTER 87
CHAPTER 88
CHAPTER 89
CHAPTER 90
CHAPTER 91
CHAPTER 92
CHAPTER 93
CHAPTER 94
CHAPTER 95
CHAPTER 96
CHAPTER 97
CHAPTER 98
CHAPTER 99
CHAPTER 100
CHAPTER 101
CHAPTER 102
CHAPTER 103
CHAPTER 104
CHAPTER 105
CHAPTER 106
CHAPTER 107
CHAPTER 108
CHAPTER 109
CHAPTER 110
CHAPTER 111
CHAPTER 112
CHAPTER 113
CHAPTER 114
CHAPTER 115
CHAPTER 116
CHAPTER 117
CHAPTER 118
CHAPTER 119
CHAPTER 120
CHAPTER 121
CHAPTER 122
CHAPTER 123
CHAPTER 124
CHAPTER 125
CHAPTER 126
CHAPTER 127
CHAPTER 128
CHAPTER 129
CHAPTER 130
CHAPTER 131
CHAPTER 132
CHAPTER 133
CHAPTER 134
CHAPTER 135
CHAPTER 136
CHAPTER 137
CHAPTER 138
CHAPTER 139
CHAPTER 140
CHAPTER 141
CHAPTER 142
CHAPTER 143
CHAPTER 144
CHAPTER 145
CHAPTER 146
CHAPTER 147
CHAPTER 148
CHAPTER 149
CHAPTER 150
CHAPTER 151
CHAPTER 152
CHAPTER 153
CHAPTER 154
CHAPTER 155
CHAPTER 156
CHAPTER 157
CHAPTER 158
CHAPTER 159
CHAPTER 160
CHAPTER 161
CHAPTER 162
CHAPTER 163
CHAPTER 164
CHAPTER 165
CHAPTER 166
CHAPTER 167
CHAPTER 168
CHAPTER 169
CHAPTER 170
CHAPTER 171
CHAPTER 172
CHAPTER 173
CHAPTER 174
CHAPTER 175
CHAPTER 176
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ALSO BY NESLY CLERGE
When the Serpent Bites
(Book 1 of The Starks Trilogy)
When the Dragon Roars
(Book 2 of The Starks Trilogy)
End of the World: The Beginning
(Book 1 of a Serial - Amazon #1 Bestseller)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My sincere thanks to my editor, Joyce L. Shafer, for being consistently in my corner and assisting me to reach for the stars.
To my significant other, Tierra Guy--your critiques of my work are always on point. Your encouragement and enthusiasm mean more than I can say.
I give special thanks to my Goodreads reviewers and fans, whose feedback is welcome and invaluable: Diane Lybbert, Lynn McCarthy, Kimberlie Lashley, Julie Green, Tamara Lewis, Brenda Telford, Patricia Brooks, Shannon Fairley, Maxine Groves, Dee Cherry, Irene Appleby, Anthony Richard Parsons, Dianne Bylo, K Morton, Lorraine Sithole, Torrie Angel, Tracy Watson Fisher, Laura Cerone, Russell Dent, Linda Strong, Veronica Joy, Nicki, Lesley Marino, Sue Ward, Kostas Kinas, Sue Leonhardt, Roberson Lapierre, and Hensie Lapierre.
Kay Smillie—your outstanding services and hawk-eyed abilities are always significant. You are the first to read and review all of my published novels, and I truly appreciate you for this. I thank you for being my #1 fan.
My thanks and appreciation to Shayla Eaton for her exceptional marketing skills.
I owe gratitude to the following authors for their esteemed input: Rebecca Mcnutt, C. P. Bialois, J. Kahele, and Rajalakshmi Prithviraj.
CHAPTER 1
Innocent or guilty? Dr. Bernadette Moore studied the faces and mannerisms of the people seated and those filing into the room. Seldom did anyone volunteer to admit which category they fit into, at least not in a public forum—not that she ever asked. No Show of hands, please, for this type of crowd. However, their qu
estions, comments, and body language informed her of more than they realized or meant to reveal.
A bead of perspiration trickled from her breastbone to the fabric of her bra. It wasn’t nerves. She’d gotten used to audiences during her extensive weekends-only book tour that included open forums. Like this one. Inevitable discussions tended to get heated; hence, her request to the manager to adjust the air-conditioner.
This was the last such event before resuming her usual counseling routine at her office. And was why she’d scheduled it in her own town of Waltham, Massachusetts. It would be her bed she climbed into later. Alone. None of the people in attendance needed to know that. Unless someone asked. If asked, she’d answer honestly. It was vital she be an example, not just for the sake of her reputation, but also for the sake of those who sought what she provided.
Dr. Moore shook her shoulder-length blond hair from her face and smoothed the fabric of her jacket and skirt tailored for her tall, slender form. Ready to face advocates and detractors alike, she tapped her pen against the top of the lectern.
Audience members grew quiet as they fixed their attention on her. Dr. Moore’s hazel eyes focused on a few faces. “Thank you for joining me tonight. Please respect your fellow attendees and turn off your cell phones now.” As nearly every person did so, she added, “That’s one of two rules I have. The other is that you never hesitate to ask questions.”
A woman in the front row said, “We can ask about anything?”
“Whatever you want. Don’t be shy. We’re here to discuss and discover intricacies of the compelling and, more often than not, painful topic of infidelity.”
Several attendees shifted nervously in their chairs. Others positioned pens over notebooks or tablets opened to a clean page.
Dr. Moore held her book up, showcasing the title, The Anatomy of Cheating. “I’m grateful to those of you who purchased my book, and I’m delighted to say it’s now a New York Times best-seller.” She smiled in response to applause that was genuine from some, tepid from others, and made a small bow at the waist.
“I see a number of you brought your copies. Extras are on the table at the back, for those who wish to purchase one either during the break or after the forum.” She put the book down. No notes on sheets of paper or index cards were present—she knew the subject and people’s natures too well to need them. “Now, let’s delve into this topic that affects the lives of so many. Perhaps, even some of you.
“Anatomy is defined as the study of structure, a detailed analysis, rather than solely knowledge of what a body is comprised of. Infidelity—more commonly called cheating—is the action or state of being unfaithful to one’s partner when a promise or mutual agreement of exclusivity exists.
“We’re here to explore and analyze the internal workings of being unfaithful, as well as the different aspects of such behavioral choices that lead us to the ultimate question: why do we cheat on our spouses or partners?”
The same woman in the front row blurted out, “Men cheat because they’re dogs.”
Dr. Moore fixed a small smile on her lips and remained quiet.
The woman’s face blazed red. “I know how bad that sounds, but I’ve had some unpleasant experiences with a few no-good, cheating, conniving men.”
“It’s okay. I welcome the conversation. I’ll answer your question, but let me first say that it isn’t only men who cheat. Women do, as well; though, there are those who prefer to believe otherwise. And, honestly, women are more adept at it because they’re better planners.”
Another woman spoke up. “Seems like a blind statement to me.” She glanced around to see if anyone agreed with her. No one acknowledged whether they did or didn’t.
Dr. Moore took a sip of water. This subject was an uncomfortable one for many, but people in each location she traveled to, showed up and warmed the seats, even if only motivated by vicarious curiosity. “There are any number of reasons why people cheat: Physical gratification, revenge, lack of emotional intimacy in their current relationship, falling out of love with their spouse or partner, lack of appreciation or respect from their spouse or partner, sexual addiction, to list several.”
The woman in the front row said, “There’s more?”
Dr. Moore nodded. “We’d need to go beyond our scheduled three hours, maybe days, if we were to discuss the myriad reasons people cheat and how they justify it to themselves and others. The bottom line is this: there’s a need not being fulfilled, so people look for that fulfillment elsewhere.”
Several hands raised. Dr. Moore pointed to a woman in the back. “The lady in red.”
“Maybe that’s why some women cheat, but we all know men cheat more than women, and why. They want to screw everything that moves. They don’t care who they hurt. It’s not a big deal for them. Women don’t act like that. At least, not the women I know.”
A number of women nodded their heads. The men, with the exception of a middle-aged man in the front row, looked at their shoes, the floor, the ceiling—anywhere but at the women—and remained silent.
Dr. Moore said with a knowing smile, “Some women resist owning up to what their gender is capable, as well as guilty, of. It’s one reason they get away with it more easily than men. People tend to not expect women to cheat, whereas they do tend to expect it of men. It’s one reason why husbands or significant others are so often stunned when it happens to them.
“I’ve counseled hundreds of couples and individuals over the years, and,” she tapped her book, “I’ve conducted extensive research on the matter. While it’s true that most men express themselves through physicality, the consensus is that women cheat for emotional reasons. However,” she looked straight at the woman, allowing her pause to hang in the air, “you’d be surprised at how many women cheat solely for sexual satisfaction.”
The middle-aged man cleared his throat loudly. He fiddled with his silk tie and said, “Aside from your ‘extensive’ research—whatever that means, what qualifications do you possess that permit you to call yourself an expert? Personally, I find your position—if you’ll pardon the pun—awkward and unsubstantiated.”
Dr. Moore grinned. “It’s obvious you didn’t read my book or, at least, my bio.” Light laughter rustled through the room. “I hold a medical degree in psychiatry and a doctorate in human psychology, with emphasis on human sexuality. Additional qualifications are my life experiences.”
The man smirked. “I suppose you also consider the fact you were married twice contributory to your expertise. You were married twice, weren’t you? Or was it three times?”
Murmurs rippled through the audience.
Dr. Moore did a visual assessment of the man. “May I ask what you do for a living, sir?”
“I’m a psychologist.”
“That explains it.” Dr. Moore smiled at the people waiting for her response. “Our fellow attendee’s demeanor isn’t uncommon. People in the field of counseling and psychology sometimes come to my open forums with the intent to discredit me. They say these types of forums are inappropriate; that my public discussions of something so private are unorthodox, even in this day and age. I have nothing to hide, but I can’t say that about many of the people who attend.”
Some in the room snickered, others sat motionless.
The man leaned forward and aimed a finger at her. “You didn’t answer my question, Dr. Moore. In my professional opinion, that’s a telling sign. It’s avoidance, when called out.”
She ignored him. “By show of hands, how many of you are parents?” The majority raised their hands. “How many of you have children involved in sports?” A few hands lowered. “Do you prefer your children to be coached by someone who actually played the particular sport your child is involved in, or would you rather a coach who never played a day in his or her life?” She pointed at a woman in the middle row.
“Someone with experience, naturally.”
Dr. Moore turned to the psychologist. “Indeed, because knowing something intellectually a
nd real life experience are two different things. When you combine the two, the result is wisdom.”
The man curled his lips in contempt and pretended to evaluate the manicured nails of his left hand.
Dr. Moore stifled a grin. “I don’t see a wedding ring on your hand, sir. That could mean nothing,” she winked at the audience, “or it could mean a great deal. Don’t worry. I have no intention of probing that potential minefield.” Most in the audience laughed.
Dr. Moore moved a few feet to her left. “I’ve been divorced twice, cheated on, and did the cheating. That’s why I’m more than qualified to do what I do.”
She glanced at the psychologist and said, “I don’t hide behind theory,” then returned her attention to the others. “I understand exactly what individuals and couples go through when they sit in my office. I understand the pain and humiliation. The devastation. The animosity and bitterness. The mechanism behind it all, and from both sides of the experience. I understand the anatomy of cheating.”
CHAPTER 2
The forum continued in a lively manner, comprised of dredged up emotions, arguments, gender-specific accusations, tears, and occasional bouts of laughter—typical of how they usually went. A half hour past the scheduled end time, Dr. Moore suppressed a yawn and announced the event officially over.
The psychologist stood, adjusted the lapels of his suit jacket, harrumphed and left without saying another word. Several people followed him. About half of the attendees lined up at the back table, book in hand, wallets out. The remainder crowded around the lectern to get their copies autographed. Three men gave Dr. Moore their business cards, accompanied by dinner or drinks invitations.
Dr. Moore smiled at the last two people in front of the lectern as they moved into place. The women were obviously together, and an odd duo. One wore wedding rings, one did not. Only one of them drew lustful stares from some of the men, which was understandable. Men tended not to care if black roots revealed that platinum blond hair wasn’t natural. If their eyes even traveled that far up from a stretch of bare legs supported by stiletto heels, and topped off with artificially enhanced cleavage.
The woman with the carat-heavy wedding rings tugged at her too-large, too-long, unseasonable sweater that failed to hide her plump middle and hips. Her cheeks pinked as she held her book out.
Dr. Moore smiled and said, “My mother’s hair was almost the same shade of auburn as yours. But her eyes were emerald green rather than blue. Yours is a lovely combination as well.”