by K. Marie
- mahatma gandhi
Thirty-Two
C A M R Y
Everything’s been a whirlwind since the day I agreed to marry Garland in my kitchen four months ago.
Garland is a man who knows what he wants; and liked for things to happen immediately once he’d decided on something. To say he’s determined, would be an understatement.
One week after his initial proposal, he flew me to Miami and surprised me with a redo. Garland wanted my proposal to be memorable, felt the first time around had been impromptu and unromantic. He didn’t come that day intending to propose.
He pulled out all the stops the second time around, with a rooftop dinner overlooking the twinkling Miami skyline and Atlantic Ocean. There was a ring, twinkling enchanting lighting, candles, flowers, and even a string quartet playing “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love” while we danced. It was absolutely magical. The second proposal was everything a girl could hope for, I even cried like a baby when he unexpectedly got down on bended knee. However, I truly believed the first proposal to have been even more special and memorable, because of the raw emotion and life changing decisions made that day.
Given the choice of us marrying anywhere in the world, we married at sunset on a beautiful private beach in Hawaii; a place I’d always longed to visit. Garland was surprised by my preference for a small destination wedding, which would’ve included only the two of us and Autumn. But he surprised me anyway, by having my family flown in for the occasion, and even more so, by having his own mother and aunt flown in as well. Regretfully though, his father had been ill and too unfit to travel. His best friend Greg was there, as well as another friend, Vasily. And of course, both Viktor and Joe.
Garland’s mother, Florencia Vidov, is a pretty petite woman who looked at least a decade younger than her fifty-seven years. I was at first skeptical of meeting her; didn’t know what to expect, worried that she wouldn’t approve. But as it turned out, Garland’s mother had been both relieved, and overcome with joy, over her son finally finding someone who’d “Melted the ice around his heart.” Her actual words to me.
The ceremony was short, sweet, and emotional—and probably lasted all of fifteen minutes. But, the dinner celebration afterward was beautiful and lavish. Nothing could have brought me down from my happy-cloud. Having everyone who meant the most to me present on my most cherished day was priceless, and I loved Garland even more for making sure they were there.
Mrs. Vidov, and her sister, Martina, cried before, during, and after the ceremony. Once Garland and I completed our vows, his mom hugged me tightly and whispered in my ear. “Thank you, Camry…he looks so happy.”
Apparently, since the death of his wife and child about eight years ago, Mrs. Vidov had despaired of her son ever allowing himself to find love and to be happy again.
“Now I can look forward to grandchildren,” she’d beamed, having had no clue as to just how close she was to having her wishes realized.
We hadn’t yet told our parents or anyone else about us being pregnant. So, if anyone noticed me drinking sparkling grape juice instead of the celebratory champagne, they didn’t comment. Besides Garland’s impatience, one of the reasons for us marrying so quickly was because I didn’t want to be showing when we said our wedding vows. Who wanted to be a visibly pregnant bride?
After the wedding, our guests remained for the weekend, but Garland and I remained in Hawaii for another two days after that. We toured the surrounding islands of Oahu, Kauai, and Molokai; each as beautiful and breathtaking as the next. Then, we officially kicked-off our honeymoon and departed for Greece.
Despite its financial difficulties, Greece was another destination I longed to visit since I were a teen. And my new husband spared no expense in making my dream a reality. We did all of the requisite touristy stuff first; stopping in the capital of Athens. We visited the archaic sites of the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Agora, and Constitution Square. The history and relevance of the ancient sites was wondrous, and to have actually stood on the same grounds as the historical temples and ruins felt akin to a religious experience.
Garland chartered a yacht for the remainder of our honeymoon, the opulence of it almost rivaling his own. We cruised the Greek Islands of the unbelievably blue and beautiful Aegean Sea; which included Mykonos, Santorini, and the beautiful island of Crete. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and in my opinion, its beauty is unparalleled. The city of Chania was my favorite, with its famed white mountain-scapes and beautiful old-world charm. The city comprised an abundance of unique architectural styles and pristine beaches, and there was never a shortage of sights to be seen, or delicious cuisine to be eaten. Saganaki was now one of my favorites. But unfortunately for me, I was unable to enjoy the Cretan wine that the island is famous for. Though all hope wasn’t entirely lost, because we’d brought some back home with us for when I was no longer pregnant.
I fell in love with Greece; and couldn’t have been anymore in love with my new husband. Except, those times when I envisioned strangling him.
I spent much of the time before the wedding settling my affairs in Michigan; including packing-up and shipping mine and Autumn’s things to Miami. Garland has a middle-aged assistant named Sharon, who epitomized efficiency and proved capable of working miracles. She’d been instrumental in helping me to orchestrate both my relocation and wedding in a short amount of time. Not to mention, helping me to keep my sanity.
“She wouldn’t be my assistant otherwise,” Garland smugly stated, when I’d raved about the woman’s abilities.
I’ve gotten the impression that as a boss, he’s a hardliner—undoubtedly intolerant of excuses and screw-ups. But he must be equally generous and considerate of his employees as well, since the majority of them have worked for him about as long as he’d been in the country. Garland’s nature is domineering; he’s one-hundred-percent alpha male, but he’s actually the perfect combination of high-handedness and thoughtfulness. The man definitely liked things his own way, but he was also a natural giver.
That is, of course, excluding anything having to do with security.
I was virtually a prisoner.
Everything had been going great with us settling in as a new family. With me so busy after our honeymoon, I didn’t even have time to experience any homesickness. The only little hiccup in my new life of wedded bliss was that I hadn’t anticipated having my every step dogged by security.
Okay, so maybe I’d been a little short-sighted, but I also had no idea the extent of Garland’s security paranoia.
It was subtle at first. I hadn’t ventured out of the house a whole lot, and when I did, I was typically with Garland. But with Autumn starting back to school, and me enrolling in a prenatal yoga class, every time I left the house, Garland demanded either Viktor or Joe took me. In exasperation last week, I finally snapped at Viktor; telling him he may as well bring a mat and join me for yoga class instead of being a damn voyeur.
It wasn’t my finest moment.
My snarky remarked received a lifted eyebrow, but no comment. Viktor’s not much of a talker, or a laugher, or a person with a sense of humor.
Where was Joe when I needed him? At least he made the whole fiasco less tedious by having a personality.
But, I try not to give Viktor too hard a time; I know he’s only doing his job, which admittedly had to suck.
I’d been trying to deal with the entire ordeal in stride, to not behave like a shrew by complaining. But, I finally blew my top and confronted Garland…the conversation didn’t go so well.
“I want to be able to drive myself to yoga class like a normal person!” I complained, just one second away from stomping my foot like a child.
“You’re no longer a normal person, Camry, you’re my wife; that means you stay protected at all times. Drive yourself wherever you want to go, but take security with you,” Garland said unsympathetically.
I stood with my arms folded across my chest, glaring at him.
<
br /> He sat looking at me, as if I were an exotic creature to study.
I got the impression he didn’t know what to do with a displeased wife. I could practically see him calculating in his head, trying to figure out how best to handle me. Handling things is what Garland does best.
I sighed in frustration. “What about Autumn, will she need a bodyguard as well?” I asked sarcastically.
“Yes, Autumn has security as well,” he answered unexpectedly. I’d only intended to be facetious.
I stared at him speechless; indignant. “Why haven’t you told me this—isn’t that something I should have known?!” I asked irately. “How long has she had it?”
“She’s had security since starting school,” he answered.
“Dammit Garland! I’m her mother, you should have discussed this with me. I’ve been dropping her off and picking her up from school every day; where has this security been? Are they in the school with her?” I questioned, horrified by the very idea.
Garland eyed me warily. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to worry you,” he said.
Subtext. I didn’t want the hysterical reaction I’m receiving right now.
“There’s no cause for alarm; as I stated before, it’s only as a precautionary measure. Autumn’s security is assigned to John Mendoza, he’s there when she arrives at school, and remains until she’s been picked-up. Yes, he’s inside the school, his job is to ensure she’s safe while there,” he explained patiently.
“I didn’t know the school had security issues,” I challenged unnecessarily.
I knew damn well that wasn’t why security was needed. But I’m livid dammit! The thought of my child requiring security is freaking me out.
“The school itself is secure, they have their own highly-trained security people and an impeccable security protocol. The staff are all vetted and required to undergo routine background checks and drug testing. The school remains on lock-down throughout the day, and all visitors must have an approved appointment and identification to enter the building,” Garland assured me.
I eyed him in puzzlement. “How do you know all of that?” I asked.
“Because it’s my job to know those things, Camry. Otherwise, I would be remiss in my duties to have Autumn attending a school with questionable security practices,” he answered, as though it were completely normal and should have been a given.
Thirty-Three
C A M R Y
I stood flabbergasted. While my main concerns in choosing a school for Autumn had been their record for academics and testing scores—as well as the extracurricular activities offered, Garland’s main concern was the school’s security practices?
Though we lived in an exclusive gated community with excellent schools that catered to the wealthy, Garland insisted Autumn attend a private school. So far, I liked the school—as did Autumn, but now I understand why Garland had been so keen on that particular one. That they allowed his security to be stationed inside the building indicated a generous donation.
I wondered if his obsession over security stemmed from his loss. Though, considering what happened, I guess I can understand it.
“So, is security permanent; will we always have to live like the First Family with Secret Service?” I asked snarkily, struggling to come to terms with the reality of my new life.
But my husband obviously sees no humor in my comment. “Yes, security is permanent. As long as I’m someone who could potentially attract opportunists and wackos, I’ll take the logical precaution of protecting my family,” he told me.
My frustration wavered a bit at his words; as I’m reminded that Autumn and I were now his family, his responsibility. I also knew that I was right in my suspicion about the reason for his security paranoia. He blamed his failure to protect his family as the reason for their deaths.
“I want to meet Mendoza, I need to know who’s responsible for my child’s safety,” I told him grudgingly, nodding my acceptance of his answer.
Prior to us marrying, I was aware Garland rarely left home without at least one of his security people. However, the actuality of living with it on a daily basis is something else entirely. I guess I hadn’t counted on the need for Autumn and me to have constant security ourselves; or of me having to be chauffeured by a bodyguard, just to go shopping or to run errands. It felt so…confining.
“Is it truly necessary for me to be babysat just to go to yoga; what if I want alone time?” I asked, giving it one last shot. I’m completely capable of handling myself; I’d been doing it for years.
Garland don’t answer, but gaze at me with suddenly tired looking eyes. “Come here,” he said in an equally tired-sounding voice.
I gave him a questioning look as I rounded his desk; where he promptly pulled me onto his lap and nuzzled my neck.
I love it when he does that.
“Security will be constant. They’re trained to be as unobtrusive as possible, but they do have to maintain proximity to be effective,” he told me in apology.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and inhaled the scent I’d so come to love. “Yeah, but it seems so extreme,” I remarked, still not fully understanding. I knew that celebrities often had to deal with stalkers and crazed fans, but I couldn’t imagine what types of threats Garland might be receiving.
“Because people are just plain crazy, Camry. The last thing I want is someone trying to nab you or Autumn for an easy payday,” he told me, kissing along my neck.
My eyes widened as I sat-up in alarm. “Are you serious—you believe that could actually happen?” I asked in disbelief.
What the fuck?
Autumn and I could seriously be at risk of being kidnapped? Didn’t shit like that only happen in places like Mexico? This is completely absurd, Garland is way too paranoid.
“You underestimate the power of greed, sweetheart. Money is a strong motivator, and always attracts hounds of a certain nature. An opportunist will always prey on a weak spot; and both you and Autumn are mine,” Garland said.
That comment got my attention.
For the first time, it dawned on me that this entire scenario must be a constant source of stress for him—that he’d once again opened himself up to vulnerability. Despite the dreamy outer-packaging, I knew Garland had been hardened on the inside by some of life’s most bitter experiences and cruelties. What better ammunition to use against a man than those who meant the most to him? He’d already learned that lesson the hard way.
“I’m just giving you a scenario in which security is advisable, Camry. But I don’t want to concern you with the nasty details, let me worry about that. You already have enough to be concerned with,” Garland said, caressing my visibly pregnant belly.
Now in my fifth month of pregnancy, my baby-bump still wasn’t as big as I thought it would be. But it didn’t matter, because Mr. Perv didn’t seem bothered either way as his hands started to roam freely across my body. One traveled from my stomach to my breast, while the other traveled down my thigh. Giggling, I squirmed in an attempt to dislodge his hands, remembering the last time we’d put his desk to uses other than what it’s intended for.
After arriving home one day, Garland had come into his office to find me lounged back in his chair; feet crossed at the ankles, and casually resting upon his desk. I wore nothing but a necktie and high heels.
“Hi sweetheart, guess what I did today?” I asked in a seductive voice.
Garland stood rooted to the spot and gawking, eyes raking my naked body before becoming glued to my breasts. I don’t think the Burberry tie that I’d been wearing even registered.
“What?” he’d finally croaked, pulling his lustful gaze away from my breasts long enough to look me in the eye.
“Well, I twiddled my thumbs…and I purchased you this tie,” I told him with a sweet smile, fingering the silk material.
“Jesus, Camry…that’s got to be the sexiest shit I’ve ever seen, I’ll cherish that damn tie forever,” he said with passion, finally fo
cusing on the tie.
Then locking the office door, Garland shed his clothes as he’d walked towards me, and lost complete control as he nailed me on his desk.
I smiled at the memory, it was one of my finest moments.
“Cut that out! You know Autumn could pop-in at any moment,” I chastised, slapping his busy hand.
Though she usually called it ‘gross time’, Autumn’s grown use to Garland and me being affectionate with each other—and even joined in for a group-hug every now and then. But I didn’t ever want her accidentally witnessing Garland groping me in inappropriate places.
“We could always close and lock the door,” he suggested with a devilish grin.
“No, sex fiend, I’m still recovering from this morning,” I told him, quickly climbing off of his lap to make my escape.
Whether we were at odds or in total agreement, sex seemed our most effective way of communicating and problem solving. I was still learning my husband’s quirks; and whereas I wouldn’t say he’s without compromise, I’ve learned that Garland can be definitive and unbending on some things.
In his world, he’s the boss; and everyone jumped to do his bidding.
But, he’s finding that having a wife who’s at odds with his wishes could be a different kind of challenge. He can’t fire me, and he doesn’t scare me. So, I belatedly realized he used the most effective weapon he had in his arsenal when wanting to bend me to his will. His body.
And though I’m now fully aware of his manipulative tactics, I still can’t seem to resist them…or else, I really didn’t want to.
Life at Casa Vidov has proved a surprisingly unique challenge.
I effectively had nothing to do.
That is, at least nothing in terms of taking care of normal business and household matters. Apparently, as the esteemed Mrs. Vidov, everything I’d become accustomed to doing as mere Camry Spencer, I no longer needed to do.