The New Ever After (The New Ever After Series)

by Farley, Julie

  Heather got up and ran her errands, which included going to have a Brazilian wax done. The whole idea scared the crap out of her, but she had secretly always wanted to see what it would be like to get one. She figured now was the perfect time before she was about to leave for a week's vacation with the hottest guy in town. The spa's website mentioned taking Advil before the procedure to reduce swelling and pain. She took four just in case. She was getting the Bombshell Wax and was escorted to a little private room. The room was funky with pink accents and stars on the ceiling. Music was piped through speakers. Heather tried to relax and removed her clothes and put on the little robe. She got up on the table and felt like her stomach was going to explode because she was so nervous. Brenda, the aesthetician, walked in just as she was contemplating getting up to go, having decided this wasn't a great idea.

  "Hi, sweetie! First time?"

  "Yes, and I'm having second thoughts."

  "No need. Just lie down and it will be over before you know it."

  Heather wasn't sure why she ever thought this was a good idea. She only really wanted Peter down there or a doctor who had to perform some kind of exam. Brenda readied the materials and started the process. Heather was holding onto the sides of the table with a death grip. The aesthetician smiled and went to work.

  "How many kids do you have?"

  "I have five."

  "FIVE?"

  "Three kids and a set of twins."

  "Wow, you look great for five kids," she said, and Heather couldn't help but wonder if she was thinking that her lady parts looked great or the rest of her. Was stuff supposed to be hanging out? Should she feel lucky that she only sometimes peed when she sneezed?

  "Thanks," said Heather grimacing as the wax was being put on.

  "Now this will hurt a little but I promise it will be worth it."

  Worth it for who? Peter better like it, she thought. He had no idea Heather was there, and she wanted to keep it a secret until they arrived at their secret destination. She knew that was going to be hard to do because Peter was very touchy feely and saw her naked all the time. He thought she was running errands right now while he was watching the kids.

  She yelled as the first piece of wax was peeled off. Removing hair was more painful than giving birth, which didn’t really make sense because a piece of hair was miniscule and a baby’s head was gigantic. After an excruciating fifteen minutes, Heather felt like she had been riding a horse without a saddle. She paid, thanked Brenda and went on her way.

  It was a hot summer Saturday morning and people already lined the bars across the street having an early lunch and a beer to cool down. Heather smiled knowing she was about to have all kinds of leisure time on her hands. As she walked to the car she did some people watching. She saw a blonde sitting at one of the tables kissing the man who was next to her. From the back, the blonde looked almost exactly like Victoria. As Heather got closer, she could see it was Victoria and she was kissing Matt, Jenny's husband. Not in a hi-it's-so-great-to-see-you way either. In an I-want-your-body way.

  Holy Fuck, Matt and Victoria are kissing. What do I do? Do I run over and yell at them? Do I call Jenny? Do I scream? Oh my gosh what the hell is he doing with her?

  Heather stopped dead in her tracks. Matt and Victoria ended their lip lock on each other, and Matt looked up and saw her standing there. Their eyes met and she froze. Her crotch was burning and she wanted to rub it, but she needed to run and hide. She couldn't believe what she had just seen and the implications of it all. She took off and walked as fast as she could to her car. Her phone started beeping immediately.

  11:26 Victoria: It's not what you think.

  11:26 Matt: Heather, please don't say anything. Let me explain.

  11:27 Victoria: We just happened to meet for lunch. I hadn't seen Matt in a long time.

  11:27 Matt: I love Jenny.

  11:28 Victoria: It probably looked funny from your angle. I'm sure it looked like we were actually kissing. That's absurd!!!!!

  It looked like it because you were! You love Jenny? I hope Peter doesn't love me like that. Heather couldn't answer them. She got in the car, sat down, itched her bikini area and called Peter.

  “Hey, how are the errands?”

  "You are never going to believe this. I can't even believe it. I don't know what to do."

  "First, slow down. Second, what happened? Are you ok?"

  "I'm fine. I was walking to the car and saw Matt and Victoria kissing each other at Keegan's in Short Pump."

  "Kissing, like I haven't seen you in awhile?"

  "No! Kissing, like his tongue was rammed down her throat."

  "You've got to be kidding. You're sure it was them?"

  "Positive. They saw me, and they're texting me like crazy. I'm not talking to them. I know what I saw, and Jenny is my freaking best friend. What am I going to do?"

  "Nothing right now. You're going to come home and we'll get ready for our trip. We'll have seven days to think about it and not react quickly."

  "I am so mad. What a bitch! How could she do that to Jenny? Victoria's Miss Holier than Thou. What a freaking fake!"

  "Yeah, that's pretty much the worst thing she could do. She better cool it with all her passive aggressive junk now."

  "And Matt, I knew they were in a bad place, but how could he do that? How could he do that to Jenny and their sweet kids?"

  Heather could feel herself start to tear up.

  "Are you done doing everything you need to do?"

  "Yes."

  "Drive home. Take your time. Stop at Starbucks. You're upset. We'll talk about it when you get home."

  "Ok. I love you. And I would Krazy Glue your penis to your stomach while you were sleeping if I ever found out you were fooling around on me."

  "I have no doubt you would, but I would never ever do anything like that. You're way more than I ever hoped for, Mrs. Adamson. See you in a few."

  Heather was reeling and not sure how to handle it. Peter was right. She needed to sit on it before talking to Jenny. She wanted to be there for her. They couldn't cancel the trip because of this, and she didn't want to tell her and just take off. It was too much to process. Heather followed Peter's instructions. She went through the Starbucks drive thru and got herself an iced venti nonfat chai. She got Peter an iced Americano and was on her way home. Her phone was still beeping and she was sure it was Victoria and Matt, but she had no intention of answering them. Fortunately, they were leaving at the butt crack of dawn tomorrow, so Heather only had to get through today.

  When she got home, she kept herself busy and helped Peter feed the kids and put the twins down for their nap. Heather helped the big kids gather their last minute things for their beach trip with their grandparents. Gracie was excited because she was going to paint on the beach with a real easel, and Henry and Hayes were going to go deep-sea fishing. Having them on vacation made Peter and Heather's vacation a little easier. Peter worked for the afternoon and Gracie and Heather snuck out to finish the grocery shopping while the boys fought each other on some Xbox game. Life and the kids forced what Heather had seen out of her head.

  "Are you excited for your trip?" Heather asked.

  "Yeah, I've never been away from you for this long though," said Gracie.

  "I know. Donna and Phil know where to find me, but I'm not sure my cellphone will work. How about if I plan to call you every night before you go to bed?"

  "That would be awesome."

  "You'll have fun with Nana and Popi. They can't wait to spend some extra time with you guys. It means so much to them."

  "I know. I think it makes Daddy happy in heaven too."

  "I am sure it does. He's probably smiling at us right now."

  Heather got a call from Jenny while she was at the grocery store. She let it go to voicemail and decided she would call her back later. Being with Gracie was a nice diversion from what had happened this morning. Her bikini region was starting to itch even more, and that was worrying her. It would be so
romantic to be itching down there the whole week.

  When they returned from the store, Peter announced they were going to The Hard Shell for a family dinner before they all departed on their respective vacations.

  "Ok. I just need to call Jenny back. She called while Gracie and I were out."

  "You ok with that?"

  "Yeah, it will be strange. She'll know something's up, but hopefully she'll just attribute it to me being crazy about our trip."

  "That wouldn't be too much of a stretch," said Peter, and he slapped her bottom. His hand sent reverberations through to the front and it felt remarkably uncomfortable. Heather's eyes got huge forcing Peter to ask, "What's wrong with you?"

  "Nothing, just thinking." And Heather went into the office to call Jenny.

  "Hey," said Jenny.

  "Sorry I didn't answer before. Gracie and I were out running around. A little mommy/daughter time before I get in a bunch of different cans of steel tomorrow."

  "You're so weird. You'll be fine. Just have a drink and dream about your tropical paradise. And then when you get on the beach find some time to sit in peace. You need to center yourself again."

  "I will," said Heather knowing she wouldn't meditate on the beach and didn’t know the first thing about centering herself. "Are you fine with all of the arrangements?"

  "Yep. I've got everything under control."

  "Great, call if you need anything."

  "I will. I have every number and all that jazz."

  Heather was anxious to get off the phone, so she said a quick good bye telling Jenny they were headed out to dinner.

  Chapter 13

  Peter supplied Heather with a Bloody Mary before they boarded the flight, even though it was barely 6 a.m. It was the first of three flights and he had no intention of letting her get scared. He wanted nothing but happiness and relaxation for this little honeymoon he had planned. After yesterday's craziness, he knew she was happy to get away, and still had no idea where they were going. That would change once they got on the third flight. Peter had found a resort in the Caribbean that had the most beautiful villas and most importantly, private outdoor showers.

  "So what'd you pack for me?" asked Heather.

  "Not much. A couple of bathing suits I picked out, a few dresses and not much else."

  "I'm not sure I'll wear the bathing suit you want me to."

  "Cool, you don't have to wear one at all if that's what you'd like to do."

  Peter smiled as she grimaced at the suggestion of skinny dipping.

  "I'm really afraid to ask how many airplanes I need to get on today."

  "I'm really afraid to tell you. Three."

  "THREE? Are you kidding me? You couldn't find anything a little easier to get to?"

  "Nope. But I will keep you relaxed and filled with Bloody Marys."

  "Deal."

  Heather knew arguing wouldn't help. They were already at the airport and about to get on the first flight. She couldn't back out now, and truthfully she wanted nothing more than to get away from the 2-3-1-1-3 and Victoria and Matt for a bit. She finished her drink, and they made their way to the first flight of the day. She was not surprised to see that they were headed to Miami first as she was thinking they would be traveling south. Other than Bermuda, she had never been to an island.

  "Miami?"

  "First stop," said Peter. "This is our longest flight. The next two are quick. Just up and down."

  "Ok. I think I can handle it as long as we go up and down when we're supposed to."

  They boarded the plane and took their seats. Heather sat next to the window and Peter took the aisle seat. Peter held her hand, and they talked more about Jenny.

  "I know you want to tell her."

  "I have to. But I want to be there to help pick up the pieces. I didn't want to tell her and leave town."

  "Makes sense. I can't believe Matt would do that. Especially with Victoria. Where did everyone think they were on a Saturday afternoon?"

  Matt and Peter were friends but not nearly as close as Hank and Matt had been. Matt and Hank had spent hours together on the golf course.

  "I don't know. Matt probably said he was working. But I'm not sure how Victoria could sneak away from her big brood and go to lunch in broad daylight. It's almost like they wanted to get caught. Jenny and Victoria could not be anymore different."

  Jenny was cute and spunky with short brown hair. She had a small yoga build with lean arms and legs. Victoria was blonde and voluptuous with a perfectly designed body - designed by a trainer and plastic surgeon. She looked for powerful men or so it seemed. Matt was more of a worker bee than a leader. Heather wondered why Victoria went for him. Maybe she wanted to dominate him. Heather and Jenny didn't talk about sex often, but if Matt was a stallion in bed she was sure she would know.

  "You've got to try to put it out of your mind. You'll tell her when we get back. There's nothing you can do about it right now."

  How on earth will I put it out of my mind? My best friend's husband is screwing around on her, she thought.

  Peter's hand was wandering around Heather's lap, but luckily, she was covered by a blanket. Her Brazilian was irritated and itchy and looked like razor burn. She was following all of the aftercare and applying lotion and Bactine, but it still wasn't all that pretty. She had managed to keep Peter from seeing it the night before, and she wished it didn't look like she had measles for the big unveiling. But right now she just wanted his hand to move away because she was sure he would be able to feel the heat through the fabric of her cotton dress. She took the blanket off knowing that would deter his hand from being there. And she was right, it did. Worrying about her Brazilian and Jenny took her mind off the flight, and before she knew it, they had landed in Miami and were sitting at a bar having another Bloody Mary sharing an early lunch. She decided to send a quick text to Jenny before they got back on another plane.

  11:05 Heather: In Miami. One flight down. Nether regions are burning and itching.

  11:06 Jenny: HA! I told u u should have done it earlier in the week or gone to the place that uses sugar instead.

  11:07 Jenny: Have a great trip. I'll miss u. Xo

  11:08: Heather: Miss u 2. Take care of yourself. Xo

  They walked to the next flight, and Heather saw they were going to St. Thomas. She didn't get too excited as she realized that was not their final flight. She didn’t know the geography of the islands and didn't know which one you could get to from St. Thomas. But Peter was right. The flight was short, and for some crazy reason, she didn't mind flying over water as much as land. Her mind made her believe surviving a water landing was a possibility. Probably not rational or possible, but it helped her get through the next two hours.

  They landed in St. Thomas and were about to take an air taxi to Virgin Gorda. She was sure she had never even heard of Virgin Gorda. St. Thomas looked beautiful. She enjoyed a drink with a little umbrella in it while they waited at the airport. She was glad it was only three flights because she might pass out if they didn't get to their destination soon.

  Heather watched the blue green water below her as they flew across the Caribbean to their final destination. The coral reefs looked like little underwater cities she wanted to explore. It was barely thirty minutes before they touched down and a car was waiting to take them to the resort.

  They checked in to a gorgeous open-aired lobby, and the bellman took them to their villa in a golf cart. The villa was gigantic. It was so much more than they needed, but she was used to Peter getting the biggest when something smaller would more than suffice. He showed them to the bedroom, the private pool and pointed towards the bathroom. Her mouth fell open as she looked around. The view of the ocean from the pool was magnificent. The water was crystal clear. She felt like if she focused she could actually see the fish swimming. The warm sea air filled Heather’s nostrils and started to clear her brain which was hazy from the drinks she had needed to make it to their destination. Steel drums played in the distance and H
eather knew this was paradise. The bellman left them to get settled.

  "Hand over your phone, Mrs. Adamson."

  "No way. Are you freaking crazy? I'm away from all five of the kids. I am not giving you my phone."

  "They all have the resort number. We can be reached if necessary. I want you to relax with me."

  "No deal," said Heather. Peter rolled his eyes.

  "Ok, I'll send your mom and Donna a text telling them to call my phone if they need us. You can use my phone to call the kids whenever you want. I just don't want you thinking about the book and checking Facebook or getting any random emails that will stress you out."

  Peter knew her a little too well. If there was internet access, she would use it.

  "Ok. Compromise. I will turn off my texts, email and internet, but I am keeping the phone."

  "Deal."

  It would definitely take Heather all week to relax without access to the internet, but it was probably better that way. She checked her book numbers obsessively to see where she was ranked among other memoirs. She had a habit of making herself crazy worrying about things she couldn’t control. She didn’t need to know what was going on in the 2-3-1-1-3 this week. Peter took her phone and locked down or temporarily removed the necessary apps.

  "So what would you like to do first? Work on our tans by the pool?"