Rebound

by Rosemary Rey

  Matt punched a number code on a control panel when we entered the house. He switched on lights as we walked through the house, revealing spectacular sights of art and décor. It was a mix of masculine with touches of wood and female touches of marble and brighter colors of blues and greens as we walked in an open spaced family living area. He showed me all the rooms and I feigned delight by giving short words for each thing he showed me; ‘Nice. Great. Beautiful. Charming. Lovely.’

  When we arrived at the master bedroom, it was beyond my wildest dream. It was enormous, containing a full seating area with a flat screen television. I walked through the room, looking to see something of ‘her’, but I saw nothing in particular. He pulled me to the bathroom. It was the size of my studio with a large whirlpool tub and a walk in shower that was double the size of his apartment shower. Everything was white marble with slight gray undertones. I wandered out after Matt as he walked toward the master closet. The closet holds enough clothing for four adults. There were suits, shirts, jeans, sweaters and shoes filling one side of the closet. The other side was empty, which I assumed was her side and it seemed to hold more clothes for a woman than for a man. I couldn’t help but feel insecure because I only had enough clothes for a dresser and a tall, narrow armoire. I restricted myself to mixing and matching clothes in order to stretch out looks because I didn’t have the space to store more. Most importantly, I couldn’t afford to fill the empty space in this closet.

  “You have a lovely home, Matt. How often do you stay here?”

  “Before you? Every weekend. Since you, today has been the first time since I’ve walked through the doors.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry.” I felt terrible that I was taking him away from his regular routine.

  He must have sensed my disappointment in my response. “No. I enjoy spending time with you. Because you have to be in town for your jobs, it makes no sense for me to drive up here on the weekends. I like spending time with you, wherever that may be.” He pulled me close and kissed me. He walked me to the bed. I felt the tingles that usually start in my belly spread throughout my body.

  “We should get back to the city. I have to get up early for work. And you’re not driving me.” I poked his shoulder for emphasis.

  “We can stay here and drive early in the morning.”

  “I’m not sure if I can stay here.”

  “Why?” He searched my eyes to see if I would tell the truth.

  “This is your marital home. I feel awkward. I know it may sound irrational, but I feel more at home in your apartment because that’s all I’ve known for these several weeks.” I looked toward the bed as I spoke. He guided my face to align with his and gave me a kiss.

  “Perla, this is my home. Not my exes home. She lived here for a short time. I gave her all of the furniture when we divorced so she could set up her own place. I refurnished this place with the help of an interior designer. I want you to feel comfortable here. Besides, you promised me to make it worthwhile.” He held me tight.

  “Damn your great memory. I also said that I’d do so when we get back, and I meant your apartment.” I smiled.

  “Please, baby. I want you.” He kissed me, and picked me up, which weakened my resolve. “I’ve fantasized fucking you in this room. I’ve wanted to rip off this dress all night. I actually wanted to fuck you in the gazebo.” I laughed to control the shiver that threatened to course from head to toe.

  “You’re killing me.” I said.

  He picked me up and we made love on his bed.

  In the early morning, Matt drove us to his apartment where I changed for work. He refused to let me take the T.

  ***

  Matt made every effort to change his schedule at the clinic, his staff rearranged appointments and surgeries, transferred patients who wouldn’t or couldn’t reschedule their appointments or surgeries to his partners. Ultimately, it meant he would leave earlier and would stay a little longer in Europe to accommodate some shifted schedules on the end of his European patients and the sports teams that he planned to meet. I was touched that he would make such a sacrifice, and that others would make so many changes to accommodate my whims. All those changes meant that he would leave on Thursday instead of Tuesday of the following week. He’s not expected to return until late Friday night, essentially make it in the nick of time. I couldn’t wait to see him at the wedding.

  FOURTEEN

  As I stood at the altar beside Chelz, I thought to the future with Matt. I pictured myself standing before him at the altar. We would have our hands locked together, individually saying our vows before a small group of family and friends. We would only have the maid of honor and his best man. I would have our nieces as the flower girls and my nephew as the ring bearer. The wedding would be understated, as this would be our second marriage. I was lost in my day dream when I heard everyone laughing. Dougie was amusing everyone with his vows. I looked over at Matt and found him smiling as he looked at the jubilant couple. I gave him a soft smile when he turned his gaze to me. He looked so handsome in his suit. I couldn’t help but be proud of being his girl.

  I fixed my eyes on the couple when I heard Chelsea speak to Dougie. I didn’t want to miss a word she said. I knew it took her a long time to formulate the words that she would express as her solemn vow. I was grateful that Chelz gifted us an embroidered handkerchief. I needed it to dab at my eyes as she professed her love and devotion to Dougie. I looked over at Matt and he looked misty eyed to. When he smiled at me, I’d hoped to one day become his bride.

  I was in a daze until Father Anthony pronounced them man and wife. I beamed at Chelz when I handed over her bouquet. She walked off, hand in hand, with Dougie. As practiced, I linked arms with Jeff, Dougie’s brother and best man. The procession of bride’s maids and groomsmen followed us to the back of the Church where we were to be whisked off to the reception in Quincy. I winked at Matt. He mouthed that I looked beautiful, which made me feel more radiant.

  We drove to the bay to take the bridal party pictures. Thankfully, we would take the party pictures first and be sent off to the Reception Hall. Then Chelz and Dougie would stay for their pictures with their family and by themselves. I was so happy with the plan because I was getting anxious to give Matt a hug and a kiss. I wanted to hold him close, breath in his scent, and feel the euphoria of his skin touching mine.

  When the time came to leave for the reception, I sprinted to the limo. I felt like there was sand on my entire body. Chelz planned on us having a two bedroom suite to shower and clean up in. We have a dress change. Chelz wanted us to have a second gown of our choosing. I purchased a long, goddess dress in Emerald. The shoes were a silver, strappy sandal. I fought the girl’s to get in the shower first. I was courteous enough to shower in five minutes, rinsing away the sand. After toweling, cooling down, and moisturizing my face and body, I put on fresh makeup, much lighter than the coat of paint the makeup artist sprayed on my face. I put on the necklace that Chelz gave as a maid of honor gift. My large topaz earrings pulled off the look. I let my hair down from the up-do. My hair is my veil, and having it down gave me the extra bit of confidence that I tend to lose when I’m with Matt.

  The excitement over seeing him was building. I promised Keta that I would wait for her to be ready to go down to the reception. I was ever so grateful to see Keta exit the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. I knew she would get dressed quickly because she didn’t wash away her makeup like I had, and her hair is a short, curly crop to the scalp. But when she pulled out the lotion and started making conversation, I had to bite my tongue from yelling at her to “hurry up”. I smiled and gave terse responses while she dressed and put on her heels. She slowly put on her accessories. Keta liked to accessorize with lots of gold bangles and long, thin necklaces. She looked lovely when she finally finished dressing.

  “Ready?” I asked.

  “Yes.” She grabbed her suitcase and started for the door. I took my suitcase and rolled it to follow. We’d planned on leaving our belongings
with the bell service because neither of us planned on staying overnight at the hotel.

  We rode the elevator, making idle chit chat about how beautiful the ceremony was and how wonderful everyone looked. We commented on how hungry we were, but I didn’t share with her my eagerness to see Matt. We checked our bags at the bell service. The bellhop taking each of our names and assigning claim checks to our bags. I took a deep breath as I turned to look for the directional sign that led to the cocktail hour. Keta grabbed my elbow and directed me to the left wing of the hotel. As we walked toward the cocktail room, we heard the music getting progressively louder. My heart skipping beats as I anticipated seeing Matt.

  Keta opened the door to the room and held it while I entered. There were massive amounts of people gathered about, I didn’t think I would ever find him. I looked at the tops of people’s heads hoping to see his wavy, black hair. There were men taller than his six foot, three inch tall frame, so I expected not to see his face until clumps of people parted. I walked through, standing on tiptoes, and looked around for him. I didn’t even wait for Keta to follow me. My heart beat loudly in my chest, and I could hear it in my ears.

  I heard my name called behind me, it wasn’t Matt’s voice, but it was a familiar and unwelcomed one. It was Ben. I wanted to avoid him while I was alone. I pretended not to hear him and kept walking ahead looking sideways, but avoided having to turn around. I felt a tug at my shoulder and was turned by a slight pull.

  “Perla. Hey. I was calling you.” I turned to confirm that it was Ben.

  Not hiding my annoyance, I responded with a terse, “What?” and looked down at the hand on my arm.

  He recoiled, putting his hands up, “I just wanted to say ‘Hi’. You look great. Just as beautiful as you did at the Church.”

  “Thank you.” I said pulling backwards, not wanting him to get any closer. I felt violated by his touch, and I didn’t want Matt to see him touch me.

  “How’ve you been?” He looked me up and down lasciviously, waiting for a response.

  “Great! Very happy. I’m sorry. I can’t chat. I’m looking for my boyfriend. Have a great evening.” I tried to turn, but his response stopped me in my tracks.

  “Oh, you’ve got a boyfriend. Wow. I’m happy for you.” His tone was a bit condescending in his feigned surprise and excitement. “What’s his name?” He asked incredulously.

  From my right side, I felt a touch to the small of my back. I turned to see Matt beside me.

  Extending his right hand toward Ben, Matt said, “Dr. Mathias Keene.” I smiled up at Matt and reached under his arm to hug him.

  Matt and offered his hand in handshake. Ben looked up at Matt and accepted the gentlemanly greeting. I offered introductions. “Ben, this is my boyfriend. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if you called him ‘Matt’. Matt this is my ex-husband, Ben. He’s one of Dougie’s friends from the neighborhood.” They released hands, and Matt wrapped it around my body possessively.

  “Nice to meet you, Matt. Perla was just informing me about you. She was eager to find you. I hope you two have a nice evening.” He gave a clenched smile as he retreated.

  Before he went too far, I called out to him. “Ben!” I gestured Matt to give me a moment. I walked over to Ben, “I never got the chance to say that I’m sorry for your loss. We weren’t the best of friends, but I never would’ve wished her ill. Please extend my condolences to your parents.” He nodded and gave a strained ‘thank you’, and I turned away and walked back to Matt. I gave Matt a long, deep kiss.

  He pulled away breathlessly, “Well, hello.” He said melodically. I rose up on my toes, threw my arms around his neck, and held him close.

  “I missed you so much.” I held him tight. He put his hands around my waist.

  “I’m here . . . with you all night. How are you, baby?”

  “So much better now that I’m with you. Thank you for coming. I’m so happy you made it to the Church and now here. Did you eat? How’ve you been getting along here?” He stopped my questions with another kiss. He nuzzled my nose with his, and he gave me another peck on the lips.

  “I missed you too. I wouldn’t have missed this. I wanted to be here for you. I know how much Chelsea means to you. It was a nice service. You look amazing. What were your other questions?” We laughed.

  “There is so much to talk about, but I’m starving. I need a little something before dinner is served. And I need to sit. Long day of standing and walking in heels, my feet hurt.”

  “Well, those heels are kind of high.”

  “They’re supposed to be high. It makes my butt curve better.”

  “I know how it curves. You don’t need to share it with others. It’s just for me.”

  “Always.” I leaned in for another kiss.

  “Perla, you need to stop kissing your boyfriend. You’re not the bride.” I heard my papa’s voice behind me.

  “Papa, how are you?” I said turning around, unclenching Matt’s neck so I could give my Dad a hug and kiss.

  “So ‘kay. Nice wedding. I talking to your boyfriend. He taking care of me all time. Nice that he speak Spanish. Better than you.” He smiled at me and reached to pat Matt’s arm.

  “That’s because he speaks fancy Spanish like the Spaniards. I speak Spanglish, like you.” I teased my Papa. I smiled at Matt and held him tighter, mouthing a ‘thank you’. He stooped to give me a peck on the forehead.

  “Papa, do you want to sit?” I asked while looking around for seating.

  “You sister has a table. We go and sit wit’ her.” He turned, seeking out Rubi, my older sister. She was my father’s date. I’m sure she didn’t mind leaving her two small kids at home with their dad so she could dance, eat and drink the night away.

  “Your sister is a spit fire. I thought you were tough. Phew. She’s a piece of work.” Matt said.

  “Yeah, I should’ve warned you about that. She curses like a sailor. And she’s more honest than I am. Did she say anything to offend you?” He seemed reticent to answer.

  “Nah, nothing I couldn’t handle, but if my left arm is bruised, it was her.”

  “Aw. You can’t handle a little lady’s punches given for emphasis when she’s laughing at all sorts of stupid things?” I giggled.

  “You never warned me about that.” He said, pinching my butt.

  “You’re lucky it was Rubi and not Esmeralda, she would’ve stroked you instead of punching.” I raised my eyebrow, shocking him into an awed expression.

  “Don’t leave me alone with her at a family gathering.” We laughed. I felt so happy to be with him and trade jokes. I loved that he tried to blend in with my family.

  “Oh, no. I want to see how you handle that, doctor.” We arrived at the table where Rubi sat with four other people. The table sat eight. Papa sat next to Rubi. Matt pulled out the chair for me next to Papa and helped push it in when I sat. He took the seat beside me. I put my hand on his knee and tried to start a conversation with him when he stood up.

  “I’m going to get you a plate of food. Should I get you a bit of food from each station?” He asked.

  “Oh, yes. Please. A bit of whatever is left, thank you.”

  “And to drink?”

  “Just cranberry juice and ginger ale. Thanks.”

  “Does anyone want anything?” Papa and Rubi said ‘no’. I continued to smile and continued my gaze after he walked away.

  “You can’t take your eyes off of him.” Rubi stated.

  “Cut me some slack, Rubi. I haven’t seen him in a week. This is our first major event as a couple. I’m happy he’s here tonight. You know how awkward it can be to go to a wedding together at the beginning of a relationship.”

  “He’s cute! You did right for yourself, landing a doctor. Round the way girl gets Mr. Right. He even has Papa in love with him.” She said.

  Papa interjected, “He a nice guy. He got me food and drink. And we talk boxing. He told me he operated on a boxer, but he couldn’t tell me his name because he said it was
confidential, but I like him. He’s good for you. Better than your ex. I see him go talk to you. What he say?”

  “Nothing important, Papa. Once Matt introduced himself, he knew it was better to walk away. You should’ve seen his face when Matt introduced himself as ‘Dr. Mathias Keene.’ I went to heaven.” I said, reliving the experience.

  “Don’t be so sure that stops him from doing something stupid. Ben always tried to control you because he never wanted you to be with anyone else. I’m sure he will try something tonight to claim you.” Rubi’s words wouldn’t have frightened me so much if I didn’t know there was some truth to it. Ben could be a major prick, especially when he drinks. It didn’t help that a lot of his friends are here, available to back him up. It’s never good to be in a fight with a bunch of drunk Irish and Italian guys at a wedding.

  Matt returned to the table with a plate of food and drink, setting it before me. “Thank you.” I tried the stuffed mushrooms. “This is yummy. Thanks.”

  “So when do the bride and groom get here?” He asked looking at his watch.

  “They should arrive at any moment” Looking at my wristwatch and looking toward the double doors. “We’ll get ushered into the dining room for dinner and dancing. I don’t know if I can make it. I’m so tired.” As I finished my statement, he put his large hand on my neck and rubbed gently, his fingers kneading firmly down my spine. With the massage and the food, I was in paradise. I could stay in this moment for the entire night.

  A chime of bells rung and the double doors to the dining hall opened, signaling the guests and wedding party to enter the dining hall. After wiping my hands clean, I took a final sip of my drink, and stood to take Matt’s hand.

  “Vamonos.” I said to Papa and Rubi. “Are you guys seated with us? What table do we have Matt?”