AS MY WIFE

by Groovy Lee

  “What happened?” his gaze swept over their rain soaked forms.

  “We were caught in the rain,” Gracie murmured.

  “All of you should get out of those wet things into to something dry before you catch colds. I’m giving Felicia a lift into the city. I’ll be back soon.”

  Gracie said a curt good-bye. As he walked out, she caught Heather and Bitsy exchanging uneasy glances. “Let’s get out of these,” she pulled at her top in disgust.

  By the time Indigo returned, Gracie and her friends were in the kitchen preparing dinner. Ella sat curled up on the sofa looking at her favorite primetime show and flipping through a magazine.

  As usual, he sat quiet through dinner as conversation was mostly between Ella, Heather, and Bitsy. Gracie sat thinking how she wished things could go back to the time when she first arrived on Eden’s Cove—when it was peaceful and enjoyable. She missed Indigo and Ella’s friendly arguments, and the working bond that existed when they were busy with his manuscript. Most of all, she missed the way her heart would flip every time he’d smile at her. (He doesn’t smile anymore)

  She took a chance and watched him as he pretended interest in the others’ conversation for the sake of courtesy. (How would she ever get over him?) She’d even settle for being back at Farrell Enterprises typing busily at her computer, listening to Reid’s jokes, and trying her best to keep in step with his fast pace during her morning rounds with him. At least then they communicated; At least he could look at her without a reminder on his face that she’d provoked him in some way. They’ll probably never speak to one another again after this.

  He looked down at his lap, the pretense of it all now faded. Then something made him lift his eyes toward her and catch her sly observation of him. But, instead of the anger that had existed over the last couple of days, there lied an intimate warmth that melted her to her very core and stilled her breathing. It was too much to bear and she finally looked away. She spent another night in bed with her tears for company.

  The storm that raged through the night, gave way to a bright, sunny day.

  “What a shame this is our last night in Canada,” Heather lied stretched out on the warm, sandy beach. “In three short days, it’ll be back to work as usual.”

  “But not for long,” Bitsy added from beside her. “Sugar and Spice is as good as done.”

  Heather looked over at Gracie lying on her stomach on the other side of her. “You are going to be okay, aren’t you?”

  Gracie propped her hand in her chin. “Of course. What made you ask that?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe, it’s the obvious tension between you and Mr. Farrell.”

  “Girl, you could fry an egg on the tension,” Bitsy laughed.

  “Bitsy,” Heather scolded her. “Gracie, I’m worried about you.”

  She awarded her with a sweet smile. “I know you are. But, it’s okay. I’ll be home soon.” That thought was the shield she needed to remain the rest of the weeks left. But since Ella was strong enough to return home, the time could be shorter. She could type out the rest of his chapter back at the states and have it sent to him; No doubt he’d agree.

  “Well, at least Felicia’s out of the picture,” Heather turned over on her back to let the sun warm her face.

  “Yeah—for now.”

  “Hey, Gracie,” Bitsy popped her head up to look over Heather. “If you want, we’ll ask Mr. Farrell if we can stay here with you for the remainder of the time. His book will be finished quicker if we all stayed and help.”

  “Thanks, Heather, but no,” Gracie sat up and smiled appreciatively at her. “Like I said, I’ll be home soon.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  It was midday before they were all packed and ready for their night out in Montreal. As Gracie exited the house with her overnight bag in hand, she couldn’t help feeling grateful for the opportunity to once again get away and spend time with friendly faces. They stood outside in the driveway saying their good-byes. While Indigo arranged their luggage in the trunk, Ella made Heather and Bitsy promise to come and visit her in California.

  Indigo came around the car and joined them just as all the hugs were depleted. “Enjoy yourself,” he said to Gracie once their eyes met. “I’ll be at the library tomorrow morning doing some research. I’ll pick you up at the hotel around eleven if that’s okay with you.”

  The look in his eyes seemed so genuine—not agitated, exasperated, or displeased at her—just sincere. She wanted to reach out and hold that face in her hands, to wrap her arms around him and tell him that it will all work out—“Eleven’s fine. Thanks.”

  He startled her with a light kiss on her cheek. “Bye.”

  As Heather drove them away, she turned in her seat from the back of the car and watched him stroll into the house with Ella hugging onto his arm.

  After a seafood dinner, and a few hours rest back at the hotel, they prepared for the night. They decided to walk the few blocks north of Sherwood where life never sleeps to find a club to their liking. The dimly lit interior of Midnight Sun bumped wall to wall with the latest American beat to an excited, energetic crowd on the dance floor. A large, silver ball turning overhead, reflected the lights and cast bedazzled circles everywhere. When they found an empty table, a very muscular waiter approached and took their drink orders. Bitsy thanked him with a few flirtatious blink of her eyes when he returned and placed her cherry martini in front of her.

  Heather and Bitsy took ample sips of their drinks before joining the crowd on the dance floor. Gracie chose to stay in her seat with her lemon beer for company. A dark haired man asked her if she cared to dance. She didn’t understand him, he apologized and repeated it in English. She declined, and held up her wedding ring. He smiled graciously and left. Her eyes stayed on the ring as it sparkled from the overhead lights, reminding her of the deception it represented, a wounded love, and how her heart was aching for the man that slipped it on. Heather and Bitsy returned to their seats, out of breath and thirsty, ending her moment of wistfulness.

  “Whew, girl, I’m tired. I’m going to need at least two more of these.” Heather picked up her martini glass and began draining the red liquid from it. Suddenly she coughed, almost choking.

  “Heather,” Bitsy patted her on the back. “Don’t be in such a hurry to finish that. There’s—what are you looking at?”

  When she pointed toward the front of the entrance, Gracie and Bitsy searched around to where she indicated. Gracie was surprised to see Reid standing at the entrance in conversation with—it was then her eyes widened at the sight: Mickey.

  “Well, look who’s here,” Bitsy replied. “Talk about a small world.”

  A woman, dressed for a good time, approached them from out of the crowd. As he and Reid conversed with her, Gracie sat studying her past. It seemed like ages since the day he walked away not wanting to choose between her and his career—she chose it for him. There’s been no contact since. As Reid leaned closer to the woman to say something, he began looking out over the crowds as if to take in his surroundings. It was then those light-brown eyes noticed her. His brows creased with disbelief at first, then an intimate smile lit across his face. He excused himself, leaving Reid to deal with their admirer, and edged his way through the patrons toward her. Reid followed suit and began following behind.

  “Gracie,” he whispered, his eyes a warm twinkle as he looked her over.

  “Hi, Mickey,” a nostalgic smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “Reid.”

  “Hi, Copper. We’re celebrating my last night in Canada before we have to leave in the morning.”

  “So, are we,” Heather cheered.

  An awkward silence prevailed between Gracie and Reid as they took time to get used to seeing one another again.

  “Why don’t you join us?” Bitsy offered.

  “If you don’t mind,” he said to Gracie.

  “Please do.”

  He chose the seat next to her while Reid took his in between Heather and Bitsy.


  “I hear you live here now,” Heather said.

  He tore his eyes from Gracie to answer her. “Only temporarily until my job here is completed.”

  “And, where do you go from here?”

  “I’m going home to the states until I’m needed again. Who knows? I could end up in Texas, or somewhere in the outback of Australia.”

  “Sounds exciting.”

  He shrugged. “It is at times. But, it can get pretty lonesome when there’s no one waiting at home for you.” He was looking at Gracie when he uttered those words. A slow, melodic tune began playing and he held his hand out to her. “Dance with me?”

  She accepted, ignoring Heather and Bitsy’s looks of wonderment as she stood. She held onto his arm as they weaved through the party of people to get to the dance floor where they managed to find the tiniest spot.

  “So, it’s true,” he studied the ring on her finger before placing her hand on his shoulder.

  She knew the subject was bound to come up; she just nodded her answer.

  “How long have you been married?” he asked as they began to sway.

  “Six weeks now.”

  “Still on your honeymoon. How about that?”

  She detected an underlying bitterness in his tone. “In a way. I’m helping Indigo with his second book. He has a summer home on Eden’s Cove, and we’ll be staying there until it’s finished.”

  “I guess being the head of your own dynasty affords you those kinds of privileges.”

  She looked away, feeling it best to be silent so as to put an end to a sensitive subject. When the song faded away, Mickey reached out and held her hand before she could head back to the table.

  “Let’s not join the others just yet. Can we sit at the bar and talk?”

  They found some empty seats, and he ordered them fresh drinks. There was a long silence as he sat watching her.

  “It’s good to see you again. You look great.”

  “Thanks.” Her eyes ran along his jawline to the tiny cut on his chin from a childhood accident. “You look great, too.”

  “I miss you,” he said, his gaze long and intense.

  She looked away to her beer, not knowing how to reply.

  “Did you miss me?” he asked when she remained silent.

  “I did—at first. But, not in that way anymore.”

  “I see,” he expressed with a wounded sigh. “Are you happy?”

  She wished they could change the subject. After all, her marriage to Indigo isn’t one made in heaven. What could she say without having to lie? She just threw him a bright smile.

  “What’s done is done, I guess.” He grabbed up his glass of beer and drained some of it, then sat it back down on the bar with a firm thud. “Why didn’t you answer any of my letters—my emails?”

  She sighed. “I don’t know, Mickey. Honest.”

  “Did you even bother to open them up and read them? Because if you did, then you would have known that I regretted walking out and wanted us to give it another try.”

  “I know, Mickey.”

  “So, you did read them. Then why didn’t you answer me?”

  “There was no point. No matter how much we would manage to mend things between us, I knew your career would always come first. So, I moved on.”

  “Just like that, huh? You moved on. I thought by giving you the space you wanted, you’d be able to think more clearly and realize what we meant to one another. Little did I know how quickly you would toss it aside.”

  “Oh, no you don’t. You’re not going to put this on me. You chose, I accepted it.”

  “But, how long did it take for you to get over me? I’m not gone a year and you’re already married—to Indigo Farrell no less.”

  She pushed her drink away. “I’m not going to argue with you, Mickey. But, you’ve got it all wrong.”

  “Have I? I remember you saying that day, that we both had choices to consider. I’m wondering if you had already made yours then.”

  Her eyes skipped over his entire face, from the intenseness in his eyes, the hard set of his jawline, to the tightness of his mouth. “Meaning?”

  “Farrell,” he shot out. “What is it about him that made you toss away everything that meant so much to us so easily? His power and wealth?”

  “You haven’t got a clue.”

  “Don’t I?”

  She swung away from his stinging words. If he knew the truth, he wouldn’t be so hurtful.

  “I’m sorry,” he reached out for her.

  “Don’t be,” she pushed his hand away and slid from the stool, moving her way through the crowd, ignoring Mickey’s plea to come back.

  The city bustled with life, but she was too hurt to notice as she stood out in the cool, night air staring through all that past before her. She’s been accused of a lot of things, but gold-digger? Does Mickey really think she could be so loathsome? What about the people at Farrell Enterprises? Do they see her as the working class secretary who seduced her boss for riches? (Highly probable) She sighed and blinked away her tears.

  She can only imagine what’s being said about her behind her back. But she knows the truth—how her love for Indigo is genuine and unconditional. He could be living in a one-room shack in the middle of a desert and she would want nothing more than to be there by his side for the rest of her life. What everyone else assumes is not important. Her love for him is, but of course, he would never learn of it. She felt Mickey’s hand on her arm and met his remorseful smile as he stood next to her.

  “I’ sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. That’s the last thing I would do.”

  “It’s fine. I understand, really.”

  He waited until an excited group entered the club before continuing. “No, you don’t. Since the day I found out that you were married, I’ve been going through hell. I was hurt to say the least and—well, I guess I wanted you to hurt as bad as I am. Forgive me. You’re right. I made my choice. A choice I’ll live to regret for the rest of my life.”

  The pain, so evident on his face, caused her to reach out and caress his smooth cheek.

  He inhaled deeply and darted his eyes toward the sky whose beauty was overshadowed by the lights of the city. “I’ve always prided myself on being a smart person when it comes to making decisions in my life. I only wanted to get ahead in my career before I made my commitment to you final. But, I guess material possessions shouldn’t be the most important thing between two people.” He shrugged his shoulders. “We all make mistakes in life. And, mine cost me you—the woman I still love.”

  She could only smile in return, glad that he’d finally learned what really mattered in life. Someday, he’ll get the chance to make that decision for love again.

  “I wish you all the best, Gracie. I hope Farrell realizes what he has.”

  She couldn’t help laughing at the irony of that.

  “What’s so funny?” he crooked his head to the side.

  “Oh, nothing,” she continued to laugh. “Anyway, thank-you, Mickey. You don’t know how much it means to have everything between us cleared up. I hope this is the beginning of a new friendship.”

  “It’s not going to be easy relegating my feelings for you to a platonic level. But, I guess it’s better than nothing.”

  “Well, come on buddy,” she wound both arms around one of his and pulled him with her. “Let’s enjoy the rest of the night and celebrate our newfound friendship.”

  The five of them danced, laughed, and talked all night. She went to bed somewhat happy and relieved. No tears tonight. Tonight she would sleep peacefully. She only wished things could work out as well between her and Indigo.

  ****************************************

  Gracie and her friends arrived at the airport bright and early the next morning. Reid, who was on the same flight, arrived with Mickey minutes later. Soon their flight was called and everyone said their good-byes.

  “Well, it’s back to the grindstone,” Reid joked.

  “We’ll be
waiting for you,” Heather reminded her.

  Gracie stood alongside Mickey and watched as the plane lifted off, taking the last of her support homeward.

  “That’s that,” Mickey said when the plane soared out of sight.

  “Where are you headed now?” Gracie asked as they strolled through the crowded airport.

  “It’s Friday, so I have to work,” he replied with a mild grimace. “Can I give you a lift anywhere?”

  “I was going to call a taxi, but if you don’t mind taking me back to the hotel, I’d appreciate it. Indigo’s picking me up there.”

  The small, blue sports car pulled up in front of the hotel entrance. Mickey got out and held the door open for her.

  “Sorry, but I beg to differ,” she continued their conversation once she got out. “Just because you travel all over the world, you wouldn’t last two seconds on The Amazing Race.”

  “And just how do you come to that conclusion?” he challenged as he closed the door and leaned against the vehicle.

  “Mickey, you hate climbing a flight of stairs,” she held her arms out to stress the point.

  He was about to refute that but laughed out instead. “Just wait and see, Reid and I are going to try out for the next season.”

  “Oh, my goodness,” she covered her mouth in astonishment. “I can’t wait to see this.” She then touched him on the arm and said, “Anyway, thanks.”

  He tugged at her chiffon blouse and pushed away from the car. “You’re welcome. So long, Gracie. Be cool. My cell phone number is still the same. If you ever need me, don’t hesitate to call.”

  “I just may take you up on that. Take care.” She gave him a warm rub along his left shoulder.

  “Good-bye.” He held her eyes in a long gaze before getting back into his car and driving away.

  Gracie waved as he pulled off, glad that the past between them was now resolved and their friendship was still intact. He wished her happiness in her marriage. A marriage that will be over in two weeks. Indigo has accomplished his purpose; Ella’s health has improved significantly. He has no more use for her.