by M. Sembera
Shrugging a little, I offered, “Well if you change your mind, I’m here.”
“So your back now? That’s nice. I’m so happy you came back for me in my time of need. Oh wait, you didn’t,” his voice thick with sarcasm.
Reminding myself not to make things worse, I replied, “I am going to assume you are speaking out of grief and don’t really mean to be hurtful.”
Emerson smiled at me saying, “Do whatever you want. You always do,” and left the room.
I finished my burger right before Hert walked back in. He laughed a little at me and then sat down at the table.
“What?” I asked.
Smiling wide, he said, “You must have been starving. That was a big burger.”
I answered back, “Yes, as a matter of fact, I was,” with a smirk.
Hert informed me, “I think we are the only ones eating. Jackson’s asleep and Mrs. Roberts is, well, not coming down.”
Changing the subject, he questioned, “Do you still want to visit my mother?”
Offended, I said, “Why wouldn’t I?”
“I didn’t know if after what happened today you would want to go back,” he confessed.
Rolling my eyes at him, I confirmed, “Of course I do,” then suggested, “I really think she should be reevaluated or something. I don’t think she should be sedated all the time.”
Hert replied, “I know you think that Ren but Mr. Roberts made sure she was in the best facility with the best care. It has to be the best place there is because there is even a provision in his will for her care to continue after he’s deceased.”
My breath caught in my chest, it all made perfect sense now. Erin told me her secret because it was about my husband. Ms. Herterand was the lady. I sat there staring at the table as all the information began fitting together forming a clear picture in my brain. All this time I was sad that Ms. Herterand never had anyone to help her but she did. Mason was her Emerson; the only difference was Mason was already taken. Hert’s father must have found out when we were teenagers that’s why they got divorced.
My thoughts were interrupted when Hert said, “Renni.”
Unsure of whether or not Hert was ever supposed to know, I jumped up saying, “I really need to take a shower. Come upstairs when you’re done eating. Love you, I’m going to shower,” and ran upstairs.
Playing with the idea of flat out asking Erin if Hert was ever supposed to know, I couldn’t imagine why not. It was the opposite of my decision with Sophia. I wanted her to have a safe and happy life. Didn’t they want that for Hert? It was clear Erin cared for Hert. Too many questions and scenarios filled my head as I quickly got in the shower. This information was going to drive me crazy. How was I supposed to keep this from my husband? I would have to talk to Erin about this. Reflecting back, I realized I would keep their secret the same way I expected them to keep mine.
Chapter 24
Stepping out of the shower, I grabbed a towel, wrapped it around myself and stepped out of the bathroom. Quickly putting pajamas on I decided, since Erin and Ms. Herterand, aside from myself, were more than likely the only ones left that knew, I would just go ask Erin. In her weakened state she might confirm my theory. I rushed to the door, swinging it open, I ran into Hert.
Steadying the both of us, he blurted, “What are you doing!?”
Thinking quickly, I said, “I was going to go check on Erin.”
With a suspicious look he stated, “You’re acting really weird.”
Lightly smiling, I replied, "It's been a really weird day." Hoping that was enough to take his attention off me.
Nodding in agreement Hert continued into our room, sitting down on the edge of the bed. Making my way over to him, I placed my arms around his neck. Slyly smiling, I lightly kissed his cheek then his lips. Leaning into him I continued kissing him, unbuttoning his shirt. He wrapped his arms around my waist holding me tight. Pleased by his firm grasp on me, I became wildly enthusiastic.
Hert interrupted my excitement by saying, “I need to take a shower.”
Raising my eyebrows, I asked, “Right now?”
He continued saying, “You can go check on Mrs. Roberts, if you still want too, but come right back.”
Instantly remembering I did want to see Erin, I slowly pulled away. Hert got up, kissed my cheek and stepped into the bathroom. Not wanting to seem too eager, I waited for the shower to come on before rushing to Erin’s room.
I lightly knocked and after hearing Erin say ‘come in’ I slowly walked into her room. I could tell right away she had been crying. It was quite a shock seeing her so disheveled.
Quietly, she asked, “Yes?”
Keeping my voice low, I asked, “Do you need anything?”
Shaking her head at me, Erin stated, “No dear, thank you.”
After standing there for a second, I changed my mind. Not wanting to push her into reliving painful memories in her already devastated state, I let it go for now.
Whispering, “Goodnight,” to her, I left the room.
Hert was sitting on the bed freshly showered and looking refreshed. It was odd how he and I handled Mr. Roberts’s death. Maybe having dealt with these situations already, we were immune or perhaps we were both in shock and his death, as sudden as it was, had not sunk in yet. Either way it was clear Hert wanted to talk.
Climbing onto the bed, I scooted right up next to him asking, “What’s on your mind?”
He smiled at me, saying, “You're handling all this very well. I don’t want to push my luck.”
Nudging him a little, I said, “Well try me, you might be surprised.”
With a concerned look Hert questioned, “Are you sure you want to come back here to stay?”
Nodding at him, I informed, “I really want to move out there someday but I understand it isn’t really an option right now.”
Appearing sympathetic, he stated, “I am so sorry Renni, there just wasn’t enough time for Roberts to learn how everything works. Maybe he can still take over but it won’t be anytime soon. There just isn’t anyone else.”
I encouraged, “It's okay. Really. You’re the right man for the job,” then leaning my head against his shoulder, I continued, “I’ll never be perfect but I want to be your wife, so I am going to make this work, because I’m not willing to live with the alternative.”
Placing his arm around me, he vowed, “Whatever it is that you need to be okay here, that’s what I’ll do.”
I had to ask, “So what happens now?”
Slowly smiling Hert said, “Well….” pulling me close to him.
Laughing, I informed, “That wasn’t what I was talking about.”
We both laid down on the bed. Wrapping our arms around each other, we were face to face.
Smiling back and forth at each other, I wasn’t sure if Hert was going to answer me. Either way I was going to be happy. It had taken me a while to realize loving Hert wasn’t the same as being committed to him. So far, I had failed horribly at for better or for worse. My intentions always seemed to revolve around myself. Unable to imagine a better husband, I decided to embrace my new life. Staring into his eyes, I leaned in kissing him softly. For the first time we were on the same side. No longer mine or his, it was our side.
A Turning Point book III
Sitting at the kitchen table, I recalled the hollow look in Erin’s eyes when she left. Barely coherent as I agreed to join The Society, a vacant smile revealed her approval. Anxiously waiting for Hert to return, I glanced at the clock above the bar. My thoughts turned to Ms. Herterand and her episode. Mr. Roberts’s death had disassembled all of us. Riddled with guilt over the ungrateful last words I spoke to him, I looked beyond myself. Striving to be the woman I needed to be for my husband. I vowed to live up to every new obligation thrust upon me.
Chapter 1
The door opened and Jackson walked in. I noticed the wide scar right above his eyebrow first, then his smile.
Sitting down at the table with me, he asked, “Did
you just get home?”
Nodding at him, I answered, “Yea, I picked Sophia up from your mom’s, she’s taking a nap.”
Jackson laughed a little asking, “Was it everything you thought it would be?”
“Awh, it was worse! The stupid pin ceremony was ridiculous. I actually had to vow, ‘I, Mrs. Rennillia Marie Herterand swear to uphold the decree set in place by The Society and to conduct myself with superior decorum in every aspect of my life,” I shared.
Jackson motioned to the pin saying, “Pretty fancy.”
I removed the S shaped diamond pin from my strap as I grumbled, “The S should stand for sadistic back stabbers,” before setting it on the table.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“They were all uppity and they all talked about each other. I don’t ever want to go again,” I complained.
Shaking his head at me, Jackson said, “Sounds like The Office right now. Since Hert took over and set up an accounting department, I have people in and out all day telling me how other people aren’t doing their job.”
Smiling at him, I offered, “Hert should be home anytime now. Do you want to have dinner with us? I’ll make Emerson sit outside if he doesn’t behave.”
Jackson had avoided all contact with Emerson after that day at the hospital. It seemed as though their fight ended their friendship. His relationship with Hert, however, had greatly improved. They still weren’t friends in a technical sense but there appeared to be a mutual, professional respect. Our relationship was also different. He was different. Mr. Roberts’ death had a greater impact on us than I ever could have imagined.
Smiling the smile only he could, Jackson leaned back in his chair.
“I’ll have dinner with you but Hert’s not going to be home for a while,” he informed.
With a heavy sigh, I replied, “Of course he won’t,” before I continued saying, “At least you and Telli are there. If ya’ll weren’t, I’d never see him.”
Jackson shared, “Yea, I felt bad leaving. I’m sure Telli’s wife wants to see him but Hert said for me to go and see how your Society thing went.”
“Don’t tell him I said it was awful. He’s got enough to deal with, okay?” I urged.
Smiling wide, Jackson stated, “I won’t, between The Office and Roberts, your man has his hands full.”
My eyes questioned his comment. I knew how stupid Emerson was here at the house but I couldn’t believe he would be like that at The Office too.
Jackson explained, “He’s worthless. He doesn’t do anything. Hert has been trying to get him involved but he won’t help out at all. Finally, Hert told him today to go home and not to come back until he was ready to work. It’s about time too. Everybody else has been working like crazy and you’d think if anyone, he…”
“I’m mad at him too but he’s not worthless. He’s just having a hard time,” I snapped.
Jackson snapped back, “You know if you would stop making excuses for him you would see he needs to grow the…”
Quickly ending the argument, I said, “Ok, Jacks. I don’t want to argue with you. I don’t know where Em went when he left The Office but he’s not here. So let’s not talk about him anymore, okay?”
He nodded in agreement as I got up to get Sophia.
I brought Sophia downstairs to play in the kitchen while I fixed dinner. I glanced at Jackson sitting in the corner with her trying to get her to high-five him. It was funny how much fun he seemed to have playing with her. He really was her Uncle Jacks.
We ate dinner and cleaned up the kitchen. Jackson smiled and thanked me for dinner, leaving the minute Emerson showed up. Truth be told the only reason I put up with Emerson was because of Sophia. No matter how he acted towards me, he was always very sweet to her. Walking into the kitchen, Emerson greeted Sophia with the same endearing tone as always.
“Are you hungry?” I asked him.
With a hateful glare, he informed, “I don’t need anything from you.”
It was a test of patience every day with him. I thought ‘fine I hope you starve to death’ as I picked Sophia up and carried her to her room. Doing my best to keep things as calm as possible, I kept Emerson’s idiotic comments to myself and tried to remember what he was really like. Hert was rarely home. I didn’t want to waste our time on him.
As it got later and later, I gave up waiting on Hert to arrive home and finally put Sophia to bed.
After whispering, ‘I love you Goodnight’ to her, I went to my room. Considering ways to make things better, I changed into my pajamas. Lying down across my bed, I decided to stop trying to figure things out and just hope tonight would be different from every other night since Hert took over the company. I missed my husband so much. Most of my time waiting for him to come home late at night was spent thinking of his hands and imaging what all they could do. I fantasized about him taking me somewhere anywhere or just plain taking me. Our married life had been reduced to quick kisses at hello and goodbye.
Determined to keep a pleasant disposition, I cheerfully smiled when Hert walked in our room. He smiled back heading straight for the shower. I was practically drooling when he came out to get dressed. He slid into bed and kissed my forehead.
“How was your Tea?” he asked.
Lying through my teeth, I answered, “It was nice.”
He smiled slightly sitting up with a familiar expression. I knew that look. It was his I have to go out of town look.
Before he had a chance to speak, I asked, “How long are you going to be gone?”
Appearing a bit surprised, he answered, “A week.”
“When do you leave?” I asked.
Now laughing a little, he said, “At the end of the week. I have a favor to ask you too.”
Playfully, I said, “Now you know if I do you a favor you’re gonna owe me.”
“I will owe you. You’re not going to like the favor,” he confessed.
Confused, I questioned, “Well, what is it?”
“The Office is finally in order. Well, it’s at the point where Jackson and Telli can handle it. What I need from you is to come with me to some meetings,” he stated, explaining, “There is a certain approach to things and we have to meet with other heads of companies and investors.”
I took a moment to make sure my tone and expression stayed pleasant.
“Sure. If that’s what you need me to do. When do we start?” I asked.
With a surprised look, he stated, “Tomorrow morning.”
Smiling my best smile, I kissed his cheek saying, “We better get some sleep then, I love you. Goodnight,” and quickly rolled over.
This whole being a good wife thing was altogether disappointing. I hardly got to see my husband and when I did, I forced myself to go along with whatever he needed. Apparently sex wasn’t going to be the reward for my good effort since it was becoming a distant memory. Being patient and pleasant all the time was killing me. However, I was determined to keep my word. To be the wife Hert needed me to be. Keeping Erin at the forefront of my thoughts helped. When the frustration and difficulty of being Hert’s wife seemed unbearable, I would think of her. Erin had spent years by the side of the man she loved sacrificing her time for his benefit. She never complained and always put his needs first.
I had great difficulty sleeping and there was no need to pretend for Hert’s sake. It took no time at all for him to fall asleep. Lying there, I recalled all the nights he refused to stay in my room, claiming there was no way to keep his hands off me if he did. Sadly, the blame was equally distributed between the two of us. There were things I could do; measures could be taken in order to have my way with him. I wanted him just as badly as I did that night in the dining room. Unsure if he still held the same desire for me, I was unwilling to initiate, fearful of the outcome. If he were to openly deny me, I would be devastated. Falling into my routine, I reminisced on the beginning of our relationship until I fell asleep.
Chapter 2
In the morning, I packed Sophia�
��s diaper bag. Mrs. Thomas arrived early to pick her up. Careful not to wake her, I placed Sophia in her car seat while she was still asleep. I lightly kissed her forehead and whispered ‘I love you’ to her as she smiled in her sleep. I placed my finger in front of my lips, cautioning Hert to be quiet as he walked in. Nodding, Hert slowly lifted her in her car seat. Holding out his other hand, he picked up the diaper bag and walked out of the room. I followed Hert into the hallway, glancing at him as he continued down the stairs with Sophia before I stepped into our room.
After taking a shower, I stood in the closet looking for something to wear. I grabbed a pair of slacks and a nice blouse. Although, I always tried very hard not to look, I could not help glancing up at the metaphorical death box Hert left me the last time he went out of town. Normally, I would be curious, anticipating what was inside, however, recalling Hert’s words ‘If anything happens to me’ caused me to have no desire whatsoever to reveal its contents. Quickly turning around, I felt Hert tap me on the shoulder.
Handing me the phone, he informed, “It’s Mrs. Roberts.”
Nodding, I took the phone answering, “Hello.”
“Rennillia,” she started, continuing to say, “I know Scott will be in meetings all week. I am not trying to tell you how to behave, however, I thought you could use some advice.”
Beyond appreciation, I replied, “Oh yes ma’am. Anything you can tell me. I am so nervous, Erin.”
There was a hint of cheer in her voice as she advised, “Be polite, not friendly. Be sure to pay attention to Scott every time he speaks. When you are addressed as Mrs. Herterand, do not offer an option. No one is to call you by your first name.”
Replying, “Yes ma’am,” to Erin’s recommendations, I started to feel better.
“You will do fine,” she assured before ending our conversation.
I set the phone down on the dresser and got dressed.
Smiling at Hert as he stepped out of the shower, I noticed he appeared concerned.
“Are you alright?” he asked as I nodded, he stated, “You look like you’re fixing to be sick.”
Taking a breath, I shared, “I’m really nervous. I know this is important.”