by Arika Stone
“We have lunch at one with Elizabeth Nooman, or did you forget?” Jude eyed me. “I stopped by early, and Vicki filled me in on what’s happening, and we’re concerned.”
“The meeting was rescheduled for eleven,” Vicki interjected.
I glared at my attorney, Howard, as Sharon handed me my morning latte. I took a sip, but it tasted awful.
“You need to protect your finances, Eve.” Howard tapped his fingers on the file in front of him.
“This has nothing to do with business.” I knew they were here to speak to me about Val. “And while I appreciate your concern, my personal life is to be kept separate from my business.” I covered my mouth. The sip of coffee I’d taken regurgitated. I should have eaten breakfast.
“It has everything to do with your business, or did you forget Val now owns half of this company?” Howard interjected. “Why didn’t you contact me to draw up a prenup?”
“Because I don’t believe in them. If we were a regular couple, there would be no prenup. Marriage is a partnership, not a fucking business deal. Now, if that’s all, I’m done here until eleven.” I rose to my feet and took a habitual sip of coffee, but no sooner had I swallowed it than a wave of nausea swept over my body. My eyes darted around the room. I rushed to the garbage pail just in the nick of time.
I heard Vicki in the background. “She’s pregnant again.”
Her comment deserved a snarky answer, but I began to dry heave nonstop.
“I’ll take care of this,” Jude said as Vicki and Howard shuffled out of the room. “Talk to me, doll. What’s going on?” Jude kneeled next to me, rubbing my back.
“It’s nothing. I think it’s something I ate last night. I’m better now.” I tried to stand up, but my legs wobbled underneath me.
“Stop bullshitting. I know when you’re lying,” he said with a halfhearted laugh and helped me into a chair. He picked up the phone. “Sharon, bring me ice water and find something with ginger in it, ginger tea, ginger snaps, pure fucking ginger if you have to. I’ve got a five-million-dollar deal on the line and a production company barking up my ass, and your boss can’t keep her coffee down.” He slammed the phone down.
“Don’t talk to my employees like your own,” I snapped. I hated his arrogance.
“Why not, love? They’ll all be mine soon anyway. Are you pregnant?” He was blunt in his questioning.
“I don’t know.” I shook my head. I could be. I hadn’t had a period since the procedure.
“What do you mean you don’t know?” He twirled his pen around in his hand as if he was going to take notes.
I pressed my lips together. I was getting nauseous again. “We’ve been trying for a baby.”
His body immediately shot across the table toward me. “You what?” He stood up and began to pace. “Let me get this straight. We were together for five fucking years and you let him knock you up after what, three months?”
“It was different with us, Jude. We were too busy with our own lives. Val and I want a family.”
Jude glared at me. “You decided or he decided? Because looking in, it sure sounds like he manipulates you into doing anything he wants.”
“Fuck you, Jude.” I placed my hands on my head. I needed the queasiness to stop.
“It’s not just this, Eve. It’s everything.” He began to pace again. It was typical of his high-energy behavior. “Look at it from a different perspective.”
I stared at him. If I spoke, I was afraid of heaving again. Sharon breezed in with water and ginger tea for me.
“Drink up, doll. We have a meeting in a few hours, and I need you to talk Liz out of her ridiculous wedding date.”
“Why?” I smelled the tea. It smelled awful. “I don’t think I can drink this.”
“You better. It will calm down your morning sickness.”
I tried a sip. It tasted as bad as it smelled. “Let’s not jump the gun. And what about Liz’s wedding?” I hoped if I changed the subject he would forget about Val.
“She’s supposed to be shooting in Tuscany. She wants to delay filming for a month.”
“So? Make it happen. It’s an auspicious day for her. Besides, everything is booked, and the invitations have been sent out.” I took another sip of the poisonous tea. At least the first sip I was able to hold down.
“And why didn’t your team contact me regarding her schedule? Oh I forgot. It’s because you lost your mind and the company has been falling to pieces without you.” He slammed his hand down on the desk.
“You should check with your assistant because I personally cleared the date with him months ago,” I snapped back. Unfortunately, not only did my blood boil at his words but so did my stomach. Everything came up again.
“Maybe you should buy a test.” He smirked.
I rolled my eyes. “Not now.”
“I don’t get you. I thought I did.” He shook his head and walked to the window, gazing at the skyline. “You were the one person I knew who lived as you meant to live. Then you run off, God only knows why, to a remote country and you move in days after you arrive with a man you don’t know. Do you know how ridiculous that sounds to anyone who knows you? It’s completely out of your character.”
“The press moved in next door to me in the hotel. I wanted more privacy.”
“You should have switched hotels.”
“They would have found me. I didn’t want to be followed.” I rested my head on my hands. I felt dizzy again.
“So they followed you to his house. Come on, Eve. You know the press is not an excuse. Underneath it all, you just wanted to fuck him.”
He was right. Moving in with him wasn’t hiding from the press. I sighed. “It sounded like a good idea.”
Jude approached me. “And I suppose getting engaged and married weeks later sounded like a good idea too? And applying for your residency, that, that was brilliant. And now, selling your business, not signing a prenup, those are financially sound decisions? It seems like ever since you met him your decision-making skills have gone down the drain. Unless, of course, you’re letting him make decisions for you.” He glared at me, making his point known. “I would have never expected this from you. You are one of the smartest and wealthiest women I know, and you’ve thrown away everything you have worked for, for him.”
“You’re just bitter because I didn’t do it for you,” I barked in reply. But deep down inside, I knew that, to an outsider, it seemed overwhelming.
“You were my best friend for years. Do you expect me to sit back and idly watch you ruin your life for the glamour of his occupation?”
“It has nothing to do with him being a singer. He introduced himself to me as an artist, and that’s what I consider him to be. Besides, he’s retiring. He’s finishing up his contract.” I tried sipping the water, praying I’d be able to keep it down.
“Oh, is that the line he gave you?” Jude raised his eyebrows. “He never retired, Eve. They were on a break between albums. And you know why he’s with you? Because his record bombed in America. That’s right, Eve. Your husband couldn’t break the market. He failed. He’s with you for the publicity you can bring him, and that’s the only reason.”
“You’re trying to convince me of what? That I shouldn’t be with him? He is my husband, and I love him. Get over it.”
“This ain’t a game, baby. I have friends at his label. Or did you forget? If he doesn’t pull his numbers this time, his contract is dropped, even though he is signed for two more records.” He fished through paperwork in his folder and dropped a copy of their contract on my lap. “Read it yourself if you don’t believe me.”
“Where is it, specifically?”
Jude flipped through the pages. “Here.” He pointed.
My eyes locked on the terms of the contract. Val was bound to two more records as long as their numbers didn’t fall below their last record. I flipped the pages to the end. It was dated in November. He’d signed this when we were together. My stomach dropped to my feet, but
it wasn’t from my gastrointestinal disturbance.
“If he lied to you about this, what else has he lied to you about?” Jude placed his hands squarely on the desk.
I inhaled deeply. Was Jude right? What else was untrue? He’d told me he wasn’t into power exchanges either, but then told me he’d dabbled with Kat. Could I trust him? Had my vision of him been so distorted in Finland that I couldn’t see who he truly was?
Jude stared at me. “It doesn’t feel good knowing he can have half of your assets, huh?”
I shuffled the contract. “Do you mind if I keep this?” I ignored his question.
“Sure. But you didn’t get it from me.” He winked.
“Of course not, it came mysteriously in the mail in a blank envelope.” I smiled. I could play the game just as well as him.
“I have a solution to save your company.” Jude’s voice was full of confident arrogance.
“And what makes you think I need to be saved?” I challenged.
“Unless you want to give him millions, I think you may want to consider my offer. I’m sure you don’t want to start all over again.” He sat next to me and lowered his voice.
I was intrigued. “I’ll listen, but I’m not making any rash decisions.”
“This is risky, but in this case, you may want to roll the dice. We can have papers drawn up stating you sold the company to me months ago. I’m sure you have some large sum we can link it to. If you ever divorce, the company is in my name, and you can have your share when you return. You have my word.”
I laughed. The thought of me signing over my company to him was ludicrous. “And if I don’t divorce?”
“I’ll buy the company. You were planning on selling anyway. Let’s be real, Eve.” He reached out and held my hand. It felt warm and a tad comforting. They were the same strong, stocky hands that used to woo me. “Sold, the company is only worth the material assets it owns. When clients find out you’re not working, your list will dry up. Your employees don’t have the net worth to invest like I do. You’ll make only a small portion of what it’s truly worth. Either way, you’re screwed.”
“And if we divorce, the company is mine?” I questioned.
“We’ll have a ninety-ten split. At least you will own the majority.”
I shook my head. “I'm not marrying you too.”
Jude laughed at my comment. “At least I’ll be married to you in some way.” He searched my eyes as if he longed to kiss me.
“And if I stay with him, you win a multi-million dollar company. What is this, alimony?”
“Perhaps. We were together for five years.” He smirked.
“If I stay married and you buy the company, I’d want a lump-sum payment, a contract with salary and yearly increases.”
“I see you only turn ditzy around him. It’s good to know you still have negotiation skills.”
“Fuck you.” I laughed. It felt good to still be comfortable around him.
“I wish I could.” He paused. “I’m sorry. That was inappropriate.” He scratched his head. “Eve, I just want to make sure you’re protected in case he screws you. You jumped into this so fast. I don’t want to see you fall.”
“I appreciate it, Jude, I do.” I sighed. It was a lot to think about, and he made valid points about Val, despite my feelings for him. “Jude, how can I trust you? Especially since this will be under the table?”
“We were together for years. And if I didn’t care, I wouldn’t be here with you right now.”
“Of course you would. You’re negotiating your alimony.” I winked.
He groaned. “Come on, do you have any other options?”
“If I’m getting a salary, I could tell Val the partnership went through.” I tapped my fingers on the table.
“Exactly. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”
“And what are you going to do with my company and my employees if I do this?”
“I’ll absorb it. I have the same clients that you do,” Jude said smugly.
“And what about clients who request me?” I asked.
“If you are pregnant, we could say you’re on maternity leave. I’m sure you were planning on doing that anyway.”
I stood up from the table. “I’ll think about it. I’m going home.”
“And what about Liz?”
“I don’t know. You figure it out, Mr. Event Planner.” I smirked. “How long are you in town for?”
He approached me. “As long as you need me.”
His words unnerved me. I sensed a hidden agenda behind his good gesture. “Who said I needed you?”
“Well, I may need to sign off on some paperwork.” He winked.
“I may need you for that, but that’s all I would need you for.” I smiled demurely at him before walking down the hall. This was one business deal I would need to ponder in great detail.
* * * *
I paced my bedroom, Val’s contract in one hand, pregnancy test in the other. It was confirmed. He was contracted for two additional records, and I had my own nine-month contract to deal with. I wasn’t sure if I should confront him regarding his lie, and I certainly wasn’t sure whether I should tell him I was pregnant.
I knew if I told him the news, one of two things would happen. Either he would come home to be with me as he promised or he would suggest that I leave immediately and stay with him. After all, he’d recently amended his contract rider for an obstetrician, pediatrician, and/or a nanny should we become parents while he was touring.
My emotions were starting to get the best of me. One moment I was pissed because my husband would always be on the road. The next moment I was touched by the thoughtfulness of his rider changes. And as soon as the next wave of emotions came, the phone rang. It was exactly five after eleven. I tossed the test and contract on my end table and picked up the phone.
“I miss you, darling.” Val’s smooth, deep voice penetrated the phone.
“Is it eleven already?” I completely disregarded his comment.
“Yes, it’s after eleven. Why don’t we video chat? I want to see you.”
I flipped open my laptop and pressed the camera button. His face jumped onto the screen.
“I’ve missed you.”
He said it again. I didn’t think I could ignore it twice before raising red flags. “I missed you too. I’m sorry I was caught up with work, reviewing contracts.” I was still feeling uneasy, but at least I now knew why.
“Am I disturbing you?” His face looked worn and tired, as though he hadn’t slept for days.
“No, I was just reviewing some things before bed.”
Val cringed. “Did you forget about tonight?”
“Nope, I just lost track of the time.” I blew a kiss to the screen.
“I miss those lips.” He groaned deeply.
“I’m sure you do.” I couldn’t help but be sarcastic. My mind was already tricking me.
“How are you feeling?”
“A bit better. I think I ate something that disagreed with me. I’m tired and wiped out. I think I may call in sick tomorrow.” I faked a yawn to hide my lie.
“Oh?”
He looked disappointed, but I was feeling bitchy, and I was itching to ask him about the contract. I had no time to appeal to his soft side. “I bumped into a friend during lunch. She mentioned a rumor she heard.”
He raised his eyebrows and chuckled. “About me already?”
“She said you made some contract changes recently.” I began my line of questioning.
“I did, a few weeks ago. Why? Did she ask if you were pregnant?” He smiled.
I decided to play along. “Actually she did because of a few rider modifications. What did you do?”
He smiled again. “I followed up on the promises I made to you.”
“Which were?”
“Hired help if we have a baby when I’m touring,” he stated proudly.
“Aw…that’s sweet.” I faked a smile. “I also heard something else.”
“What was that?” He grinned through wisps of gray smoke that floated and veiled his eyes.
“She said that you signed a contract for two more albums.” I stared at the screen, awaiting his answer.
He furrowed his eyebrows. “Not that I’m aware of. That part is untrue. Don’t worry, my love.”
“Well, did you sign the contract and the rider at the same time?” I needed the truth out of him.
“No, I did not. Why are you questioning this?”
“Did you read the contract when you signed it?” My voice grew angry, and I gasped, holding back tears from falling.
“No, it’s all standard and boring.” He began to press his fingers together. I could tell I was pushing his buttons.
“Well, maybe you should have.” I broke. I couldn’t control my emotions. Tears streamed down my cheeks.
“It’s all customary. Nothing changes. Why are you so upset?”
I grabbed the contract off the table and waved it in front of the screen. “Because I did. I read it. You’re signed into two more albums. What’s that, another six to eight years of recording and touring?”
“How did you get that?” he growled sternly.
“When were you going to tell me? You lied to me. You told me this was your last album. You told me you would be there for me if we were going to have a family. We’ll be past forty by the time you’re done.”
“Calm down. I’ll fix it. I promise I will take care of it.”
“How?” I demanded.
“I’ll talk to my lawyer to see if there is something we can do.” He ran his fingers through his hair.
“How could you be so stupid to sign something that would affect us like this?”
“We weren’t engaged at the time, Eve. My lawyer reviewed it, and I trusted it was standard. I didn’t think to read it.” Val looked angry that I was cross with him.
“Where is your business sense?” I continued to scold him.
“Enough, Eve. I hear you loud and clear. I will see what I can do to fix it.”
I exploded in a fit of tears. I couldn’t control my emotions.