by Arika Stone
“Don’t accuse me of being deceitful. I wanted an out, and he was there. That’s all.” I threw my hands up. This wasn’t an argument I was going to win.
“Don’t you think it’s a bit underhanded not to talk to me about things that will affect us?” He pressed his fingers together, which was typical when he was angered.
I jumped up from the bed. I couldn’t believe we were arguing. “Would you rather have me fold the company and take a loss, or would you rather have several million in the bank?”
He ran his fingers through his hair. “Speaking of which, my accountant needs your info because we have taxes to file, and I know nothing of your personal accounts.”
“It doesn’t matter what accounts I have. Most are offshore anyway. And I’ll have my accountant take care of my taxes. We will file separately.” I closed my eyes. Shit was going to hit the fan.
He rose from the bed and faced me. “What are you hiding?”
“Nothing. Nothing except my hard-earned money.”
“How much money? Are you doing something illegal?” His nostrils flared.
“I’m not doing anything illegal. The government can’t tax my interest earnings, that’s all.”
“And that’s illegal. No wonder why you were so eager to sell the company and move.” He growled, “How much money are we talking, Eve?”
I snapped, “I wanted to sell and move to be with you. How many times do I have to tell you? It’s not about the money!”
His voice was harsh. “How much money, Eve? And don’t make me ask you again.”
I gulped. “Before the buyout, around sixty million, including my real estate.”
He gasped and backed away. “When the hell were you going to tell me this? Event planning doesn’t make you that rich. What are you doing?”
“Investing wisely, that’s all.”
He rubbed his eyes. “This is too much. I don’t know what to say.” He sat down on the bed. “Do you know how much we’ll be taxed on this in Finland?”
“That’s why we have lawyers and accountants. I’m sure there is a work-around, and if there’s not, I’m happy just being your wife, rich or poor.”
“I can’t believe I married a criminal.”
“I am not a criminal. I’m just protected.” I smiled, hoping for a change of topic. “Come on, Val, don’t be mad,” I pleaded. I hated when he was angry.
“I’m upset that you didn’t talk to me about the business. And I’m also a bit shocked to learn how much you’re worth. Suddenly, my success seems insignificant."
“That’s not true.” I knelt down. “Your work will live on forever, but no one will know my name when I’m gone.”
He groaned. “I’ll get over it. Just give me time."
Chapter 48
Jude and I got along exceptionally well during the three months that preceded the buyout. He took the reins quite nicely under my direction, and the company flourished with both of us running it. Of course, Jude claimed no responsibility for any of the actual organization. He had no time for that. His skill set was better used schmoozing clients. The press once again loved us and acknowledged the merger as a powerful force in the industry, one that could almost be seen as a monopoly over the other elite firms across the country. Our client list was one to be reckoned with. We carried the most exclusive clientele.
Although Jude had been a prick, his attitude slowly diminished, and we became closer. He turned into my confidant, friend, and all-around support system in New York. Since neither of us had any family here, we clung to the fine strands that held our lives together. Having such a long history together made the present more relaxed and cozy. It was like wearing an old T-shirt. Just because it had some holes, there was no reason to throw it out.
Val, on the other hand, was the pillow I preferred to snuggle next to, but the distance began to put a strain on our relationship. I often wondered if we weren’t legally bound to each other whether we would still be together. He had grown easily accustomed to the L.A. lifestyle. However, he never grew used to my business relationship with Jude and occasionally argued that I was too close to my ex-fiancé. He would often ask how I would feel if the roles were reversed.
However, when we spoke about the baby, or if I called him with news, he instantly transformed into the sensitive artist I’d once known. He would make me place the telephone on my belly so he could speak to our baby, who he called “our daughter.” He wanted to ensure she knew his voice even if she couldn’t feel his presence. It was touching to see him so in love with her. I knew if we didn’t stay together, he would be a good father to our child.
“Have you heard from Val?” Jude asked as the waiter stepped away from our table.
I shook my head. “I haven’t heard from him since Sunday. But he’s been working sixteen-hour days and crashing. I’m sure everything is okay.”
He rolled his eyes. “How much can he possibly do? He’s a singer for Christ’s sake.”
“Oh, will you stop it? He works hard and puts in long days.” I crossed my arms. My hands touched my opposing elbows, and suddenly it triggered my memory of when Val and I had our first session in New York. I missed his touch. I missed his kisses. I missed him.
“When’s your next appointment?” Jude’s words snapped me out of my daydream.
“Next week.” I glanced around at the other non-pregnant patrons. I was extremely jealous of them. Oh, how I wished I could fit into my “skinny” clothing again.
“Do you want me to come with you?
“If you’re free, sure.” Jude was supportive during my pregnancy, making sure work didn’t interfere with my appointments. He even took trips with me to the doctor’s office when I asked him to. I hated going alone. Seeing other couples together sharing in the process stirred my emotions. I would often arrive sad that Val wasn’t there. But my sadness often morphed into anger that Val had never taken the initiative to accompany me at least once to the doctor.
“Are you going to find out the sex?” Jude pressed.
I shook my head no. “I’m going to keep Val in suspense like he does to me.”
Jude raised his eyebrows. “What do you mean?”
Unexpectedly, my phone rang. It was Val. “Hey, baby,” I crooned into the phone.
“Hello, darling. How’s my baby?”
I laughed. “Would that be me or her? I hate to compete for attention.” I’d begun calling the baby “her” because it felt natural, after five months, to say it as well.
“You, of course. How are you feeling?” Val asked me sincerely.
“Fat. But okay.”
“You’re not fat. You’re beautiful. And I bet more beautiful in person.”
I couldn’t help but blush from his comment. “You’re sweet.”
“I only have a few minutes to talk. I was wondering if you can take vacation next week.”
“I have a doctor’s appointment next week for an ultrasound. It’s been booked for months. I can’t reschedule.”
“Is everything okay?” He sounded concerned.
“Everything’s fine. It’s routine. They do measurements, check for all fingers and toes.”
“And gender?”
“And gender, but I’m choosing not to know.”
“Oh come on, Eve. Indulge me.”
“No, we’re going to wait, keep us in suspense,” I teased.
“Eve, we both need to agree on this. And I don’t agree.”
Jude’s voice rose in the background. “Tell him to fuck off. Maybe if he was here once in a while you’d consider it.”
“I heard that, Eve. But unlike him, I get to fuck off to you every night,” Val growled. “And why are you with him again?”
“We have a client meeting in an hour.”
He sighed. I knew my constant contact with Jude drove him up a wall. “Can you take time off after the ultrasound?”
“I’m not sure. Why?”
“Because I have two weeks off, and I want to fly home to see how th
e renovations are going. We have to finish the nursery. She’ll be here soon. And my family wants to see you. They want to throw you a baby shower.”
“I’ll try and get off. I have to check the schedule.”
“Well, I’ll need to know the sex so I know what color to paint the nursery.” He persisted with the gender issue.
“Paint it yellow or green.” I refused to give in.
He groaned at my answer. “I have to run but put the phone by her.”
“I’m in public. I’m not doing that. Everyone will think I’m crazy.”
“Who cares? You’ll never see those people again. I’ll make it quick.”
“Fine.” I placed the phone by my belly and heard him speak in Finnish, telling her that he loved her and would be there soon to hold her. It was so sweet it melted my heart and inspired hers. She decided to tell her father exactly how she felt, with her very first kick.
I placed the phone by my ear. “Oh my God, Val, she kicked. Do it again.” I placed the phone on my belly.
He repeated his words, and sure enough, she kicked again for him.
“She kicked again. I can’t believe it, our first kick.” This was the first sign, other than my belly, that this pregnancy was indeed real.
“You don’t know how happy I am. I only wish I could be there with you. I love you, darling. Thank you for being my wife and her mother.”
His words brought tears to my eyes. “I love you too, Val, and I miss you so much. I’ll call you tonight.”
Chapter 49
“No, that’s not right.” I flipped the instruction booklet to get a better look at the diagram. “You’re putting it on backward.”
Jude flung the screwdriver. “How could I be putting this together wrong? It’s a four-sided box.”
I held out the paper. “Yes, but you have the box backward.”
He swooped me into his arms and pressed his body into my back. Reaching around, he hugged me from behind, whispering in my ear, “So that’s what I’ve been doing wrong. I had the box backward.” He gave me a quick kiss on the neck before resting his chin on my shoulder.
I gave a weak attempt to shrug him off, but truth be told, it was good to be in comforting arms. “We shouldn’t be doing this. It’s not your box anymore to screw.” I giggled as I peeled his arms from my waist.
“But I wish it was.” He paused. “I want to let you know I didn’t cheat on you in Paris. She was an old friend from college who was also away on business. We met for dinner and drinks. The bars were closing, and I invited her up to continue drinking. It was a poor decision, and I regret that choice every day.”
I eyed him. I didn’t want this to lead any further. “I’m going to get water. Do you want anything?” I said as I headed out the door.
“No, I’m fine.” Jude sighed, picked up the instructions and began to scan them.
I returned and stood silently in the doorway of the nursery, resting my head on the doorframe. I had converted my first floor office into the baby’s room. It was the only room near my bedroom that I could use. The other bedrooms were on the second floor. I had gone shopping almost every day this past month, handpicking every detail, even down to custom-made furniture, hand-painted and carved by a local artist. I watched Jude replace the side panel on the crib the correct way.
“Maybe one day you’ll listen to me.” I sipped my water. It felt good to always be right.
“One day, but not today.” He glanced up from the screw he was tightening and winked. “There, she’s done.”
“Thank you. I appreciate the help.” I smiled warmly at him. He looked inviting in his sweats and T-shirt.
“It’s the least I can do for letting me crash here until the renovations are done at my place.” He walked over and kissed me on the forehead. “So what’s next on your list?”
“The dresser, the rocker, the bookshelves, and the armoire.” I laughed and looked at the boxes on the floor. “Need I go on?” I glanced up at Jude, and our eyes locked. It was an unnerving stare. I wanted to kiss him, and I knew he felt the same. “Come on. I’ll help you.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him onto the floor.
“Why didn’t you hire someone to do this for you?” Jude ripped open a box.
“Because I prefer to torture you.”
“I know you do.” He pulled out a massive dresser side and sighed, looking at the instructions. “This will take all night. Can’t we do this tomorrow?”
“No, I want to get this done, at least this one piece. Besides, you need to work off your keep.” I giggled.
“You’re a slave driver.” He leaned into me.
“And you love it.”
He shot me that look again. It was head-buzzing and intense. It put thoughts in my mind that hadn’t been there since last year.
Abruptly there was a thud on the floor. I looked down and saw Interviewz magazine, a popular gossip magazine. Jude and I were on the cover, walking into my doctor’s office, arm in arm. I glanced up. There were boots, followed by legs, long, long legs. Val’s legs.
“So, it’s true then?” He stared down, growling in a deep, guttural voice. “Are you really that stupid to parade your little love affair all over Manhattan for the paparazzi to see?”
I jumped up. “There is no affair, Val.”
Val walked around the crib, eyeing the nursery. “Did you think I wouldn’t find out? Did you think I wouldn’t know?”
I placed my hands on my head. “What are you doing here? Don’t you have meetings in L.A. tomorrow?”
“I was on a layover when I spotted the magazine at a newsstand.” He ran a finger along the crib. “Why didn’t you ask me to paint this?”
Jude interrupted the conversation to defend me. “Because you’re too busy to take care of your own family.”
Val slowly walked around the side of the crib. He cocked one eyebrow. “Was I talking to you? Please leave so I can discuss this in private with Eve.”
His tone was cool and calm, and it made me completely uneasy. I knew he was a ticking time bomb ready to explode.
“I don’t think you have a choice because I was talking to you.” Jude stepped between us to shield me from Val.
“Get out of my way,” Val snarled, staring Jude down.
“When you can stand here and say you have taken care of her like I have, then you can tell me to fuck off.” Jude stepped up to him. “Until then, I have every right to be here. That ring on your finger entitles you to nothing. You haven’t earned the privilege to be called her husband or that child’s father.”
Val pressed into him. “And you think you do? Do you think you can weasel your way back into her life and rip her away from me? Who do you think you are?”
“At least I care about her. You only married her for the publicity she can bring to your band. Why don’t you tell her the real truth to your lies?”
Val furrowed his brow. “What publicity? The only press she’s linked to is you.” He grabbed Jude by the shirt and pushed him backward. “Get out.”
I interjected, “Val, this isn’t what it looks like. I’m sure any pictures taken were at functions or during work.”
Val shifted his focus to me. “Then why are there photos of you going into your doctor’s office, shots of you shopping together, and pictures entering and leaving this building? Pictures don’t lie, my darling. Only people do.” His eyes were ice cold.
The baby started to kick. I touched my stomach and took a deep breath. Lately, anytime I was stressed, she would fight me.
“Are you okay?” Val looked at me.
“Eve, what’s wrong?” Jude asked.
“Shut the fuck up!” Val roared. “She’s my wife, not yours.”
“Then be a man and act like her husband,” Jude said, antagonizing Val.
With a swift step, Val knocked Jude down and placed him into a submission hold. “Let me tell you something,” Val roared. “I will rip your head off if you don’t leave this house immediately. Pack whatever you have, and if
I find out you’re spending any time with my wife outside of the office, I will fucking kill you.” He released Jude and pulled him to his feet.
His behavior was a mix of raging lunatic and protective husband. I never saw Val so intense, and it turned me on.
Val dragged Jude outside the nursery. “I’m giving you five minutes to pack your belongings. And if you don’t leave, I will make you leave.”
Jude headed toward the phone. “I’m calling security, Eve. You’re not safe with him. He’s manic.”
I ran after Jude, brushing past Val. “No, Jude.” I reached his hand in the nick of time, blocking the phone. “It’s better if you leave. Val and I need to talk alone. I’m all right with him.” Suddenly, the baby pushed down, and a sharp wave of pain squeezed my stomach, knocking me to my knees.
“What’s wrong?” Jude dove to catch me. I placed my arm on his shoulder to steady myself.
Val walked over and leaned down, taking me into his arms, pulling me away from Jude. “Are you okay?”
“She’s not okay. She’s been having pre-term contractions.” Jude shot a “you would know this if you were here” look to Val.
Val eyed me. “When did this start?”
“Last week when you were in Helsinki. I didn’t want to bother you with it. The doctor put me on medication.”
“Which she refuses to take.” Jude eyed Val for support.
“And why aren’t you taking them?”
I leaned into Val, and the baby shifted again. I squeezed my eyes shut. “Because the side effects are terrible. My heart races, I get the shakes, and I don’t feel good on them.”
Val picked me up and carried me to the bedroom. “You need to take them. It’s not about you anymore.” He placed me on the bed. “Where are they?”
I saw Jude in the doorway looking rejected. “They’re on the kitchen counter,” I said softly.
“And when’s your next doctor’s appointment?”
“Wednesday.”
Val picked up his phone and dialed. He caught a glimpse of Jude in the mirror. “You have less than three minutes to pack. I advise you to do so.” Val paused. “Sebastian, I won’t be able to make it back. We’re having complications with the baby.” He paused again. “Then schedule the interviews in New York. I can’t make it.” He slammed the phone shut. “I’ll be right back.”