The Red Wife

by Tyffani Clark Kemp

  The boat tore away from the yacht with very little direction from Sebastian except for them to be nice to each other.

  “Do you think they'll be alright?” Brenda shouted over the noise of the engines and the boat skimming over the water.

  “Oh, I'm sure they'll be just fine.”

  “Hey, chickie. No service on the yacht?”

  Mariss smiled at the sound of Juliet's voice when she answered her phone later that afternoon.

  “No, and thank God for that.” A weekend away from the craziness was always a good thing.

  “Tell me all about it. Did you do him again?”

  “No. I didn't do anyone.” Mariss tied her robe around her waist.

  “Anyone? Oh yeah! Jose. It sounds like there's a story there. Do tell.”

  She sighed. “Sebastian caught us in bed together, but I didn't have sex with him.”

  “Holy shit. Was he mad? Please tell me he was mad.”

  “He was so angry he fucked Brenda to get it out of his system before talking to me. Then he bathed in cat pheromones, or whatever the hell they put in his body wash.”

  Juliet laughed so loud Mariss had to hold the phone away from her face. “Cat pheromones? I can find out if you want.”

  “Yeah. Do that. As a matter of fact, find me something to use against him. I wonder what would happen if I used his body wash.”

  “You'd turn yourself on. Or me. Or everyone. I'll figure it out. So, where's the sinner now?”

  “Still on the yacht, I assume.”

  “With Brenda?” Juliet's voice rose an octave and a half.

  “No. The engine's caught fire. He sent me and Brenda ashore. I'm still waiting for him to come back. I assume they had to tow it in.”

  “Oh, my god. What happened?”

  “No idea, but when I jokingly asked Brenda if she was responsible she looked highly suspicious.”

  “You think she did it?” Juliet ate it up. “Is she smart enough for that?”

  “I don't like to conjecture, but no, she's probably not smart enough. Not when it comes to yachts. I'm not even smart enough when it comes to yachts.”

  Juliet laughed. “That's funny. Anything else dramatic happen whilst you were out?”

  “Sebastian apologized to me.”

  “What. The. Fuck. For what?”

  “For chasing me. I may have had a mini meltdown in the shower.”

  “He was in the shower with you.”

  Mariss smiled. “Yeah. I was crying. He kissed me.”

  “He kissed you and you started crying? Mare, I'm lost.”

  “Yeah, it's a strange story.”

  “What did you do?” Juliet was obviously as shocked about the situation as Mariss had been and still was.

  “When he apologized? I kissed him.”

  “Of course you did. I might have done the same thing. So, listen. I'll be meeting you guys in London tomorrow afternoon…London time. Where are you staying? With Martha?”

  Martha was Sebastian's mother. She'd taken a liking to Mariss during her last trip there, but hadn't liked that Sebastian was making moves on a married woman.

  “Yes. He said Martha insisted, otherwise I was on her hit list.”

  “Yeah, you don't want that.”

  “She's meeting us for lunch in the city. I can't wait to see her reaction to Brenda. Are they close to the same age? Please tell me they are.”

  “I think there's an eight year difference.”

  “Good enough!” Mariss slipped into panties and a bra as a knock sounded at the door. She checked through the peep hole. “Sebastian's here. I'll see you tomorrow.”

  “Alright. Later, girl.”

  Mariss hung up and opened the door. She didn't wait for Sebastian to enter, but padded back into the bathroom.

  “Well, this is a pleasant surprise.” His voice was scratchy and rough, she assumed from the smoke.

  “How's your boat?”

  “She's fine. Just some engine damage. None from the smoke, fortunately.”

  “Except for you.” Mariss stepped out of the bathroom and went to the bed where her travel clothes were laid out.

  Sebastian shrugged. “We have a few minutes if you want to play doctor.”

  She grinned. “I think I have a mild sedative in my bag. I can knock you out and shove you in my suitcase.”

  “I think I'll pass. I wanted to make sure you were alright, but you seem to be fine.”

  “Takes a little more than exploding engines to scare me. Is Brenda upset?”

  Sebastian nodded. “She was worried I might not come back.” The corners of his mouth twitched like he found that amusing.

  “She was worried about you. Why is that funny?” Mariss shimmied into her jeans as Sebastian watched. She pulled a blouse over her head and turned to him. “I asked you a question.”

  “Like you said. It takes more than exploding engines.”

  “You can come if you like,” she said, though she didn't know where the thought came from.

  Sebastian grinned. “I always come when I like.”

  Mariss gaped at him. Of course, he wasn't above such innapropriate remarks, but the way his body shook with silent laughter said he was just as shocked at the comment as she was.

  “Come where?” he asked, redirecting the conversation.

  “To the counselor. It's not that I don't want you to come, I just didn't… I don't want you to know how…fucked up I really am.”

  His eyebrow went up and he shoved his hands in his pockets. “I've seen your fucked up. I think I can handle a trip to a counselor.”

  “And if things get heavy and I need you to leave? Will you go without questions and without getting your feelings hurt?”

  “I will. You have my word.”

  Mariss nodded. “Alright. Let me finish packing and I'll meet you downstairs.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

  NAUSEA

  “Mariss! Sweetheart!” Martha wrapped her arms around Mariss' neck and gave her a tight squeeze. She had to laugh as she realized how nervous she was about seeing Sebastian's mother again. The last time, Martha hadn't approved of Sebastian's chasing her. Of course, neither had Mariss. No one had, to be honest. This time, she knew it would be different. Martha saw in Mariss the same thing Sebastian did. The only woman he could ever love.

  “Hi, Martha. How are you?” She gave her an air kiss by her cheek and pulled away to smile at her.

  Martha pursed her lips and shook her head. “How are you, sweetheart? I'm so sorry about your husband.”

  Mariss smiled, ashamed that those few words could make her so teary. “I'm surviving. I'll be okay. Sebastian is taking good care of me.”

  Martha's eyebrows went up. “Oh really?”

  “Not like that,” Mariss chided. “You'd be very proud of him.”

  “I'm always proud of him,” Martha said. She gave Mariss a gentle slap on the arm as if she couldn't believe Mariss would suggest that she wasn't. The older woman's eyes traveled past her. “Is that his new bed buddy?”

  Mariss snorted. “Brenda. She's married, but her husband has a sweet young thang on the side.”

  “He has a penchant for those, doesn't he? Of course, you're single. Or is it too soon?”

  “Oh, I'm sure it will happen at some point soon now.”

  Martha nodded.

  “Hello, Mrs. Boa.” Brenda joined them.

  “Fenwick,” Martha corrected. Mariss couldn't help being shocked that she hadn't told her to call her by her first name, though she didn't blame her. Sebastian's sigh humored her.

  “Oh.” Brenda flushed, obviously confused. She looked to Sebastian, but he shook his head gently.

  “Sebastian, I assume you're staying at your flat. The women will stay with me. Let's eat shall we?” Martha took Mariss by the arm and they marched away.

  Mariss admired the way Martha handled Sebastian. She was the only woman he answered to and the only woman he feared.

  “Sebastian, I thought you said-
” Brenda's meek voice trailed behind them.

  “Change of plans,” Sebastian was quick to say. Mariss imagined his teeth clamped together and his eyes blazing.

  “Martha, remind me to add you to my Christmas list.” Mariss smiled down at the shorter woman as they walked into the sushi bar. The moment they walked in the door, Mariss' stomach rolled.

  “Are you alright?” Martha asked.

  Mariss looked up at her, then to Sebastian. Concern was etched across the frown on his face.

  “Yeah. My stomach hurts. I might skip the sushi. I ate on the plane anyway.”

  They found seats at the bar. Sebastian positioned himself between Mariss and Brenda. Mariss smiled to herself. He'd made sure they didn't sit near each other on the plane and kept Brenda busy with magazines and books and makeup so she and Mariss wouldn't get into it.

  “How long has he been seeing the old bird?” Martha asked quietly.

  “Right before...” Mariss looked over the menu to hide her watery eyes.

  Martha nodded when Mariss couldn't go on. “What's her game?” she asked instead.

  “I think she's caught feelings for Bassy. She's as jealous of me as I am of her.” Admitting the truth to Sebastian's mother, somehow, wasn't as hard as admitting it to him.

  “Oh, dear.”

  “She knew what she was getting into with him.” Mariss was unable to make herself feel bad for Brenda.

  “You'll feel the backlash from this one.”

  “It won't be the first time. Hellena caused a lot of problems too.”

  “What are you two gossiping about down there?” Sebastian asked, cutting into their conversation. He leaned his forearm on the counter and his eyes dared her to lie to him.

  “You and Wetsy Betsy over there.” Mariss kept her voice low.

  Martha giggled. Sebastian just shook his head.

  “What did she say?” Brenda chimed in.

  “She was being rude. Mother is a bad influence on her. I don't think I like the two of you being friends.”

  “That's too bad. I wanted to be friends with my daughter-in-law.”

  Mariss choked on the water she was sipping. It burned as it came out her nose. Sebastian handed her a napkin.

  “Mother, really?”

  “Oh, I'm sorry, dear. I'm an old woman. Sometimes we just say things. You know how that is, right, Berta?”

  “It's Brenda, actually.”

  Mariss sent a quick glance to Brenda's end of the table. She suddenly felt like a bully.

  “What do you do, Brenda?” Martha asked.

  “Oh, I don't work. My husband works on Wall Street. Hence the pretty, young intern he has on the side.”

  Brenda stared down at her food. Shame was clear in her profile. Mariss felt her pain, but for a different reason. Nausea twisted her face into a disgusted grimace.

  “Are you feeling well, May?” Sebastian asked.

  Mariss shook her head, but she couldn't look at him. If she did she would cry or be sick or something just as humiliating.

  “No.”

  “Martha, I think Mariss needs to rest.” As he spoke he stood and helped her to her feet. “She's had a long day.”

  “I'll get the check,” Martha said.

  Sebastian walked Mariss outside, but fresh air wasn't going to help.

  No one asked questions on the twenty minute drive to Martha's home. Brenda stayed silent, probably because Sebastian kept Mariss settled in against his side. It was tempting to rest against him. His scent and his heat, even the beat of his heart pulled at her, but she fought it.

  When they pulled up to Martha's estate, Mariss smiled, relieved that she could get out of the packed car and be alone.

  “I'm putting you in Bassy's room, dear.” Martha beamed at her. It was almost malicious.

  Mariss shook her head. “Yes, ma'am.”

  The house was as it had been almost a year ago. Martha sent her back to Sebastian's room and he carried her bags for her.

  The room was an artful masterpiece. On the right wall was a composition Sebastian had written and painted in black, jailed behind a full set of eighty-eight piano strings connected to their assigned keys. Around the room were framed compositions of Sebastian's and a trumpet mounted above the closet.

  “I love this room,” she said as she looked around, her eyes landing on the double bed they'd shared for a few nights last year.

  “Why's that?” Sebastian asked, coming to stand right behind her.

  Mariss eyed him. There was nothing smug or arrogant about him at the moment, just an inquisitive man who may or may not still be concerned about her.

  “It's very you. I like being here.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Don't start.”

  “I'm not. Are you alright, May?”

  She nodded. “I'm just tired. I need to rest.”

  She looked up to his eyes on her. They spoke of sex and contentment and fear. So many conflicting emotions flowed through his features.

  Mariss frowned and stepped closer. “What's wrong?” She reached up to gently touch his face.

  Sebastian captured her hand in his. “I want to stay here with you.” He laughed.

  “I don't think I'm the one your mother is trying to keep you away from.”

  He scoffed. “My mother.”

  “Sebastian, you can't stay with me if you have Raggedy Ann with you.”

  “Stop calling her names!” Sebastian grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her gently. “You're so jealous.” He liked the idea of that too much. His lips twitched, but he was unsuccessful in hiding his pleasure.

  Mariss shrugged. “Maybe.” She wanted to wrap her arms around him and kiss him until they were both breathless.

  Sebastian pulled her against him. “You wanted this,” he murmured. “When we were on the yacht yesterday.” His voice dropped an octave. His hands traced her arms and, where they touched, her skin tingled. “You were so disappointed.”

  “Don't mock me, Sebastian. I'm hanging by a thread here.”

  “I know.” He grinned, his lips hovered over hers. “I won't let you lose it.” He bumped her nose with his. “I need to check on Brenda.”

  Mariss chuckled. “Yeah, I know. I'm going to take a nap, so don't come bothering me.”

  “I'll come very quietly,” he said with a wink.

  “Oh, my god.” Mariss pushed him away.

  “You like it when I'm inappropriate.”

  “Leave, you nasty freak.”

  “Very much so.”

  Sebastian left and Mariss crashed on the bed.

  When Mariss woke up, the room was dark except for the growing thin line of light from the hall. A moment later, Sebastian's form was outlined by the doorway.

  “Mariss, sweetheart, you won't sleep at all tonight.”

  “I'll be fine,” she assured. “What time is it?”

  “Almost eight. Are you hungry?

  “Yes. Just no sushi.”

  “I should think not. Mother has some soup in the kitchen unless you'd like to take it in here.”

  “No, I'll come out there. I'll just be a minute.”

  Sebastian hesitated before he turned away. When the door was closed, Mariss turned on the light and checked her appearance in the mirror. Her hair was all over the place and she wanted to brush her teeth. Instead, she put on extra deodorant and slipped out to the kitchen.

  “There's my girl!” Juliet cried. She gave Mariss a tight hug. “Good nap?”

  “Sebastian didn't tell me you were here.”

  “Yeah, well. He's good at forgetting the important things. Isn't that right?” She patted Sebastian on the shoulder.

  “No. That's not right.”

  Brenda came around the corner followed by Martha.

  “Oh great,” Brenda scowled. “Hello.” She greeted Juliet, her mouth turned down and her eyes flat. “Are you another one of his?”

  “I used to be, but I left him. The benefits weren't any good. Where's that new one o
f yours? Mindy, isn't it?”

  “She didn't come on this trip. I figured we'd have you, why do we need three pains in the ass for the weekend.”

  “Sebastian, that's no way to talk about your girlfriend. Joking or not.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Fenwick.”

  Juliet's mouth twitched. She and Mariss shared a humored look.

  “I was talking about Mariss, dear.”

  “Martha!” Juliet exclaimed.

  “I was talking about you, Mother.”

  An angry growl pulled everyone's gaze to Brenda. Her face was red with veins popping against her forehead in an unattractive way.

  “I'm not going to put up with the name calling and the disrespect the whole time we're here.” Brenda's voice was suddenly age appropriate. “You don't have to like me, but you're not going to treat me like I'm in high school. I'm here with Sebastian. I am. Not Mariss. No one but me. Whether it lasts any longer than this week, I don't give a fuck, but today, it's me.”

  No one spoke for a long moment. Finally, Martha pulled herself up to her full height, which wasn't very tall, and said, “Let's get something straight, you and I. I didn't approve of my son's relationship with Mariss when she was married and I don't approve of his relationship with you. It doesn't even have to do with the fact that we're the same damn age.

  “But you are not going to come into my house and talk to me like I owe you something just because you're here with my son. I don't. Sebastian was mine before you knew who he was and he will always be mine. And as far as I'm concerned, Mariss is the best match I've seen for him yet. Trust me when I say, I've seen a lot of them.”

  “I'm older than you,” Brenda mumbled.

  “What was that?” Martha was about to blow a gasket. Her face was red and her accent was almost indeciferable.

  Mariss chanced a look at Sebastian, but he looked to be at a loss.

  “I'm older than you.”

  Martha huffed and threw her hands in the air. “Well, that makes it even better.”

  “I'm going to my room.” Brenda slid off her seat without even looking at Sebastian.

  “I think that's probably a good idea.” Martha turned away as Brenda left.

  Mariss stared at Juliet, unsure of what had just happened.

  CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

  MEAN GIRLS