Two of Hearts

by Alexa Jackson

  - Is that what you wanted? - Inquire furiously.

  Angry it gives me all the strength I need. I learned that being angry is the only way to keep him away, to ensure that my heart remains safe.

  - Have sex with me, and the stupid will do whatever you want?

  - Sex?

  Adam stares at me angrily.

  - This was not sex, as only one of us was pleased.

  Even against my will, my eyes wander up his pants and I note what he tells me. It is impossible not to notice his aroused penis under the fabric of his pants. Someone else is having a hard time, but me.

  - Well, solve any other idiot. - I push him away from me before my body regain its own will - This should not be a problem for you.

  - Penelope!

  I feel his hand on my arm, preventing me to leave the room and make me escape.

  - Why do you refuse to hear me?

  - What has to say, Adam? - I turn to him, little bothering to demonstrate all the pain in my heart, I am not as covert as well - "I want to continue to fuck you, but we can only be friends" I already know, but I'm not interested, I deserve more, I want more than that I do not talk of marriage, but we are truly together Sorry, but I do not know and do not want to play your game...

  - Not a game, dammit! - Your hands try to get closer to your body, but I'm tough - Never was a ...

  - I was clear that day - I whisper, his voice shaken - I will not let me hurt again.

  I do not want to hear anything he has to say. We've talked all that we need each other. I return to my desk, and my voice sounds strained on the phone:

  - Mr. Durant. Dr. Crighton is here.

  I watch Adam pass me. His glower at me would have scared me at another time; today, it encourages me to stay away.

  The next hour passes dragging. Every minute, I wonder when it will be required my presence, something that has not happened yet.

  How long need to see and talk about the drug's recording? It was an amazing time between Adam and me, but should not have taken more than half an hour. What so they need to discuss that day?

  So I conclude that thought, Neil's door is opened and watch the two leave. Both are closed with expression.

  - You have to get rid of my wife - I hear Neil say to approach my table - I'll do anything for it.

  - I will engage myself in it and recruit the best team - Adam mutters then.

  Between confused and frightened, I try to follow what they say.

  - Cancel all my appointments on the agenda - Neil orders me - Until tomorrow, Miss Walker.

  - Tomorrow? - I ask confused.

  - Is there anything that prevents them from working tomorrow?

  Neil seems as confused as me.

  - No sir - I see Adam looking for some information, he may have done something to prevent my resignation, but he just seems angry to see me - I thought, to see the tape ...

  I stammer and avert my eyes piercing eyes on me. Okay, probably think I'm crazy.

  - Peter said something? - Neil asks with anxious voice.

  "I did not show to anyone." That's what he told me.

  - No sir - answer relieved - I was just being curious.

  - In this case, until tomorrow - mutters Neil, returning to the previous topic.

  Divorce.

  Watch the two go out and play me in the chair. In less than five hours, I got nothing appropriate scenes with Adam in the parking lot, I had a mind-blowing orgasm in the file room and found out that I will not be dismissed as feared.

  When my life would be normal?

  That question drummed in my head for the rest of the day. Not even the relaxing bath, when I got home, I was able to divert those thoughts.

  Will lose my job would not have been the best option? After all, today I had the proof, the more I have stored inside me all anger and hatred that could nourish Adam, in the background, still I love him madly.

  Frustrated and angry with myself, I decided to distract myself with the TV. I have a new show. Definitely Friends was over for me.

  Before you even look for the box with the movies, I remember the lost CD in my bag. Seconds before the wreck, I choose to watch. I lie in bed and wait while images are emerging.

  There sounds, even the images are so explicit as well. Adam had taken care to protect myself as much as possible. But the images of that day are so clear in my head I look relive it every minute.

  As I watch the couple indulges the passionate moment unconsciously I give my body the pleasure he needs, imagining that instead of my hands touching me, are Adam maddening as it did a few hours ago.

  Whether we are near or far, it would always be the one to take me from hell to paradise.

  Chapter 2

  Adam

  New York, December 31, 2012

  21h10

  I straightened his tie for the last time on the night. I looked at the mirror, trying to recognize the man reflected there. It was very different than I I lived for many years. There was no longer the old restlessness, suppressed anger, or the weight of guilt pushing it into the dense and cold darkness. The man he saw was more serene, tranquil, and was happy. Thanks to a beautiful angel of light eyes, who had rescued the void called life.

  -And There, ready?

  Attended Liam connection still with the idiot smile.

  -I Would say that, if not afraid she tell me no.

  I hung the suit on one side of the shoulder and left the room.

  Why would she say no?

  Unlike usual, there was no humor in Liam's voice, but concern.

  What did you do this time, Adam?

  I analyzed all my history in making burradas; his question was quite relevant.

  Why do you think I did something?

  I put the phone in the car the cell compartment, called the speaker and I match.

  -I know you...

  -I Did not do anything, Liam, I swear. - I hurried to answer. -Penelope Had a bad experience of marriage ... - I paused to breathe deeply. - What if the marriage is not an option for her?

  -So Change your mind. You promised that I would be the best man. You know how I get when you do not keep their promises.

  Liam?

  Definitely, it was the most stupid guy in the world, and I loved him too much.

  -What?

  -Cresça!

  I ended the call with his laughter echoing in the car. If Peter Pan was not as old character, I'd swear was inspired by Liam. Laughing at the absurd comparison, I refocused on the road. I'm on the way to a ballroom rented for the party DET offered by Neil. My parents also follow there. I asked to be present to make the request when Penelope.

  I could not deny he was nervous, anxious and very afraid. I, the guy who always found the most powerful of all, I was afraid of rejection.

  Probably marriage is the desire to 99% of women, but it does not mean she wants the same. After all, Penelope is beautiful, intelligent and has a great job, that is, completely independent, and added to this, there was a bitter experience about the ceremony.

  What would I do if the response to the request was not?

  I shook my head to clear those ridiculous thoughts, was not the time to act like a crybaby. If I was sure of anything, it's how much she loves me. No matter what would be your answer tonight, we belong to each other, and that's all that really matters.

  It was quieter when the message sound interrupts my thoughts. I smiled to deduce that Penelope was probably upset about my delay. We arranged to see us at the party. This is the first major event organized by it, and was a nervous wreck in recent weeks. As much as I have given support and guaranteed that everything would work out, she insisted on accompanying each close detail, until the last second.

  As I passed the sign, reducing the speed to check the message.

  Petrified, I dodged the photo look, seconds before losing control of direction ...

  ****

  New York, 2013

  I'm furios. A little more than that. I have an uncontrollable
urge to strangle this woman!

  - Dr. Crighton is here.

  I hear her tell the phone that communicates with the Neil room.

  - Yes sir.

  The routine smile plastered on his face crumbles when she faces my steady gaze.

  - You ... you can go now.

  She returns to focus your eyes on the computer screen and make what has become a major goal in your life: ignore me. Yes, contempt is the world's best cup of poison, and annoying.

  - We still need to talk. We not finished yet.

  Warn it before going through his desk.

  - You can not end what ever started.

  I hear his voice acid at my back. I turn for a moment, willing to show how much it is wrong. I can say that my anger only increased. I hate it when she uses phrases that I said in the past, in order to reach me.

  See you pick a folder and hit the drawer with admirable strength. I watch her walk haughtily toward the file room, his hiding place whenever I come here. As I am also out of me, I choose to follow for Neil room and try to calm down a little. I know that if you insist on confronting it probably just will or will say something to us even more depart. And I who I am indebted to her.

  I need to keep that in my mind all the time.

  I turn my automatic answer evasively and the Neil's questions about the progress of the investigations that are going on in the company.

  When he asks about the security cameras, I get uncomfortable.

  - We are reviewing the recordings of the last five months, we have not found anything yet to prove who may have stolen the design of your company.

  In fact, my concern is much higher than this. I asked Peter analyze the images well before that, and it erase anything that could embarrass Penelope before Neil and other employees.

  So far, I got no response from him on that day.

  - Adam, I need help on something else.

  - Of course! What is?

  - I'll divorce Sophia.

  I could not be more amazed and at the same time, glad he finally have made that decision. Always I waited for the moment that one day he got rid of that bitch, but I must admit, over the years, I thought this would never happen. Sophia is a cold and manipulative woman. She knows the weakness of Neil is Anne. And you know very well how to use the girl to achieve their unscrupulous goals.

  - For this I did not expect ... We need to celebrate, then.

  - It will not be that easy. Sophia will not give me a divorce.

  - Female dog!

  I feel like strangling the damn woman with my own hands.

  He tells me everything: the threats that his wife had done and his fear of losing custody of Anne.

  I can not deny that there is such a possibility, but Sophia leads a disorderly life, which not only puts at risk their own safety, as girl to threaten. No judge with a little consistency would allow an innocent child to be delivered into the hands of a madwoman.

  As I try to calm him down, I'll explain it quickly every chance we have to win or lose this war.

  Finally, we decided to celebrate his decision on a new restaurant there in the city. It belongs to a friend and learned that there is a new singer who has received great praise from goers due to their performance on stage.

  Maybe some music and excellent food are the distraction that I need. Today I am inclined to ignore the videos from security cameras and do what I want all night: Penelope invade the apartment and ...

  - So let's go?

  Neil pluck me from my absurd thoughts.

  - Yes.

  He spends the last guidelines for Penelope, as I stare intently. I never get tired of watching how beautiful it is and how it is able to mess with me like no other has done. The hair is pulled into a bun behaved, but some strands fall loose, touching her neck. It makes me wish away the soft wires with my lips, sliding my tongue into her slender neck and stick my teeth into it.

  I go down my eyes a little and fixed my gaze on the neckline of the lacy silk shirt. When she leans over to talk to Neil, I have an even better view of her ample breasts. I remember how many times they have been on my mouth, and it makes me let out a groan.

  Both stare at me for a brief moment, but pretend to quickly move on my phone. I hear her talk about the tape, and when I go back to look at her, I notice how your body tenses.

  I want to be able to tell her that everything will be OK, that I had care of everything, that would always be here to protect her, even though she did not understand it. But I can not, not without raising suspicions Neil. Later, I will contact Peter and I will ask him about his advances, then I can leave it quiet.

  ****

  The restaurant is full. I recognize some people who will greet me as we passed. We are greeted by the maitre solicitous, which leads us to our table.

  - Mr. Durant - he says he recognized me - Mr. Crighton. It is a pleasure to welcome you.

  We occupy our seats and I restart the talk of the office.

  - Sophia is playing dirty, right?

  The last news we knew it was through a printed photo on the cover of a local newspaper, reporting as family love had caused got rid of drugs and how is committed to return to a happy home with her daughter and her husband . If I did not know so well, it would be touched by their struggle to have the family back, but Sophia is as cunning as a snake slithering.

  - You have no idea.

  Neil heaves a sigh of resignation and browse the wine list without really paying attention. I would not want to be in his skin. At least he had not yet found the woman who made him lose his mind, to the point that her safety and happiness was above anything, even if it meant losing her, leading him to the deepest unhappiness. He does not know how to love someone with all your strength and have to stay away from her.

  - Has been dating a woman lately? Do not get me wrong, but if she throw shit on the fan, may want to use it against you.

  He seems to think I see the worry lines are formed on his forehead. Something in his expression bothers me. But before I can fathom what is going on, the waiter approaches us. Neil selects quiche Lorraine, salad, and as a side dish, a bottle of wine Chapoutie.

  - And you?

  The waiter, observing the closed menu in my hands, patiently awaiting my decision. In fact, I have no appetite, no food, my hunger is another.

  - It may be the same.

  Return the menu to him, willing to confront Neil looking for some answers. The fact that only now he wants to divorce Sophia is at least curious.

  I adjust myself in my chair, trying to decipher his face, searching for the best way to raise the subject. Neil is not the kind of person who opens his feelings for anyone, even though I was one of his few and best friends.

  While still think of a way to get to it, the light fades, the environment begins to become more intimate. I begin to regret having insisted that we stay close to the stage. Hold a conversation while the show is going on would be nearly impossible.

  The pianist takes his place at the piano, organize your music, and then the melody begins to emerge. Promptly, the waiter filled my glass with wine. I appreciate the taste, while a melodious voice emerges from the shadows on stage. She is singing her version of One And Only Adele.

  When the light changes and I can see his face, I realize that is a beautiful young redhead, and the sound of your voice blends perfectly with its delicate features. As the song progresses, I have the feeling that she dedicated the song to someone, perhaps some lost love. And it is impossible that my thoughts are not directed to another person.

  - Wow!

  Penelope image smiling at me materializes in front of me.

  - She's really beautiful.

  "Give me one more chance ..." said the music.

  How many chances life can give? And how many chances I had already waived?

  It sends the last verse, and I come back to reality.

  - Thank you - thank her in a timid voice, after being applauded by the audience.

  Music music, I'm ridin
g my soundtrack with Penelope. The last song says that when a love is strong and true, overcomes any barrier.

  Is it really so? At the moment, that's what my hope is nourished.

  No matter how ... I'll be back.

  - Beautiful presentation, is not it?

  I look at Neil, who seems even more distant than when we arrived. In fact, his eyes are glued to the stage where the woman continues its presentation.

  - Yes - he whispers.

  Intrigued, I ask about work, even quote the tape where Penelope and I got our own private show. Definitely, Neil did not pay attention to anything I said. I could have given a power of attorney where he would pass me all his fortune, he even notice. And if not for the fact that he has never seen the woman who seems to keep you mesmerized, would venture to say that his interest in her is deeper than a fan impressed.

  The presentation is over, and see the manager leading the woman down the stairs. As they go from table to table, I taste the food they had finished serving.

  - Are not you hungry? - Ask Neil, observing his untouched plate.

  - I've lost.

  He's sulky, and I have no idea what may have contributed to his bad mood. I follow his gaze and I notice that he looks at the woman accompanied by the manager. He keeps his hands on her back, as if he were sheltering.

  Maybe they are a couple, although I do not see anything in it to indicate that. But why does this seem to bother both Neil? It is completely absurd what I'm thinking, but what I see is that the introspective, cold, and even then controlled Durant, is jealous of the young man who approaches our table.

  It's amazing how someone else's misfortune somehow comforts us. I can live in hell, but he does not seem different. We could unite and reclaim our misfortune. I smile. The idea is nothing interesting.

  - Beautiful, is not it?

  Now I understand Peter and Liam. The little devil on my shoulder feels great pleasure in torturing him a little more. There's something going on here, my nose does not deny.

  Neil drink another sip of wine, wanting to fulminate me with his eyes.

  - Gentlemen.