by Ruben Soto
“Roberto, I think what’s wrong with you it’s that you’re tired. You’re not only worrying more but you’re working harder. What happened to that adventurous, life-of-the-party guy you once were? I can’t believe how you’ve changed. I have two kids of my own and of course they’re older than yours are, but I don’t recall worrying so much while they were growing up. What’s really bothering you?”
John was able to read right through Roberto and he knew something else was on his mind. He knew Roberto wanted to talk about something else. He was going to have to bring it out of him eventually.
“Okay, I know you didn’t want to talk to me because you’re going through some sort of midlife crisis. What’s bothering you?”
“You know me too well. That’s what I like about you. I can’t hide anything from you or your wife, for that matter. Well, as you know I’m forty-five years old now and Jennifer is only thirty. I was only five years older than Elena so we had more in common. I find that the difference in our ages may be affecting our relationship. Jennifer is so young and she’s in a totally different world. I mean she’s just starting to live her life. She’s got a world ahead of her. John, I’m afraid of losing her. I find myself getting more jealous as time goes by. I can't imagine what I would do if she ever left me for someone else? Is that unreasonable for me to be thinking this way?”
John found his confession to be so humorous that he burst out in uncontrollable laughter. His best buddy was telling him that he was getting old and he was afraid of losing his wife. Roberto Del Castillo, that debonair young gentleman he had met years ago was now aging. How did time fly by so fast?
“Excuse me for laughing, buddy, but I never thought we would be having a conversation like this. So what’s making you so afraid of losing Jennifer? I respect Jennifer because she’s never fallen for the flirtatious offers of other guys. She is one of the few women left on earth that is faithful to her husband. She was raised to be with only one man and you’re very lucky to have a woman like that. I wish she were my wife. I would trade Monika for her any day. My relationship with Monika is purely platonic now. We’re staying together for the kid’s sake and to save our families from suffering any embarrassment. We’d cause a scandal if we ever got a divorce. We have an open marriage and we’re both free to be with whomever we want to be with. I thought all marriages were the same until I saw how different yours was.”
“The difference is that I love Jennifer more than anything in this life. Jennifer has kept herself looking fit. Anytime I see another man looking at her it infuriates me, especially if the guy is young. Older guys I don’t worry about. It’s the younger ones that I’m concerned with. I’m the only man she has ever known. I have nightmares about her cheating on me with a young guy. I can’t seem to get over this and it’s bothering me lately.”
“Roberto, you sound like an old man! Come on guy, you’re still in the prime of your life. I’ve seen the way young gals look at you. You still have that certain charm that attracts them. And you carry yourself very aristocratic and that’s an instant appeal to them. What’s causing you to start thinking this way? Do you suspect Jennifer is seeing someone else?”
“No, it’s not that. If she were cheating on me I would’ve already heard about it from someone else. Besides I think with my experience I would be able to notice it right away. I don’t know what it is John? I guess I’m starting to realize that one day I’ll look so much older than she will. I often think whether she’s still going to love me after my looks are gone. She’s also starting to become more Americanized. Eventually she won’t be that sweet girl I once knew. Women are so much more liberal in this country. In Mexico women depend on their husbands to provide for them. Here in America women are encouraged to succeed on their own. Jennifer is very entrepreneurial. She has done a tremendous job with her boutique and she has an excellent aptitude for design.”
“So if I understand you clearly, you’re afraid that she may leave you? Could it be that you’re cheating on her and you think she’ll do the same?”
“John, you’re exactly like your wife. That’s why you two belong together. Why are you accusing me of cheating on my wife? Why would I do something like that?”
“Because I know you too well Roberto. The querida provides you with a different type of pleasure. She pleases you in ways that Jennifer never will. And besides you don’t want Jennifer to acquire those skills. It’s to your best interest to keep her the way she is, if you know what I mean? You carry in your genes that perpetual Latin macho element. You live for that instant gratification that only certain women can offer. I’m just like you. Once you get used to it, there's no turning back. You can’t hide anything from me Roberto. I’ve seen you with several women at the Spurs games. But you’ve done a great job of hiding your true mistress from me. I can see it in your face.”
Roberto grabbed his glass and took a sip of his drink. He gulped it down staring straight into space. He couldn’t hide his secret from John anymore. He felt utter guilt knowing that he’d been unfaithful to his wife.
“I can’t allow Jennifer to ever find out. I don’t know how I fell into this but it’s hard to let go. I met this lady six months ago at one of the Spurs games. It was an instant attraction and I knew what she wanted. She’s not the marrying type. One thing led to another and I got hooked. I would never allow Jennifer to go as far as this lady has gone with me. But I’m paying her very well and I treat her right. It’s become a habit that I’m addicted to and I’m finding it hard to break away. It’s affecting my marriage but I don’t want to hurt Jennifer. That’s the last thing I want.”
“It’s only going to get worse Roberto. The more you see this lady the harder it’s going to get. What’s so wrong with having Jennifer offer you this same type of pleasure? Isn’t that a good reason for keeping your marriage stable?”
“No John, I’m not going to turn my wife into a harlot. She’s fine being the good wife and having normal relations with me. Imagine if I was to teach her these new things? It would introduce her to new ways of pleasing a man. It would be a new sensation for her. With her looks she would be after every guy. I love Jennifer very much. She’s the whole world to me. I can’t afford to lose her.”
Chapter Six
It’s Thursday morning and Enrique is already at work. He is gradually shaping the cabinets into a work of art. He definitely has mastered his craft. One can see that he enjoys his trade. He can’t help but boast to the maids on how beautiful the cabinets are turning out. They are in awe as to how easy this seems to be for him. Jennifer pays her daily visit to check up on Enrique before she heads out to her boutique. Today, Enrique notices how glamorous she looks. She had her hair in a ponytail and was wearing a white wool dress. She designed this herself and she often wore her own designs.
“Good morning, Enrique, how are you? Look at how beautiful the cabinets are turning out. I’m impressed as to how fast you do this. And every detail is in place.”
“Thank you, Señora Del Castillo. I take great pride in my work. It’s my signature in this life and I always make sure whatever I build is perfect. It can’t be anything less. I like the good things in life myself and I don’t like to see any imperfections on anything I create either.”
Enrique’s smile brought an immediate softening to his features. She looked at him flashing a smile of thanks for his beautiful comments.
Roberto was flying to Chicago today. He was returning on Monday. He told Jennifer he had a business convention that he had to attend. She never questioned him on his travel plans. She understood it all to be business. Roberto was coming down the stairs and asked Lupe to help him put the bags in Jennifer’s car. Jennifer would be dropping him off at the airport.
“Lupe, where’s Jennifer? Tell her that we need to leave right now.”
“Si Señor, I believe she’s in the kitchen talking with Enrique.”
With that comment Roberto dropped his briefcase and headed towards the kitchen. As he walked in h
e got the feeling that his wife was again flirting with Enrique.
“Jennifer, we need to leave now. My plane leaves in an hour. Good morning, Enrique I can see that the kitchen is finally taking shape. You’re doing a good job. Don’t let my wife keep you from continuing your work. Women just love to talk an eternity. Well, I’ll see you next week. I’m leaving on a business trip and I’ll be back on Monday. If you need more money you can ask my wife. Hasta luego.”
Roberto took Jennifer by the hand and together they walked out. Enrique stared at Jennifer and inhaled a deep breath. He melted every time he would see a beautiful lady. He liked Jennifer especially because of her gentle and refined disposition. He always wondered how it would feel to have a woman like that.
***
Later on that evening, Jennifer came home at her usual time and was surprised to see that Enrique was still there. As she walked into the kitchen her eyes froze. Enrique wasn’t wearing his shirt and she found herself staring at his tempting, attractive male physique. He looked very powerful, his chest broad and muscular. She saw his well-muscled body move with easy grace. She was amazed at the thrill he gave her.
Enrique turned around and saw Jennifer standing there. Both their eyes met and she felt a warm surge flowing through her entire body. He was momentarily speechless in his surprise. He wondered how long she had been standing there. He looked her over seductively. She in turn was by no means blind to his attraction. She had never felt such a strong physical attraction to any man. Suddenly, a voice in the background interrupted this moment of euphoria.
“Jennifer, I didn’t hear you when you walked in. I usually hear your car but I must’ve been distracted. Say hello to your mommy, Alyssa.”
Becky had just walked in on one of Jennifer’s most stimulating moments. Even holding her daughter took second place. She had not had a chance to recover. Her thoughts were still with Enrique. Why did Becky have to walk in at a time like this?
She took Alyssa and gently kissed her. Becky looked over her shoulder and noticed that Enrique was staring at Jennifer. She didn’t like the manner in which he looked at her. She then turned to Jennifer and realized that they had just had a special moment together. Becky didn’t like the thoughts that ran through her mind. She couldn’t even conceive Jennifer cheating on Roberto with Enrique.
What was Jennifer thinking, she asked herself. Was she going to stoop so low as to even consider having an affair with a laborer like Enrique? No, that couldn’t be. In Becky’s eyes Jennifer was too refined to get caught up in a situation like that.
“Becky, you astounded me. I just walked in a few minutes ago. And how’s my little angel? I’ve been thinking about you all day long. Did she eat all her food today?
“Yes, she was a good little girl. She ate everything I made for her today. Then she spent the whole afternoon watching cartoons on the television. Roberto called and told me to tell you that he arrived in Chicago fine. He will call you tonight.”
“That’s strange he usually calls me at the boutique. I was so busy that maybe he called and I was unable to answer the phone. Did he mention calling me at work?
“No, he didn’t. He just said he would call you tonight. Is everything okay?”
“Of course, it’s just that I worry whenever he travels. I don’t stop until I hear from him. Oh well, I’m sure he’ll explain everything to me when he calls.
Becky then told Jennifer that she was going to give Alyssa a quick bath. Becky took Alyssa from Jennifer and looked over at Enrique who was now back at work. Jennifer told her that she would be upstairs shortly.
Jennifer walked over to get closer to Enrique. She could smell the sweat from his body and she now had a better view of his physique.
“I know I’m not supposed to be here because of the possible hazard. But I’m just so crazy about this kitchen that it’s all I think about.”
As she got closer she saw how rough his hands looked and how his face was ruggedly handsome. What was he doing to her? Why was she so attracted to this man she had never even met before?
Enrique was used to the attention women gave him. He could not let this moment go to waste. He knew Jennifer was somehow attracted to him. Maybe he was wrong about her. Maybe she was like all the other women that tried to seduce him. He slowly turned around to look at her and he prided himself on his good looks. He raised his hands and Jennifer could not help but notice his powerful arms.
He then gave her body a raking gaze. He radiated vitality that drew her like a magnet. She, in turn, didn’t miss his obvious examination and approval.
“You keep yourself in good shape. I know your work keeps you active but do you also exercise regularly?
Enrique sensed that she was indeed attracted to him. She was much younger and prettier than all the other women he had ever worked for.
He also got a chance to look at her closer. He noticed how she had large green eyes under golden brows and lashes. He saw her high, exotic cheekbones in a delicate face. Her lips were full and rounded, over even teeth. Her long golden hair was like strands of lustrous glass. Her figure was curving and regal. She had fine hips and shapely thighs. He stood so close to her that he could feel the heat from her body. He had never felt so good about a woman before.
“Yes, I work out almost every day. The only times I can’t exercise is when I work overtime like today. I like working out with free weights. It keeps me strong so I can do my job better. I have to carry my own equipment and supplies so I have to keep fit. Besides it makes me look better too, so there’s a double benefit. I can see that you exercise too. You have beautiful curved legs. What do you do to stay fit?”
“Thank you that’s so nice of you. Well, I go the gym at least three times a week. I mainly take the aerobics classes and I do a few of the machines. I seldom work with free weights. I don’t want to look like a bodybuilder. I’ve seen how some women who use free weights look very masculine. I want to look as feminine as I possibly can.”
Enrique could feel the lure that her presence stirred. How could he ever think he was going to seduce a woman like that?
Enrique had been evicted from the apartment for not paying his rent. He was looking for a temporary place. He didn’t want to stay with any of his friends. The only other thing he could do was stay at a cheap motel since they wouldn’t ask him for any documentation. He had his clothes in the van and was headed to find one of these motels. He explained his situation to Jennifer. He knew he had to leave because he strongly sensed Jennifer’s attempt at seducing him.
“Well, I must be leaving now. I have to go find a place to live. I lost my apartment due to a misunderstanding and I’ll be staying at a motel tonight.”
“Oh my, I’m so sorry to hear that. Well, we have an extra maid’s quarter in the house and you’re welcome to stay here tonight. It has its own private restroom with a bathtub and a shower. It’s better than staying at one of those places. I would be offended if you didn’t take my offer.”
Enrique couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Jennifer was offering him a room in her house. He was ecstatic over this. He was going to have a chance to sleep in this gorgeous mansion. Of course he would accept her offer. He was not the bashful and proper type.
“Thank you, Señora Del Castillo. You don’t know how much I appreciate this. It takes a burden off my shoulders.”
“It’s my pleasure Enrique,” Jennifer said softly. “And please stop calling me Señora Del Castillo. From now on I want you to call me by my name, Jennifer. I’m much younger than you are and when you call me Señora it makes me feel older. Go ahead and get your belongings and I’ll tell Lupe to prepare the room for you.”
The maids usually left the house every evening by seven o’clock. Becky normally followed that same schedule too. So when everyone was gone tonight it would leave Jennifer alone with her two kids - and Enrique. Would she be able to contain her desire for Enrique? How could she dare even think of seducing him with her own kids in the house? What would the
y think of her if they ever found out? Her own mother never had another man after her father left her. Had Monika influenced her so much that she no longer cared if she gave herself to another man? Was she no longer in love with Roberto? Or was this just an added excitement to fill the void she had for passionate love?
When she told Becky that Enrique was staying there that night Becky almost had a heart attack. How could she let a man like that stay in her house without her husband being there? Jennifer firmly told Becky that she shouldn’t mention any of this to Roberto. She also warned the maids to keep everything to themselves. If she found out they had told anyone else she would have them fired. Becky now knew that somehow Jennifer had changed. Enrique was nothing more than trouble and he was about to ruin this marriage.
Becky saw Enrique as a drifter. Even though she saw he seemed to take his job seriously, there was something about him she didn’t like. She knew she wasn’t going to be able to sleep well tonight. Horrible thoughts ran through her mind. But she had to keep these to herself because she knew Jennifer would get upset.
Nighttime came and Roberto called Jennifer to tell her he was fine. She told him about her day and that the kids were missing him. He said he would call her daily to make sure everything was all right. She told him not to worry and to enjoy his conference. He asked her how Enrique was progressing and she told him he had finished one cabinet. They said goodbye and Jennifer hung up the phone. She was already in bed and the kids were already asleep in their bedrooms. She started thinking about Enrique. She was wondering what he was doing now. She decided to go downstairs and check to see if he was doing okay. She was wearing a very revealing satin nightgown so she put her robe on. She came to his bedroom door and knocked on it swiftly. Enrique answered the door and was surprised to see her.