by Ruben Soto
Later that night, Roberto reminded Jennifer about his trip to Miami. He really wanted both of them to go. This would be the perfect opportunity to heal the wounds that they had suffered in the past weeks. He told her she needed a vacation since it had been a while that she had traveled. He told her he didn’t want to lose her over her silly suspicions. He thought by being in a different setting they would be able to work things out. They would be able to start all over again and renew their love for each other.
What Roberto didn’t know was that Jennifer was already completely overtaken by Enrique. She had experienced with Enrique a love and passion like never before. She didn’t realize this kind of love existed. She had been the proper wife all of these years. Now she was a woman whose needs had to be met in a different fashion. Roberto took her away from a life of poverty. But Enrique had taken her away from a life of deprivation. She no longer wanted to go back to either life.
Nevertheless, Jennifer honored the fact that Roberto was still her husband. And the idea of getting away for a while didn’t sound so bad. She would use this time to think about everything that had happened to her. She knew things would never be the same between Roberto and her. Like Monika had said, she would need to start separating her private and public lives. There was no need for this before since she was devoted to Roberto only. But now there were two men in her life. Would she be able to live like this from now on? She accepted Roberto’s invitation and he was delighted.
They would be gone for a week and Becky was left in charge of the children. Jennifer told Enrique where she was going and he wasn’t at all thrilled at being away from her for so long. It seemed like an eternity for both of them. But he understood that he could not harm her marriage at this point in their relationship. Besides being away from each other would strengthen their love. They saw each other the day before she left and they made passionate love. He didn’t want her to forget about him while she was in Miami.
Chapter Eleven
Roberto and Jennifer landed at Miami International Airport. They took a taxi and headed to their hotel. Roberto had made reservations at The Mayfair Hotel and Spa located in the fashionable Coconut Grove district of Miami. It is one of Miami’s most elegant hotels, and is within walking distance from trendy shops and cafes. He figured while he was out on business, Jennifer could be out shopping and dining.
On the first day there, Jennifer had reservations in the hotel’s spa and she had a massage and a complete manicure. This was very relaxing for her and all she could think of was Enrique during this time.
After her massage, Jennifer put on some shorts and a casual shirt and walked to shop at the stores in Coconut Grove. She decided to start at Coco Walk and had an iced cappuccino and a pastry at one of the outdoor cafes there. She then dialed her phone and called Enrique. She knew he was probably in her house working on the cabinets. Enrique looked at his caller ID and noticed it was her calling.
“Hello, Jennifer where are you?”
“Hi, it’s nice to hear your voice. I’m here in Miami drinking an iced cappuccino at an outdoor café. Oh, how I wish you could be here with me. All I think about is you.”
It was a nice, sunny day in Miami. Jennifer could feel the weather starting to get warmer. People were walking by and she saw several couples holding hands and caressing. How she longed to be with Enrique.
“I envy you since I’ve always wanted to visit Miami. But more than anything I’m missing you. All I think of is you. I’m going crazy knowing that you are with Roberto and not with me. Is he there with you now?”
“Of course not silly. Do you think I’d be calling you if he were anywhere near me? No, he’s attending a meeting and won’t be back until this afternoon. We have plans to go dining at a different restaurant every night. So I have the mornings free to myself while he’s at his meetings. That’s when I’ll be calling to check up on you. I’ll also call Becky to see how the kids are doing. How are the cabinets coming along?”
“By the time you get back your kitchen should almost be ready. I want to put the final touches when you’re here. That’ll make it more special. I want you to remember it for the rest of your life.”
They went on talking for about thirty minutes more. Jennifer didn’t want her maids to suspect she was calling Enrique. They knew too much already. She knew they were constantly spying on Enrique to see how he was progressing and also to admire him. She hung up the phone and then continued walking and shopped at several stores. She then headed back to the hotel to rest a while and get ready for her night with Roberto.
That night they dined in South Beach in a restaurant on Ocean Drive. They randomly selected a place where they could sit outside and feel the cool tropical breeze. They also wanted to watch people go by, since many celebrities frequented this hot spot. They first ordered some drinks and didn’t talk much throughout this time. Roberto finally broke the silence and had to speak to her since he knew she was avoiding him.
“So how do you like Miami so far?”
“Miami’s beautiful, Roberto. I can’t wait to see the rest of it. I went to the spa this morning and then I went shopping on Coconut Grove. It felt so good to be away from home after such a long time. Thanks for inviting me to come along. And I absolutely love South Beach. Look at all the people going by. There are people from all over the world here. I’m sure there are also many movie stars and other celebrities. This is great!”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. And there may be many celebrities here. But I’m sitting across the most beautiful woman in the world. And that’s all that matters to me.”
With that comment, Jennifer forced a smile to express her gratitude. But she knew he was making it all up. She had been his public trophy all these years. But now they had both changed and their marriage was only for public view. He had another woman and she had another man.
Recently, she had started thinking of divorcing Roberto and running off with Enrique. She knew that if she hired a good lawyer she would be able to maintain the same standard of living. But she didn’t want the kids to grow up without their father. This trip would help her make the best decision about her future.
The next day Jennifer had a taxi take her to Miami Beach. She spent the morning sunbathing and reading a romantic novel. She noticed many muscular guys going by and they reminded her of Enrique. But no matter how attractive they were they just didn’t compare to him. She called him from the beach and told him where she was. They shared their love for one another and said how much they missed each other. Enrique wanted to know if Jennifer had slept with Roberto and she told him they had not. She no longer was going to be the proper wife and no longer enjoyed being with him either. She loved Roberto for giving her this lifestyle and for being the father of her children. But Roberto no longer satisfied her sexual needs. Enrique had now taken over in this area.
For the rest of the week Roberto and Jennifer visited various restaurants and bars in both Miami and Miami Beach. Jennifer loved going to the Cuban bakeries and ordering café con leche with some Cuban pastries. They took a one-day trip to Key West and the Keys, and there she shopped some more. All she could think of was Enrique. She secretly bought souvenirs for him and she carefully hid them from Roberto.
They flew back to San Antonio on Saturday and didn’t talk much on the trip. In Miami, Jennifer bought several romance novels in Spanish and she was reading one. She loved reading in Spanish because she felt it was a more passionate language than English.
The plane landed and when they got home Becky greeted them at the door. The kids heard them coming and they came running, eager to see them. Robert wanted to know what they had brought him. Jennifer told him to wait until they unpacked so he could get his gift. Jennifer didn’t hear the sound of machinery so she figured Enrique was already gone. Becky asked her to look at the kitchen since it was already complete.
Jennifer couldn’t believe her eyes when she walked in. The kitchen cabinets were all finished and the place look
ed stunning. The intricate details of the fine, woodcarvings together with the glass doors gave the kitchen a radiant presentation. It was a spectacular sight. Enrique had done a superb job. But didn’t he say he was going to put the final touches when she got back? She wondered what was left to do. Everything seemed to be completed.
The next day Jennifer got up and noticed Roberto was gone. He left a note saying he was going to play golf with John. He would be gone until late in the afternoon. It was nine in the morning and Alejandra had arrived. Jennifer greeted her downstairs and Alejandra asked how the trip went. Jennifer told her she enjoyed it fully but said she was still tired. Alejandra then suggested that she rest this morning and she would take the kids to mass. Then she would take them to eat pizza and come back in the afternoon. Jennifer told her that was a great idea and she thanked her for being so considerate. Alejandra got the kids ready and headed off to the church.
Jennifer was now completely alone in her home for the first time ever. She didn’t recall ever being alone, since there was always someone there. On Sundays, the maid whose turn it was to work usually got there around noon. Jennifer had it set up this way since she attended mass every week. After mass she was accustomed to eating out with the kids. She knew her staff faithfully attended mass in their respective churches as well. She wanted to give them this time to spend with their families. But today was different since she was too tired to go to mass. Her thoughts quickly turned towards Enrique. She hadn’t spoken to him since she got back. Now would be the perfect moment to call him. She dialed his phone and he quickly answered.
“Hello, Jennifer where are you?”
Enrique was longing to hear her voice again. But more than anything he wanted to see her.
“I’m here in the house. It’s funny, everyone’s gone and I’m alone. Roberto’s playing golf and Alejandra took the kids to mass. Olga doesn’t come in until noon.”
Jennifer wanted him to be with her. She knew once the cabinets were completed, he’d have no need to go there anymore. Oh how she wished they could turn back time or at least prolong it some more. She remembered the first time she saw him, and how she gradually fell in love with him. There would never be another first time. The memory of that moment was all she could cherish. What kind of special powers did Enrique possess to have seduced her so vigorously? She composed herself and then she asked him what had been bothering her since yesterday.
“Enrique, you did a beautiful job with the cabinets. What a nice surprise when I saw them yesterday. They are simply splendid! I couldn’t have asked for anything else. But didn’t you tell me you wanted to finish building them when I got back? They look finished to me.”
Enrique hesitated to answer her and then responded softly.
“I was waiting for the perfect time and it has come. Fate has been good to me. I’ll be there in five minutes.” He hung up before she was able to respond. What did he just mean by that?
Enrique got there immediately and he hugged and kissed her passionately. They realized they hadn’t ever done this in her house. Their love began here but it was consummated in his apartment. He then took her by the hand and led her to the kitchen. They both stood there admiring the beautiful kitchen. He knew he would never be able to build another kitchen like this one. He had placed all of his mind, soul, and body to make this his best work ever. It was a tribute to the love he had for her. A love no other woman had bestowed on him. He knew she would remember him whenever she would walk into her kitchen.
“So tell me, what’s left? I don’t see anything else that needs to be done?”
He smiled at her and reached over and gave her a tender kiss. He took her hand again and led her into the kitchen’s island. She was trembling not knowing what he was doing. He placed his fingers on her lips and told her to relax. He gave her another kiss and enjoyed seeing her looking defenseless.
“There’s only one thing that will make this special for us. If for some reason life separates us, you’ll remember this moment forever.”
With that said, Enrique started kissing her neck and then kissed her entire body vividly. He undressed her quickly and then took off his clothes. Suddenly they were both lying there naked in the middle of the kitchen, on top of the island, making love. She couldn’t believe what they were doing. She had never done anything so risqué in her entire life. Or had she ever imagined doing something like that. They were in full view where anybody could see them. But somehow the experience made her forget about her speculative fears. She found herself enjoying this and being with Enrique made it so much more exciting. If it weren’t for this kitchen they would’ve never met. Jennifer would’ve never known what true passionate love was. Enrique, the cabinetmaker, was now Enrique, her lover.
They lay there for about thirty minutes and then put their clothes back on. They then sat on the floor by the island and stared seductively at each other. They were like two teenagers who had just discovered lovemaking for the first time. All they could do was giggle at each other.
Jennifer got up and took out a container with orange juice from the refrigerator and poured it on two wineglasses. She also brought out some sliced fruit, which she served on a glass plate. She sat back down on the floor next to Enrique. She took her wineglass and asked Enrique to open his mouth. She gently poured the orange juice down his throat. He then took his glass and had her drink from it. They fed each other the fruits and kissed after every bite. They sat there for a few minutes more, and then Jennifer remembered that Olga was going to be there anytime soon. They laughed at each other and cleaned up the kitchen until there was no trace left.
As Enrique was leaving, she told him she wasn’t going to see him until tomorrow. She started crying because she realized she would not see him in her kitchen anymore. His work was complete. Nevertheless, she would be able to see him at the apartment. But it wasn’t the same. She would miss the thrill of knowing he was in her house every morning.
There was no need for him to be there anymore. She didn’t want Roberto to be the only man in that house. She wanted Enrique to be a part of her life from now on. But she knew that would be impossible. It was going to be hard for her to get over this feeling. She didn’t want to lose Enrique because she would never be the same again.
Olga eventually came in around noon and prepared lunch for Jennifer. They talked about her trip to Miami and Jennifer gave Olga a souvenir she had brought for her. A little while later Alejandra came in with the kids. They were excited because they had enjoyed their time with Alejandra.
Roberto came home around nine in the evening and Jennifer was in their room. He said John and he were at the La Cantera Country Club and they didn’t notice how late it was getting. He apologized for not being there earlier. She really didn’t care whether he was home or not. She had had a very exciting day and all she thought of was Enrique. She told him that Enrique had finished the cabinets and they owed him the final payment.
Roberto said he would give her the cash tomorrow. He asked her if she could call him to come and pick it up. She gladly agreed to do this. However, she was obviously going to deliver it personally to him tomorrow evening.
The weeks went by and Jennifer continued visiting Enrique every evening. Her marriage to Roberto was now simply a contractual agreement. They had not slept with each other and they didn’t seem to mind. Other outsiders were fulfilling their intimate needs. It’s something they got used to eventually. They never talked about their personal lives anymore.
The holidays came around and Jennifer hosted a Christmas party at her house. Many of Roberto’s business acquaintances and other local celebrities attended. Everyone was admiring the exquisite features of the house. And almost everyone complimented Jennifer on her beautiful kitchen. It was the talk of the party. Jennifer wished that Enrique could’ve been there but he wasn’t important enough to get invited. Besides she would’ve had to explain his presence to Roberto. Monika walked towards Jennifer and pulled her aside.
“So tel
l me, how’s your papi chulo doing? Are you two still an item?”
Jennifer was now in the same league as Monika. She was living a double life - being the proper wife in public, and the seductress in private. She wondered how many of the women in her house tonight were also in the same category. She thought most of them probably were. Besides thanks to their money they could afford anything they wanted. How lucky she felt.
“My papi chulo is doing just great, thank you. I haven’t seen him since yesterday. Oh, how I miss him.” Jennifer broke into contemptuous laughter. Monika couldn’t believe how Jennifer had changed within the last few months.
“And how’s Roberto taking your new attitude? Surely he must’ve seen a change in you? I can’t believe he hasn’t even asked you to sleep with him? It’s not like him. He’s a very proud man.”
Jennifer changed her gaze and looked over her shoulder to make sure no one was hearing them.
“Monika, I really don’t care what Roberto thinks anymore. He was the one responsible for my changed behavior anyway. He decided he was going to get a mistress and didn’t care about hurting me. He should’ve known that I was going to find out eventually. He still saw me as that young, innocent girl he met in Monterrey. But he was wrong. I’m now a woman and an intelligent woman at that.”
Jennifer’s eyes were starting to water. She wiped them dry when she caught herself. She couldn’t let anyone know that she was upset. She continued talking.
“Roberto hurt me profoundly. You don’t know how much it still hurts to think back at the moment when I first realized he was cheating on me. I haven’t quite gotten over it. I truly loved Roberto and I respected him. But now I’m only with him for the kids’ sake. I don’t want them to grow up without their father. They’ll eventually find out that we don’t love each other anymore. But as you once told me, it’s a part of growing up rich. It’s funny how I thought that by having money I could buy happiness. I soon found out it just buys temporary satisfaction. Money can’t buy true love.”