The Best of June

by Tierney O’Malley

  “Like I said, she’s a friend. She’ll take my side whether I’m wrong or right.”

  Henry filled his glass with more wine then leaned back on his chair. “You two talked about me, eh?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  “You’re like a gossip magazine we always devoured at the store—full of entertaining stuff.” June laughed when Henry grimaced. “You are quite popular.”

  Henry ran the tip of his index finger along the rim of his glass. “Tell me what Vivienne said she’d learned and I’ll tell you if it’s true or not.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  June rose from her seat and started gathering their plates. “You’ll give me honest answers?”

  “Yes.”

  “How about I fire up the coffeepot?”

  “I thought you don’t drink coffee.”

  “Only decaf.”

  Henry stood and took the serving plates to the sink.

  They both stood at the kitchen sink. Henry turned on the faucet and began rinsing the plates.

  “Let me do that.”

  “Nope. You cooked. I clean. Fair trade.” He winked.

  She really liked this playful side of him. “So, first question. Is it true that you are as rich as Croesus?”

  “I have money but not enough to start a business without my parents’ help. So, no. I’m not rich. My parents are.”

  “You’re a skirt-chaser.”

  “Ouch!” Henry winced.

  June laughed. “Is it true?”

  “Well, I like women and they like me. Let’s leave it like that.”

  “Married or single women?”

  A faint glint of humor showed in his eyes. “Both.”

  “It’s really awful of you to sleep with married women. What if you got caught and their husbands tried to shoot you or clobber you on the head?”

  “The husbands know not to come after me.”

  “Why?”

  “The same reason why my parents asked me to marry you. Save their reputation. Next question.”

  “You like to help little people.”

  “True. Especially if I see them at the grocery store and they can’t reach the higher shelves,” Henry explained with a straight face.

  “What? Henry, I’m talking about the less fortunate. Not the little people. Oh, my God. I wouldn’t call them little people. Is it politically correct to call them little?”

  Henry’s shoulders shook. He was laughing at her. “I’m just kidding.” With his eyes on June, he said, “I’m not altruistic, philanthropic, benevolent, charitable, et cetera, but I believe in helping through providing work or means. I’d rather give a man a fishing rod than a fish. With the maritime business that John and I are opening, I will be able to provide jobs, not only here but also abroad. I’ve traveled many times, have seen and met many people around the world. Those who live in the third world countries are the ones who really impressed me. The Filipinos for example. They dream of dreams that we take for granted.”

  “Like what?”

  “Simple things. They can see the importance in what we considered garbage. They appreciate what little food they have and save the extra. Parents would do anything to give their families comfortable lives and keep them all together. They are the hardest working people I’ve even known. And I want to help them get jobs that can make their dreams come true, like owning a small house. My company will be based here, but I’ll have agencies in the Philippines to hire Filipino contract workers. Just to start.”

  “What about the people looking for a job here?”

  “If they are qualified, they’ll get a job. Prejudice doesn’t have room in my pocket, hon. Any other information about me that you want me to confirm?”

  June stared at Henry. If he was this passionate about helping people, could it be possible that it would be easy to forgive her as well? “Vivienne called you names in anger, but she believed that you are kind. Kind enough to forgive a stranger who lied to you?”

  “I never spend my nights with a stranger.”

  “You did with me.”

  “As far as I recall, we did a good deal of talking, hon. I learned about your dream of living in a white house with a white picket fence, of wanting to know what would happen at least a year from now. Where would you be next Thanksgiving and Christmas. You like to take baths in vanilla-scented water. You’ve tried painting but failed. Pooh Bear is your favorite character and you are a democrat. Honey, before we made love for the first time that night, I already knew you more than some of the people who call me friend. Just so you know, June, I don’t easily forget beautiful things.” Henry’s expression turned serious. “I remember everything—every look, every kiss, every touch. Everything that we talked about. And I remember telling you about my dreams, what I want. Do you remember?”

  June’s heartbeat hammered against her chest. She didn’t like where the conversation was going. “To start a business, to create jobs. You didn’t want to get married yet. At least not until you had your foundation built.”

  “But you ignored what I said.”

  “I didn’t. My decision was made before you told me about your plans, your dreams. I understand everything that you told me. Everything that happened that night is embedded in my being. But I didn’t think a few nights could change the plan or the entire course of someone’s life.”

  “Of course it could, June,” Henry answered in an almost snappy tone. “You and your friend changed everything.”

  “But this change could produce something good. Have you thought of that?”

  Henry just stared at her, but she could see through his eyes that he was thinking.

  “Jelly Bean, for example. Without her I would still be thinking about…”

  “About what?”

  “My life. My future. My parents.”

  “And you have to have a baby to think about those things?”

  “I do, but differently. Now I know that my parents will have a little bit of me to hold, to make them laugh…” June shook her head. “Something like that.”

  She’d had enough of Henry blaming her for what happened. Yes, it was all her doing, but they wouldn’t be married right now if he hadn’t agreed. She turned around with the intention of leaving the kitchen, but changed her mind. She faced Henry. “Is it all that bad, Henry? We both know the little piece of paper that we signed is not enough to stop you from continuing to live the bachelor life. In fact, we both know that you’re still seeing your girlfriend Stacey, so don’t deny it. I’m not that stupid.”

  “I don’t deny it.”

  “And you’re keen on keeping things the same, that’s why you got rid of your wedding ring right away.”

  Henry just stared at her. His admission had hurt, but his silence stabbed her deep in the gut. She nearly bent over from the pain. Her eyes watered, but she kept a brave face. “You have your business going. You can do whatever it is you’ve been doing before you married me,” she continued. “I don’t see why our marriage changed everything for you.”

  Henry’s mouth spread into a thin-lipped smile. “Reputation is too important to my parents. When your parents threatened to ruin our name, I agreed to marry you. Because our name, fortune, didn’t just land on my grandparents’ laps. They worked hard for it. My dad did the same thing to keep everything they valued. I wouldn’t let my family’s years of hard work slip out of our hands because I’ve made a mistake.”

  “Glad to hear that. So when are you filing for a divorce?”

  “Is that what you want?”

  “For the past week, I realized my words, my wants, my opinions don’t matter when it comes to you and me.”

  “Tell me, June. Why did you marry me?”

  “My parents didn’t want my baby to be born a bastard and they wanted to shield me from the arrows that society would have pointed in my direction once I started showing.”

  Henry began walking slowly toward her, as if stalking pr
ey. “And what about your want?”

  “I want the same.”

  Henry stopped in front of her. They were close enough that June could see the darker Nordic blue ring and fleck in his eyes. They were so unusual June couldn’t take her eyes off them.

  “You want the same, June? No, no. Honey, you opposed the idea of us getting married. Your idea is to keep me out of the picture. You weren’t thinking about the baby’s reputation.”

  Think, June. Think. He mustn’t know your reason. “I understand my parents’ decision and I agreed. The way I see it, we both benefitted from my actions.”

  “Are you saying that the baby is your benefit?”

  “Yes.”

  Henry stared at her for a few seconds before dipping his head a little. But then he pulled back.

  For a moment, she thought he’d kiss her. “I’m keeping my word, Henry. I won’t expect anything from you. If living with Stacey is what you want, you won’t hear me object. If you decided to serve me tomorrow, I’ll sign the papers. But if you prefer to remain my husband, for however long you want, I’ll be here.”

  June took the slow, sad walk upstairs. The bitter jealousy that had stirred inside her when Henry had admitted that he was still seeing Stacey was nothing compared to the pain that had sliced her deeply when she’d noticed that his wedding band was gone. As tears choked her, she realized one thing. Henry would never be hers.

  Chapter Sixteen

  She wants a baby. That’s why she slept with me. Henry watched June leave the kitchen. Why did she want a baby out of wedlock? He doubted that she was concerned about her biological clock ticking. So why?

  He turned off the lights then he too left the kitchen. Damn, he truly enjoyed talking to June when he set aside his anger. He actually saw a glimpse of what it could have been like being married to her. She was easy to get along with. He loved her sense of humor and—fuck it to hell—he loved watching her move about in the kitchen. He shouldn’t, but he even imagined her when she was heavy with their baby, waddling instead of walking, her breasts full and June looking so radiant. He imagined making love to her.

  He wanted her.

  When he’d gone to visit Stacey earlier, he had planned to stay overnight. Thought about making love with her too. But Stacey had spotted his wedding ring. She had insisted that he take it off. To avoid having an argument, he’d removed it He remembered putting it on the dresser on top of his wallet. It hadn’t been there anymore when he got up to go to the bathroom. He’d searched for an hour for the wedding band while Stacey followed him around ranting and raving about why he would even bother looking for the damn thing. She was right. He shouldn’t care, but for some fucking weird reason, he wanted the ring. Then Stacey had started drinking. Alcohol and Stacey never went well together.

  So he’d decided to leave. He’d thought he’d find a dark, cold home. But like June had said, she’d left the light on. As soon as he’d opened the door, the heavenly scent of bananas and something fried had welcomed him. Even though he’d already eaten, his mouth had watered. Then he’d found his wife in the kitchen talking to herself. Well, actually she was talking to her belly. She looked tiny still, and so lovely in her simple dress, that he’d wanted to wrap his arms around her from behind. Then his cock had thickened.

  He’d wanted her.

  He touched the base of his ring finger again with his thumb. It had only been two days, but he’d already acquired a habit of rolling it with his thumb. Now, funny though it may sound, he missed the damn thing.

  The simple white-gold band for him and a wedding ring dotted with three small diamonds for June were the first rings that he’d spotted at the jewelry store. He hadn’t cared to look around. He’d just bought the two. His entire wedding outfit had cost more than the rings, but the look on June’s face when she’d seen it was priceless. She’d ogled his ring too. Now it was gone.

  Standing at the foot of the stairs, he scanned the room. Fresh flowers in vases, gauzy curtains hung on rods, throw pillows and blankets lay on the sofa, and paintings hung on the walls just as she’d said. No knick-knacks, though.

  He turned off the lamp next then went upstairs. Remembering what June had said about her grazing like a cow brought a smile to his face. She’d be a beautiful cow.

  A lamp at the end of the hallway was lit and so was the light in one of the bedrooms. June’s.

  She’s still awake?

  Trying not to make too much noise, he stood in front of the door and listened. Awful retching sounds reached his ears. Damn, she’s sick. “June?” he called. No answer. “June, it’s me.” He turned the doorknob. It wasn’t locked. While knocking, he opened the door. “June, can I come in?”

  “No!” June said in a hoarse tone.

  “You okay?”

  “Go away! Please.”

  “Can I help?” The reply he received was another retching sound. “I’m coming in,” he opened the door and quickly swept the room with his gaze. The bed had a light green bedspread on it. The matching solid green pillowcases with ruffles on the ends looked inviting. A small dresser stood against the wall supported one silver frame sitting on top of it. He couldn’t tell what was in the frame, but it was black and white. Someone had placed a small table in front of the window. There were stacks of different colored envelopes and papers on it. Henry guessed those were the wedding cards. A simple room. No clutter, no overpowering scent of perfume in the air, and he noticed too that she didn’t have jewelry or anything on the dresser, unlike Stacey.

  He went to the bathroom and found June hugging the toilet, her unbound hair falling like a waterfall around the bowl. “Honey, that’s not the proper way to use the toilet.”

  “Funny,” she said in a small voice.

  “You cooked all those awesome foods then you just throw them up? What a waste. No wonder you’re skinny.”

  “Go away. Don’t want you here.”

  “Tough. I’m already here.”

  “Please. Leave me. I look horrible.”

  “I know. You’re scary looking right now. You done?”

  June nodded but she didn’t move.

  “Let me help you up.”

  “Go away. I smell like puke.”

  “Hon, I worked with seamen who got really sick on a boat.”

  “They shouldn’t be working on a boat.”

  “True. But you can’t reject them for that.” He spotted a hair tie on top of the water tank. He gathered June’s hair then used the tie to bind the thick mass of silky-smooth curls. As gently as he could, he massaged her neck.

  “Thank you,” June replied in a small voice. She closed the toilet lid then pushed the flush.

  “Come on.”

  He helped her get up. She looked pale. The dark rings beneath her eyes were more pronounced. Wrapping his arm around her waist to steady her, he pulled a towel from the rack. “You okay?”

  June nodded. “Do you need anything? Your bed is ready. I hope you like blue.”

  “Barf green is my favorite color.”

  June smiled. “Sorry, we don’t have that color in the number of towels that we got from the wedding.”

  “All right. Blue will work.”

  She closed her eyes and took long deep breaths. “Thank goodness. I don’t think I have the energy to change your sheets and towels.”

  “You didn’t have to fix my room.” He turned on the faucet then wet the edge of the towel. “Here, you have puke all over your face.”

  June opened her eyes. A lovely shade of pink colored her cheeks. “Oh, dear.” She tried to move away, but he tightened his hold on her waist.

  “I’m just kidding. Do you want to rinse your mouth?”

  “Yes.”

  He let go of her, but stayed on his spot until June finished rinsing. Then he surprised her when he bent down to pick her up.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Carrying you to bed. You look sick and fragile, hon. You’ve lost weight since the last time I saw you. You need to ea
t.”

  “I told you I eat like a cow.”

  “I didn’t see you eat at all at the wedding.” She weighed nothing, and contrary to what she believed, she smelled like soap and cleanliness—like a woman.

  “Because there were so many people watching me. I was afraid I might chew my bone and embarrass you.”

  “Silly thing to think about. Who cares what other people think?

  The bed was turned down. It looked like she had already been in bed but had had to go to the bathroom. Damn. He’d forgotten about her condition. Seeing how fragile she looked, something tugged at his heart. Angry or not, she was his wife. “How’s your stomach?”

  “Feels sour and empty.”

  Henry placed her in the middle of the bed, tugged the covers from beneath her legs and covered her with them. “Are you going to sleep now?”

  “As soon as little Jelly Bean lets me sleep.”

  “’Kay. Be right back.” He sprinted down to the kitchen and checked the pantry for any kind of soup. They were easy to find. Everything was in order. It was like shopping at the grocery store. Cans of chicken noodle soup lined the bottom shelf of the pantry. He grabbed one and pulled the lid off. Next, he poured it in a bowl. Instead of heating the soup on the stove, he used the microwave. Five minutes later, he was back in June’s bedroom. He placed the bowl of soup on the bedside table.

  She lay on her back, eyes closed, one hand laid protectively on her belly. Her hair partly covered her eyes. Henry could see the rapid beating of her pulse in her throat. He took the chance to observe her. She looked so young and beautiful. Why was it that she wanted this baby so badly that she’d had to hide her condition from her parents until she hadn’t been able to hide it anymore?

  What are you hiding, baby?

  Craig annoyed him to no end with his phone messages, but the bastard had also given him a bit of information about June. The man had seemed in agony even before June had gotten pregnant. Something had happened that had made June sleep with Henry. And he was itching to find out what it was.

  “Hon?” The bed dipped a little as he sat on the edge.

  June’s eyes fluttered open. “Yeah.”