“Fine. But if that woman says anything against you, I’ll give her a knuckle sandwich.”
“You have my permission.”
“Do you think she wears hair extensions?”
“Don’t know. Maybe fake eyelashes?”
“I bet she’s so thick down there Henry had to use hair clips to find you know what.”
“Vi! You’re silly.” June laughed so hard she had to hold her stomach. “That is disgusting and not funny.”
“Not funny? Just look at your belly jiggling.”
“No. It’s not funny. You’re talking about her and…never mind. Seriously, that image…”
They were still laughing when the front door opened.
“Oh, speaking of… Look. There’s the witch. Check out her smile. It doesn’t reach her eyes. She actually reminds me of the characters in the movie Mean Girls. They smile at you, but in their heads they’re plotting something sinister.”
“Lord, Vivienne. Just be nice.”
“Fine.”
Stacey stood by the door, her smile unwavering. The white skin-tight pants, orange halter top and open-toed pale orange high-heeled sandals made her look like a mannequin—a stunning one.
Slowly, she walked over to where June and Vivienne stood. “I can finally breathe. All day I’ve been thinking about you, wondering if you’d come.” Stacey clapped her hands together.
“She can breathe. I want to throw up,” whispered Vivienne.
June shook her head at Vivienne then gave Stacey a smile. “Thank you for planning this baby shower, Stacey. You didn’t have to do this.”
“You’re right. I didn’t. Of all people, you should know that I’m only doing this for Henry. I want him to be happy and I am sure you have the same reason for coming. Henry told me that you must be dreaming of having a baby shower but can’t afford it because you don’t have that many friends who might plan a party like this.” Stacey raised an eyebrow at Vivienne.
Vivienne took a step forward but June grabbed her hand right away.
“I was surprised when Henry asked for my help,” Stacey continued. “You see, his parents’ friends kept asking if the Barefoot Bride was having a shower. The Colchesters have to say something, right? Otherwise, tongues will wag. And that’s a no-no for them. So, this is the solution.” Stacey turned around then walked back inside the center.
“The first arrow has been released. There will be more, June. Before we leave this place, we’ll be riddled with holes. I told you we shouldn’t have come. This whole baby shower thing is bullshit.”
“You’re right, Vi, but I’m not going to run. There is more to this shower. I want to know what it is.” She hoped they’d come out in one piece and with her heart intact.
If outside the center was impressive, inside no one would believe it was the same place the seniors played bingo on Saturdays. Lamps decorated with pink and purple ribbons hung from the ceiling. Pink candles inside the clear glass were lit and gave the room a peaceful feeling. There were baby girl dresses and framed posters like Winnie the Pooh, Tinkerbell and Cinderella. Dolls of all kinds lined a shelf along with other stuffed toys.
People were moving around talking to one another. No one noticed them. Funny that, considering she was the only pregnant woman in the room. They probably didn’t realize she was the star of the show, as Stacey had put it. How could they? They were all strangers to her.
June didn’t know any of them except for Henry’s mother, who was busy instructing the man in a white coat standing in front of a long table laden with food.
“Man, who in the world are these people?”
June shook her head. “Don’t know.”
“They don’t look like the same people who attended your wedding. Don’t get me wrong, June, but these people look like us. They paint their own nails and buy makeup that’s on sale. Ordinary people.”
“I know.”
Just as the situation began to feel awkward, Henry’s mother spotted them. She waved and hurried to see them. “Oh, goodness. You’ve grown since the last time I saw you. How are you doing?”
June returned her mother-in-law’s hug. “I’m good.”
“Is the baby giving you trouble?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary.”
“She’s as strong as a horse, Mrs. Colchester,” added Vivienne.
“Well, that is good to know. I can’t believe it has taken us this long to see each other again. But, you know, I’ve been busy.”
She’d bet her husband had prevented her from coming to visit. “I understand.”
Mrs. Colchester took her hands. “You know, Henry has changed now that he’s married.”
“He’s been attentive, making sure I’m eating.” Henry had been a perfect husband—looking into her comfort, refusing to leave her side and treating her like porcelain—special, breakable. He’d been making love to her like a lover, not a man needing to mate. But she would never tell her mother in-law that. “He’s always busy.”
Mrs. Colchester shook her head. “He’s a happy man, June. He laughs a lot, just like when he was a little boy. And he talks to me on the phone about the baby, the apartment. You. He makes my ears ring telling me all the best about you. He’s never been that way with anyone. You’ve changed him. June, I have reasons to believe that my son is—”
“Well, the star is here. We should start with this baby shower, Minerva,” Stacey said with a smile. Her tone, however, was nothing but flat.
“Yes, we should. So you can rest, June. Henry told me you’ve been having pains. He made me promise to make sure—”
“Minerva, we can chat later.”
“Right. Sorry, Stacey.” Mrs. Colchester gave June a small smile.
Poor woman. Mrs. Colchester didn’t seem to have a voice in her home or anywhere else. She’d bet her new shoes that Mrs. Colchester didn’t have any real friends. June made a mental note to tell her mom to call Mrs. Colchester. She bet they’d get along fine.
Stacey clapped three times. Everyone hushed and took their seats facing the platform.
“I remember my kindergarten teacher clapping like that and we’d all sit,” Vivienne commented. “She’s treating us like five year olds.”
Stacey raised an eyebrow at Vivienne. “You went to school?”
“You are one—”
“Vi.” June grabbed Vivienne’s hand before she could plant a fist in Stacey’s face.
“June, wear this crown.” Stacey slapped the crown on June’s head. “Let’s get this thing done.”
June winced when the crown’s comb poked her scalp. If she were to guess, Stacey had done it on purpose. She scanned the crowd. They seemed to be on the edge of their seats, all smiling in anticipation. But they weren’t looking at her. They’re eyes were focused on Stacey. Weird. June felt like one of the decorations on the wall. What the heck was going on?
“Thank you all for coming. This is the pregnant star. Like I explained when I approached you, she doesn’t have many friends to hold a nice baby shower like this, so I stepped in.”
The guests ahhed. June’s stomach started clenching. She didn’t like the way Stacey had introduced her—without mentioning her name. She met Vivienne’s gaze. Her friend looked ready to kill Stacey.
“Now, let’s start this auction,” Stacey continued. “June, find a chair. Please bring the first item here. All right. Let the auction begin.”
Auction?
A woman carrying a pair of high-heeled shoes walked over and stood by Stacey. June didn’t understand what was happening until Stacey explained what the auction was about.
Stacey had put her personal items—from clothing to shoes to designer bags—up for auction. The money that they’d collect would go to June’s baby fund because she would need the money once the baby was born.
If this shower was Stacey’s way of humiliating her, the woman was succeeding.
“This pair of shoes is my favorite. Yves Saint Laurent Y Bow Patent Sandal heel. Bought these for o
ver four hundred dollars. I wore these once. Let’s start with ten dollars! Now who wants to have these?”
Deafening screams sounded the same time hands went up in the air. Who wouldn’t bid for the damn shoes? Ten dollars? Hell, she’d pay seventy-five bucks for them. A woman in a pantsuit offered the highest bid and won. Fifty dollars for the pair of shoes.
“Please tell us where you’re from and what you do for a living?” Stacey asked the woman.
“Lynnwood. Teller at Washington Mutual.”
“Thank you, Miss Teller. Your fifty dollars will go to June’s baby fund. By the way, those shoes will make men’s heads turn.”
Everyone clapped.
What kind of baby shower was this? Why would Stacey try to raise money for her baby? It wasn’t as if she’d be raising the baby alone. Her parents would be there to help. She didn’t need this. Stacey hated her. That much was obvious. But why go through so much trouble to show it? June caught Mrs. Colchester’s eyes. She looked horrified. Oh, God. She hadn’t even known this was going to happen.
June removed her crown. “Why are you doing this, Stacey?”
“I told you. Henry asked me a favor. He really feels bad for you, June. You’re practically a hermit. Can’t drive. You have few friends. Did you know he even asked me to take you shopping? He said you’ve never been inside Nieman Marcus, Baby and Co., Mario’s, Canopy Blue. No? Not familiar with those places?”
June felt all eyes on her. Her face burned.
“Why do you think he wanted you to shop at those stores? You’re a Colchester now. You must play your part. That way he can take you out without embarrassing himself. He didn’t want you to go out in public wearing your twenty-dollar cardigan from Wal-Mart. You need to change your wardrobe, my dear. At least while you’re married to him.”
“Stacey, stop.” Minerva looked to be in a panic.
Vivienne took hold of June’s hand. “Don’t believe anything that comes out of that woman’s mouth. She’s making everything up.”
“Why would I make up stories?”
“Because you’re bitter bitch. Come on, June. Let’s blow this whole show.”
June didn’t move. Stacey was right. Henry never took her anywhere. He always wanted to stay home for dinner. He never let her leave because she was pregnant and must rest all the time. And it was all because he wanted to be home with her. Had he lied to her?
“What do you mean by while I’m married to Henry, Stacey?”
“He’s filing for a divorce.”
Loud gasps echoed around June. She shouldn’t be surprised. After all, she’d expected Henry to file for a divorce the day they had gotten married. Still, the word divorce hit her square in the chest. Instinctively, she placed her hand on her belly. Jelly Bean.
Vivienne wrapped an arm around her. “Bitch, if your goal is to win Henry back, who obviously moved on and left you, you are—”
“Who says he’s left me?”
More gasps.
“Stacey, please.” Minerva pulled on Stacey’s arm.
Stacey looked at Minerva with her eyebrows arched high. “Don’t you think it’s time they learn the truth, Minerva?”
“Stacey, please. Don’t do this.”
June looked at the two women. One smirking, the other on the verge of tears. They knew something she didn’t. “What truth, Stacey?” Her voice was barely a whisper.
“Please, Stacey. Don’t—”
“Oh, shut up, Minerva. You knew from the very beginning that the contract was wrong. It’s only fair that June hears about it.”
“Contract?” Vivienne asked.
Contract? June felt like she stood in the middle of a monsoon. She couldn’t see what was right in front of her. “What contract, Minerva?”
Minerva’s hands shook visibly. When she looked at June, her eyes shone with unshed tears. “Don’t let a piece of paper destroy your love for my son, June. He loves you too. I know it in my heart.” She looked at Stacey. “Do your worst,” she said, then turned to look at the guests. “Everyone, out!”
The women, who obviously wanted to hear everything, grumbled. But slowly, they left the room.
“Wow.” Vivienne whistled. “Downton Abbey has nothing on this little drama.”
June ignored her friend. “What contract are you talking about, Stacey?”
“Your parents, Henry’s parents and even Henry himself. They all signed a contract.”
“What contract?” June bit her lower lip to stop from grimacing as piercing pain from her lower back robbed her of breath.
“June? Is it your— We have to go. This whole thing is upsetting you. We should go.”
“We can’t leave, Vi, until I hear more about this contract. Come on, Stacey. I know you probably wish me dead right now. You never know. Sometimes wishes do come true. So why not pacify my curiosity? Tell me about the contract.”
“You already know Henry married you because your parents will ruin the Colchesters’ name if he hadn’t. What he didn’t tell you is that his parents gave him half of his inheritance for saving their name and a promise of the other half when he divorces you after your baby is born. But all will be gone if he decides not to file for a divorce.”
“Is that how Henry got his business started? His inheritance?”
“Yes.”
“What do my parents have to do with the contract?”
“It was their idea that you and Henry will remain married only until the baby is born.”
“Why?”
“Payback. Your dad was trying to get even with Richard for making him lose his job at Metro.”
Oh, my God. The accident. “My parents would never—”
“Your parents didn’t only ask the Colchesters to make Henry marry you. They were the ones who drew up the contract.”
“You lie.” Please, please. This isn’t happening.
Stacey walked toward the table to pick up her purse. She drew out two folders then handed them to June. “I’m not the bitch you think me to be.”
Vivienne took the folders. “How do we know you haven’t just made this up?”
Stacey actually rolled her eyes. “Look at the signatures, Vivienne.” To June she said, “Henry dreamed of building a maritime business. Now, he’s got it all started. To create jobs, to make other people’s dreams come true is what he wanted. Because of that, it’ll kill him to give up his dreams. But he is not a cold-hearted man. He’ll feel sorry for divorcing you. So, if you really love him, you should make it easy for him. Make the decision.”
June hated showing Stacey how much this horrible news affected her, but there was no way she could stop her tears from falling. With anger bubbling in her chest, she asked, “How?”
“Spare him the dilemma of choosing between his dreams and a wife he doesn’t really want.”
“No, June. Talk to Henry. That’s the best way to do this.”
“Vivienne, right now, a wife doesn’t have room in Henry’s schedule. Not even me.”
June closed her eyes. As much as she hated it, she agreed with Stacey.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Henry found the box to the crib in the garage where June had left it months ago then dragged it back in the living room. When his wife came home, she’d be happy to see it.
The clock showed it was only one in the afternoon. He had plenty of time to work. He hoped June was having a grand time. Stacey said she had planned a great baby shower. Tonight, he would cook their dinner. Lobsters. June would love it. His wife would be dead tired from all the fuss she’d be getting at the baby shower.
Henry didn’t expect that assembling a simple crib could take hours, but it was worth it. The crib was beautiful. With its white sophisticated lines, tufted and upholstered panels, it gave the crib a one-of-a-kind design. He also liked the gates and the storage under the crib for diapers and clothes. The guardrail was cool too. June would be delighted to see this. They could place the crib close to the kitchen since she preferred to spend most of her ti
me there—if he didn’t trap her in their bedroom, that is. Henry’s body sang when he thought about his soft, delectable wife. Smiling, he picked up all the packaging and cleaned up the room. He checked his phone. No call. June must still be busy.
The day after June came home wet from the rain, he’d bought her a new cell phone. It had been great. He’d been taking pictures of her getting dressed, while sleeping and early in the morning then he’d send them to her phone. June would retaliate by taking pictures of his butt or while brushing his teeth or taking a shower. Each time, she would threaten to paste the pictures on Facebook. His favorite picture was of the two of them when they’d just woken up and were still in bed. They were smiling, both sleepy-eyed and looking so happy.
Yeah, they were happy. They didn’t have to say it but he could tell both of them wanted one thing—for their marriage to survive.
Henry went upstairs and hit the shower. It would have been nice if his wife were there to keep him company. But it was good that she’d gone out. She needed it.
The hot shower made Henry relax and feel sluggish. He decided to lie down for a bit. His mind had begun to drift away when he heard loud pounding on the front door. What the hell. June must have forgotten her key.
“Shit.” He was supposed to cook dinner for her.
Quickly, he went downstairs. The pounding on the door continued. “Hon?” he called. No answer. Who the fuck! Quickly, he went to the door.
As soon as he opened the door, a hard punch almost landed on his face. A fist glanced his cheek then hit the door.
“What the fuck!”
“You son of a bitch! I tried to believe that you’re not the asshole Vivienne thought you to be. But I’m wrong. You are fucking evil!”
“Craig? What the hell is wrong with you?”
“You!”
Craig tried to give him another blow. But Henry hadn’t spent time at the boxing club for nothing. He caught Craig’s wrist, twisted his arm then shoved the man against the door. “Calm the fuck down, Craig, or I’ll fucking break your arm.”
“Good. And break my head too,” Craig whispered. “It’s more than I deserve.”
Henry listened as June’s best friend started crying. The hell. “I’ll let go of you, Craig, then we’ll talk.”
The Best of June Page 24