Ex-Terminator Life After Marriage (17 page)

“I don’t believe he is interested in me…just the baby.” Ashley paused and began to sob. “Frankly, I’m afraid of him. If he hadn’t gone to his sister’s birthday party in Charlotte, I would not have been here today. I’m sure he’s blowing up the phone, wanting to make sure I didn’t leave the house.”

“What are you going to do, Ashley?” Sylvia asked.

“I don’t have the faintest idea. And…the big and…William wants to get remarried. There is no way that I can remarry him.”

A collective gasp came from the women.

“Why did you sleep with him in the first place?” Mona finally spoke up. “Looks like you were asking for trouble.”

“Come on, Mona,” Sylvia admonished. “Try putting yourself in Ashley’s shoes.”

“Wouldn’t be there if I was in her shoes. I wouldn’t have opened my door.”

“Easy for you to say,” Sylvia said. “This is about Ashley.”

“It’s all right, Sylvia,” Ashley said. “I don’t pay Mona any mind.”

Mona rolled her eyes while her head danced on her neck. “Mmmm-hmmmm.”

Margo Myles stood up for the first time and went to Ashley and embraced her. Sylvia and Claudette moved back to their seats.

“I know what it’s like to be in love with someone who breaks your heart. I was married for twenty-five years when I found out that my husband was having an affair with the married neighbor next door, who was my best friend, as well. On top of all that, he was deeply embroiled in a scheme to steal weapons from a military base and sell them to this rebel group in Honduras. He stole money from his clients and stole my heart from me. And, my husband was gunned down by someone in the organization he worked for while he was driving and nearly lost his life.

“It’s not an easy thing to let go of someone you spent a lifetime and had four children with. I found myself fighting for what was rightfully mine. I didn’t care what people thought. Yes, I wanted to kill Jefferson for making me hurt the way I did, but there were so many good times I could not forget.

“Whatever your relationship is with your ex, you have to assess what it is you really want. There must have been a good reason why you let him in the door. I’ve already heard some of your explanation, but the bottom line is you haven’t really gotten over him yet.”

Ashley held Margo tight without uttering a word.

“My husband is paying for his crime. He is spending the next twenty years of his life behind prison bars. I’m paying, too. Aside from all the humiliation that I suffered from the trial and all the news accounts that were in the paper and on TV constantly reminding me that the man I married and held in high esteem had wrecked our happy home, I’m alone without anyone to assuage my wound or my lonely heart. Yes, I could have divorced him. I certainly have more than enough grounds to do so, but I recognized that the man I loved was still beneath all the rubble of his tattered soul.

“I’m not telling you to stay with William nor am I telling you to leave him. The decision is yours. By the sound of this group, they will be here for you no matter what road you chose. Be true to yourself. Don’t let anyone force you to do what your head tells you not to do. I’ll be a phone call away should you ever need me.”

“Thank you, Margo,” Ashley said. “I feel much better. I don’t know what I’m going to do yet, but I’m glad I have my extended family on my side.”

“I also suggest professional counseling,” Margo added. “You may need a little more than this group can offer you. They’ll be here for the moral support, but you may need the other as well.”

“Thanks again. I appreciate your kind words.” Ashley touched her stomach. “My baby and I are going to be all right. I know it.”

“Group hug,” Claudette said, pushing to the front of the line. Everyone jumped up and made a circle around Ashley and squeezed. Ashley felt protected.

“T
ime to wet your whistle,” Mona crooned. “Let’s take a break. I’ve reinvented the famous Hurricane that they serve down in the French Quarter. Just a little rum in it; won’t hurt a fly. Of course, for the devout Christians and mother-to-be, I have a plain, fruity concoction that is equally good.”

Margo gave Sylvia a glance.

Mona brought out the drinks on a wrought-iron serving tray. She served the strawberry-colored drinks in tall, hurricane glasses, waltzing around the room like she owned it, extending her arm to each individual as she invited them to take a glass from the tray.

“Let’s make a toast,” Mona said, looking in Marvin’s direction.

“Why don’t you make the toast, since you came up with the idea,” Marvin said matter-of-factly.

As if Mona was waiting for Marvin to concede, she lifted her glass in the air. “Lift your glass, everyone. To the Ex-Files. To new life, new loves, new beginnings and renewal.”

“Hear, hear,” everyone shouted in unison.

“While you sip on your drink and I have everyone’s attention, let me share this,” Mona quipped. “I still don’t know why I’m in this group, but I will say that it has awakened a sleeping giant within me. I moved on with my life some fifteen years ago. I’ve been having a ball since. What I realized from this group was I had dust in my Files. I analyzed it for what it was worth and decided that it was expendable. Once I got rid of the dust, real love was able to sprout.

“You all met Dr. Michael Broussard over at Claudette’s. I’m not saying that a man defines me, but for the first time in years, someone has walked into my life that happens to be more than just a pretty face with a fancy car, a fabulous house and lots and lots of money. Dr. Broussard represents a man with principles. He saves lives for a living. This man has his life mapped out—knows what direction he’s going. It’s not just about today; it is also about tomorrow. His financially savvy stock portfolios are balanced like his checkbook. He can purchase any car outright with the flick of his Monte Blanc. He serves on boards of major corporations, and he gives tremendous amounts for AIDS research and feeding the homeless. Whew.”

“Sounds like my Marvin,” Rachel said with a straight face. There was sniggering throughout the room.

“Marvin isn’t Michael Broussard.”

“Well, we’ve heard about ‘Michael Broussard,’ but how do you figure into all of this? Did he propose to you? Did he buy you a car? I’m just not getting the correlation,” Rachel said.

“I wouldn’t expect you to,” Mona shot back.

“All right,” Sylvia said, forever the mediator. “What are you trying to tell us, Mona?”

“You too? I’m surprised, Sylvia. Well, Mr. Broussard has asked me to go away with him to Louisiana…to meet his family.”

“Ohhhhhhh,” said Rachel sarcastically.

“Anyway, we will be leaving next weekend, and I’m really looking forward to it. I have feelings for Michael…”

“Finally,” Claudette cut in.

Mona rolled her eyes at Claudette. “My feelings for Michael are more than…you know.”

“No, we don’t know, Mona. Why don’t you tell us,” Marvin said tactfully.

“You people are just haters. Michael and I are in love. There, I said it.”

“You told us that a couple of weeks ago, but we’re happy for you, Mona,” Marvin said. “While I have the floor, I’d like to say that I couldn’t agree with you more that I am not Michael, but you don’t know me like that. Don’t forget that I’m on my way to being a Fortune 500 company.”

“Tell her, baby,” Rachel cooed.

“All right, all right,” Mona cut in. “Since you people can’t think outside the box, let’s eat. You’ll be singing a different tune once you feast your lips on the New Orleans feast I’ve prepared at Mr. Marvin Thomas’ expense.”

“Thanks, Mona. I appreciate you cooking for my party. I do want you to know, Mona, that we love you and are happy that you’re happy about the new man in your life.” Everyone clapped. “We know that you can’t help who you are and that you know how to get on most people’s last nerve, but you are consistent.”

“Got that right,” Claudette put in. Mona stood quietly with her lip poked out.

“Rachel, will you come here?” Rachel looked puzzled but got up and stood by Marvin’s side. “I’m in love with this beautiful woman,” Marvin continued. Rachel batted her eyes as Marvin wrapped his arm around her. “Sylvia, the Ex-Files was your doing, and it has turned out to be a blessing. It has helped to bring marriages back together, establish new ones…I mean, new relationships, and…”

“Yeah, you said what you meant, Marvin,” Sylvia howled. “Give it up for Mr. and Mrs. Thomas.”

“Hold on a minute,” Marvin interrupted. But he couldn’t hold back the chants.

“Mr. and Mrs. Thomas! Marvin and Rachel! Mr. and Mrs. Thomas! Marvin and Rachel!”

Even Tyrone and Margo joined in on the chant. Rachel waved “no” with both hands, but her smile said “yes.”

Mona brought in an empty pot and beat it with a wooden spoon. “Rachel and Marvin, Mona and Michael.” Waves of laughter washed over the room. Marvin had never seen anything so infectious.

Just before everyone moved to eat, the door to the clubhouse flew open.

“Hello everyone,” said the new arrival.

“Anika.” Rachel rushed to meet her. Anika wore a pair of white denim stretch jeans that were sculpted onto her full-figured hips and a multi-colored napkin shirt that covered her small top and waist. “So sorry I’m late, but I had to stop and pick up someone I invited to come along. She’s a fairly recent divorcee. I met her at the spa while giving her a facial.”

“Well, we’re glad you were able to come. Where is your friend?”

“She was right behind me.”

The door opened again. A woman dressed in a smart military-inspired blazer in camouflage green, a green knit tank, a pair of eggshell-colored slacks and a silk camouflage-patterned scarf tied around her neck stepped into the room. Rachel stiffened at the sight of Marvin’s ex-wife, Denise.

Rachel and Denise went into a diva lock.

“We’re in the middle of a meeting, and you’re interrupting it.”

“Rachel—it is Rachel? Why don’t you try and be polite. I’m an invited guest,” Denise drawled. “I’m here to see my husband…”

“
Ex
-husband,” Rachel corrected.

“Whatever. I’m here to see what kind of meeting Marvin is orchestrating. It’s amazing what you learn at the spa. I couldn’t believe it when Anika produced Marvin’s card, talking about he invited her to a support group meeting for ex-wives and husbands. I just had to see for myself.”

“Look, Denise, you’ve seen it; now you can leave. This group is by invitation only.”

“Need I remind you again that I was invited?”

“Well, I’m uninviting you,” Rachel retorted.

“I am too sophisticated a woman to stoop to your level and give you the behind beating you deserve. I don’t know what Marvin sees in you, but you are no match for me, Miss Thing.”

“Low is where you go from what I heard.” Rachel pointed her finger in Denise’s face. “You
had
a good man, and you threw him away. I’m not the clean-up woman, but I’m going to tell you in very clear, audible tones so that your sophisticated ears won’t misconstrue what I’m saying…He’s my man now. Holler.”

“So Marvin likes ghetto girls, now. Holler back,” Denise sneered.

“What are you doing here, Denise?” Marvin asked, finally freed from the paralysis of shock her appearance gave him. “This is a private meeting.”

Before Marvin could stop Denise, she moved from the back of the room toward the group that sat eating. Denise looked around the room with distaste and sneered as she devoured each person nibbling on their food. She waved Mona over as soon as she was able to get her attention.

“Hey, Denise. What brings you here?” Mona questioned looking around the room.

“Marvin is standing over there with that ghetto woman, if that’s who you’re looking for,” Denise offered.

“I wasn’t looking for Marvin. Trying to make sure that everyone has what they need since I’m catering this event.”

“What am I interrupting?”

“Denise, this is a group of divorced folk…you know…a support group.” Mona sighed.

“So I heard. You mean to tell me you all sit around discussing your problems?”

“Something like that.”

“Well, I’d like to join. I’ve got problems I’d like to discuss with the group. To whom do I speak to about joining?”

“This might not be the place for you, Denise. Marvin is already a member and it might cause a conflict.”

“Why, Mona? Because of Ms. Thing back there? I am not afraid of her. I have every right to be here.”

“This is an invitation-only group, but I’ll introduce you to Sylvia. She’s the founder. It’s up to her.”

“Not a problem. Introduce me.”

S
ylvia was talking to Margo when Mona approached with Denise in tow. The twisted look on Mona’s face and her upturned lips indicated trouble was not far behind.

“Sylvia, this is Denise Thomas, Marvin’s ex.” Mona raised her eyebrows and rolled her eyes so that Denise couldn’t see. “She wants to join the group.”

Sylvia’s look was grave, but she extended her hand to Denise. “Hello, Denise. Welcome.”

“I’ll talk with you later,” Margo said as she walked away and grabbed Mona’s arm.

“I was invited to be a part of this group,” Denise quickly said before Sylvia had an opportunity to get another word out.

“I’m not sure what your interest is in joining the group, Denise. This is a support group for divorced men and women who are struggling with going on with their lives and feel the need to express their feelings to others. I’m sure you already know that Marvin is a member, and I’m not sure that it would be healthy to have his ex-wife in the same group.”

“It wouldn’t be healthy
not
to have me in this group. I think having us both might provide the kind of therapy Marvin and I need to get past the reason for our failed marriage and possibly place us on better footing.”

“Have you discussed this with him?” Sylvia asked.

“I was hoping I would get an opportunity today. Instead, people in here are trying to undermine what I hoped to achieve.”

“And just what do you hope to achieve, Denise? I think Marvin is already on the mend, and I would hate for something to interfere with his progress.”

“So are you saying that I can’t be part of this group?” Denise questioned. “You know I can call you up on discrimination charges. Do you have a charter, a set of bylaws that govern this group?”

“Let’s not get carried away, Denise. If you like, you may stay this evening, but I’d really like for you to think about the reason you’re doing this and what you expect to gain. Our purpose is to heal broken and wounded hearts and give one another a sense of purpose so that we can move on and have happy and productive lives. If that’s not your purpose, this is not the place for you.”

“Well, Sylvia, I’m a perfect candidate for this group. I feel a sense of family already, and I have a broken heart that needs mending.”

“As I said, you may visit with us this evening, but let me warn you…I’m sorry, I don’t mean to sound so harsh, but no foolishness will be tolerated here. I hope we understand each other.”

“Oh, quite well. I’d like to grab a plate, if you don’t mind. I’m quite famished and quite fond of Mona’s cooking.”

“Help yourself,” Sylvia said, pointing toward the food. “You aren’t fooling me,” she added under her breath.

When Denise left, Marvin headed her way.

“You’re not going to let her stay, are you?” he asked, stopping in front of Sylvia.

“Your ex is a barracuda, Marvin. It’s going to take more than a few words to throw her out. I’m surprised you put up with her as long as you did.”

“She’s jealous of Rachel…that I got over her so soon. Denise thought I could never love anyone but her. In fact, she had me believing it. I am a simple man, Sylvia. I’m not a player. I don’t hang out with the boys. I don’t hang out in bars. I love football, basketball and Jesus…and Rachel, too.”

Sylvia smiled at Marvin. “You do love her, don’t you?”

“I know it hasn’t been that long, but I knew it the first time I laid eyes on her at your house. Rachel had a lot of junk in her Ex-Files, but I knew that girl was the one. If Denise thinks that she can come up in her and try and manipulate somebody—”

“Are you talking about me, Marvin?” Denise asked, as she barged in on Sylvia and Marvin in her sophisticated sort of way. She put the plastic fork on the side of her plate and then looked between the two.

“Why would I want to waste my time, Denise?”

“Because you haven’t gotten over me. You’d take me back this very moment if I let you. I’ll let that rest for tonight. I promised Sylvia that I was going to be on my best behavior.”

Sylvia sighed. “Why don’t we get started, Marvin.”

Marvin cleared his throat. “We’re going to get started everyone.” He carefully avoided Denise’s eyes while Mona busied herself picking up empty plates and cups. Everyone assembled on the couch and chairs as before, except that Denise sat in one of the private chairs with her legs crossed.

“I’ve got a wonderful peach cobbler for afterward,” Mona said, giving Marvin the thumbs-up.

“Before we get started,” Marvin began, “we have two people who have just joined us. Please welcome Anika Matthews and Denise Thomas.”

Everyone clapped except Rachel, who sat in the middle of the group with her legs crossed—the crossed leg swinging defiantly. The newcomers raised their hands in acknowledgment, and the room fell silent.

Sylvia moved to the front.

“Today we have a special visitor to our group. We heard a little bit from her earlier, and she will now come in her own way. Margo Myles lives in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and is the sister of my pastor, Pastor Goodwin. She is in town visiting family, and we appreciate her being with us today. Margo Myles.”

The group clapped again.

Margo rose from her seat and moved to the center of the group. She surveyed each one in the room.

“I want to thank Sylvia for inviting me to your meeting this afternoon. It’s a wonderful thing to have someone you can talk to, lean on and get comfort from when you have been through what might seem to be the worst battle of your life.

“I was told that you all were divorced—some much longer than others—and that this group has been a saving grace for most of you.”

“I don’t know why I’m here,” Mona said for the umpteenth time, waving her hand for attention as she took her seat with the others.

“Okay, Mona, this isn’t for you. As I said earlier, I’m married…still married by the grace of God. My husband, Jefferson, and I were married for twenty-five years before he decided he wanted to test the sugar water elsewhere. His infidelity rocked a neighborhood, a town and friendships.

“My husband decided that all that he had was not enough. We enjoyed the good life—a house in the ’burbs, expensive vacations, whatever we wanted after taking care of what we needed. Jefferson also owned a collection of vintage automobiles. Anyway, he began to steal money from his clients to purchase stolen guns from a military base to resell to some rebels in Latin America. The money Jefferson made from the sale of those weapons was so good he couldn’t stop. But it nearly cost him his life.

“My husband has served two years of a twenty-year sentence. The judicial system may be kind and reduce his sentence after he’s served at least five years. He’s due for a parole hearing in three years.

“I was also handed down a sentence—a twenty-year sentence that sent me to solitary confinement. I was without a man for the first time in years. I decided to wait for my husband. I know some of you are thinking ‘she’s crazy’ or ‘I would have divorced him.’ Jefferson and I were more than an ordinary husband and wife, we were a team who conquered the universe together, had four wonderful children and threw caution to the wind. Now when I try to throw caution somewhere, it seems to come back to me like a message in a bottle to remind me of all the heartaches I went through behind my husband’s infidelity.

“When you come to a crossroad in your life, whether you’re contemplating divorce, just received your separation papers or had a pronouncement that your marriage is over, it is okay to cry. Go in a corner if you have to and get it out of your system. Take off by yourself to places unknown. Just have the pity party, but when thirty days have passed, get up from wherever you are, take a good look around you and declare your freedom if that’s what you need to do. Otherwise, say I’m going to do what it takes to make my marriage work. I’m going to see a counselor, therapist or whatever your wallet can afford. But get up and do something about your situation.

“I invested twenty-five years in my marriage, and I was not going to let my husband or the scum who lived next door or anyone else move me out of my house…my rightful place. Yeah, I was mad as hell at Jefferson, but there was still good in that man. I’ve been with him long enough to recognize that in him. My husband and I reconciled while he was in the hospital after his horrible accident, and I made a promise…a vow that I would be there for him. And I’m going to honor it.

“I’d just like to leave this thought with you. No matter what your circumstances are, be true to yourself. If you don’t have a relationship with God, try Him. God has not failed me through all that I’ve gone through. Know that you can overcome your hurt, pain and disappointment. We’ve seen a testament to that today with Claudette and Tyrone. Sylvia, you’ve done a great service to the members of your group. While I’m not an expert, I hope that my testimony will help you move forward and not backward. Thank you.”

Everyone stood on their feet and clapped, clapped, clapped. Anika moved forward and placed her arms around Margo’s neck and hugged her tight, while tears fell from her eyes. One by one the others joined Anika, and before long, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place as hands swiped at faces trying to hold back the flow of tears, except Denise who sat and watched with interest, her legs still crossed.

Sylvia sniffed and asked everyone to give Margo another handclap. A minute passed, and everyone settled down.

“Margo, thank you for those words of encouragement. I believe that sometimes we wallow in our grief because we hope that someone somewhere might save us. Today, your words may have saved someone. Thank you, again.”

Ashley stood on her feet. “I’ve made my decision. I’m moving on without William. Baby or no baby, I no longer want to be afraid of what William might do if things don’t turn out the way he wants them to. I’m Ashley Jordan, and I’m taking my life back. Thank you, Margo.” Everyone clapped. “I’ll need everyone’s support because I’m not sure about where I’m going, and there’s no turning back.”

“You’ve got our support,” Sylvia sang.

“Yes,” the rest of the group said in chorus.”

And without fanfare, Denise rose from her seat.

“May I say something?”

Rachel looked at Marvin. Sylvia looked at Rachel, then Marvin.

“Ummmmmm,” Mona said louder than she had planned.

“Sure,” Sylvia said hesitantly, giving Denise the “do not cross the line or I’ll toss you out with my bare hands” look.

Denise moved to the middle of the room with no pep in her step. She looked at the group that was assembled in front of her and rocked her head left to right. Eyes shifted, with everyone wondering what this woman who said she was Marvin’s ex-wife wanted to say.

“I’m not sure where to begin, so I’ll pick a spot,” Denise began.

Rachel sat tall in her seat, balling her hands, then releasing them. She glanced at Marvin, who was scooting around in his seat like his pants were on fire, unable to sit still for more than a minute. Rachel grabbed Marvin’s hand and threaded her fingers in his, and they formed a united fist.

“As most of you know, I’m Marvin’s ex-wife, Denise. I met Marvin when he came to New York on a business trip. He seemed so kind and gentle.”

Rachel squirmed in her seat.

“It wasn’t long before we began dating, although by long distance, but we had enough chemistry to keep our love alive. When Marvin asked me to marry him six months later, you would have thought that we were the only two people left on earth.”

Marvin squirmed in his seat and gave Rachel’s hand a tight squeeze.

“Marvin and I kissed like we lost our minds right in front of the Times Square marquee. Remember, Marvin?”

Marvin looked in Denise’s direction, and Rachel stood and marched to the back of the room with a scowl on her face.

“We could not get enough of each other. That was the moment I understood what people meant when they said they had sex without taking their clothes off. But believe you me, we had lots of sex later that night.”

The room was deathly silent. No one dared to look at anyone else until Rachel marched back to the front of the room and stood in front of Denise with her hands on her hips.

“I’m getting to the point,” Denise said, dismissing Rachel with a mere twist of words. Rachel scowled at Denise but went to her seat next to Marvin.

“I was an unfaithful wife.”

Loud murmuring floated through the room like a tidal wave while Denise’s words crashed down on them like heavy steel. Faces turned toward Marvin, no doubt feeling sorry for the place he was now in. No one tried to stop Denise as she moved on with
her
Ex
-
Files.

“You can’t be surprised,” Denise said matter-of-factly. “I’m sure Marvin has shared the sordid details of our life.”

Eyes stared straight ahead. Denise looked at the stoic faces and shut her eyes, contemplating her next thought. She wrinkled her lips and let out a sigh.

“I did some terrible things to Marvin that he didn’t deserve. This man gave me everything, and I’m not just talking about the materialistic. He gave me his heart and his soul, and I took advantage of it. Don’t think I’m trying to solicit your sympathy because I’m not. I betrayed the best thing I ever had, and now I’m paying for it.”

Sylvia scowled and looked in Rachel’s direction. Marvin sighed, but held Rachel’s hand even tighter. Claudette moved closer to Tyrone with a placid look on her face. Mona had boredom written all over her body. Ashley watched Denise intently as if she were analyzing her every word and movement, and Margo sat stiffly in her seat.

“Out of all the things my husband did for me,” Denise continued, “he only asked one thing of me. Marvin wanted children. And yes, I had promised to give them to him, but it was a lie. No baby was going to disfigure my body; I had an image to uphold.

“I saw so much potential in this brother who was skyrocketing his way up to the Fortune 500 club. Marvin knew what he wanted, and unlike most brothers, he had everything going for him to achieve success. And I needed him to help me be successful.

“When he made me his wife, he lavished me with a fine home—take a peek on your way out. Marvin may even give you a tour.” Denise would not look in Marvin’s direction.