Sharing the Sheets (11 page)

I wasn't going to chase after her.
She's probably going to that sex party, anyway,
was running through my mind. I put on a huge smile watching Vanessa and eating my steak. I was happy that Regina interrupted Vanessa's obvious come on. I was sure if I'd walked over there and asked her to meet me out back she would have jumped at the chance to add drama to my life. I was a huge flirt and that's as far as I would go. I learned my lesson and would like to keep that to myself.

After I finished eating I paid the check and headed home. I expected Regina to be there. I wanted her to be there. I needed her to be there. I turned the lock. “Regina, I'm sorry.” I was a wimp; she had my heart no matter what she did. I deserved it; she had every right to step out since I did. I learned to deal with Amanda being around; I just made it clear I didn't like her very much. My reasoning was rational in my mind; what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her.

No one answered. I walked through the entire condo. She was nowhere to be found. I reached into my pocket for my phone and swiped the screen to Regina's number. I pushed
Call
. It went straight to voicemail. Maybe I was right, maybe she did go to that fucking sex party. I didn't bother to leave a message. I removed my suit and tie and got into shorts then headed to the bar hidden in the living space. Pouring a full glass of twenty-year-old Scotch I thought would settle the anger brewing within.

A couple of hours passed and half the bottle of Scotch went with it. I checked my phone: no alerts. I wasn't mad anymore. I was more regretful and ashamed of what I did with Amanda. It was long ago and I was happy that she kept it to herself. I really had to commend her and should have been more tolerant of her friendship with Regina. It was two in the morning and no calls or messages from Regina. As I picked up the phone an alert pinged. It was a text message with an attachment.

I smiled. Regina was sprawled out on the sofa, arm hanging off the edge. She didn't go! It meant a lot to me that she didn't go. I didn't like it that she was over there, but it was better than where I thought she was. I slowly stood up; my head was spinning with the room. I quickly sat down to slow the room down. “I guess I drank more than I should've.”

 

 

I woke up the next morning with a stiff neck and a slight headache. I tried to stretch out my neck to relieve the tension, but it only made it worse. “Great!” To my surprise I heard the door unlock.

“Mark, did you leave already?” Regina called out before the door slammed shut.

“Whoa, can we keep it down a notch? I know your head is hurting just like mine. Please.”

I saw her look to the Scotch bottle. “One of those nights, huh?” She dropped her purse and took a seat next to me.

We sat in silence for a few minutes.

“I'm sorry, Regina. I don't want you to feel spending the rest of my life with you is a chore. I also don't want to feel as if I'm not enough. Am I enough for you?” I looked directly into her eyes. “I love you unconditionally no matter what you do.”

“Of course you're enough. Why are you asking me that? I'm pissed that you don't want to be involved in any way.”

Her eyes darted back and forth from me to the framed picture of us on the wall. I had to understand why she did the things she did to me. I reached for my phone and swiped the screen to my e-mail. I opened the invite. I must have opened this a million times last night staring in wonder. It was very secretive. There was only a number and some simple instructions. When I called the number a very explicit message was heard: “Fuck Me If You Can event will be held tonight. Please confirm attendance no later than nine p.m. at 669-6780.” I placed it in her lap.

Regina picked up the phone and started to cry immediately. “Please, Mark, please . . .”

“Please explain this. It's important that you tell me the truth.” Her face was red and the bags under her eyes were more noticeable.

“It's . . . it's . . . it's . . .” She was caught and her expression gave it away.

“Don't lie to me, Regina, tell me what this is.”

“It's an invite to a party. An exclusive party.” She started to walk away trying to leave it at that.

“Party? It's more than just party. I know what kind of party this is. Now tell me why are you're getting invited to these types of parties? Tell me, Regina, have you been with someone else?”

“How do you know what type of party it is? And how did you get this e-mail? Did you go to one of these parties? Are
you
seeing someone else?”

Typical of her to turn everything around on me.
“There you go. It sounds to me like someone's darkness came into the light. I fucking called the number.”

“Mark, you don't know what you're talking about. It was a party I was invited to and when I went I saw what kind of party it was and left. Now, they e-mail me all their events. It's not an issue. Question is how did they get your e-mail address? You must've gone to one yourself for them to send you an invite. So which is it?” The tears clearly stopped, and her glare was piercing.

I knew what she was doing. “Regina, you're not going to turn everything around on me. I don't know what you're doing behind my back. We've already started our life together. We've already lived as husband and wife for years, and only because this marriage certificate is so important to you, I'm willing to go through it. But we can't move forward if you can't tell me the truth.”

“I'm not doing anything behind your back, Mark. I want to be married, but not like this. I feel like I'm forcing your hand. I mean, telling me I would have to decide and pay for everything sounds obviously forced. I don't want that.”

She was right. I didn't believe any of Amanda's accusations and if I was going to do this then my heart needed to be in it 100 percent. “I do want it, but I want everything a marriage has. I want kids. I don't want to adopt. I want
our
kids and there is a way it can be done. Are you willing to give me everything?”

Regina's eyes closed. “You know I can't have kids. Why would you—”

“We can have kids. There is a doctor in California who can make it happen. We may have to relocate for six months, but that doesn't matter. We can afford to do that. I may have to make some trips and forth, but I don't care about that.”

Her eyes opened with defeat. “You really want kids? Do you know how hard it will be? How can you be sure this doctor doesn't take your money for six months and blame me for not being able to have a baby? I'm not willing to be put on an emotional rollercoaster. Are you ready for that outcome?”

“Yes, are you willing to take that ride with me? I can't and won't do it without you.” I was on pins and needles waiting for her response. If she said yes, then my life would be complete. If she said no, then I would learn to live with a missing puzzle piece. Her silence worried me. I grabbed her hand and looked into her eyes. “Can we just try?” I couldn't read her expression.

“As long as this wedding is a combined effort not just one-sided. Agreed?”

I pulled her into my arms and hugged tighter than ever. “You've just made me the happiest man in the world. My hangover has disappeared. How's yours?”

She pulled back and tilted her head. “How did you know I was drunk?”

“Amanda.”

“Of course. What did she say?”

“Nothing. She sent me a picture of you passed out on the sofa. Why don't you go take a shower while I go get us something to eat, then we can go pick out your ring.” I landed a big kiss on her lips and headed to the bedroom to throw on some sweats.

 

 

I spent the rest of the day with my future wife. My credit cards were being worked to the max even after the $1.5 million I spent on her engagement ring and wedding band. I, on the other hand, opted for the simplest band: no diamonds, twenty-four-karat white gold with our initials inscribed on the inside. We stopped at all her favorite showrooms and she placed orders for the next two seasons.

While she raved over the next season's designs I called the doctor in California and set an appointment for the next week. I noticed the excitement was not there.
How can she not be excited? We're about to have a family.
I had to shake the negativity in mind and concentrate on the positive. I was going to have everything—a family.

Making Mark eat his words was the last thing on my mind. Making sure he sold the property out was my priority besides getting a taste of him. His first clients should have called him already to put a bid in. I only hoped he didn't take it personally since he met them the night before. Yes, there was a possibility of damaging our relationship businesswise, but I didn't care about that. I would've had him if his girlfriend didn't walk in on us. Well, maybe that was a good thing or else there wouldn't be a relationship at all from her near-murderous glares she gave me last night.

Maybe I came on too strong, but I loved seeing her squirm, defending her territory as such. The game of getting the prize was the ultimate desire for me to conquer. The hint of her knowing my intentions enticed me even more. I wasn't ashamed of what I did or what I was known for. My brothers were though. Charlie always seemed to pick up the pieces after I demolished the secret sanctity of life's moral compass. Honestly, it was more fun when they were married. The rush of getting caught, lying, and scheming just to get it on was in fact the high I craved.

I tried dating regular guys; it never seemed to work out. There was always an emotional tie: needing more access to my life, emotions, displeasures, future goals, etc. When they already had an emotional attachment to someone else the hunt was on. There wasn't any satisfaction if they weren't attached. This way there was no need to divulge my life's goings and comings, future goals and achievements. If it weren't for my family my butt would probably be living abroad hiding from all the hurt I'd caused. Everyone had a price and it never surprised me when the wife or longtime girlfriend took the lump sum to keep their mouths shut and wait until I was ready to give him back.

I didn't wake up every morning and say, “Let's see whose life I can fuck up today.” The only men I felt on common ground with were those who were already seasoned in their prime. Some were easier to tamper with than others and then there were those who took discretion to another level. I didn't know why these games gave me such a thrill, but I surely wasn't about to stop. My wealth was enough to spread around; besides, my tenacity wouldn't allow me to stop. It was part of my persona for the moment. Settling down wasn't on my calendar anytime soon.

I was sitting in my office thinking of Mark when my fingers involuntarily dialed his number. It rang three times before it was sent to voicemail purposely. “Hello, Mark, I wanted to check in with you and see how everything was going. I hope I didn't cause any trouble with your wife. It looked as if she left abruptly. Anyway, call me when you can.”

That was strange. He had a thirty-day deadline and the clock was ticking; why wouldn't he pick up the phone? I had to be honest with myself; his wife made me curious for the first time. By her eye cutting and fake interest, I didn't have any doubt that she was well aware of my objectives. When she didn't make an uproar upon her entrance, it had me questioning myself: What was her game? How was it that they'd been together so long, yet he hadn't married her? She wasn't ugly or out of shape so why hadn't he taken her off the market yet? There was something holding him to her. What was her flaw?

I wanted to find out her last name so I could look into her, but I would have to go to my brother, Charles. I wasn't going to ask Mark; it would only make him reconsider my main purpose. It wouldn't be my fault if his girlfriend/wife found out; that would make him sloppy. Since my intent was clear to her, she should be working out a defensive plan. It was only fair I knew who I was playing against.
This should be fun!

Two days had passed since Mark purchased my ring. It was eight carats, round shape, color grade D, and internally flawless with an ideal cut. I walked away after I told Mark that was the one. I didn't want to hear how much it cost. I knew the right questions to ask to ensure the rings that were put before me came with hefty price tags. The band was simple, diamonds all around, same clarity and equaling four carats. It was something spectacular to see. The brightest rock I'd ever seen. It was grand. It was perfect.

Even with the atmosphere shifting to my enjoyment there was still the precarious position I walked in on. Did she not know he didn't have a weak bone in his body? She would definitely have to step up her game. I expected to be treated with respect. The Mark I knew wouldn't fall for a trap like that. I prayed he knew better. There was still a 10 percent doubt after he showed me that invite. There was only one way to get that: a member had to vouch for you.
Who did he go with? Was he there?
After that whole incident I unsubscribed to the e-mail blast and never saw another invite. I had to keep my promise to God. I was going to be the perfect wife. No more.

Mark was out the door by six this morning to meet clients for back-to-back meetings starting at seven o'clock. It was just a little past seven when I finished my coffee.
His meeting shouldn't take longer than an hour each.
Today I was picking up my ring.
A surprise brunch with his future bride would be perfect to show it off,
I thought. I stared at my empty ring finger and said, “You won't be bare anymore.”

 

 

Its radiance reminded me of how much money was put forth for my happiness. “It's perfect, Giovanni, just perfect.” I wallowed in the envy brewing around me. I held my hand out displaying its beauty.

“Is Mr. Sands around?”

“No, is there a problem? He told me I could pick it up today.”

“No, no, there's no problem. It's paid for in full the day you picked it out. I would just feel a bit more comfortable if you had an escort. You have rare beauty and—”

“Say no more, Giovanni, I understand fully. Do you have a car service you trust?” I smiled at his concern.

“No, but if it's okay with you I can have my nephew take you home or have it delivered to Mr. Sands this afternoon.”

“Giovanni, you're so kind. It's not like I'm taking public transportation or anything, but if you insist, you can have him walk me to the garage across the street.”

“It would make me feel better. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you because you stepped out of my store with a new accessory.”

“Giovanni, it is insured, correct?”

“Of course, but Mr. Sands would never forgive and I would lose his business altogether.”

“I get it. Go ahead and get your nephew.”

“Thank you, Ms. Clay. Can I offer you anything while you wait? It'll be about five minutes before he can escort you.”

“No, I'm fine. Just don't keep me waiting. I want to meet Mark before he gets all tied up.”

“No problem. Have a seat.”

I couldn't stop exhibiting my new addition. I already felt the hate piercing my skin.

“Oh, that's beautiful, honey. That's nothing but love or a ‘I fucked your best friend, please forgive me' ring,” an older woman said approaching me.

No, she didn't just say that!
“It's only love, nothing as low as that. It was my pick.”

“Congratulations, but take it from me, you will be paying for it one way or the other. Take it from someone who's experienced it all. He'll throw it in your face one day. If he doesn't then you, my dear, have found a man every woman has dreamed of.”

Before I could discredit her blatant jealousy, Giovanni appeared with the younger version of him. “Ms. Clay, this is my nephew Anthony. He will escort you to Mr. Sands.”

I extended my hand to greet his nephew. Then I turned to the woman talking smack. “Will you need an escort after your purchase as well? I will be more than happy to wait for you.” I smirked at her.

She smiled and said, “Oh no, darling, my escort owns the store. Hello, Gio.”

Well, she shut me up instantly. I took what happiness I had left and walked to the door with Anthony following close behind me.

 

 

“Knock, knock,” I said as I tapped on Mark's office door. I pushed the door open to find him sitting at his desk distracted by his computer screen. He didn't even bother to look up. “Hello, Mark.” I held my hand out showing my ring off.

“Hey, what are you doing here? Were we supposed to meet?”

He was very surprised, but didn't even notice the ring. I held my hand directly in his sight. “Hello, Mark,” I repeated.

“It looks great. Do you like it?”

“Nope, I love it. Did you have something to eat yet? I thought maybe we could grab some brunch or something to celebrate and we could set a date.”

“Honestly, Regina, my time is so thin right now. I—”

There was another knock at the door. “Mark, I thought—”

Of course, I should have expected it!
By the look on Vanessa's face, her immediate plan was spoiled. “Well, hello, Vanessa, it's good to see you again. Did you guys have a meeting planned?” I made sure to causally smooth my brow with my ring finger.

“Oh . . . um . . . I was in the neighborhood and I just thought to stop by to check on the latest buy offer.”

She was lying straight through her teeth. The bag she carried told me different, but if she wanted to play we could. “Oh my goodness, what do you have in that bag? It smells exquisite.”

“It's just some platters my chef put together for me.”

“The latest offer? Vanessa, I talked to Charles this morning both meetings. I'm sorry I should have called you right after.”

“Well, Mark, why don't we go into the conference room, eat some of that food, and you guys can discuss the offer. Vanessa, I hope I'm not imposing on you. I'm just starving right now and at this point robbing anyone for a bite of something is not beneath me.” I laughed, covering my mouth with my left hand.

“Wow, Regina, that's a beautiful ring. You weren't wearing that extraordinary piece when we met. Is there a congrats in order for you guys?”

“Thank you, yes, we finally made it official. So, Mark will be completely removed from the market and adulteress eyes.” I giggled, hoping my subliminal words were loud and clear.

“I know what you mean. Congratulations to both of you. Mark, do you have time to go through the offer with me now?”

Mark's expression was priceless, watching two females staking their claims without a screaming or pulling hair throw down. I didn't think he'd ever been in a situation like that before. His body language showed me that he was too scared to move let alone agree to anything Vanessa said in my presence. It was best I took the lead. “Mark, I'll show her to the conference room, that way you can wrap up what you were working on.” I leaned over his desk and kissed his lips. “Don't take too long or else Connie will have to order you something from downstairs.”

I grabbed the bag out of her hand and guided her to the conference room.

“Wow, I didn't expect this,” she blurted out.

I turned off the nice-nice attitude. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing really, just an observation.” Her tone changed as well.

“Let's see what you were trying to seduce my future husband with,” I said emptying the bag. “Wow, caviar, eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, a bottle of champagne, hmmm, you went all out huh? It's still warm.” If looks could kill she would have been dead five minutes ago.

“Excuse me? Seduce your future husband?”

“Vanessa, you're not fooling anybody especially me. So stop trying to put Mark in a compromising position.”

“Don't tell me you're not sure of which side he'll end up on? Warning seems a bit insecure.”

I was ready to back smack her and throw her food behind her. I restrained myself. “Oh no, you just don't know Mark. He wouldn't, at least”—I cut my eyes at her—“not with you.” She had to know I wasn't stupid. I was positive I ruined another attempt.

“I wonder what prompted such an extravagant dedication since a few days ago it was bare. Maybe it's a cover for what's in store.” She took a seat across from me and dropped her $15,000 Hermès tote on the table. I only knew how much it cost because I had one myself.

“So are we going to continue to play nice or will I have to show you what's mine is certainly not up for grabs? If you're looking for . . . let's say some affection I can give you a number. He's into a whole lot of tricks just like you. He's costly, but don't worry he's worth it so I've heard.” I gave a chuckle.

Vanessa's brow rose as she put her hand over her mouth. “I'm surprised you would be on someone's rotation instead being the first.”

Was she dumb? I had to wrap this up before Mark walked into a cat fight with words. My cool wouldn't be the only thing lost. “Listen I get you want to fuck my man, but since I've called you out on your game then bow out as a real woman because next time you won't just receive a bottle.”

“Okay, so what do we have here? Ahh, man, this looks great, Vanessa. Thanks, I hope my wife here didn't impose. Please, if this was meant for someone let me know. I can have Connie get something delivered over there. Too bad it won't be as good.”

“No trouble at all. My chef spoils me. Please enjoy.”

“So what brings you on this side of town? Aren't your corporate offices downtown? I could've sworn Mark mentioned that to me.” I saw Mark's eyes widen.

“Yes, but I had some business to attend to near here. It was convenient. Is there a date set?”

“Yes, my birthday. I want it to be special and I don't want to get clocked over the head for forgetting it either,” Mark replied with speed.

I kept a poker face.
We never discussed a date. There could be only one reason why he's so quick to pull the trigger. He knows that I know where her boundaries lie.
I stuffed my mouth to keep me from reacting to his response.

“How sweet and smart. Regina, don't take it personal, most men forget meaningful dates.”

I stopped chewing to throw her an annoyed smirk then continued eating ignoring her words.

“So, Mark, do you have the paperwork on that offer?”

“Yes, it's right here for you to look at.” He handed her a manila folder. She didn't open it; instead she looked at me in a calculated way.

“I'm really sorry to do this, but I have to. Regina, please don't take this personally, but can I ask you to leave? My legal department would kill me if they found out you were in the room while we were discussing pending offers. You do understand don't you?”

I almost bit my tongue. I had to put a smile on and suck it up. “No, I completely understand, an agreement was signed. Sure, can you refrain from business for just a few more minutes, though? I'm almost finished eating.”

“Vanessa, I think she's okay.”

Was he begging her? “Mark, it's fine. We can talk about the wedding for a few minutes. I'm thinking Greece or maybe somewhere in the Caribbean, what do you think?” I asked rubbing it in.

“Wherever you are it's okay for me.”

“Awww, that's so sweet, you two must be so in love, but you have to tell me what took you so long to ask her?” She was so manipulative.

“I wasn't ready.” I halted her third-degree assault toward Mark.

“I guess every woman is different. To each her own,” she admitted.

I refrained from shooting off at the mouth and simmered my temper with my last bite. “Mark, please don't make it a late night. We have a lot of things to do before heading to California to pick our prospective surrogate.” I shouldn't have given her any ammo, but deterring her persistence was on my mind.

“Surrogate? So you guys are having a baby as well?” Her fake smile burned me.

I pushed my container to the side and took Mark's hand in mine. “Yes, we are having a baby. Two if we're lucky.” I forced my joy squeezing his hand.

“You can't have kids, Regina? That must've been a struggle for you as a couple, in the beginning of course.”

Okay, she was reaching too far into the cookie jar. This had to stop or I was going to literally slap her head off. “Okay, I think you've been subjected to enough of us. I'll let you two get to your business. It was nice seeing you again, Vanessa. Maybe you'll be able to attend our wedding?”

“Oh I'm sure it will be beautiful, but unfortunately weddings are like hot, flowing lava for me.”

I had a sneaky suspicion why. I held my thought in. “Well, honey, I'll see you later.” I gave him a long kiss good-bye.
That should slow her tempo down.

I walked out of the conference room straight to his secretary. “Connie, first, you know I don't normally ask you anything, but, if you could, call me when she shows up or has any meeting with him? I don't trust that bitch. Mark I'm sure of, but her ass is definitely dangerous around my future husband.”

With certainty my cage was rattled, but she wasn't going to intimidate me into falling back to watch her destroy my impending future.