Page 32 of Hotwife
“I need to meet her and you need to tell me everything!”
Roars of laughter and animated story-telling filled my entire home. Melted cheese and spicy pepperoni replaced the scent of lemon cleaner.
And the grandfather clock sat silently listening, without a single rude interruption.
* * *
A few days passed. Days where my sister and Caroline moved in. Days where my texts from Desmond sat unopened and unanswered in my inbox. Days where Caroline and Odette helped me destroy my burner phone, forever saying goodbye to Ruby.
Ruby may be dead, but about Dorthea? What about the new girl, Queen? My heart fluttered, remembering Desmond’s pet name. I missed him. Even though my husband had been more attentive in between shifts at the hospital, I still missed Desmond.
“How are the plans coming along for the dinner party?” he asked me over a new manila folder one morning.
“Great, we’re all set for Friday,” my sister chimed in, taking a bite of scone.
“Thank you so much for letting us stay until we get on our feet, Dr. Winslow,” Caroline said. She was so polite and demure. A far cry from my sister, who still wiped her sticky, honey hands on her jeans.
“Please, call me Cedric,” my husband smiled, giving my hand a squeeze. “We’re family now. Stay as long as you like as long as you keep making that pasta bolognese.”
Caroline giggled. “My mama would be proud I’ve finally found a man to cook all of her Italian dishes for. Just… not in the way she thought.”
My sister laughed and held her wife’s hand. They were so goddamn cute together. And I was enjoying having my sister with me. We’d all three stayed up every night in the living room or in their room chatting, watching bad TV, eating junk food. It was the slumber party my soul needed.
Cedric left for work with a quick kiss on my head. He didn’t seem to mind the extra company at all. In fact, he seemed relieved, somehow. I knew he liked it, because he had enough funds to buy them an apartment if he wanted to, but I was beginning to feel like he enjoyed the extra fullness their presence brought to our dull and silent home as much as I did.
“So the catering is all set, and Caroline beasted the wine list. We’ve got music, appetizers-”
“And flowers,” Caroline added. “You’re going to love the centerpieces. I also hand mailed the invitations with all of the details. Your husband will be promoted on the spot,” Caroline stated confidently.
“Thank you guys. I hope so.” My mind wandered to that possibility. What if he got everything he wanted? What would a nine-to-five, normal, monogamous life look like with Cedric? My heart dropped a bit. Isn’t that what I wanted? And if so, why did it conjure up a storm in my soul each time I considered it?
My phone buzzed with a calendar reminder. “Shit, I’m late for the meeting of the doctor’s wives. You two good?”
“Yep, and I’ve already got your counterfeit muffins in your tupperware on the counter,” my sister smiled.
I grinned. “You’re the best.”
* * *
Slick hands slid over my steering wheel. Nerves. Would Desmond be there? Of course he would, it was his house, at least temporarily. But Eva had forbidden him from bothering us. It would all be okay. I’m sure he’d forgotten all about me by now, anyway. He probably had fifty flings on standby.
Shifting my car to park, I clutched my muffins and climbed out. My eyes flicked to the stairwell where I caught Cora’s gaze. She shot me a friendly wave. I bet she’d gotten the invite to dinner already. Apparently, her husband Simon was on the board of surgeons for the hospital and was a good guy to impress, along with Eva’s husband, the Chief of Surgery. No pressure. At least Cora and my sister would be there. I imagined they’d all get along great. Maybe I was overthinking it.
The coast was clear. All seemed normal. With a sigh of relief, I strode forward until a loud rumble trembled through the air.
Oh no.
My legs picked up their pace, but it was too late. A black motorcycle swerved right in front of me, blocking the walkway to the front door.
eleven
Desmond lifted the flap on his helmet, revealing his narrow glare. He looked mad. Sexy, dangerous, fucking hot mad.
“Get on,” he growled.
“Des, are you insane? Someone could see you. Us!” I screeched, my eyes darting up to find Cora still standing at the top of the stairs. Her eyes went wide, no doubt realizing who the man on the bike was. None other than Eva’s stepson. If she saw us out here like this it could be over for Cedric’s promotion. Eva’s vindictive nature would never let me forget it and she would be mortified.
“Then get on,” he commanded, not budging.