Page 51 of Love is So Mean
In fact, I’m surprised that Yasmeena isn’t here more often.
“What?”
“I said what’s your favorite thing to eat for dinner.”
I don’t know why I’m thinking about it. We’ve had a month of meals together and I know what she’s willing to eat but not much of what shelikesto eat.
“I don’t have a favorite.”
Surprised that I continue to be surprised, I turn and look at her, “There is nothing you prefer to eat for dinner over the other?”
“No.”
“Is there anything that sounds interesting but you haven’t tried yet?”
“I haven’t really had the time to think about it. I’m not spontaneous like that. Just choose what you like. I’m fine with it.”
“Any allergies?”
“Raw tomatoes. I can have them cooked but not raw so no BLTs for me.”
I nod thoughtfully, good to know. “I’ll get something simple today like pizza and tomorrow I’ll cook for you. How’s that?”
“Cook…for me? Why?”
“Because I want to. I like to cook sometimes and the thing I want takes hours. It’s too late today but it looks like our schedule is clear. Any objections?”
“Okay, you don’t want me to cook you something some other time, right?”
“Not unless youwantto cook something. I don’t have any expectations for you to cook. I just feel like cooking.”
“No, I don’t cook.”
“I can’t say that I’m surprised,” I admit. I shrug when she gives me an annoyed look. “You have a chef and you’re always at work, what other conclusion was I to make?”
I text Jeeves all the ingredients I need to cook the pasta dish I want. It brings an odd level of satisfaction since I haven’t cooked in awhile. Emily had a few dishes she would make but always wanted to eat out.
“None but that’s fine. What are you making?”
“Braised beef pasta with burrata cheese,” I announce, ready for the next day so I can eat it already.
This is one of the perks for being married to an emotionally detached woman, she’s not trying to get me to talk about my feelings. Mine are all over the place. I’ve done my very best toavoid the media coverage but knowing that the world is talking about me while I’m sequestered in a penthouse is weird.
“Okay and for now, let’s talk strategy about this secret that’s no longer a secret,” Yasmeena says as she walks off and goes to the bedroom area. She removes her heels and her dress as she keeps talking. “While Matthew is figuring things out with PR, we need to get our stories together. Can’t exactly tell people that it’s a forced marriage.” Yasmeena removes her bra and turns to me with her hands on her hips, leaving her in her panties. “Any suggestions?”
“Forced Marriage,” I say outloud to try the words out on my tongue. “Sounds like you held me at gunpoint.”
“There are worse things in life but okay maybe not forced marriage but transactional. We have to fix this image that they’re painting with you since we both know some people will make this about gender. Society is society but we have to face it head on… when we’re ready.” Yasmeena turns and walks further to the open wardrobe.
“Are we going to make it sound like a real marriage?”
“Yes, we don’t have a choice unless you have another idea? I’m open to listening.”
“It may be our only play but the timing is awkward. My biggest argument with Emily was that I didn’t cheat on her. We got married the day after she left me.”
Yasmeena stops searching for her clothes and looks my way. “You have to learn to stop giving a fuck, Enrique. You know the truth and if she doesn’t believe you while she’s been your girlfriend for years then I don’t know. Like I said, attributes are attached to a person’s character.”
“I don’t know how to turn off my feelings, Yas. Plus, my goal is to be honest and upfront with people. It bothers me that I now seem duplicitous. I agree that her faith in my character should have been stronger. It’s the sword I’m going to have to fall on tomake our secret work. I’ll have to look like a cheater for all of this to be plausible.” I’ve been watching Yasmeena undress the entire time. “Come sit on my lap.”