Page 69 of Love is So Mean

Chapter 41

Enrique

Iwas mentally and emotionally exhausted after the gala. The argument with Yasmeena didn’t help because the heated moments are what remind me the most that she’s detached. She walked away in the middle of an argument then continued to act as if I didn’t exist. While I hate being ignored, I didn’t try to pick it back up. I just needed to get out of there. Going from one woman to another with no break in between has worn me out even with Yasmeena’s muted feelings.

I needed a break. A long one. After I left the penthouse, I did something I haven’t really done in years, took an extended vacation. I needed to take the time that I would’ve taken if my split from Emily was normal. I didn’t go anywhere exotic but I did want some time to be alone with my thoughts far away from Yasmeena’s world.

I didn’t know where I was going, I just got in my car and started driving to put distance between us. Seeing the airport gave me an idea that wasn’t there before. I purchased the first ticket I found. One car rental and two hours after landing, I settled in my mountain view cabin. It felt weird being there alone. It also increased my concern for her well being but I hadto come to terms with her handling the pain alone for a little while since my break was temporary.

The days melted together as I lounged around, worked out, or hiked while I thought about everything that got me to this point. I know I care about Yasmeena even if it isn’t love, and the things I feel for Emily are still present but not as strong. My deep reflection lasted for a month before Jeeves called me to summon me back to my life.

“Hello?”

“Enrique, bossman, el jefe..” he whined. “Please come back and hunch your wife or something.”

The word “hunch” made me laugh-something I haven’t done in a month. “Please tell me that’s not why you called?” I asked, ignoring the fact that in mention of fucking Yasmeena makes me crave that connection.

“No, you have a photoshoot in two days so you have to boot-scoot your booty back to Vancouver.”

“Been listening to country music again I see.”

“Ever since I booked that cabin.”

I laugh with a shake of my head. “So are you saying you miss me?”

“Hell, the entire company misses you. I have to wear jackets to work. It's so cold.”

I ignore his reference to Yasmeena’s demeanor since she and I haven’t tried to contact each other. I know one person who doesn’t miss me. “Okay, make the arrangements and send them to me.”

“On it,” He pauses like he’s trying to think of the right thing to say. “I hoped the break helped.”

My stress level is much lower but I’d be lying if I tried to pretend like I didn’t miss Yasmeena even if she didn’t miss me. My concern for her condition never really left me either.

“It did. Thank you.”

I hung up without further conversation since I’d gotten used to using less words.

Now, I’m standing outside of the venue in jeans and a t-shirt because I know with how Yasmeena operates, there are a minimum of three custom suits waiting for me inside. Even more, I know it’s time to face my wife for the first time in a month. Although I’m almost twenty minutes late, I take another moment to wonder if this photoshoot is the right thing for us to do with the state of our relationship; but I take a deep breath and open the door to step inside.

Matthew and Jeeves are talking to each other by the breakfast bar but stop once they see me. While Jeeves looks relieved, it appears that my presence seems to be an added layer of stress to Matthew.

His expression is tight as he tilts his head in the direction of some rooms. “You and Yasmeena are getting ready in the same dressing room.”

I simply nod and motion for him to lead the way. I give a brief wave to acknowledge the other people buzzing around the studio as I make the short walk to the room. Matthew opens the door for me then follows me inside.

I do my best not to groan in frustration when I see her. Yasmeena is sitting on the couch with her leg crossed to expose her thigh almost all the way up to her hip. Black stiletto thigh high boots compliment her look. I’ve always been aware of how beautiful she is but seeing her like this after not seeing her for a month is like a punch to the gut. I don’t have time to be aroused by her.

Yasmeena drops the papers she was reading into her lap, unknowingly showing me how much cleavage comes with that dress. I don’t know if her detachment would allow her to do something petty like purposely looking like walking seduction just to fuck with me. I feel all the stress returning.

“Hello, husband.” Yasmeena says, as she looks from her papers to me.

Now, I feel motivated to make her moan it, I’ve learned enough about Yasmeena to know her tone is cooler than normal.

“Hi.”

“Glad you could make it, twenty minutes or so, later.” Yasmeena enunciates every t in her sentence.

I grunt because there isn’t much I want to say beyond be happy that it wasn’t an hour. I look over to where three different suits are laid out with all the necessary accessories.