Cruel Beloved

“You aren’t poor, for one. And two, I have my reasons and at the end of this, I will tell you.”

“So, not before then?”

“No.”

“Do you have any feelings for me at all?” My legs squeeze tighter as I wait for his answer.

“No. None. You are a means to an end.”

“So, no sex?”

He smirks at that. “Not unless you initiate it.”

That won’t happen. Ever.

“Will you be sleeping with other people?”

“Yes.” My mouth opens at his words, but I say nothing. “It will be kept private. I will never flaunt them in front of you.”

My forehead pinches together. “Is that meant to make me feel better?”

“No. But I will give you as much truth as possible.”

“Isn’t that kind of you,” I say in a voice that is high but fake.

“Would you like me to come with you when you tell your parents?” He reaches for something in his pocket and slides it toward me on the table. I look to the familiar blue box.

“What is this?” I ask, even though I already know the answer. “Do I really have to wear a ring as well?”

“Yes, it has to be believable. This will make it believable.” Reaching for it, I open the lid. It’s beautiful. Simple. And everything I would have picked for myself, should I have had the opportunity. “If you don’t like it, we can exchange it.”

“It’s fine. It’ll do.” I close the box with a click and leave it on the table.

“Is that all? Anything else you want to know?” he asks while watching me. Whiskey doesn’t move, he simply sits there waiting and watching me.

“No. Not right now, but I’m sure there will be more.”

He pushes his chair out and stands, looking at me as he waits for me to walk him out. I don’t want to. Actually, I have no intention of doing that, so I wave my hand to the door, making him smirk. When I think he’s about to leave, he turns and strides back until he’s in front of me. His pointer finger reaches for my chin, lifting it until I am looking up at him.

“We could have fun with all this, you know. You don’t have to hate me. It’s nothing personal against you.”

Fucking hell! Whatever! His words shock me. Nothing personal? Um, last time I looked it was me on that CD and that’s awfully personal, right?

“Its best you leave before I slap you across that arrogant face. Wouldn’t want to fuck up that smirk, now would we?” I pull away from his touch.

“I like to be slapped, especially if it’s by a pretty girl like you.” He turns and walks to the front door. “You have my number, Carla, call or message me. I will be free anytime for you to tell your parents.” He turns to open the front door. “I look forward to their excitement.”

Then he leaves and the door closes with a soft click.

There will be no excitement, I can assure you.

My father will not be impressed at all with this news.

But I’m guessing the other news would hurt more than a stupid marriage.

7

Whiskey

“So, you’re getting married?” Barry’s sitting across from me with playing cards in his hands as he looks at me for a tell sign to see if I’m bluffing. I don’t bluff, ever. I win. He knows this and is trying to rattle me.

“Yes.” I give a simple answer while staring at my cards.

“And will I get to meet her soon?” Barry knows all the ins and outs of my life. He’s seen me fall then get back up and do it all over again.

“Yes. But I’m letting her announce to her family first.” I smile.

“Oh God, you really are going to fuck her over, aren’t you?” Barry shakes his head and sighs heavily. He wasn’t down for what I planned when I told him about it but knows why I’m doing it.

“No, I won’t.”

“Okay, so… what should I wear to the engagement party?” he asks, but there’s a definite smirk on his face. “Black? For… her… funeral?” He draws out the words and then laughs.

I look back at my cards as he lays his down. When I do the same, he swears. I laugh and pull all the money to me.

“Fuck.” Barry picks up his drink and downs it easily, then he waves the bartender over. “He’s paying,” he states while pointing to me, then he orders another round.

“I’ve given her almost a week, and she hasn’t contacted me.”

“You’ve been giving her time?”

I nod. I thought that was the respectable thing to do.

“How’s that going for you?” He laughs.

“I’m about to go over to her place after this.”

“Should I come, you know, for backup? And to meet my future wife.” He winks. “I mean, once she realizes what a catch I am she’s sure to jump ship.”