Cruel Beloved

“Okay, I’m ready. Let’s get this over with.” Carla didn’t redo her make-up, but she still looks absolutely beautiful.

“Your father has asked me again. He’s very keen for me to sponsor him.”

“You do what you want. Honestly, I couldn’t care less.” She grabs her purse and starts to walk to my car, so I open the door for her as she climbs in.

Leaning down, I look at her green eyes. They’re vibrant tonight, and I wonder if it’s him who put the sparkle there. “You should care.” Then I shut the door.

Walking around, I slide into the car. We go in complete silence. I probably should have started the conversation with ‘how have you been?’ instead of interrogating her. But I can’t help myself. I had to know. I keep tabs on her, and she leads a pretty simple life. It’s one she seems to enjoy—work, friends, and home. Guys notice her, but she doesn’t notice them.

Arriving at the venue, a red carpet is set up, and I smile.

“Is this a large function?” she asks, looking at the venue.

“Yes.”

She sighs but puts on the fakest of smiles as I walk around to her door and help her out. She places her hand in mine as the cameras start flashing as we walk toward the entrance. Dropping her hand, I place mine on the small of her back, she stiffens at my touch when we walk in.

When you’ve been to one of these, you’ve been to them all. And they eventually become redundant and lose the appeal they once held. Now, I’d rather be anywhere but here. I would rather be sitting at an IHOP with this woman on the other side of the table.

“You made it,” Barry exclaims. “And you look beautiful, Carla.” He nods to her.

She offers him a small smile, then turns away from him.

“Business first,” Barry says to me. “If you will excuse us, Carla, your father is over near table one.” Barry nods for me to follow him, and when I do, I turn around to see her not moving. Looking where her eyes are currently firmly fixed on, I stop. “Man, come on,” Barry says noticing I’ve stopped.

“Can’t.” I turn back just as he reaches her. Her smile is big. Overly large. I haven’t had a smile like that from her, ever. Chase reaches for her hand. Kisses it on one side and offers her a crooked smile. I should be the bigger man and let her go. Let her have the potential of falling in love. But I’m a cruel son of a bitch, and I don’t want to share. Not yet anyway.

Chase drops her hand as I walk up behind her. Carla doesn’t notice me, but he does. He straightens and the smirk that he held for her drops too. He doesn’t know me, but when I touch Carla’s back, he gets the message.

“The husband?” Chase asks, looking back to Carla.

Who now looks angry and it’s mixed with sadness.

“The husband indeed, and you are?” Chase offers me his hand, but I don’t take it.

“Chase. You got a keeper here, man. And a fine bartender at that.” He nods to Carla, and when he does, she blushes and then smiles and it touches her eyes.

“I know I do. But I’m sure anyone can pour a drink.”

Chase looks at me in surprise.

My hand stays put on Carla’s back, and I can feel that she stops breathing.

“Carla, you remember what I said.”

She nods, and Chase winks as he walks away. She pushes away from my hand, so I am no longer touching her.

“What did he say?”

Carla looks everywhere around the room before she speaks. Her eyes are angry, fiery, but a fake smile stays in place. Perfect.

“He still wants me, even though I’m married.” She turns, then looks back to me. “And if you degrade what I do for a living again, I’ll make you regret you ever opened your overly large mouth. Asshole.” Then she walks off over to her parents. Her father greets her as if she isn’t his daughter but a business venture. Her mother kisses each cheek, but not once does she touch her. It’s the fakest family I have ever seen. And that’s saying a lot living where I live.

“Man, you spoke to Chase. Holy shit. He’s an amazing drummer, the best actually.”

“That might be, but he’s a dick.” Barry shakes his head. “No way, he’s the total ladies’ man. I aim to be as cool as him one day,” Barry says, making me turn to face him.

“So, you want to fuck my wife as well?” I ask.

“What?” He looks at me, puzzled. “I mean, if she’s offering.”

I shake my head when he laughs.

“Chase wants to fuck your wife. Well shit! Chase usually gets what he wants.”

We both turn to look at her, and watch as she checks around and then she spots Chase. Her smile is back in place, and we watch as he winks at her.