Temporary Bride

Chapter 3

(The Sutherland Mansion; San Diego, October 4th 2021)

I am in my study, trying to get some work done, and so I told Mrs Koloski. I am standing in front of the window, staring outside and seeing nothing but hazel eyes and dirty blond hair. I heard the doorbell ring, and listened to the heavy tread of Mrs kolosoki's feet as she trudged to the hallway to open the door. I hear Madison's high-pitched voice as she asks Mrs Kolosoki if I am in.

" He's in the study." Mrs Koloski informs her and goes back to the kitchen.

" Thank you, I'll go up and say hi," Madison announced.

I listen to the clickety-clack of her heels as she climbs the stairs. She pauses outside the study to catch her breath, then knocks lightly on the door. I turn from the window, just in time to catch her, as she throws herself into my arms. She plants sloppy kisses all over my face. I pry myself out of her grasp and head to the mini bar, "let me pour you a drink," I tell her.

" Thank you, darling," she says, as she flops into the chair in front of the desk.

" I've got the evening all planned out, we're going to have dinner at the starlight hotel, have drinks at the wharf, and go to my place for a nightcap". She announced.

" Sounds fun, but I am busy tonight," I said, handing her a glass of Kir royale, her favorite drink.

" Busy, where are you going?"

"I'm not going anywhere, I have a lot of work to do, so I'm going to stay home and try to get some work done."

" More like reminiscing about Hazel's eyes and dirty blond hair," I said to myself.

" But it's Monday night, you're supposed to spend Monday night with me. You promised me last month, remember."

" I'm sorry Maddie, I just have too much work to do."

" To hell with you anyway, I know just where to get myself some company."

She picked up the purse she had dropped on the table and flounced out. Slamming the door behind her.

I shrugged and went back to the window, to continue my reminiscing.

" What's got her panties in a twist," Mrs Koloski asked, poking her head into the room, "she flounced out here like her underthings were on fire. Did you tell her she was getting replaced?"

" I'm getting married, Mrs Koloski,. I can't have different women hanging around me, wouldn't sit well with my wife."

She chuckled. " Why don't you come downstairs to dinner and tell me all about this wife of yours."

I scoffed. Mrs Koloski had been my grandfather's housekeeper for as long as I could remember. She was also the only person besides my grandfather who had ever tried to boss me around and was successful.

( The Registry; San Diego, October 6th 2021)

I looked in the mirror and didn't recognize the person staring back at me. The man in the mirror was a stranger, he looked so put together and poised, I. On the other hand, was being choked by my tie. Whoever had come up with the idea of getting married in a tux, ought to be hanged. Times magazine once called me the "most confident man in California '', but I don't feel so confident now. I had never been so nervous in my entire life." What are you getting yourself into?" I asked myself. I know it's crazy to talk about my reflections, but this whole situation is nothing, if not crazy. Staring in the mirror isn't going to give me any answers or help me feel better in any way, so I take a deep breath and turn around so Vincent, the wedding planner, can pin a carnation to my lapel. This is another Sutherland tradition; all Sutherland grooms wear a red carnation for their wedding.

My heart is beating so hard, it's a wonder it hasn't jumped straight out of my throat.

Vincent must have sensed how nervous I was because he goes out and returns with a gold liquid in a tumbler.``Bourbon," he says, handing it to me, " to calm your nerves." He continues. He is indeed a God-sent. I have to remind Williams to give him a hefty tip.

( Later that day: The honeymoon suite, starlight hotel; San Diego )

She's been in the bathroom for the past twenty minutes, she's been so quiet, I am afraid she's fallen asleep. I really should stop being a coward and go check on her. The warm water may have pulled her to sleep.

I stood in front of the bathroom door, took a deep breath, pushed open the door and froze.

The sight of her creamy and luscious-looking skin fries my brain and I forget why I opened the door.

I come back to my senses and realize she's waiting for me to talk.

" You'll turn into a prune if you don't come out of the hot water soon." I stuttered.

"I'll be out soon," she says.

" Just don't use all the hot water," I said as I closed the door.

Jeez, that was smooth, I tell myself as I give myself a mental kick.