Marrying A Snapping Turtle

Let Go

Voices erupted as soon as Ida’s foot landed on the red carpet and a sea of lights blinded her as everyone swarmed in to get a good shot of her face. The event workers strained as they pushed back to keep the line.

Despite the blatant disregard for personal space, Ida smiled and waved. Kensley cupped the small of her back and escorted her past the reporters ignoring all the questions flung their way. The two gracefully but quickly made short work of the red carpet to enter the venue.

Once they passed through the doors leaving the din behind, Kensley dropped his hand behind her back and slowed his pace. He bent down and murmured only loud enough for Ida to hear, “Stay next to me.”

Ida nodded and kept a graceful smile as they made their way around the crowd with ease befitting their social status.

A certain group of actresses watched them from afar. Mandy quietly swirled her drink as she listened to the others gossiping.

“Who is that next to Kensley? He has never brought a companion to these events before.”

Mandy’s eyes narrowed as she studied the woman. Something about her was oddly familiar. The gait, the way she held herself…

“Oh look! She’s moving towards the restroom. Let’s go.”

Mandy stayed behind as the others flocked over, their malicious intentions clearly etched on their faces. Lost in thought, Mandy stood still for a moment longer before she brought the flute to her red lips and tipped the contents down in one go. Her slender manicured fingers stretched out, placing the empty glass down on a passing waiter’s tray and her three-inch heels clicked steadily against the marble floor as her slim figure cut through the crowd.

***

Ida had just finished her business and stepped out of the stall when she found a group of women assembling around the sinks, preening in front of the large mirrors. Ida only glanced their way briefly before walking toward an empty sink. As she busied herself washing her hands their not-so-subtle conversation caught her attention.

“Did Kensley kiss you on set?”

Ida’s eyes shot up to the mirror at the mention of her husband and she saw a blonde smirking at her. A brunette blushed and twirled her hair.

“Yes. He was so passionate,” she said dreamily, “Even after the director said “cut” Kensley continued devouring my lips.”

The women giggled as they glanced at Ida’s cold face.

Ida inhaled deeply, shook her hands dry, and grabbed a towel. It took all her self-control to refrain from engaging with the women. It was four to one and she knew better than to get into a fight she was bound to lose.

Just as Ida sidestepped the women to exit, one of them backed up suddenly and forcefully bumped into her. Shocked by the sudden push, Ida lost her balance and she instinctively threw her hands out to catch herself.

But she suddenly felt a jolt from her arm and looked up to see a beautiful redhead gripping her arm, steadying her. The woman’s cold expression only paused on Ida briefly before she turned to address the women.

“You guys almost made her fall.”

The blonde who had bumped Ida blushed, embarrassed. “Why are you standing up for a stranger, Mandy? It was just an accident.”

The other women murmured in agreement but Mandy frowned. “Even if it was an accident you should apologize.”

The blonde rolled her eyes in exasperation. “I told you it was an accident.”

Ida tugged on Mandy’s arm gently. “It’s fine. I—”

“Quiet!” Mandy cut Ida off, shooting her a stern look. She turned back to the four women. “You don’t even know her profession. What if she fell and sprained her ankle? If she was a dancer that could affect her career. If she was a surgeon or an artist, landing wrong and hurting her wrist could be catastrophic.”

The women shrunk under Mandy’s icy glare.

“I’m sorry,” the blonde whispered, then hurried out of the bathroom with the rest of the women.

Ida, a little dazed by the exchange, glanced at the backs of the retreating women and then back at Mandy. “Thank you.”

Mandy studied Ida carefully and Ida fidgeted under the intense scrutiny.

Finally, Mandy spoke, “Do I know you?”

Ida shook her head. Mandy’s eyes narrowed as she hummed, unconvinced.

Ida cleared her throat. “Well, I must be off. My husband is waiting for me…”

Mandy’s brows shot up to her hairline as she choked, “Husband?!”

Ida nodded.

“Is Kensley your husband?”

Ida nodded again, albeit slowly. Mandy was lost for words. The two women stared at each other in awkward silence until Mandy stepped aside and Ida nodded again in thanks before walking out of the restroom. Mandy raised a brow and looked at Ida’s retreating form. Ida wasn’t a drop-dead beauty, but she had her own charm. With a deep sigh, she straightened her shoulders and walked out of the restrooms.

***

Kensley lost track of Ida momentarily when he was surrounded by a group of actors. He saw her enter the bathroom but she took a while in there. When he looked over again, he saw a group of actresses hurry out with flushed faces. His eyes drew to slits as he committed their faces to memory.

“Excuse me gentlemen,” Kensley said half-heartedly. He broke away from the group and made his way towards the bathroom.

As he drew near, Ida walked out and they locked eyes. As if a weight was lifted from his chest, Kensley let out a sigh of relief.

“Making room for dessert?” he teased playfully.

Ida’s lips curled slightly as she looked at him in disgust. “Ew! Keep your voice down!”

Kensley chuckled and took her hand, placing it on his arm. “Okay, darling. Whatever you say—” His voice cut off when he noticed the flaming red hair behind Ida.

Ida looked up curiously. “What’s wrong?” She followed his gaze and found Mandy with a blank look.

“Oh! This lady, Mandy was it? She helped me out earlier. I almost fell and she happened to catch me.”

Kensley’s cold face seemed to soften after Ida’s words and he offered a quick thanks.

Mandy nodded briskly at Kensley but smiled at Ida and left the two without another word. Kensley’s eyes followed after her, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end like little antennas, ready for the signal to fight at any millisecond.

Ida glanced at Kensley and her mouth formed a pout. She jabbed him in the side with a finger.

“Hey. Eyes down here, bud. I’m your date tonight.”

Kensley quickly retracted his gaze and looked at Ida with innocent eyes. “Darling! It’s not like that!”

Ida sneered and gave a huff. Just as she was about to take her hand off his arm, Kensley pulled his elbow in and locked her hand between his chest and forearm.

Ida’s eyes widened and she smacked his arm with her clutch. “Let go, you ruffian!” she hissed.

He only grunted one word: “Never!”

Whenever someone came within earshot, the two kept up appearances with strained smiles but the moment they were alone, they resumed bickering.