Three

Cristina Flores is a twenty-eight year old woman who works as a secretary in a small law office in downtown Miami. She has just married Bo Alexander, a thirty-year old Chef who owns and runs Peridot, a new restaurant in South Beach. They have been married for two weeks now. She has returned from her honeymoon in Jamaica. It was Cristina’s first day back at work as the new “Mrs. Alexander.” She is never usually this nervous, but today there is a good reason. A special client is due today at noon… His name is Oliver Jones and he is seeking legal representation. He is English, gorgeous and, up until recently, was having an affair with Cristina. At 8:45 sharp, Cristina was already at her desk, she was stowing her purse and sipping the last of her coffee. She proceeded to sit down and turn her computer on to begin the morning shuffle. She had to admit to herself, after two weeks of lounging around and doing nothing, she felt a little sluggish, and she’d definitely need a colada from the café across the street later. Before she could even open the latest email from her friend Anne, there was a delivery guy headed towards her with a rather large basket. “Good Morning, I am looking for a… Ms. Cristina Flores?” “Yes that’s me, although now I’m married now, so I guess I’m a Mrs.” I said with a smile. I really hope I won’t have to correct anyone else today about my new last name… The delivery guy had a rather large basket wrapped in a pale pink cellophane. I had no idea who could’ve sent me this basket, especially at the office. Bo knows better than to send me anything here, I don’t like the extra attention from my co-workers. “Sign here please, and that’s it. Have a good morning Mrs. Enjoy.” The quite large dark brown basket was filled with an assortment of Godiva chocolates; there were truffles, chocolate covered strawberries, even cookies. There was also a card attached with my name written in an elegant font. I opened it cautiously and then read this: Cristina, Nothing has changed, I am still yours and you are still mine. I am not angry, nor do I question your decision, You must know this; it has been agony these last weeks not seeing you. Please do not deny me any longer, I must see you. I need you. I’ll see you soon… I love you, Oliver So now the mystery was solved, it was not Bo who sent me this lavish gift, but Oliver, I should’ve guessed as much, he still refused to acknowledge me by my married name. Oliver… My Ollie, what was I going to do about him now? I miss him… now; it’s funny that on my honeymoon I didn’t. So now he’s sending me gifts, and at work, apparently, he knows better than that. I had officially moved in with Bo. We were now living in Brickell in a nice gated condominium complex. I changed my cell number before I went on my honeymoon so I wouldn’t get any calls or texts from Ollie. He must be so hurt right now because of that. In spite of his pain, he sends me chocolates; he said once, “Chocolate is an aphrodisiac, eating it feels like falling in love.” Did he think I no longer loved him? “Cristina…Good Morning Mrs. Alexander… Cristina?” Mrs. Wells waved her hands about in front of my face. I was in such a daze I didn’t even notice Mrs. Wells, my b***h of a boss calling me, I snapped out of it in time before she could step around the front of my desk and see me holding the card in my hand. I quickly shoved it under my keyboard. “Good Morning Mrs. Wells, sorry I didn’t hear you, can I help you with anything?” I hope she didn’t notice the slight hysterical tone in my voice. “I’m glad you’re back, we missed you around here, and there was utter disarray in the office this last week without you. How’s married life treating you?” she asked with a broad smile. Her teeth were extra white this morning; I suspect a trip to the Dentist for a bleaching. I wonder if I held a black light over her how bright her teeth would be. “It’s good, all my stuff is in the new place so I have unpacking to look forward to later, but it feels good to be finally home.” I hope she doesn’t expect any further details; I’m really not in the mood today for chit-chat, even if it is with the Boss. “Well, today might be a little hectic. We have a potential new client. He will be here at noon, so I will need the conference room ready and stocked along with the standard forms to be issued.” Mrs. Wells demanded. “Okay, I’ll get right on that, Mrs. Wells.” I said with a small internal sigh. It’s going to a long day and its only 9:15… Before she scooted off down the hall she took notice of the basket with the chocolates. Here is the chit chat I wanted to avoid. “Well, what’s this? Is that for big basket for me?” she inquired with a little too much enthusiasm. “Actually… it’s for me, a belated congratulation basket from my friend Anne.” I said in a low voice. “Oh. That’s nice of her, how very thoughtful. I love Godiva Chocolates, they are quite tasty.” She said, her face had fallen a bit, I guess she did actually think they were for her, since I never received any deliveries here, not so much as flowers on my desk, in the three years I’ve worked here. “Yeah, I know, she’s a sweet friend.” I said with a small flush. “Well, if you need any help eating those, you know where my office is,” she said with a laugh. She quickly turned away from me and continued down the hall to her office. I had to set the large basket down on the floor and partially kick in under the desk; I didn’t want to keep explaining where it came from or who sent it. It’s a good thing that Bo works late tonight at the restaurant. I could stash this in my closet later, and thank goodness we have separate closets. I got back to my email from Anne, and proceeded to send her one in return. Anne is my best friend; we’ve been friends since we were twelve. We could tell each other anything and there were never any judgments. She knows about my affair with Ollie, she has met him before. Well, hell to be honest, she was kinda the reason we met. At first, she was happy for me. An affair always seems exciting to other people. After awhile though, when I fell in love with Ollie, she worried a little about me. She thought things would only get more intense and dangerous. But bless her heart; she’d always been my alibi when I needed one. So now I would fill her in, the week prior to the wedding, the honeymoon, and the basket. The week prior to the honeymoon was both joyful and sad. Joyful because the wedding went off without a hitch, all the details were coming together. The remaining missing family members had finally arrived from out of town; Bo’s parents from Key Largo, his sister and my sister from Kissimmee, and his younger brother from New York. Bo and I were from small families. The wedding kept me a little busy that week; Bo’s parents were in town, so that meant he was at the restaurant less. I had fewer excuses to be away from him. That’s why that week was sad. I didn’t get much time with Ollie. On Monday, the beginning of that first crazy week leading up to my wedding, I met Ollie at his place. He owned a large house in Coconut Grove, a beautiful four-bedroom Spanish Colonial. The stucco exterior of his home was a warm yellow; the roof has new red terra cotta tiles. The windows and doors all have large arches. His landscaping consisted mostly of palms and wild grasses. I once commented on how beautiful his house was and he gave me a wicked smile and laughed out loud. “What’s so funny?” I asked with a little confused smile on my face. “My realtor was intent on this being the house for me. I asked him why? It’s a little too big, and it’ll only be me living here alone after all. He then patted me on the back and said, Oliver, this house is a p***y magnet!” Ollie said, as they both turned red and laughed out loud again. He scrutinized my face to see if he had offended me. I blushed, I was not offended, but in the back of my mind I wondered how much p***y did this house provide Ollie with exactly? He waited patiently for my response, all the while smiling. “I’m not offended if that’s what you’re worrying about…” I finally managed to say. The truth was Oliver was very distracting, he was a gorgeous man, and sometimes it was hard to say no to him or even be mad at him. I guessed Oliver must’ve got away with a lot on account of his looks. Sometimes I wondered if he was going pull the rug out from under me one of these days. So here I was waiting for Oliver on his Moroccan tiled porch. I was sitting on a black intricately designed metal bench, surrounded by his potted plants. He was running late. I would’ve waited inside for him; I had a key, but not today. Today I just wanted to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine. I needed to take deep breaths. Ollie was a paramedic; he would work long hours, and had a hectic, erratic schedule. He sometimes had all day to dedicate to me, but other days, he was off doing his hero stuff. I have to admit, the life-saving thing was a turn on. Sitting there waiting for him to get off work, I began to think about the first time I had met Oliver. Things felt so different now. He’s changed so much. Ollie drove out in his very expensive car and was surprised to find me outside. His long legs crossed the distance between us in three steps. He was very excited about seeing me. He grabbed my face and kissed me hard on my lips. I never craved a kiss before as much as his. Something about the feeling of being his made any attention he gave me disregard everything else. “Why are you sitting outside? Is something the matter?” he said, confused. “I just wanted some fresh air. How was work?” I could barely make eye contact. “It was kinda slow, no worries. Come inside.” He grabbed my hand and unlocked his door. He threw his keys on the console table in the foyer and dragged me upstairs. Once upstairs, he appeared more relaxed, he took his shoes off and let his hair down. I sat on the bed and looked down at my left hand. I started playing with my engagement ring. “I thought I told you I didn’t want to see that sodding thing on your finger!” he was agitated. “I forgot.” I hadn’t taken it off just yet. I only stared at it. Finally, I pulled it off my finger; I had to tug at it a little because it didn’t want to come off. “Better?” I didn’t look him in the eye, it used to be that all I wanted to do was to stare into his dark eyes, but now I felt so horrible I couldn’t. “Why are you acting so strangely? And you could look me in the eye, you know, that really hurts my feelings. Do you think this is easy for me Cristina, do you know how much I love you?” he sat down next to me and put both his hands over his face. He was frustrated. I rubbed his back slowly, hoping he would relax. I started pulling my fingers through his long auburn hair. He always loved that. It was only Monday, the wedding was Saturday. He still had the whole week to look forward to. I cleared my throat. “Ollie, I’m sorry, but there’s no going back now. You knew this was going to happen from the very beginning. I love you too, I do. Please look at me…” he still had his face hidden in his large hands, when he raised his head to look at me, his very lovely eyes were sad. They were black and glossy. I leaned in to hug him; he held me tight and buried his head in my hair. We held each other for a long time. He freed his grip on me and seized my face in between his hands so I could look at him. “Are you trying to end this, do you not fancy me anymore?” “Of course I do, I don’t want to end it. I love you.” I kissed him and stroked his hair. “It’s going to be bad this week. I’m really busy and he’ll be around more. I won’t see you much this week. We just have to cool it a little.” “So not only is he taking you away for two weeks, but he’s also taking the little time I get to spend with you this week? Well, that’s just bollocks! And why are you acting like a bloody manic or something? Why are you treating me like this, Cristina, like you’re trying to chuck me? I dunno what to say.” He started to get worked up. I can’t blame him. Maybe he’d end it instead and we could still walk away with minimal damage. “I’m trying to be realistic, the wedding is Saturday, all of our families are here. He will be around almost everyday, I can’t get away. He will get suspicious. Do you want to start problems for me? Just take it easy this week. We still have today; I can stay for an hour. Or I could go. Which do you prefer?” “Stay. I just don’t want to lose you, I don’t want you to go away and come back a stepford wife…I want us to still continue even after you’re married. Will you still want me?” he searched my face for some kind of answer. I felt immensely guilty. He thinks this is the end. In a way, it sort of is. Things are going to change between us. I stared into his dark brown irises, he looked so sad. I started to unbutton my blouse. He sat still on the bed. When my shirt was off and he made no apparent move to undress, I froze. “What?” “I’m absolutely knackered, I don’t think I can. I’m sorry.” I started to get up. He was going to be difficult. Classic Oliver, when things don’t go his way he reverts to being a spoiled brat. I got up off the bed and reached for my blouse. “Where are you going? He looked insulted. “I’m going home. I can’t be with you when you get like this.” I started to put my shirt back on. I got my ring out of my back pocket and slid it on. That did it. “What ya think you’re doing? So s*x is all you want from me, is it? I won’t give you any and you’re off to that daft bastard! Am I your play thing Cristina? I’m a bloody person, I have feelings too and you’ve now shat all over em!” he was yelling at me. He wanted to argue. I turned around to face him. His face was hard, his eyes burned black with intensity. I pushed him down on his massive bed and straddled him. He sat up trying to push me off, but I held on. I jammed my hands into his hair, grabbed two fistfuls and yanked his head back. He grunted in protest. “Now you listen to me Oliver, I am not using you for s*x. I am in love with you. I love you. It breaks my heart to see you so sad, but you’ve known what was going to happen from the start, so you can stop the angst. It drives me crazy when you act this way! That’s why I was leaving. It is true that I want you right now. I can’t help that. I think about you all the time, I think about us together and it drives me wild. I want to be with you. If you still want me after all of this wedding business is over, then I’m yours. If you don’t, then I’ll never bother you again, just stop making me feel like s**t okay.” My hands relaxed and I released my grip on him. His eyes calmed down and his body was less tense. He hugged me tight suddenly. “I’m sorry. I know you’re tired of hearing it; of course, I still want you. I love you so much Cristina, I would rather have half of you than nothing at all. I’m sorry if I'm a blithering idiot.” He kissed my collarbone. “And I’m sorry for the ridiculous accusations. I know you want my hot body, you can’t help that, there’s no shame in admitting it you know…” I started laughing. The tension was broken. “Am I forgiven?” he put on his most sincere face. “I forgive you…tosspot.” I smiled and he started laughing at me. “Now will you please stay and let me f**k the s**t out of you?” he wagged his eyebrows up and down and grinned. “Okay if you insist.” I turned red. The hour I had with him went by slowly. I was grateful for that. I won’t see much of him this week. I drove home in a daze. I had to get back and finish packing. I will be moving in with Bo soon. On Tuesday I could only speak to Ollie on the phone. I was busy at work and the last of the wedding details had to be finished. I also had to entertain my in-laws, a daunting task. Bo’s parents were nice enough. His father was smitten with me, but his mom, cordial as she was, had a little twinkle in her eye that got my paranoia going. I think she saw through me. Or maybe that was me overreacting as usual. Wednesday felt like a long day. Work seemed to drag. Mrs. Wells wouldn’t have me around for two weeks, so I was swamped with extra paperwork. More phone calls to Ollie... I couldn’t see him because Bo and I would be having the rehearsal later that evening. I was distracted the whole night. I missed Oliver. I missed his clean, crisp smell, his cinnamon flavored kisses. The way he knew how to touch me just right, I missed his voice. I missed his too tight embraces, like he was trying to merge us into one person. I felt a pinch on my butt all of sudden that brought me back to the dinner table. “What are you thinking about?” Bo said with a little smile on his face. “I’m kinda tired from work. My slave driver boss won’t leave me alone. I was thinking about us lying on a hammock somewhere with fruity drinks and calypso music in the background…” I sighed. Bo started laughing and bent his head to give me a soft kiss. Bo’s kisses felt so different now with Ollie in the picture. I kept waiting for the cinnamon taste that would never come. That made me sad a little. I still loved Bo, I yearned for him too, but Oliver was changing me in ways that were scary. I was looking forward to the honeymoon. I wanted to cater to Bo; I wanted to make him feel good. He looked so handsome tonight and he wore that cologne that I loved. I kissed him softly, he liked that very much, and his bright green eyes sparkled. “I can’t wait to marry you.” He whispered in my ear. I gave him another kiss. As I turned my attention back to our guests, his mom caught my eye. She smiled at me, but her eyes were serious. I smiled back and lowered my eyes to my plate of food. She definitely saw through me. I wonder if she would tell her son before the wedding. Or even worse, pull me aside and call me out for the cheating liar that I was. When dinner was over I walked my parents to their car. “Bye Mami, Bye Papi.” I gave them a hug and a kiss. “Bye Nena…” they said together. “Bye Suegros,” Bo said to them in his perfect Spanish accent. In all of our time together he actually learned to speak Spanish. He also learned to cook good Cuban cuisine. Some of my favorites were added to his restaurant menu. My parents said their farewell to Bo and his parents before getting in their car and driving off. Bo’s parents said goodbye to their son, and then they came to say it to me. “Goodnight Cristina, we had a lovely time tonight, your parents are delightful.” Mr. Scott Alexander said to me smiling and kissing me on the cheek. “Thank you, Goodnight Scott.” I was allowed to either call him dad or his first name. I chose the latter of the two. Mrs. Patricia Alexander came to say goodbye to me next. I was instantly apprehensive. “Goodnight Cristina, it was a pleasure meeting your parents. If there is anything you need or want to talk about before the wedding, you can call me OK sweetie.” She kissed me on the cheek. “Sure, thank you for the generous offer.” I smiled and turned to look at Bo who was beaming. His parents got in their own car and drove off. I wouldn’t be calling her anytime soon, that’s for sure. Bo wrapped his arms around me. I turned to hug him. He smelled so good. He lifted me off my feet as usual to give me a big kiss. I never knew I would find anyone who could quite literally sweep me off my feet. He set me down, “I’m so glad everyone got along. I was hoping it wouldn’t turn into a Jerry Springer episode.” He said laughing. “My parents have always loved you; they couldn’t be happier that you’re finally marrying me. I think your parents are great. They seemed to like me….I think.” “My folks think you’re amazing. I love your parents, your dad is hysterical, and your mom is so sweet and thoughtful. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” He caressed my face. “I love you so much Cristina, I’ve loved you from the first moment I saw you. Thank you for choosing me.” His forehead creased a bit. “I love you too Bo, of course I would choose you, who else would there be silly? I want to take care of you and make you happy. I can’t wait to start my life with you.” I stood on my tippy toes for another kiss. He picked me up again and swung me around. His mood had lightened so I guess my answer must’ve pleased him, why he seemed worried all of a sudden took me by surprise. Did he suspect something; did his mother mention my odd behavior? Bo drove me back to my apartment and walked me to my door. One more kiss goodnight was all I could get. He said he had to go home and take a cold shower immediately. Bo was being very reserved these days; he wanted to make this experience more romantic by denying us the most basic of needs. I unlocked my door and went inside for the night. It was a very long day. I looked around my little apartment that was my home for as long as I could remember. I would be living with Bo soon; sure he was a bit too compulsive when it came to tidiness but nothing that could cripple our relationship. I started to think about my life if I never met Bo, would I still have met Oliver? I didn’t think so. I couldn’t even picture a version of my life without Bo. It felt like such a powerful connection when we met. I couldn’t even picture him with someone else. I could picture Oliver with someone else. Oliver seemed like the type of person who could move on if things didn’t turn out his way. That scared me, the thought of him getting tired and leaving me, or even meeting another woman, I wouldn’t fight it if that happened. Thursday was a quiet day. My sister and I went to see the caterers and the florist. Everything was finalized. I had my final dress fitting later on in the afternoon. We picked up Anne and Molly, Bo’s sister, so they could join us. Molly was a lovely girl. She had a lot in common with my older sister Carmen. They even lived a few miles away from each other in Kissimmee. After our errands were all done, we went to go eat at Peridot. In the bathroom stall of the restaurant, my phone rang. I looked at the caller Id and my heart jumped in my throat. It was Ollie. “Hello?” I said in a low voice. “Cristina…Where are you? I need to see you today.” He said in a demanding voice. “I’m having dinner with some people. I can’t it’s too late tonight. I should go. I can’t talk right now.” I whispered into the phone. “You can see me after you’re done with them. Come straight away to my house. Stay for a little while. Please. I need to see your face.” He was pleading with me. I did want to see him. It was already getting late. Friday would be chaotic enough, with Bo’s bachelor party and my own bachelorette party. My nerves would be shot anyway. I would see him; this could be the last night I would have with him. “I’ll meet you. Give me another hour ok?” I felt incredibly nervous. “I see you in an hour.” The rest of dinner went smoothly; nobody noticed anything unusual about my absent minded behavior. We were discussing the party and what kind of stripper I wanted. I didn’t want a stripper, I didn’t want a party. I just wanted to feel normal again. I wanted a moment to myself.