Drake wiped his eyes, placed the article back inside the blue album, and returned it to the shelf. Then he made his way to his bed, as thoughts of regret filled his head. If given a chance, he would have done so many things differently.
Chapter Six
Two for the Show
Amber glanced down at her watch for the hundredth time; it looked as if he wasn’t going to show. She had just left Annie backstage with the other cast members, and scanned the theatre for an empty seat near the front. Max was settled in the seat next to her. As he played a fish game on a muted iPad, Amber hoped it would keep him entertained long enough for her to at least see Annie’s part.
Ms. Wilson, the music teacher at Annie’s school, took the stage. She was a petite woman in her mid-forties with ash blonde, curly hair, and glasses. The Kindergarten class of Trinity Academy was putting on a production of Little Red Riding Hood, and Annie, the only red-haired girl in her class, had been given the role of Little Red. Amber scanned the entrance once more. Where was Drake?
“Welcome, parents. Your children are very excited to perform for you tonight. They have all been working hard to learn these parts. Please give them a round of applause and enjoy the show.”
Just as her daughter took the stage, Amber heard Drake at the back entrance of the theatre.
“Hey, where’s my wife? My daughter is the star tonight, you know.”
Amber felt mortified. He was drunk again. She grabbed Max’s hand, met her husband in the foyer, and escorted him to the parking lot.
“You’re late, and hammered.” She spoke softly and in code, as their son was close by.
“What are you doing, woman? I’m here to see our little girl in the play. Let’s go.” He slurred his words as he tried to push past her toward the entrance. Amber detested the way he issued that title, “woman.” He only assigned it to her when he was drunk.
“You are not going in there to embarrass me and our daughter. You can barely walk. Go sit in the truck and sleep off your buzz.” Amber pointed toward his Silverado.
“I’m fine and I’m going to see my baby girl.” Drake’s voice boomed loud and angry.
He pushed Amber to the side, and made his way back into the theatre. He stumbled over the other parents with loud “excuse me’s”, and finally planted himself in an empty seat near the front. Amber and Max stayed toward the back to prevent more disturbances. The play was halfway over by that time.
When he saw his daughter on stage, he stood and yelled, “Hey baby, I’m here! Daddy’s here!”
Annie forgot her lines for a moment, when she recognized her dad. She offered him a quick smile, and tried to get through her next few scenes. Amber sank low in her seat, completely humiliated for her daughter.
When the show was over, Amber looked over and saw Drake passed out in his seat. She wouldn’t be able to wake him, so she left him there to sleep off his bad decisions. Then, she met Annie backstage with a congratulatory hug, and took both kids home.
***
About an hour later, a man awakened Drake when he shook his arm abruptly.
“Sir, sir. Are you okay? The show is over and you’re going to have to leave. I need to close the building down for the night,” the man informed him.
Drake felt groggy and his words were slurred as he inquired about his wife and kids.
“Sorry, sir. I don’t know who you’re talking about, but the theatre has been empty for about forty-five minutes. Do you need me to call you a cab?”
Drake got a good look at the man, an elderly African American gentleman. He wore a gray jumpsuit and had a broom in his left hand—obviously the janitor. Drake felt humiliated, apologized to the man, and he declined the cab offer. He made his way to his truck, and sat in the parking lot for a few more minutes to gather his composure, then headed home.
***
Amber pretended to be asleep. It had been a long, exhausting night, and she didn’t have the energy for another argument. She cringed as she heard him fumble to get his key in the door. When he was able to open it, she felt a small hint of relief. At least he had sobered up enough to let himself in.
Drake made his way to the kitchen for a drink of water, brushed his teeth, and then climbed into bed. Within moments, his obnoxious snores began.
Amber sent a nod of gratitude to the Lord above for letting her avoid another fight with him, and for allowing her husband to make it home safely, once again.
Chapter Seven
Thank God for Yoga
Amber filled her friend in on all the horrific details of the previous night.
“Just leave the bastard.” That was Janie’s advice, as she went into the tree pose.
“It’s not that simple. We have two kids together. He’s not the father he once was, but I know he would not be okay with me taking the kids away from him.” Amber mirrored her friend’s stance.
“He humiliated you, and Annie. What kind of father does that?”
“I’m not even sure he realized it. When he came home last night, he didn’t even bring it up. His drinking has really gotten bad.”
“Well, I don’t see how you put up with the skirting around. I wouldn’t stand for that.” Janie’s southern drawl revealed itself once again.
Though she had always maintained a healthy respect for women with strong southern values, like Janie, Amber used to feel sorry for them, because of all the things they gave up in life, until she became one. The two women had a lot in common, and Amber treasured their friendship. Her deepest, darkest secrets were safe with Janie. Amber grew up without sisters, so she’d not had a relationship with another woman like that since college.
“Not like he’s bringing anything home to me. We haven’t had sex in months.” Amber looked down at the floor. It was the first time she had actually uttered that truth aloud and was a bit ashamed of it.
“Whoa girl, you need some release. Why don’t I take the kids for a while after class, and you go have a lunch date with Paul? He’s got it bad for you, honey.”
Both women laughed and fell out of position.
“Ladies, are we here to yoga or gossip?” Paul walked over, then directed wink at Amber. He then proceeded to reposition her body to the proper stance from behind.
Paul stood about five-eight with a muscular, athletic build and perfect abs. His sandy blonde hair and icy blue eyes made him the kind of guy one would expect to see on a GQ Magazine cover, but with a very down-to-earth persona, which made him even hotter to Amber. She was human, and of course found him very attractive, but knew she would never cheat on Drake. Though, it sure was fun to watch him flex his tight little bottom in the downward facing dog pose.
Paul had locked eyes with her a few times during the class, but she just shrugged it off as harmless flirting. Plus, other than those few fleeting moments, Paul had never given her a reason to believe he was interested in anything more than a class fee. She felt his eyes on her, as she flexed into compromising positions, but she considered it the same reaction any other hot-blooded male would have displayed.
Besides, no one could have overlooked the huge diamond wedding ring on her finger, which screamed TAKEN. Nerves all jittery, she felt the back of the band with her left thumb for a moment.
Amber adored her wedding ring set. Though she still hadn’t gotten that dream wedding, Drake did take his first big pay check in New York and buy her a gorgeous, custom-designed, one carat, princess-cut diamond ring, with a luster that put the stars to shame.
Guess life doesn’t always have a fairytale ending. Truth be told, she would have given anything to have her original ring set back, if it meant she could have her old life back too.
Before they knew it, class was over and the ladies headed to the gym child care center to collect their children.
Chapter Eight
The Apology
Monday morning came a little too soon and yet not soon enough for Drake. The events of his weekend had left him tired, but he sought refuge from the wrath of A
mber back in his office in the city.
New York was a great place to be in the spring. The city was alive with street performers and deafening sirens—distractions which someone who wanted to drown out their own self-defeating thoughts might welcome.
Drake reached his desk to find a smorgasbord of pink and yellow post-its about upcoming business meetings and deadlines. He usually dreaded those things, but they were welcome distractions from his home life at that moment. As he peeled them off one by one, a particular note caught his attention—‘Don’t forget about your anniversary, Karen.’
He glanced at the photos on his desk. Annie was just a toddler when they last had family portraits taken. Had it really been that long? He ran his fingers gently over their faces, and then his eyes shifted to a picture of Amber. She held both kids in her lap and smiled as if the sun itself lived inside her mouth.
If only he hadn’t been so selfish when Amber wanted to take that job in Seattle. The New York job hadn’t turned out to be as good as he had imagined it. Between the late hours and long commute, he dragged his feet through the doorway after dark during the week, and slept most of his weekends away. Truth be told, he often wished he had just stayed in Kansas. At least he was with his kids more often there. Drake silently longed for the days when his life was simple—and perfectly chaotic.
A sweet female voice interrupted his thoughts. “Excuse me, Mr. Woods. Mr. Shelton would like to see you in his office.” He looked up to see his assistant. “Let him know I’m on my way, Karen, thanks.”
An all-business type of guy, Mr. Shelton had never married, he just had a multitude of girlfriends over the years. Not that Drake ever had much trouble with women, but that man had gorgeous women stuck to him like velcro, all the time. Drake concluded that it was the money. The man stood barely five-nine, weighed about two-hundred and fifty pounds, and had less hair on his head than most men had on one arm. But he did have exquisite taste. He drove a Maserati, and lived in a house with fifteen bathrooms (or at least that’s how many Drake counted at the company Christmas party). He wore expensive Italian suits, and had a bottle of 1858 Croizet Cuvee Leonie, (worth more than one-hundred and fifty thousand dollars), sitting in his office at all times. Ironically, Drake had never seen the man drink a drop of it. That was how Mr. Shelton rolled. He liked to own expensive things, even if he didn’t need them; a lifestyle that intrigued Drake but terrified him at the same time. He sat there for what seemed like an eternity. Sweat coated his palms and he dreaded the coming conversation. After he checked several emails and made a few notes at his desk, Mr. Shelton finally spoke:
“Drake, you’re falling down on the job. Your last two drafts were a mess, and you missed two lunch dates with major potential clients. I spent a lot of time and money to get you here because I heard you were the best man for the job, but so far I haven’t seen much of a return on my investment.”
Before Drake could answer to his recent lack of performance, Mr. Shelton continued, “I am placing you on probation for thirty days. If I don’t see some significant changes soon, I’m going to have to let you go. Many architects would kill for this job.”
Drake acknowledged his shortcomings, and promised to make amends right away. Then Mr. Shelton excused him. He cursed himself all the distance back to his office. When he reached his desk, he made a few apologetic phone calls to clients, reset some meetings, finished several drawings, and before he knew it, the day was over. He hadn’t even stopped for lunch.
Drake locked his office door and headed home, but not before he stopped by the florist. What type of flower would say, ‘Sorry I missed our anniversary, again’?
***
For the first time in a few months, he had made it home before dark. Amber was clearing the dinner dishes and the kids were getting ready for bed. She gave Drake a forced smile when he walked through the door and sat the flowers on the table. She wasn’t really surprised he was home early, since that had been his pattern for the past few years. Once the alcohol wore off, and he came back to reality a few days later, Drake would always bring her flowers and apologize for “the whole anniversary thing,” as he called it. Amber was tired of his apologies and excuses. Although she was a strong woman, there’s only so much a person can take. It was time for an ultimatum.
Drake played the apologetic husband role to the end that night. He put the kids to bed while Amber wrapped up in the kitchen. They said prayers together and Drake returned to the kitchen to find his dinner plate in the microwave.
As he sat to eat, Amber positioned herself across the table from him and said, “We need to talk.”
Drake didn’t blow up at her like before. He kept his mouth shut and listened.
“I can’t keep living like this. You are rarely home anymore, and when you are, you’re either drunk or passed out from exhaustion. The kids deserve better, I deserve better! This is not what I signed up for.”
Drake interrupted. “I know. I’m going to make it better. I promise. Just give me time.”
“You’re running out of time, Drake. Your kids are growing up without you. Before you know it, they’ll be moving away and you’ll be wishing you had this time back. This job has consumed you and we are no longer a priority for you.”
“So, what are you saying, Amber? You want a divorce or something? You want me to quit my job? I have to work. Someone has to bring in a pay check around here.” His words were cold and harsh, and apparently he had conveniently forgotten that it was a joint decision for Amber to be a stay-home mom, when he took the job in New York.
Money wasn’t the real issue. They both knew that, but both continued to stand their positions.
“I don’t want a divorce. I want you to stand up for yourself at work and demand a better schedule, to allow you to be home with us more.” Amber wiped soft streams from her eyes, and tried to regain her composure.
“You know I can’t do that. Mr. Shelton depends on me. I’m head of the team.”
“Then I guess you’ve made your decision.” Amber stood with her arms folded, which signified there was no compromise to be made in that moment.
“Look, we’re both angry and still sore about the weekend. Let’s just get some sleep and talk about this in the morning, okay? I have a big day tomorrow.”
Drake pulled in close to attempt a kiss, only to be met with Amber’s cheek. Their argument wasn’t going to end the way she wanted, so she agreed—with reluctance—to let it go for the night. They faced opposite directions, and made sure not to touch throughout the night.
Bedtime was once the favorite part of both of their days. Their bodies practically melted in to one, and their limbs remained intertwined for the duration of the night. It seemed as if they weren’t able to get close enough at times.
But over time, a wall had been built between them, and a distance separated them. It seemed nothing could take it away, not even their love.
Chapter Nine
The Proposition
After the heated conversation the night before, Amber very much looked forward to releasing some stress in yoga class this morning. Unfortunately, Janie was home nursing her daughter back to health, due to a cold, and Amber had to fly solo.
She could almost feel the stress seeping out through every pore in her body, as she breathed deeply, and stretched out her muscles. Without Janie there, as much as she missed her friend’s company, she was able to focus on each move completely.
Amber thought she noticed Paul deliberately make eye contact a few times. He probably wondered where Janie was.
***
After class finished, and the room had cleared, Paul seized the opportunity to find Amber without her sidekick, for once, and made his way over to strike up a conversation.
“Looking good, Amber; you are really flexible. I’m amazed at the progress you’ve made in my class.” He touched her shoulder lightly, but it was enough to send chills through her spine—in a good way.
She took a breath and tried to sound cas
ual. “Well, I have a great teacher.” Amber distanced herself from him. She tried to appear distracted as she gathered her belongings.
He was close enough for Amber to get a good whiff of his manly essence. Even dripping with sweat, he smelled delicious somehow. Paul wasn’t one of those male instructors who wore Speedos and cheesy sweat bands. He sported a white wife-beater, with a pair of black, loose-legged yoga pants that clung to every muscle in his body, not in an offensive way, but just tight enough to showcase his attributes.
“I’d love to give you some private lessons in flexibility sometime if you’re interested.” Paul traced up and down her arm with his soft fingers. Amber finally realized he was making a move on her. It had been a long time since any man had looked at her that way, much less touched her that sensually. It was the kind of attention she used to get from Drake.
Afraid that he might hear her heart pounding as loudly as she felt it, Amber backed up a bit and flashed her ring.
“I’m married, Paul.” She turned around to pick up her purse, and hoped to hide her crimson face.
She felt the heat expel through her pores, like invisible waves that hovered over an asphalt turf mid-summer. He aroused feelings in her that had been pushed below the surface for a long time.
“Happily?” he inquired, as he moved closer behind. She felt his breath on her neck. His hands traced her hips slowly, in quest of every curve he could find, as he whispered tantalizing sentiments in her ear.
“I’ve heard you and Janie talking about that husband of yours. He’s a fool for not realizing what a treasure he has. I can treat you so much better, like the queen you are.” His hands were slow and deliberate. “A body this hot should be worshiped not ignored.”
Amber hadn’t heard words like that in a very, very long time. Her heart raced. It felt nice to be wanted again. His hands were velvet on her skin. Still, she pushed him off—though a little delayed, she was ashamed to admit to herself.
She backed away and stumbled over the bench as she stammered. “I-I gotta go get my kids. Th-thanks for a great class.” Then she made her way to the gym child-care area, collected her children, and walked to the car.