One Day You'll Be Mine(16)

Facially, I wasn’t that bad. My skin didn’t have any horrible blemishes or discolorations. I still had pretty grey eyes, aside of the occasional bags from stress. My mousy brown hair had been growing out, but it was so flat and lifeless I didn’t know what to do with it. I let those half-dead waves strew about, promising myself that I’d do better once I got around to it.

Summer was almost over. In a couple of weeks, Jordan would be headed back to school. During that time, I could probably focus on myself, and spend a little money getting my hair highlighted and layered. There were usually outdoor boot camp specials available too. Maybe one of those would get me in shape?

“Natalia.” I was so busy looking at myself in the mirror, I didn’t even notice he’d gotten home. Fifteen minutes early, at that.

I gave myself a nervous once over, calming the butterflies in my chest and tummy as I rubbed the final touches of red lip gloss on before going to greet my wonderful husband.

“Yes, baby?” I walked with my steps slightly pronounced on the balls of my feet, excited but ready to face my man. I couldn’t wait to feel his lips on mine as he told me he loved me and missed me, and wanted to make love to me.

But instead of witnessing the millionaire smile that belonged to the handsome, charming man I married, I was smacked with the glowering scowl of an angry beast. He eyed my gorgeous roses, proudly commanding attention on the counter.

“What the fuck are those?”

“The roses you got me silly!” I giggled. Hollis was too cute. He must have forgotten he’d purchased them for me. “You must have been too busy to remember. Thank you so much!”

I wrapped my arms around him and leaned up. I tried to kiss his lips, but only met his cheek when he turned his head and pushed me away. I looked at him in confusion, wondering what his problem was.

“I didn’t buy those flowers.”

What?!

“You didn’t?” I couldn’t escape the shock of his admission. It was so effortless, deadly quiet. “Hollis, this isn’t funny. You did buy these flowers for me. You left them on my car today when I was at Kelli’s house.”

He looked at me as if I were an idiot. “I’ve been at work all day. I didn’t even go to lunch. We haven’t even talked in days.”

I looked at the flowers, and then back at him, speechless.

“I work too fucking hard for you to cheat on me!” He roared.

“I’m not cheating on you!” I gasped, shocked he could think such a thing. “I’ve never cheated on you!”

“Bullshit, Natalia! Nobody sends flowers like that just because,” he spat. The look in his eyes was cold and spiteful. “And I’m too far in my career to kill someone because of your bullshit and boredom. Get rid of those flowers and tell Romeo to knock it off before I find out who he is and have someone make an example out of him.”

“B-But, Hollis! I don’t know who sent them!” My vision blurred as tears started to fall. My heart was crushed by his accusations. “I thought you sent them. That’s why I bought that vase, and made dinner for you” – I gestured towards the meal, and then towards my negligee – “and-and I-I put this on for you and everything!”

“I’m warning you Natalia. I don’t have time for these games. It’s been a long day. I’m eating, and I’m going to sleep.” He shoved past me to the bedroom, leaving me shattered and in tears.

As the bathroom door slammed and the shower started, I cried even harder. He didn’t acknowledge anything I’d done. The steak, the ice cold beers, my negligee, nothing. I waited in the kitchen, even after getting out the shower, hoping he’d calm down so we could talk. I had faith that he’d at least eat.

He never came to the kitchen. He parked himself in the living room, in his designated chair in front of the TV, and refused to speak to me. Resigned, I went to bed, fighting sleep for over an hour before I got the hint not to wait up for him.

I cried myself to sleep as I tried to figure out why he was being such an ass. Why he’d immediately accused me of cheating. And of course…

Who left those flowers on my car?





Chapter 6: Rose



Work had been crazy. Alejandro’s insight was correct. Rebecca’s article wasn’t proofed or corrected. I had no idea how it slipped through the cracks, but then I remembered that she’d gone rogue and pretended the work was already approved. I spent some time going through her work, editing it, and then having a come to Jesus meeting with her about sidestepping the editorial process.

I didn’t dislike the girl. She was fiery and had heart, but there were ways to fight for your content without skipping procedures. She was a wonderful writer whose personality oozed through the pores of her words. But that meant nothing, because she wasn’t going to last long if she took matters into her own hands and thought she’d get away with it.