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Stolen Moments In Time (Ending 5 of 6)
41 FIFTH AVENUE
New York, New York
“Are you sure this is the same guy who rescued you?”
Pauline placed the glass of Gin on the table.
Artesia lifted it, and took a gulp. She placed the glass back down on the table.
“Yes, I’m sure it’s him. Who would have thought the past would rear its ugly head. That was such a long time ago, I didn’t think being underage, and sneaking into a bar would reap the repercussion of this.”
“You forgot, drinking, and flirting.”
“Something I should have never been involved in, but during that time, it was so boring in London.”
“I totally agree.”
Artesia looked down at her wedding ring set.
“I love you, oh, how is your day going so far.”
“I have a scheduled meeting with Mr. Barron.”
“As in Michael Barron.”
“Unfortunately yes, he has set aside his bullshit. As a matter of speaking, we have a dinner engagement scheduled with him tomorrow evening at his estate.”
“Tristano, are you sure about that. You know we…”
“Like my father stated, this is business.”
“Oooooh, your business voice always turns me on.”
“I’ll place my briefcase next to me while we’re making love tonight.”
“Who would have ever guessed I married a handsome comedian.”
“Tesia are you there.”
“I’m sorry, what were you saying?”
“Once, I located you a week later at a homeless shelter, after lying to both of our parents about your disappearance. You made me swear never to mention it, but what you never explained to me was, what really happened to you that night?”
“I was almost sexually assaulted by the two guys we met in that horrible night club.”
“Are you serious!”
“Yes. Had I followed your lead, and left with you, I may have never met Michael in the past.”
The past, and the night she was almost raped, flashed in her mind, as if it occurred yesterday.
“Pauline, they were so rough with me. I fought one off, while the other man ripped my panties off.”
Tears rolled down Artesia’s face.
“I remember them taking me to a remote spot near the highway, and forcing me to lie down on the cold ground. I could still feel the rocks denting in my back. Then the same man, who ripped my panties off, got down on his knees, unzipped his pants, and spread my legs. I fought him off until I was out of breath.
“Wait, he was going to rape you on the side of the road.”
“Yes.”
“Sick fucks! What happen, to hinder their plan?”
“A semi-truck was heading toward us. His glaring lights, and him honking his horn made the man stop. The other man lifted me up and threw me in the back seat of the car. He got in beside me and held my body against the seat. I was driven down a dark and isolated road. I remember the car slowly stopping, but not coming to a complete stop. The same man sat up, opened the door, and threw me out. I somehow hit my head, and that’s all I remembered, until Michael, mentioned the word, Dove.”
“Dove?”
“Yes, the name he had given me, since I couldn’t remember my own. Pauline, why is this happening now? I’m content with my marriage. I even discontinued taking my birth control pills. I want a family, I want to settle down, and grow old with my husband.”
“Didn’t you tell this guy you are in love with your husband?”
“Yes, and then Michael threatened me he would tell Tristano we knew each other prior to me meeting him.”
“Actually, that’s not a bad idea.”
“It’s a disastrous idea. I never remembered Michael years ago, and I know Tristano. He would think I held that piece of information from him.”
“Artesia, Tristano is your husband. He married you, because he loves you. Do you really think what Michael says to him, would change that?”
“Pauline, I hope you’re right. I do love Tristano; I love him with all that I am.”
Artesia began to cry.
Pauline hugged Artesia.
Tears that she longed to shed over that unfaithful night spilled forward, and her dilemma with Michael and her future happiness with her husband, made them roll faster
“Go on let it out.” Pauline hugged her Godsister even tighter. “Don’t worry, we will figure something out.”
WHEATFIELD ESTATES
Old Westbury, New York
Michael’s Residence
Tristano unsnapped his seatbelt, opened his door, and got out; he pushed the door close and strolled up the lit concreted pathway to Michael’s residence. He lifted the British cast iron doorknocker and knocked it against the affixed strike plate. He allowed the knocker to rest in place.
Tristano looked around the quiet spacious grounds, and then at all the neatly aligned parked cars in attendance.
Damn, he really did not want to be here.
He turned back around to face the door. He reached down and rang the doorbell.
The butler walked to the door and opened it.
“Yes, I’m Mr. Giordano the III, and Mr. Barron is expecting me.”
“Yes certainly.”
The butler stepped back.
Tristano entered Michael’s residence. He looked around for Artesia.
The butler closed the door.
“Everyone is gathered in the great hall. You may follow me.”
Tristano followed the butler. All he wanted to do, was pay his respects to the host, grab his wife’s hand, and leave.
Mrs. Giordano crossed the room.
“Son.”
Tristano turned around.
“Mother where is Artesia?”
“I have not seen her.”
Michael entered the great-room. He walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink.
“I’m sorry Michael, I can’t do this, please understand. I love my husband too much to return to the past.”
What a fucking loser she married he thought.
Tristano spotted Michael at the bar.
“Excuse me mother.”
“Son, I told you, she may have gone home with someone else.”
“Mother not now!” Tristano muttered through clenched teeth.
He strolled over to the bar.
“Excuse my tardiness, now that I’m here, let’s get this meeting underway.”
Tristano spotted a lipstick smear on Michael’s collar, and got a whiff of his wife’s perfume he bought her as a wedding gift.
“Where the fuck is my wife!”
“Oh yes, we were just in the pool-house, talking. After she composed herself, she left. It must had something to do with her being unfaithful. One thing I could say, for her to be married, her lips still taste good, and her breast nipples wow, she…”
Tristano drew his arm back, and punched Michael in the mouth.
Michael spit a glob of blood on the carpet.
Everyone stopped talking and looked over at the two men.
Mr. and Mrs. Giordano ran over to the two.
“Dad, fuck this piece of trash’s business. I’m out of here.”
“You may as well accept it, your wife is in love with me, I was the one she gave her virginity too.”
Tristano stopped in his tracks and turned around.
“What the fuck are you talking about!”
“Your sweet wife never mentioned to you we met years ago while she lived in London. How she shared my bed, gave me her virginity.”
Mrs. Giordano’s mouth dropped.
“Not to worry, you will never taste that sweetness again.”
Michael smacked his lips.
“That’s funny, I did tonight. Between us men, tonight your sweet and beautiful wife and I just rekindled our old flame.”
Tristano drew his arm back. Mr. Giordano caught it.
“Let’s go son, this asshole is out of line, and we will not be held accountable for sinking to his level.”
41 FIFTH AVENUE
New York, New York
Pauline finally got Artesia to calm down. She tiptoed to the door and pulled it close. She looked down at Artesia’s cell phone on the table, and flipped it up.
She strolled through her contacts. Pauline pressed in the number to Tristano’s cell phone. She placed the cell phone up to her ear.
Tristano reached for his cell phone from out his cup holder. If it was Artesia, he was a breath from ending their marriage.
‘Your sweet wife never mentioned to you we met years ago while she lived in London. How she shared my bed, gave me her virginity.’
‘Not to worry, you will never taste that sweetness again.’
‘That’s funny, I did tonight. Between us men, tonight we just rekindled our old flame.’
Tristano maneuvered the steering wheel with one hand. He flipped his cell phone up and placed it up to his ear with the other.
“Hello.”
Pauline took a deep breath.
“Hi Tristano, this is Pauline. Arte…”
“I know who this is; I assume since you have my wife’s cell phone, you know where she is staying.”
Wow, talk about to the point.
“Not to worry Artesia is here with me. She is…”
“You tell my wife, wherever she is at for the night, I suggest she stays there, and she may pick her shit up at my mother’s residence. You tell her not to worry about her whorish antics with that fucking bastard; I will be filing for divorce tomorrow morning.”
Tristano flipped his cell phone down, and then turned it off. He threw it down on the passenger seat.
Pauline cranked her neck to look down the short hall.
“Artesia... I’m so sorry.”
MANHATTAN UPPER EAST SIDE
740 Park Avenue
Manhattan, New York
Tristano’s Penthouse
Tristano opened the door to his residence and entered. He slammed the door close. He took off his suit jacket, tossed it on the couch, and hurried to the bedroom.
Tristano walked over to the closet, and opened it. He lifted two luggage and rushed to the bed. He laid them on top. He opened both luggage and stormed over to the dresser; he pulled all the drawers open. He lifted Artesia’s clothes, returned to the bed, and threw several clothing items inside the luggage.
“Faithful wife my ass, fucking adulterous whore.”
He threw a stack of clothes down in the other luggage. He walked to the dresser, and lifted all of Artesia’s toiletries.
“Damn, I should have stuck my dick inside Kelly months ago when I had the fucking chance! No, blinded by love is every man’s curse.”
Tristano stopped and sat on the bed. He slicked his hand back through his hair in frustration.
“That’s funny, I did tonight. Between us men, tonight we just rekindled our old flame.”
Tristano stood and finished stuffing everything Artesia owned into both luggage. He closed them, lifted them off the bed, and walked to the door.
41 FIFTH AVENUE
New York, New York
Artesia rolled over and opened her eyes. The sunlight glare through the curtains blinded her momentarily. She pivoted her head and looked at the clock.
“Eleven o’clock, shit.” She rolled over and sat up. She felt her head. “Ohh.”
“I think you may need this.”
Pauline stood in the door with a cup of coffee in her hand. She entered her guest bedroom and sat on the bed.
“Here you are.”
She handed the cup of coffee to Artesia.
“Thank you, and thanks for listening last night.”
“Hold off on the praises.”
Artesia took a sip of the black strong java.
“What is it?”
“I took it upon myself to call your spouse last night, to tell him you were safe.”
Artesia placed her cup of coffee down on the nightstand.
“Thank you.”
“Aah…Artesia, Tristano, said and I quote, ‘You tell my wife, wherever she is at for the night, I suggest she stays there, and she may pick her shit up at my mother’s residence. You tell her not to worry about her whorish antics with that fucking bastard; I will be filing for divorce tomorrow morning,’ unquote.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“He ended our marriage without talking to me.”
“Yes.”
“Where is my cell phone?”
“I placed it under your pillow, just in case he called you while I was sleep.”
Artesia reached under her pillow and grabbed her cell phone. She flipped it open and looked down at the screen.
No one has called her.
She pressed in her redial button.
GIORDANO ACCOUNTING FIRM, CPA’S
Financial District
Manhattan, New York
Tristano lifted his cell phone out his briefcase and looked down at the cell phone number. He flipped it open and placed it up to his ear.
“What do you want?”
“Good morning Tristano.”
“Artesia, what can I do for you?”
“Why didn’t you call me last night?”
She looked over at Pauline and crossed her fingers.
“Artesia, I’ve filed for divorce this morning.”
“Divorce, are you serious? And on what grounds?”
“Adultery. You will find your belongings at my mother’s residence, and I expect you to sign those papers.”
“Tristano, you are my husband, and I’m your wife, and married people talk things out.”
“Artesia, have a nice life, I have to go. Our marriage was good while it lasted. You have now been given your freedom to fuck any man as you please; however, it would not be behind my back any longer.”
“Tristano please, can we talk? I really, really, really need you now,” Artesia cried in her cell phone. “There are things that we need to discuss.”
“Dammit, discuss what! How you gave your pussy away to Mr. Barron last night. I saw the lipstick on his collar; I smelled your scent all over his person. I refuse to be married to a whore any longer!”
“Baby, I swear to you that is not how things developed. Please meet me at home so we could discuss this. Please Tristano, for once, will you have faith in your wife and our marriage.”
“Do not call me any longer; if you proceed, I will bring you up on telephone harassment, oh, I also filed a restraining order against you. You are not to come within one hundred feet of my presence.”
Tears rolled down Artesia’s cheeks.
“Don’t shut me out Tristano, I need my husband’s arms, please don’t do this to me, not now, just allow me to explain this.”
“Dammit, our marriage is over you whore!”
“I love....”
Tristano flipped his cell phone done in Artesia’s ear.
Artesia slowly flipped her cell phone down.
“Pauline, he filed for divorce, my marriage is over.”
“Artesia, you’re an attorney, go and explain to the man this is all a misunderstanding.”
“Pauline, I’m emotionally hurt, I’m done, through.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I do not have the strength to make a marriage work, if I am the only one committed to it.”
She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand.
“You know, he even went so far as to file a restraining order against me.”
“I’m waiting on the punch line for that.”
Pauline looked over at Artesia.
“Please tell me you’re kidding.”
Artesia stood and walked to the bathroom.
“I can’t believe he filed a restraining order against me, his own wife.”
Pauline heard Artesia mumbling to herself, before she shut the door.
“Asshole,” Pauline hissed.
LAKEWOOD MANOR
Yonkers, New York
Giordano’s Residence
Later That Day
“Mrs. Giordano, there is a Mrs. Artesia Giordano here to see you.”
Mrs. Giordano placed the book she was reading down on the table.
“You may show her in.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Mrs. Giordano stood. She has been waiting for this moment in time.
Artesia entered the parlor.
The servant bowed and pulled the door close.
“I was advised my husband left my things here.”
“Yes, I will have the butler to load them in your means of transportation, and since your marriage did not last past a year. You will not profit from the prenuptial agreement.”
“I am aware of that.”
Her emotions were raw, numb, and the fight in her fled the moment Tristano hung up in her ear.
“Take care of yourself Mrs. Giordano. I will wait in my car for your butler to bring my belongings out to me.”
Artesia turned around, strolled to the door, and walked out the parlor.
Mrs. Giordano rushed across the parlor over to the window
Artesia waited in her car. She looked down at the red circled markings.
“Ooh, this sounds like a nice neighborhood.”
Mrs. Giordano watched Artesia sitting in her car.
“Now my son can find a decent woman to marry, and settle down with.”
She let the curtain go.
ONE 57 CONDOMINIUMS
Manhattan, New York
One Week Later
Artesia walked out to her vehicle and opened the door. This was her first day of employment as a junior partner at a prestigious law firm. She felt excited her dedication to her profession has finally paid off, but wow, she missed Tristano something terrible. She wanted to call him, and asked him where the papers she has been waiting for are, and tell him she loved him.
She got behind the steering wheel and placed her briefcase and cell phone down on the passenger seat. She pulled the door close and snapped her seatbelt. She pivoted to lift her cell phone; she flipped it open, and looked down at the screen.
“No missed calls. Why want you call me Tristano? Please don’t let our marriage end like this, please.”
She hated she had to change her cell phone number, after Preston hounded her once he found out her marriage was in jeopardy, however, she did leave her new cell phone number on Tristano’s cell phone voicemail. And she went so far as to advise him of her new position; hoping he would call and congratulate her, take her out to dinner, talk out their misunderstanding, following some all-night make-up sex.
She flipped her cell phone close and leaned her head back against the headrest.
“You know you are the spare air I breathe, I love you baby.”
“He really doesn’t love me anymore.”
Artesia wiped the tears away with the back of her hand and sat up. She placed her cell phone back on the passenger seat; she plugged the key inside the ignition, and backed out of her parking space.
GIORDANO ACCOUNTING FIRM, CPA’S
Financial District
Manhattan, New York
“Darling, will you please talk to your son. He has been coming to work intoxicated, and according to the cleaning crew, he was found face down asleep at his desk four o’clock in the morning, and I swear, he has worn the same article of clothing for three days now. In addition, he has not bothered to shower or shave.”
Mrs. Giordano took a deep breath and exhaled.
“Our son is not carrying on as a true Giordano man of distinction, and his eccentric behavior is starting to affect his work ethics. Just the other day, I found him sleeping on the conference room table, with his palm wrapped around a fifth of Jack Daniels reeking heavily of liquor, and his eyes were bloodshot.”
“I will talk to him.”
“You would think since that harlot is out of his life, he would move on and find a suitable woman to marry.”
“Dear, did it ever occur to you that our son loves Artesia? No, it most certainly did not. Now that you got what you wanted, was it really worth the expense of your son’s future happiness?”
“I hate to admit it, but no. I should never have meddled in our son’s private affairs, but I only wanted what’s best for him, and if it’s.…”
“His wife’s name is Artesia.”
Mrs. Giordano took a deep breath.
“Could you please talk to him?”
“I will.”
PENDERGRASS, MEYER, AND GIORDANO LAW FIRM
Manhattan, New York
Two Days Later
Tristano waited in his car across the street. He watched Artesia get out her car, and walk across the street. He never realized how beautiful and youthful his wife appeared, until he allowed another man to steal her from him. He wanted her back with a hunger; he was miserable without her, and he wanted things the way they use to be between them.
“Oh Tristano, I love you so much. I really do. I’ll be a faithful wife to you, I promise.”
Damn, if only he had listened to her when she begged him too.
Artesia entered Pendergrass, Myer, and Giordano Law Firm.
Tristano twisted the top back on the bottle of Jack Daniels and tossed it on the passenger seat. He twisted the key inside the ignition and drove off.
PARK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY
Park Ridge Country Club
One Week Later
Pauline, Jen, Artesia, and Danica, applied another coat of pearl white paint evenly to the flat yellow walls of the Park Ridge Country Club.
“My arms are tired.”
“I will buy everyone dinner tonight if we at least get the gymnasium painted before night fall.”
“You’re on.”
“Wait a minute ladies, I really do not understand why I have to buy dinner, this was a joint adventure remember.”
“Yes, that was the ownership, not the remodeling part.”
“I told her, I will pay for all the renovations.”
“No, since we are now the new owners, it will be fun to say we did this together.”
“Then dinner is on Artesia tonight.”
“Could you ladies use an extra pair of hands?”
Artesia froze. She held her breath, and slowly turned around.
Tristano stood near the entrance door. He looked handsome in a pair of black denim jeans, a black Yale fleece, and a pair of black Nike sneakers. His five o’clock shadow added to his roguish appearance.
“Yes. Is there perhaps a convoy of men behind you as well?”
Tristano’s eyes never left Artesia’s eyes.
“On speed dial if warranted.”
“Okay everyone I smell a break.”
“But we haven’t finish.”
Jen poked Danica in her side.
“Oh yes, I could really use a break.”
“Hey, don’t leave me with all this work.”
All three women strolled out the gymnasium.
Artesia turned back around and finished painting.
Tristano walked into the gymnasium. He lifted a paint roller, rolled it inside the metal pan, and applied a thin layer of paint to the stark wall.
“Artesia could we talk.”
“Aren’t you violating your own restraining order?”
“Which you knew there never was one.”
“Tristano, what do you want? If you want the divorce papers signed, I have not received them. If you have them with you; I’m willing to sign them.”
“Artesia, can we talk.”
“It seems that does us no good.”
Artesia bent over and laid the paintbrush over the paint can. She walked away from Tristano. He loved the way her denim jeans hugged her derrière.
Tristano placed the paint roller back on the metal pan. He lifted his cell phone from off his hip clip, flipped it open, and dialed out.
Artesia assembled the drop towel near the base of the wall. She looked over at Tristano.
Their relationship is over. It’s time she moves on she thought.
Tristano flipped his cell phone close and replaced it on his hip clip. He turned and walked over to Artesia.
“Mrs. Giordano, can we talk?”
“Tristano, I do not have anything to say. This was a wasted trip, please leave. The ladies and I have work to complete.”
Artesia turned her back on him.
Tristano wrapped his arms around Artesia’s waist and pulled her body against his chest. He leaned his forehead on the back of her head.
“I want my wife back, God, I need you so much. I can’t live without you Artesia.”
Tristano hugged her tighter.
“I miss holding you, I’m drowning, and I’ve been miserable without the consolable arms of my wife.”
He hugged her even tighter to him, and then rested his chin on her shoulder blade.
“Baby, I can’t breathe.”
Artesia pushed Tristano’s arms down and turned around.
“I kind of like being free. I realize I do not need to be married to be happy, excuse me Tristano, and have a good life.”
She stepped forward.
Tristano blocked her path.
“You do not love me any longer?”
“That isn’t the point. Dammit Tristano, you do this shit all the time. We fight, or even when we have a disagreement, you do not even stay to see it through, no, you clam up, and then you shut me out. Afterwards, I have to deal with the mental abuse. I loved the idea of loving you, but the intellectual icon of it is just not worth it, now excuse me, please.”
Artesia walked to the door, and then out the gymnasium.
“Pauline, can you finish up, I placed the drop towel down. I will see everyone tonight to celebrate.”
She looked over at Tristano who stood in the doorway of the gymnasium. She refocused on Jen, Pauline, and Danica. “Remember ladies, tonight at Bossa Nova Civic Club, there will be celebrating to do, and then dinner is on me at Le Bernardint .”
“We may be out of here sooner than later.”
Pauline saw five company paint trucks pull around the circular driveway of the country club. Several men stepped out the vehicles.
“Ooh, nice looking men,” Danica let out.
“Ooh, I agree,” Jen stated. “You go on along Mrs. Giordano, I’m sure us single ladies can handle this.”
Pauline, Jen, Danica, and Artesia, stepped aside as a crew of painters entered the country club.
Several men carried elongated ladders, numerous men carried buckets of paint in both hands, and three men carried the necessary painting apparel.
“Ladies.”
One of the painters winked at Pauline.
Jen, Pauline, and Danica followed the painters.
Tristano stepped aside.
“Ladies, do not count on my wife joining you this evening.”
Pauline stepped back.
“Good luck; however, you hurt my Godsister after this. You will deal with me directly. Do we understand each other Mr. Giordano?”
“Perfectly.”
Tristano watched Artesia walk out the door.
Artesia looked back at the entrance to the country club. Where was Pauline? Surely she knows she is her transportation. She heard someone exit the country club. She pivoted to watch Tristano advance toward her.
“I could give you a ride.”
“No thank you, I’m waiting on Pauline.”
“I don’t think she’s coming.”
“Then I’ll wait.”
“Come on baby, I can drop you off, at our residence, and keep it moving.”
“Since we are no longer married, my residence according to the pre-nup I signed.”
Tristano grabbed a hold of Artesia’s hand, and walked over to his vehicle. He squeezed her hand.
“So that you know, I will get out, and you will remain in your vehicle.”
“All right.”
Tristano opened the passenger door. Artesia got in. He pushed the door close.
Artesia snapped her seatbelt and leaned back in the comfort of the seat. She remembered in better times, when they had dinner in New Jersey; afterwards, the two driving back to their residence, making love all night, and then going to breakfast in the morning.
Tristano opened the door, and slid behind the steering wheel. He pulled the door close and snapped his seatbelt.
“If you’re hungry? Before I drop you off, we can go and grab a bite to eat?”
“No thank you.”
Tristano inserted the key inside the ignition, started the vehicle, and pulled off. He placed his hand on the back of her seat. He inched his fingers downward and stroked the back of Artesia’s neck.
“You look sexy in a pair of jeans.”
“Thank you.”
“I read in the newspaper about the purchase of this country club, which was scheduled for demolition. What made you and your friends purchase it.”
“I wanted to give back to the community.”
“Something you always have done.”
“This time around. We have several programs on the agenda.”
“Such as.”
“Several tutoring classes, tennis and swimming classes, a latch-key after school program, a parenting class for teenage mothers, moreover, since Danica and I, are practicing attorneys, we came up with the idea to open an office two Saturdays out of the month to offer free legal advice to the residents, and then, since Jen is a professor at Rutgers School of law, she will assist twelve graders with filling out a resume, pre-employments skills, economical skills to survive outside of the classroom, oh, and getting them ready for the SAT exams. In addition, Pauline will handle all the marketing, government grants if needed, and the advertising aspects. Then we are all in agreement to lease some of the vacant offices.”
“I’m proud of my spouse, and of course, your friends.”
“Thanks.”
Tristano stopped at a red light.
“Oh, do you have the divorce papers.”
“I...I… yes.”
“How is your mother coping now that you’re a single man back on the market?”
Tristano looked over at Artesia.
“I’m not a single man.”
“You’re dating! I...I mean you have someone in your life.”
“You could say that.”
Artesia looked out the window. And to think she was saving herself.
“I suppose, your mother likes this new woman in your life.”
“I’m not for sure, and my mother’s opinions never mattered.”
“Whatever you say Mr. Giordano the III.”
“I’ve missed hearing you call me that.”
PARK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY
Artesia’s Residence
Tristano pulled into Artesia’s driveway.
Artesia angrily unsnapped her seatbelt.
Tristano turned off the ignition, and withdrew the key.
Artesia reached for the doorknob.
“Goodbye Tristano.”
She opened the door, got out, and slammed the door close.
Tristano opened the door, got out, and pushed the door close.
Artesia pivoted.
“Just where do you think you’re going.”
“I have to use the bathroom.”
“Try another excuse.”
“Baby, I’ve been on the road, since six o’clock this morning, and I drove straight to the country club, after you sign the papers, I’m history.”
“Yes, we would not want to keep your new lady love waiting.”
Artesia unlocked the door, and entered her residence. Tristano trailed behind and closed the door.
Artesia sat on the couch; she bent over, and removed her sneakers. She stood, walked over to the answering machine, and turned it off.
I can’t believe he’s dating, and the nerve of him to still wear his wedding band. Maybe she should have taken her rings off.
Tristano walked into the living room. He sat on the couch.
“Come over here and sit down, we need to talk.”
Artesia turned and walked over to the couch. She took a seat.
“Yes.”
Tristano moved aside a curl obstructing Artesia’s view. He palmed her hands in his.
Both found each other’s eyes.
“What do we need to discuss?”
“To place my mind at rest. What happen to you the night of Mr. Barron’s dinner party?”
“Nothing.”
“That was not the description I was given. Mr. Barron explained in lament terms you were in love with him.”
“That is untrue.”
Artesia took a deep breath.
“Tristano, it doesn’t matter any longer. As my husband, you should have come to me, and demanded the truth, no baby, you turned your back on me, you kicked me out of our home, and to add insult to injury, you gave your mother what she wanted, which is me out of your life.”
Artesia fingered her curls backwards.
“You were not standing alone at the Justice of the Peace, that day. We married for better or worse, something you refuse to uphold.”
“Artesia, did you sleep with Mr. Barron the night of his dinner engagement? I only want the truth, not to worry; I’ll still sign the divorce papers.”
“No, we strolled to the pool-house. He explained to me we met....when…when I was younger.”
“Is that true.”
“Uh.”
Artesia removed her hands and pivoted her head.
“Artesia look at me.”
Artesia turned toward Tristano. She dropped her head. Tristano lifted her chin and turned her face to meet his.
“Is it?”
“Yes, I was a teenager and my father was stationed in London.”
Artesia inhaled and exhaled.
“My parents allowed me to stay with Pauline and her family for three weeks. Well one night, when Pauline’s parents were out for the evening. Pauline and I decided to visit a gentlemen nightclub. There, we met these two older guys.
Pauline knew they were trouble the moment both sat at our table, so she tried to convince me to leave, stubborn me, I refused. Somehow, by the night’s end, I ended up in the two guy’s vehicle. They…they attempted to sexually assault me.”
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
“I ended up being thrown out of a moving vehicle and developed some form of amnesia. And yes, Michael did rescue me, we…ah…he told me the night of his dinner party, that I eventually gave him my virginity.”
Artesia watched Tristano’s flinching emotions.
“Tristano, Michael wanted me to sleep with him that night, and if I refused he was going to tell you I gave my virginity to him in the past. And yes, Michael did try to kiss me, but that was the extent of it. I fled his presence because I love my husband, and only you. I guess sticking to my moral belief of being a faithful wife was not enough for this marriage, or for you.”
Artesia took a deep breath and sighed.
“Can I sign those papers now, I’m tired, and I could really use a hot bath.”
Copyright©SKC-2021
New York, New York
“Are you sure this is the same guy who rescued you?”
Pauline placed the glass of Gin on the table.
Artesia lifted it, and took a gulp. She placed the glass back down on the table.
“Yes, I’m sure it’s him. Who would have thought the past would rear its ugly head. That was such a long time ago, I didn’t think being underage, and sneaking into a bar would reap the repercussion of this.”
“You forgot, drinking, and flirting.”
“Something I should have never been involved in, but during that time, it was so boring in London.”
“I totally agree.”
Artesia looked down at her wedding ring set.
“I love you, oh, how is your day going so far.”
“I have a scheduled meeting with Mr. Barron.”
“As in Michael Barron.”
“Unfortunately yes, he has set aside his bullshit. As a matter of speaking, we have a dinner engagement scheduled with him tomorrow evening at his estate.”
“Tristano, are you sure about that. You know we…”
“Like my father stated, this is business.”
“Oooooh, your business voice always turns me on.”
“I’ll place my briefcase next to me while we’re making love tonight.”
“Who would have ever guessed I married a handsome comedian.”
“Tesia are you there.”
“I’m sorry, what were you saying?”
“Once, I located you a week later at a homeless shelter, after lying to both of our parents about your disappearance. You made me swear never to mention it, but what you never explained to me was, what really happened to you that night?”
“I was almost sexually assaulted by the two guys we met in that horrible night club.”
“Are you serious!”
“Yes. Had I followed your lead, and left with you, I may have never met Michael in the past.”
The past, and the night she was almost raped, flashed in her mind, as if it occurred yesterday.
“Pauline, they were so rough with me. I fought one off, while the other man ripped my panties off.”
Tears rolled down Artesia’s face.
“I remember them taking me to a remote spot near the highway, and forcing me to lie down on the cold ground. I could still feel the rocks denting in my back. Then the same man, who ripped my panties off, got down on his knees, unzipped his pants, and spread my legs. I fought him off until I was out of breath.
“Wait, he was going to rape you on the side of the road.”
“Yes.”
“Sick fucks! What happen, to hinder their plan?”
“A semi-truck was heading toward us. His glaring lights, and him honking his horn made the man stop. The other man lifted me up and threw me in the back seat of the car. He got in beside me and held my body against the seat. I was driven down a dark and isolated road. I remember the car slowly stopping, but not coming to a complete stop. The same man sat up, opened the door, and threw me out. I somehow hit my head, and that’s all I remembered, until Michael, mentioned the word, Dove.”
“Dove?”
“Yes, the name he had given me, since I couldn’t remember my own. Pauline, why is this happening now? I’m content with my marriage. I even discontinued taking my birth control pills. I want a family, I want to settle down, and grow old with my husband.”
“Didn’t you tell this guy you are in love with your husband?”
“Yes, and then Michael threatened me he would tell Tristano we knew each other prior to me meeting him.”
“Actually, that’s not a bad idea.”
“It’s a disastrous idea. I never remembered Michael years ago, and I know Tristano. He would think I held that piece of information from him.”
“Artesia, Tristano is your husband. He married you, because he loves you. Do you really think what Michael says to him, would change that?”
“Pauline, I hope you’re right. I do love Tristano; I love him with all that I am.”
Artesia began to cry.
Pauline hugged Artesia.
Tears that she longed to shed over that unfaithful night spilled forward, and her dilemma with Michael and her future happiness with her husband, made them roll faster
“Go on let it out.” Pauline hugged her Godsister even tighter. “Don’t worry, we will figure something out.”
WHEATFIELD ESTATES
Old Westbury, New York
Michael’s Residence
Tristano unsnapped his seatbelt, opened his door, and got out; he pushed the door close and strolled up the lit concreted pathway to Michael’s residence. He lifted the British cast iron doorknocker and knocked it against the affixed strike plate. He allowed the knocker to rest in place.
Tristano looked around the quiet spacious grounds, and then at all the neatly aligned parked cars in attendance.
Damn, he really did not want to be here.
He turned back around to face the door. He reached down and rang the doorbell.
The butler walked to the door and opened it.
“Yes, I’m Mr. Giordano the III, and Mr. Barron is expecting me.”
“Yes certainly.”
The butler stepped back.
Tristano entered Michael’s residence. He looked around for Artesia.
The butler closed the door.
“Everyone is gathered in the great hall. You may follow me.”
Tristano followed the butler. All he wanted to do, was pay his respects to the host, grab his wife’s hand, and leave.
Mrs. Giordano crossed the room.
“Son.”
Tristano turned around.
“Mother where is Artesia?”
“I have not seen her.”
Michael entered the great-room. He walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink.
“I’m sorry Michael, I can’t do this, please understand. I love my husband too much to return to the past.”
What a fucking loser she married he thought.
Tristano spotted Michael at the bar.
“Excuse me mother.”
“Son, I told you, she may have gone home with someone else.”
“Mother not now!” Tristano muttered through clenched teeth.
He strolled over to the bar.
“Excuse my tardiness, now that I’m here, let’s get this meeting underway.”
Tristano spotted a lipstick smear on Michael’s collar, and got a whiff of his wife’s perfume he bought her as a wedding gift.
“Where the fuck is my wife!”
“Oh yes, we were just in the pool-house, talking. After she composed herself, she left. It must had something to do with her being unfaithful. One thing I could say, for her to be married, her lips still taste good, and her breast nipples wow, she…”
Tristano drew his arm back, and punched Michael in the mouth.
Michael spit a glob of blood on the carpet.
Everyone stopped talking and looked over at the two men.
Mr. and Mrs. Giordano ran over to the two.
“Dad, fuck this piece of trash’s business. I’m out of here.”
“You may as well accept it, your wife is in love with me, I was the one she gave her virginity too.”
Tristano stopped in his tracks and turned around.
“What the fuck are you talking about!”
“Your sweet wife never mentioned to you we met years ago while she lived in London. How she shared my bed, gave me her virginity.”
Mrs. Giordano’s mouth dropped.
“Not to worry, you will never taste that sweetness again.”
Michael smacked his lips.
“That’s funny, I did tonight. Between us men, tonight your sweet and beautiful wife and I just rekindled our old flame.”
Tristano drew his arm back. Mr. Giordano caught it.
“Let’s go son, this asshole is out of line, and we will not be held accountable for sinking to his level.”
41 FIFTH AVENUE
New York, New York
Pauline finally got Artesia to calm down. She tiptoed to the door and pulled it close. She looked down at Artesia’s cell phone on the table, and flipped it up.
She strolled through her contacts. Pauline pressed in the number to Tristano’s cell phone. She placed the cell phone up to her ear.
Tristano reached for his cell phone from out his cup holder. If it was Artesia, he was a breath from ending their marriage.
‘Your sweet wife never mentioned to you we met years ago while she lived in London. How she shared my bed, gave me her virginity.’
‘Not to worry, you will never taste that sweetness again.’
‘That’s funny, I did tonight. Between us men, tonight we just rekindled our old flame.’
Tristano maneuvered the steering wheel with one hand. He flipped his cell phone up and placed it up to his ear with the other.
“Hello.”
Pauline took a deep breath.
“Hi Tristano, this is Pauline. Arte…”
“I know who this is; I assume since you have my wife’s cell phone, you know where she is staying.”
Wow, talk about to the point.
“Not to worry Artesia is here with me. She is…”
“You tell my wife, wherever she is at for the night, I suggest she stays there, and she may pick her shit up at my mother’s residence. You tell her not to worry about her whorish antics with that fucking bastard; I will be filing for divorce tomorrow morning.”
Tristano flipped his cell phone down, and then turned it off. He threw it down on the passenger seat.
Pauline cranked her neck to look down the short hall.
“Artesia... I’m so sorry.”
MANHATTAN UPPER EAST SIDE
740 Park Avenue
Manhattan, New York
Tristano’s Penthouse
Tristano opened the door to his residence and entered. He slammed the door close. He took off his suit jacket, tossed it on the couch, and hurried to the bedroom.
Tristano walked over to the closet, and opened it. He lifted two luggage and rushed to the bed. He laid them on top. He opened both luggage and stormed over to the dresser; he pulled all the drawers open. He lifted Artesia’s clothes, returned to the bed, and threw several clothing items inside the luggage.
“Faithful wife my ass, fucking adulterous whore.”
He threw a stack of clothes down in the other luggage. He walked to the dresser, and lifted all of Artesia’s toiletries.
“Damn, I should have stuck my dick inside Kelly months ago when I had the fucking chance! No, blinded by love is every man’s curse.”
Tristano stopped and sat on the bed. He slicked his hand back through his hair in frustration.
“That’s funny, I did tonight. Between us men, tonight we just rekindled our old flame.”
Tristano stood and finished stuffing everything Artesia owned into both luggage. He closed them, lifted them off the bed, and walked to the door.
41 FIFTH AVENUE
New York, New York
Artesia rolled over and opened her eyes. The sunlight glare through the curtains blinded her momentarily. She pivoted her head and looked at the clock.
“Eleven o’clock, shit.” She rolled over and sat up. She felt her head. “Ohh.”
“I think you may need this.”
Pauline stood in the door with a cup of coffee in her hand. She entered her guest bedroom and sat on the bed.
“Here you are.”
She handed the cup of coffee to Artesia.
“Thank you, and thanks for listening last night.”
“Hold off on the praises.”
Artesia took a sip of the black strong java.
“What is it?”
“I took it upon myself to call your spouse last night, to tell him you were safe.”
Artesia placed her cup of coffee down on the nightstand.
“Thank you.”
“Aah…Artesia, Tristano, said and I quote, ‘You tell my wife, wherever she is at for the night, I suggest she stays there, and she may pick her shit up at my mother’s residence. You tell her not to worry about her whorish antics with that fucking bastard; I will be filing for divorce tomorrow morning,’ unquote.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“He ended our marriage without talking to me.”
“Yes.”
“Where is my cell phone?”
“I placed it under your pillow, just in case he called you while I was sleep.”
Artesia reached under her pillow and grabbed her cell phone. She flipped it open and looked down at the screen.
No one has called her.
She pressed in her redial button.
GIORDANO ACCOUNTING FIRM, CPA’S
Financial District
Manhattan, New York
Tristano lifted his cell phone out his briefcase and looked down at the cell phone number. He flipped it open and placed it up to his ear.
“What do you want?”
“Good morning Tristano.”
“Artesia, what can I do for you?”
“Why didn’t you call me last night?”
She looked over at Pauline and crossed her fingers.
“Artesia, I’ve filed for divorce this morning.”
“Divorce, are you serious? And on what grounds?”
“Adultery. You will find your belongings at my mother’s residence, and I expect you to sign those papers.”
“Tristano, you are my husband, and I’m your wife, and married people talk things out.”
“Artesia, have a nice life, I have to go. Our marriage was good while it lasted. You have now been given your freedom to fuck any man as you please; however, it would not be behind my back any longer.”
“Tristano please, can we talk? I really, really, really need you now,” Artesia cried in her cell phone. “There are things that we need to discuss.”
“Dammit, discuss what! How you gave your pussy away to Mr. Barron last night. I saw the lipstick on his collar; I smelled your scent all over his person. I refuse to be married to a whore any longer!”
“Baby, I swear to you that is not how things developed. Please meet me at home so we could discuss this. Please Tristano, for once, will you have faith in your wife and our marriage.”
“Do not call me any longer; if you proceed, I will bring you up on telephone harassment, oh, I also filed a restraining order against you. You are not to come within one hundred feet of my presence.”
Tears rolled down Artesia’s cheeks.
“Don’t shut me out Tristano, I need my husband’s arms, please don’t do this to me, not now, just allow me to explain this.”
“Dammit, our marriage is over you whore!”
“I love....”
Tristano flipped his cell phone done in Artesia’s ear.
Artesia slowly flipped her cell phone down.
“Pauline, he filed for divorce, my marriage is over.”
“Artesia, you’re an attorney, go and explain to the man this is all a misunderstanding.”
“Pauline, I’m emotionally hurt, I’m done, through.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I do not have the strength to make a marriage work, if I am the only one committed to it.”
She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand.
“You know, he even went so far as to file a restraining order against me.”
“I’m waiting on the punch line for that.”
Pauline looked over at Artesia.
“Please tell me you’re kidding.”
Artesia stood and walked to the bathroom.
“I can’t believe he filed a restraining order against me, his own wife.”
Pauline heard Artesia mumbling to herself, before she shut the door.
“Asshole,” Pauline hissed.
LAKEWOOD MANOR
Yonkers, New York
Giordano’s Residence
Later That Day
“Mrs. Giordano, there is a Mrs. Artesia Giordano here to see you.”
Mrs. Giordano placed the book she was reading down on the table.
“You may show her in.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Mrs. Giordano stood. She has been waiting for this moment in time.
Artesia entered the parlor.
The servant bowed and pulled the door close.
“I was advised my husband left my things here.”
“Yes, I will have the butler to load them in your means of transportation, and since your marriage did not last past a year. You will not profit from the prenuptial agreement.”
“I am aware of that.”
Her emotions were raw, numb, and the fight in her fled the moment Tristano hung up in her ear.
“Take care of yourself Mrs. Giordano. I will wait in my car for your butler to bring my belongings out to me.”
Artesia turned around, strolled to the door, and walked out the parlor.
Mrs. Giordano rushed across the parlor over to the window
Artesia waited in her car. She looked down at the red circled markings.
“Ooh, this sounds like a nice neighborhood.”
Mrs. Giordano watched Artesia sitting in her car.
“Now my son can find a decent woman to marry, and settle down with.”
She let the curtain go.
ONE 57 CONDOMINIUMS
Manhattan, New York
One Week Later
Artesia walked out to her vehicle and opened the door. This was her first day of employment as a junior partner at a prestigious law firm. She felt excited her dedication to her profession has finally paid off, but wow, she missed Tristano something terrible. She wanted to call him, and asked him where the papers she has been waiting for are, and tell him she loved him.
She got behind the steering wheel and placed her briefcase and cell phone down on the passenger seat. She pulled the door close and snapped her seatbelt. She pivoted to lift her cell phone; she flipped it open, and looked down at the screen.
“No missed calls. Why want you call me Tristano? Please don’t let our marriage end like this, please.”
She hated she had to change her cell phone number, after Preston hounded her once he found out her marriage was in jeopardy, however, she did leave her new cell phone number on Tristano’s cell phone voicemail. And she went so far as to advise him of her new position; hoping he would call and congratulate her, take her out to dinner, talk out their misunderstanding, following some all-night make-up sex.
She flipped her cell phone close and leaned her head back against the headrest.
“You know you are the spare air I breathe, I love you baby.”
“He really doesn’t love me anymore.”
Artesia wiped the tears away with the back of her hand and sat up. She placed her cell phone back on the passenger seat; she plugged the key inside the ignition, and backed out of her parking space.
GIORDANO ACCOUNTING FIRM, CPA’S
Financial District
Manhattan, New York
“Darling, will you please talk to your son. He has been coming to work intoxicated, and according to the cleaning crew, he was found face down asleep at his desk four o’clock in the morning, and I swear, he has worn the same article of clothing for three days now. In addition, he has not bothered to shower or shave.”
Mrs. Giordano took a deep breath and exhaled.
“Our son is not carrying on as a true Giordano man of distinction, and his eccentric behavior is starting to affect his work ethics. Just the other day, I found him sleeping on the conference room table, with his palm wrapped around a fifth of Jack Daniels reeking heavily of liquor, and his eyes were bloodshot.”
“I will talk to him.”
“You would think since that harlot is out of his life, he would move on and find a suitable woman to marry.”
“Dear, did it ever occur to you that our son loves Artesia? No, it most certainly did not. Now that you got what you wanted, was it really worth the expense of your son’s future happiness?”
“I hate to admit it, but no. I should never have meddled in our son’s private affairs, but I only wanted what’s best for him, and if it’s.…”
“His wife’s name is Artesia.”
Mrs. Giordano took a deep breath.
“Could you please talk to him?”
“I will.”
PENDERGRASS, MEYER, AND GIORDANO LAW FIRM
Manhattan, New York
Two Days Later
Tristano waited in his car across the street. He watched Artesia get out her car, and walk across the street. He never realized how beautiful and youthful his wife appeared, until he allowed another man to steal her from him. He wanted her back with a hunger; he was miserable without her, and he wanted things the way they use to be between them.
“Oh Tristano, I love you so much. I really do. I’ll be a faithful wife to you, I promise.”
Damn, if only he had listened to her when she begged him too.
Artesia entered Pendergrass, Myer, and Giordano Law Firm.
Tristano twisted the top back on the bottle of Jack Daniels and tossed it on the passenger seat. He twisted the key inside the ignition and drove off.
PARK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY
Park Ridge Country Club
One Week Later
Pauline, Jen, Artesia, and Danica, applied another coat of pearl white paint evenly to the flat yellow walls of the Park Ridge Country Club.
“My arms are tired.”
“I will buy everyone dinner tonight if we at least get the gymnasium painted before night fall.”
“You’re on.”
“Wait a minute ladies, I really do not understand why I have to buy dinner, this was a joint adventure remember.”
“Yes, that was the ownership, not the remodeling part.”
“I told her, I will pay for all the renovations.”
“No, since we are now the new owners, it will be fun to say we did this together.”
“Then dinner is on Artesia tonight.”
“Could you ladies use an extra pair of hands?”
Artesia froze. She held her breath, and slowly turned around.
Tristano stood near the entrance door. He looked handsome in a pair of black denim jeans, a black Yale fleece, and a pair of black Nike sneakers. His five o’clock shadow added to his roguish appearance.
“Yes. Is there perhaps a convoy of men behind you as well?”
Tristano’s eyes never left Artesia’s eyes.
“On speed dial if warranted.”
“Okay everyone I smell a break.”
“But we haven’t finish.”
Jen poked Danica in her side.
“Oh yes, I could really use a break.”
“Hey, don’t leave me with all this work.”
All three women strolled out the gymnasium.
Artesia turned back around and finished painting.
Tristano walked into the gymnasium. He lifted a paint roller, rolled it inside the metal pan, and applied a thin layer of paint to the stark wall.
“Artesia could we talk.”
“Aren’t you violating your own restraining order?”
“Which you knew there never was one.”
“Tristano, what do you want? If you want the divorce papers signed, I have not received them. If you have them with you; I’m willing to sign them.”
“Artesia, can we talk.”
“It seems that does us no good.”
Artesia bent over and laid the paintbrush over the paint can. She walked away from Tristano. He loved the way her denim jeans hugged her derrière.
Tristano placed the paint roller back on the metal pan. He lifted his cell phone from off his hip clip, flipped it open, and dialed out.
Artesia assembled the drop towel near the base of the wall. She looked over at Tristano.
Their relationship is over. It’s time she moves on she thought.
Tristano flipped his cell phone close and replaced it on his hip clip. He turned and walked over to Artesia.
“Mrs. Giordano, can we talk?”
“Tristano, I do not have anything to say. This was a wasted trip, please leave. The ladies and I have work to complete.”
Artesia turned her back on him.
Tristano wrapped his arms around Artesia’s waist and pulled her body against his chest. He leaned his forehead on the back of her head.
“I want my wife back, God, I need you so much. I can’t live without you Artesia.”
Tristano hugged her tighter.
“I miss holding you, I’m drowning, and I’ve been miserable without the consolable arms of my wife.”
He hugged her even tighter to him, and then rested his chin on her shoulder blade.
“Baby, I can’t breathe.”
Artesia pushed Tristano’s arms down and turned around.
“I kind of like being free. I realize I do not need to be married to be happy, excuse me Tristano, and have a good life.”
She stepped forward.
Tristano blocked her path.
“You do not love me any longer?”
“That isn’t the point. Dammit Tristano, you do this shit all the time. We fight, or even when we have a disagreement, you do not even stay to see it through, no, you clam up, and then you shut me out. Afterwards, I have to deal with the mental abuse. I loved the idea of loving you, but the intellectual icon of it is just not worth it, now excuse me, please.”
Artesia walked to the door, and then out the gymnasium.
“Pauline, can you finish up, I placed the drop towel down. I will see everyone tonight to celebrate.”
She looked over at Tristano who stood in the doorway of the gymnasium. She refocused on Jen, Pauline, and Danica. “Remember ladies, tonight at Bossa Nova Civic Club, there will be celebrating to do, and then dinner is on me at Le Bernardint .”
“We may be out of here sooner than later.”
Pauline saw five company paint trucks pull around the circular driveway of the country club. Several men stepped out the vehicles.
“Ooh, nice looking men,” Danica let out.
“Ooh, I agree,” Jen stated. “You go on along Mrs. Giordano, I’m sure us single ladies can handle this.”
Pauline, Jen, Danica, and Artesia, stepped aside as a crew of painters entered the country club.
Several men carried elongated ladders, numerous men carried buckets of paint in both hands, and three men carried the necessary painting apparel.
“Ladies.”
One of the painters winked at Pauline.
Jen, Pauline, and Danica followed the painters.
Tristano stepped aside.
“Ladies, do not count on my wife joining you this evening.”
Pauline stepped back.
“Good luck; however, you hurt my Godsister after this. You will deal with me directly. Do we understand each other Mr. Giordano?”
“Perfectly.”
Tristano watched Artesia walk out the door.
Artesia looked back at the entrance to the country club. Where was Pauline? Surely she knows she is her transportation. She heard someone exit the country club. She pivoted to watch Tristano advance toward her.
“I could give you a ride.”
“No thank you, I’m waiting on Pauline.”
“I don’t think she’s coming.”
“Then I’ll wait.”
“Come on baby, I can drop you off, at our residence, and keep it moving.”
“Since we are no longer married, my residence according to the pre-nup I signed.”
Tristano grabbed a hold of Artesia’s hand, and walked over to his vehicle. He squeezed her hand.
“So that you know, I will get out, and you will remain in your vehicle.”
“All right.”
Tristano opened the passenger door. Artesia got in. He pushed the door close.
Artesia snapped her seatbelt and leaned back in the comfort of the seat. She remembered in better times, when they had dinner in New Jersey; afterwards, the two driving back to their residence, making love all night, and then going to breakfast in the morning.
Tristano opened the door, and slid behind the steering wheel. He pulled the door close and snapped his seatbelt.
“If you’re hungry? Before I drop you off, we can go and grab a bite to eat?”
“No thank you.”
Tristano inserted the key inside the ignition, started the vehicle, and pulled off. He placed his hand on the back of her seat. He inched his fingers downward and stroked the back of Artesia’s neck.
“You look sexy in a pair of jeans.”
“Thank you.”
“I read in the newspaper about the purchase of this country club, which was scheduled for demolition. What made you and your friends purchase it.”
“I wanted to give back to the community.”
“Something you always have done.”
“This time around. We have several programs on the agenda.”
“Such as.”
“Several tutoring classes, tennis and swimming classes, a latch-key after school program, a parenting class for teenage mothers, moreover, since Danica and I, are practicing attorneys, we came up with the idea to open an office two Saturdays out of the month to offer free legal advice to the residents, and then, since Jen is a professor at Rutgers School of law, she will assist twelve graders with filling out a resume, pre-employments skills, economical skills to survive outside of the classroom, oh, and getting them ready for the SAT exams. In addition, Pauline will handle all the marketing, government grants if needed, and the advertising aspects. Then we are all in agreement to lease some of the vacant offices.”
“I’m proud of my spouse, and of course, your friends.”
“Thanks.”
Tristano stopped at a red light.
“Oh, do you have the divorce papers.”
“I...I… yes.”
“How is your mother coping now that you’re a single man back on the market?”
Tristano looked over at Artesia.
“I’m not a single man.”
“You’re dating! I...I mean you have someone in your life.”
“You could say that.”
Artesia looked out the window. And to think she was saving herself.
“I suppose, your mother likes this new woman in your life.”
“I’m not for sure, and my mother’s opinions never mattered.”
“Whatever you say Mr. Giordano the III.”
“I’ve missed hearing you call me that.”
PARK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY
Artesia’s Residence
Tristano pulled into Artesia’s driveway.
Artesia angrily unsnapped her seatbelt.
Tristano turned off the ignition, and withdrew the key.
Artesia reached for the doorknob.
“Goodbye Tristano.”
She opened the door, got out, and slammed the door close.
Tristano opened the door, got out, and pushed the door close.
Artesia pivoted.
“Just where do you think you’re going.”
“I have to use the bathroom.”
“Try another excuse.”
“Baby, I’ve been on the road, since six o’clock this morning, and I drove straight to the country club, after you sign the papers, I’m history.”
“Yes, we would not want to keep your new lady love waiting.”
Artesia unlocked the door, and entered her residence. Tristano trailed behind and closed the door.
Artesia sat on the couch; she bent over, and removed her sneakers. She stood, walked over to the answering machine, and turned it off.
I can’t believe he’s dating, and the nerve of him to still wear his wedding band. Maybe she should have taken her rings off.
Tristano walked into the living room. He sat on the couch.
“Come over here and sit down, we need to talk.”
Artesia turned and walked over to the couch. She took a seat.
“Yes.”
Tristano moved aside a curl obstructing Artesia’s view. He palmed her hands in his.
Both found each other’s eyes.
“What do we need to discuss?”
“To place my mind at rest. What happen to you the night of Mr. Barron’s dinner party?”
“Nothing.”
“That was not the description I was given. Mr. Barron explained in lament terms you were in love with him.”
“That is untrue.”
Artesia took a deep breath.
“Tristano, it doesn’t matter any longer. As my husband, you should have come to me, and demanded the truth, no baby, you turned your back on me, you kicked me out of our home, and to add insult to injury, you gave your mother what she wanted, which is me out of your life.”
Artesia fingered her curls backwards.
“You were not standing alone at the Justice of the Peace, that day. We married for better or worse, something you refuse to uphold.”
“Artesia, did you sleep with Mr. Barron the night of his dinner engagement? I only want the truth, not to worry; I’ll still sign the divorce papers.”
“No, we strolled to the pool-house. He explained to me we met....when…when I was younger.”
“Is that true.”
“Uh.”
Artesia removed her hands and pivoted her head.
“Artesia look at me.”
Artesia turned toward Tristano. She dropped her head. Tristano lifted her chin and turned her face to meet his.
“Is it?”
“Yes, I was a teenager and my father was stationed in London.”
Artesia inhaled and exhaled.
“My parents allowed me to stay with Pauline and her family for three weeks. Well one night, when Pauline’s parents were out for the evening. Pauline and I decided to visit a gentlemen nightclub. There, we met these two older guys.
Pauline knew they were trouble the moment both sat at our table, so she tried to convince me to leave, stubborn me, I refused. Somehow, by the night’s end, I ended up in the two guy’s vehicle. They…they attempted to sexually assault me.”
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
“I ended up being thrown out of a moving vehicle and developed some form of amnesia. And yes, Michael did rescue me, we…ah…he told me the night of his dinner party, that I eventually gave him my virginity.”
Artesia watched Tristano’s flinching emotions.
“Tristano, Michael wanted me to sleep with him that night, and if I refused he was going to tell you I gave my virginity to him in the past. And yes, Michael did try to kiss me, but that was the extent of it. I fled his presence because I love my husband, and only you. I guess sticking to my moral belief of being a faithful wife was not enough for this marriage, or for you.”
Artesia took a deep breath and sighed.
“Can I sign those papers now, I’m tired, and I could really use a hot bath.”
Copyright©SKC-2021
Published 30th Jan 2021
Author's Note
I will be bringing to you the last six remaining chapters of this novel and the epilogue
SKC
SKC
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
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seams they may get back together not sure one thing i do see is they still love each other very much
awesome my friend
awesome my friend
3rd Feb 2021 3:06am
A compliment coming from you is worth more than gold and silver thank you my friend for reading as well. Have a blessed and safe evening, in addition, a prosperous Wednesday (Hump Day).. your special day written in the stars
