Trent
I’ve been a good boy for the last few weeks. I haven’t even laid a finger on Beth. Almost getting caught by Parker was a rude awakening. Beth was able to put her clothes on and grab her sweater out of the laundry room before Parker got into the house. As for me, I stayed in my office and got dressed and sober by the entire situation. What the hell was I thinking? How on Earth did I ever think this was a good idea?
Since that night, I’ve been working like a dog, drowning myself reviewing briefs and cases. I’ve been to court three days per week, sometimes up to five. My pent up energy has me killing it in court. I haven’t lost a case yet. This is just the distraction I need to forget about my home life.
Porter barges through the door of my office where I am laboring away over a case that’s scheduled for court in a couple of days. “Hey, Trent. Have you had a chance to look at that case I told you about a few weeks ago?”
“Which one might that be?” I don’t bother to look up. He drops a file folder onto my desk. “This one that you gave to Chase to study. You know, the one where the adult man slept with the underage girl.”
I swallow hard before looking up at him. Fuck. “I kind of forgot about it. Out of sight out of mind.” I force a smile.
“The mom wants to know where we stand and if she has a civil case or not.” Porter takes a seat on the leather sofa, crossing his legs.
“Don’t you think she should work on the criminal case first? I mean, that would set precedence that he’s already been convicted. It would make our case stronger.” I lean back in my chair, hoping to find a way to get out of this one.
“It already went to trial. He was found not guilty. Mom wants him to pay for stealing her daughter's innocence.”
“How the hell did that happen?” This could be my out.
Porter uncrosses his legs and leans forward. “Man, if you had read the file, you’d know that the girl claimed they never actually had sex until she was eighteen. She changed her story. Before, she stated they’d been having intercourse since she was sixteen. The jury had no choice but to acquit.”
I think about my situation with Beth; she’s still only seventeen. We haven’t had intercourse, but I have touched her inappropriately, even if was mutually consented. It doesn’t matter in the eyes of the law. “Do we know why she changed her story?”
“Mom thinks the girl is in love with him. She wants a life with him. Unfortunately, he wants nothing to do with her after the legal battle. I guess it scared him straight.”
“It doesn’t sound like there’s a lot for us to do if she claims they had sex after she was eighteen. No jury in their right mind would give monetary compensation for two consenting adults deciding to take the next step. They would think she’s only out to get him back for breaking up with her.”
“The mom thinks that now the guy won’t talk to her, she might be willing to tell the truth again. It’s up to us to pull it out of her. This was a high profile case when it was in court. It fizzled out after the girl changed her statement. This could be a good opportunity to bring the spotlight on our firm, help us branch out and expand.
Porter is always searching for ways to grow the practice, to become a nationally recognized name like our fathers and grandfathers before us. This case hits too close to home and I don’t want this to be the one to define us. To define me.
“Yeah, I’m not feeling it. Since you’re so gung ho about it, you should take it.”
“You agreed weeks ago to take it, Trent. You can’t back out now.”
“Things have changed. Parker and I are trying to devote more time to our marriage and I have been extraordinarily busy with other cases. I just don’t have the time for this one. I’m sorry. Like I said, you should take it. You’ve clearly got some attachment to it.” I try to restrain the smug smile that wants to escape from my lips. There’s no way Porter would want to jeopardize his sister’s happiness. I silently high five myself for using Parker as the pawn to put Porter in checkmate.
“Fine, I’ll take it. But just know this was your chance at having Trent Davis in the spotlight.”
“You know that’s never been my thing. I prefer the quiet life. I’d be happy just serving our citizens in Boston. I don’t need to be a nationally recognized name.”
Porter stretches himself out on the couch. “What’s up with you and Parker anyway? How are you guys doing?”
I’m kind of surprised he’s asking. Porter and I made a pact a long time ago to not bring Parker up in our discussions. We never wanted our practice or friendship jeopardized.
“You know, marriage is hard,” I answer vaguely. “We’re in a rough patch right now.”
“I know I’ve crossed the line by asking. It’s just you are two of the most important people in my life. I just want to see you happy.”
I lean back in my chair and clasp my hands behind my head. “We want that too. It just may not be together. I can tell you I will always love her. She’s a special person.”
I reflect on how our relationship has morphed over the last twenty some odd years, from childhood friends to lifelong partners. I think about Parker not being in my life every day and a sense of loss washes over me. Perhaps I’ve taken her for granted. Maybe being with me for so many years, giving up her career aspirations, and having three children is making her feel the need to find herself. Maybe I’ve been the asshole in this entire situation.
I stand up from my chair and close the file. “I’m going to get out of here. I think your sister could use a good home cooked dinner from her adoring husband.”
“Now that’s what I like to hear. You go get ‘em.”
I zip down the hall and out into the fresh spring air, heading for my car. I glance around, suddenly aware of how beautiful the afternoon is. Flowers are blooming and the leaves are beginning to grow back on the once dormant trees. The air is unusually warm for this time of the year. It’s seems like the perfect evening to get my grill out of the garage.
Since I haven’t been home to eat in several evenings, I have no idea what’s in the refrigerator. I begin to plan a menu while heading to the store. Filet Mignon and lobster seem like a great grilling choice.
I’m excited and optimistic about the evening in front of me. I can’t wait to have a family dinner full of happiness and laughter like we used to.
***
I practically crash through the door with excitement, calling out for Parker on my way to the kitchen. When she doesn’t answer, I call for the boys. Again, no answer. I finish placing the groceries in the fridge before turning, and find Beth leaning against the doorway to the kitchen.
“Wh-what are you doing here?” I swallow hard. The excitement I felt only moments before is replaced by a large pit forming in my stomach.
“Parker called me about half an hour ago asking me to come over. Something about a last minute meeting. She won’t be back until late.” Beth’s voice was soft. The pained look on her face unmistakable. “You wanted me to be her, didn’t you?”
I don’t say anything. Instead I study Beth’s curves in the lightweight sundress she’s wearing sans bra. My mind instantly goes back to that night in my office. The warmth of her skin, the suppleness of her breasts, and the wetness of her core. I absentmindedly lick my lips, wanting another taste.
“You’ve been working on your marriage. You’ve fallen back in love with her. That’s why I never hear from you. That’s why you’re always at work when I’m here.”
The vulnerability on her face, the tear rolling down her cheek, and the way she’s biting her bottom lip makes me want to take her into my arms and ease all her worries and concerns. I want to take away the hurt I’ve caused. If there was ever a doubt before, there isn’t now. I love this woman.
I step over to Beth and pull her into my arms. Her scent is intoxicating. I close my eyes and take her in through all my senses. The softness of her skin, the smell of her hair, the thought of her breasts in that sundress, and the taste of her excitement. I want it. I want it all. I’m a greedy son of a bitch and I can’t help but want every inch of that perfect body. I thought that being away from Beth would erase all the feelings that were there. I thought I’d be able to focus on my wife. Seeing her here, I can no longer deny what’s been there all along.
I pull her in closer to me, forcing my tongue between her lips and claiming what can only be mine. I want her and need her body wrapped and entangled with mine. I need the heat of her flesh to warm and elevate me to levels I can only experience with her. I lean her back on the countertop and pull off her dress. She’s not wearing any panties. My God, I’ve died and gone to heaven. I brush my fingers along her folds. So wet. So fucking wet.
“I need you!” I cry out desperately.
Beth goes limp in my arms. “We can’t. The boys are upstairs. They could come down at any minute.”
I lower my head to her chest in defeat. Nothing is going right for me tonight.
I stand up and head back to the fridge to pull everything back out. Parker may not enjoy this meal, but my kids will. I’ll make sure of that.
“Have you ever had lobster before?” I ask.
Straightening her dress, Beth replies, “No, I haven’t.”
“I guess tonight will be your first time.” I go about assembling my ingredients and preparing them for the grill.
“I was hoping for a different first tonight.”
I know exactly what she means. She’s giving me a wicked invitation I can’t possibly accept, what one could assume was a simple choice between her and Parker. In reality, it could mean the end of the world as I know it. I’m playing with fire and I’d definitely get burned. Something about it drives me absolutely wild. My entire life, I’ve played it safe. I’ve attended Ivy League schools, married the right woman, settled down in the proper neighborhood, and made a family. Everything I was expected to do. So why am I now so excited about the idea of doing the wrong thing?
“Can you please help the boys wash up for dinner?”
I head for the backyard to get the grill going. Once I get it lit, I take this moment alone to reflect. I search the sky for answers I know damned well won’t come. At least I have some peace and quiet. Nothing to tempt me. If I was in the garden and Eve handed me that apple, I would have eaten it. I would have sinned. I already have. I wonder if I could beg forgiveness and my sins would be forgiven. Part of me wants that. The other wants to play this thing out, see how good Beth and I could be together. I guess that’s everyone’s struggle. Right and wrong. Yin and yang. Why should I think I’m special? I’m just like everyone else. I could choose to take the straight path to redemption or I could take the path less traveled and find my own way. What if that way is Beth? Would I be okay with it?
“Dad! Beth said you’re cooking lobster!” TJ drops to his knees and holds his hand up pleadingly. “Oh, please tell me it’s true!” I laugh. The irony doesn’t escape me that even at his young age he’s eager to give in to temptation.
“Yes, it’s true. You don’t have to beg. But you do have to eat all of your filet mignon.”
TJ gets to his feet. “Sure thing, Dad. That won’t be a problem. I’ll go set the table.”
It’s amazing that when you provide your children something they aren’t used to how eager they are to help get it faster. This simple act lets me know that I’ve done a good job thus far raising them. They don’t feel entitled and they are appreciative of the finer things in life.
I go back inside the house with a different perspective. Interactions with my boys always ground me. Their lives are simple and I live for their happiness. I grab the asparagus, filets, and lobster, and take them to the grill.
Beth follows me outside and leans against the pillar of the patio. “I think we should talk.”
I throw the steaks on first, knowing they’ll take longer to cook. Keeping my eyes on the grill, I respond, “You’re right, but I don’t know if this is the time. The last thing I want is for the boys to overhear.”
“Trent, I love you. I’m all in on you and these kids. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is where I belong.”
She talks like a thirty-year old, but the number seventeen flashes in my mind like a lit up billboard. I place the asparagus on the grill.
“Beth, I love you. I know I do. But I also love Parker. I’ve been with her almost my entire life. Our families have a long history. There is so much that I can’t begin to explain. Plus, you’re seventeen. There are so many things wrong with that.”
“I’ll be eighteen in a few months. I can emancipate myself and become an adult. We could work this out. Tell me you don’t feel that fire between us. When you walk in the room, I can’t help the way my body responds to you. You have complete control over me and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Why does she have to make this so incredibly easy? She says all the right things and I’m like putty in her hands. I’m ready to walk away from everything and give her my world. “There’s gotta be someone better for you out there, Beth,” I say instead. “I’m twice your age. Don’t you want to be with someone your own age?”
Beth places her hands on my cheeks and looks directly into my eyes. “They are all boys. Only a man can treat me the way I need. Only you can make me this crazy in love and full of need. Please don’t say no. Say you’ll think about it.”
How does she know exactly what to say? It’s what every man wants, I suppose. To be made to feel as though he’s his woman’s hero. To feel wanted and needed. Something Parker hasn’t been able to give me for a very long time.
“I can’t give you what you want right now, but I won’t say no.”
Beth pulls back. “I’ll take what I can get. I’m going to help the boys get set up for dinner.” Beth leaves me alone with my thoughts and a grill full of food.
How did I make such a mess out of my life? I’ve asked myself this question a million times, but I still don’t have the answer. It’s not just a sexual attraction anymore. I have real feelings for Beth. She could potentially even be my soulmate. Why couldn’t she be older or me be younger?
I finish the food and take it into the dining room. Beth and the boys are sitting around the table laughing and conversing. I pause for a moment to take it all in. Everything looks so normal. It’s as though we’re a real family. It almost seems possible.
“Dad, come sit next to me. I saved you this seat.” Tyler waves me over. “Mommy—I mean Beth gets to sit on the other side.”
I can’t help but grin at my middle son. He’s always been the sweetest. Very into his family and always wanting Parker and I to sit next to him. This time he has Beth on one side and me on the other. It appears Beth is quickly taking Parker’s place.
We spend the next few minutes talking and eating. Tyler and Tanner play with the lobster claws, pretending to pinch each other. I sit back in my chair and quietly sip my wine, taking it all in. This is what life is all about. Laughter and happiness. This is what Beth and the boys give me.
Right when I think all is right with the world, Parker comes barreling through the door. The shocked look on her face when she glances up at us is unsettling. It’s as though in that moment she’s also realized she’s been replaced. We maintain I eye contact, and I don’t move. So many unspoken words pass between us I can almost see the defeat written across her face.
“Mom, come sit down. I saved you one of my lobsters just in case you came home,” TJ calls out.
Parker takes a seat at the head of the table TJ while runs to the kitchen to get another place setting. I find it very ironic that she chooses that particular place to sit. We always try to make the table more intimate by sitting next to and across from each other rather than at the head of the table. Perhaps this is her way of staking claim to what is hers.
“What’s the occasion?” Parker stares at me, the daggers she’s throwing hitting me straight on in the chest.
“Well, dear, I wanted to do something nice for you. I came home early to prepare you this nice meal, but you weren’t here. Beth said you weren’t going to be home until late.”
“It’s not our anniversary.” Parker smiles at TJ when he places the dishes in front of her. “You’re right. I’ve been working longer hours. I was talking to your brother and realized I needed to be home and spend some time with you and the kids. I thought it would be nice to do something special. The boys have been enjoying themselves and the lobsters.” I wink at TJ as he stuffs another piece of the crustacean into his mouth.
Parker places a napkin in her lap. “I’m sorry I’m late then.”
“Mommy, look what I can do with the claw.” Tanner picks up his napkin and raises it up in the air.
“That’s very nice, dear. But you know that’s not very good table manners.”
Tanner puts the napkin back in his lap and takes a sip of his drink, resigned to the fact that playtime is over.
Beth pushes back in her chair. “Thank you, Mr. Davis for allowing me to stay. I should get going.”
Parker doesn’t pay any attention to Beth. I’m a little perplexed by it.
“I’ll walk you to the door.” I follow Beth out.
“Bye, Beth!” the boys call after her.
Beth smiles and responds cheerfully, “See you tomorrow, boys.”
When we get to the door, Beth turns around and winks at me. “Thank you for exposing me to my first taste of lobster. The entire meal was delicious.”
She proceeds down the walkway to her car. When I shut the door, I’m startled by Parker standing next to me.
“Are you attracted to her?”
Parker’s question totally catches me off guard. “Why would you say that?”
“Oh, I don’t know. The way you were just looking at her?”
“Don’t be silly. I was just making sure she got to her car okay. That’s what a gentleman does. I’d do the same for any woman.”
“Yeah, but you don’t look at other women like that. Hell, you barely look at me like that.”
I try to remain calm even though my heart is beating out of control. “I don’t like what you’re insinuating and you shouldn’t even go there. Now let’s sit down, finish the meal, and try to enjoy one another’s company.”
Parker shakes her head as she enters the dining room. I take a few deep breaths to steady myself before jumping into the lion’s den.