Rebound (36 page)

“
Well, you certainly made
up for it the next day.” I kissed his arm. He looked at me and
leaned in, kissing my lips, magnetically pulling me closer to him.
His hand released mine, stretched its way toward my lower back, and
gripped me on my backside. His right hand snaked under my knees and
in one fell swoop he pulled my body to his lap.

“
You’ve got to stop
picking me up, you’re going to hurt yourself.” I
admonished.

“
Shut up.” He silenced my
mouth with his fervent tongue. I moaned at his command and his deep
kiss. He’s so gorgeous and sexy that I couldn’t help but
demonstrate my passion for him. Despite all my scolding about
picking me up, I am most drawn to him because he is strong enough
to physically pick me up. Part of me hopes that he can also pick me
up emotionally. I’m so afraid of getting hurt again. With each
kiss, lick and nibble, my doubts about his feelings faded
away.

I pulled away and said, “We should get
back. They’ll wonder where we are.” He cupped my chin again and
gave me one last peck. That kiss melted my insides. I put my legs
down and he pushed me up by the hips. Once he stood, he took my
hand in his, and gave it another kiss. In my life, I’ve never had
so much affection given to me. He was usually so serious that the
ease in which he kissed me made me think that this was
real.

As we walked toward the house, I
decided to invite him to Chelsea’s wedding. “Matt, I’m wondering if
you would like to escort me to my friend Chelsea’s wedding. It may
be short notice with your schedule, but if you’re free and up to
attending, I’d really like you there.” I asked, hoping he would
accept. Meeting families and attending weddings in such a quick
span of time could prove to be too much.

“
When is it?” He seemed to
be calculating his plans for the foreseeable future.

“
In two weeks from today.
The wedding is in the South Shore.”

He pulled out his phone, and retrieved
his calendar. He frowned and sighed. I could tell that he was
having an internal debate.

“
If you can’t, that’s
fine.” I felt deflated, but didn’t want him to be
conflicted.

“
No. I mean, yes. I’d love
to, but I have to travel that week and I wasn’t due to return until
Sunday after the wedding. I have to change my schedule
around.”

“
Are you going to Spain
that week?”

“
Actually, I’m traveling
to France. Another team wants to retain our practice for medical
treatment. It would bring a lot more business. This team has more
money and they will transport their athletes to the US. I can also
visit them when I’m out in Spain. They’ll even transport me on
their private jet and fly me back and forth from Spain to meet with
the other team.” He sighed, conflicted with what to do.

“
Listen, your trip is
important because it not only affects your career, but that of the
practice. It’s okay. I’ll just have to share my Dad with my sister.
He’s invited too. I won’t be able to dance with him for too long
because he has two bum knees, but I’ll manage to still boogie.” I
smiled, hoping it could convince him that all is fine.

“
I’m not saying ‘no’, but
I’ll need some time to reconfigure stuff, if possible. When do you
have to RSVP?”

“
I already did a month
ago, before we met. Remember, I had no intention of dating, hence I
didn’t use my plus one. Chelsea already extended an invite when I
asked her.”

“
I’ll figure it out.” He
cupped my jaw and leaned in for a kiss.” Let’s go inside. You’re
cold.”

I held onto hope that he would be able
to attend. I knew for a fact that Ben would be there, and I really
wanted to show him that I’d moved on with a very desirable man. Was
it selfish? Absolutely! However, I deserved some retribution for
what he put me through in the last years of our
marriage.

***

After we spent another half hour with
Stella and Craig, we said our ‘goodbyes’ and set off to Matt’s
home. I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. Would there be
pictures of his ex-wife around the house? Would there be things of
hers still in closets and drawers? Did he keep their marital bed?
Would being there remind him of her and forget about me? Those were
questions I wouldn’t dare ask him. It isn’t any of my business.
However, I felt uncomfortable doing anything sexual at the house.
More specifically, on their bed.

Matt pressed the buttons on the visor
of his car and a black gate opened up. He drove us through, pressed
the button again to close it after we drove forward.

We drove up a long winding driveway,
and ultimately arrived at a house. It wasn’t a house. It was a
mansion. And for some strange reason, I felt gutted. I had never
expected to see this amazing sprawling estate in Massachusetts, and
the owner just so happened to be the man I’ve been sleeping with
for exactly a week. I felt ashamed and humbled because he’s seen
the state of my meager apartment. He knew how many jobs I work to
make ends meet. Despite my knowing that he owned several homes, not
seeing them kept me somewhat in the dark as to his financial status
and power. I tried to calm myself from the panic attack that was
rising as we neared the stone lined driveway. He had a four car
garage offset from the house. He pressed another button and one of
the garage doors opened up and he drove in.

The lights unveiled the finished
garage that housed two other vehicles and a motorcycle. “I didn’t
know you rode a motorcycle.” I couldn’t contain myself. I used to
ride with Tommy all the time before he died.

“
I haven’t done so yet
this season, but yeah, I ride. I’ve ridden to Maine. Zipper and
Lark ride with me. The other two don’t care for it as much. We’ll
take it out for a spin when the weather gets warmer. I’ll just have
to buy you some gear.”

“
Some gear?”

“
Helmet, leather jacket,
pants. Better to be safe than sorry.”

“
Sure, of course. My
brother Tommy would take me out on his motorcycle, but there wasn’t
a jacket or pants. He would give me his helmet. Then again, he was
a major risk taker.” My smile faded as my thoughts went to more
sorrowful memories.

“
I’ll show you inside and
we’ll switch cars to the Mercedes.” I spotted a sleek, black
convertible Mercedes Benz. It was only big enough for two people.
Matt unlocked the door leading to the house. From the outside, I
thought it was a detached garage, but it happens to be attached to
the house and there was a wide passageway leading to the main
section of the house.

Matt punched a number code on a
control panel when we entered the house. He switched on lights as
we walked through the house, revealing spectacular sights of art
and décor. It was a mix of masculine with touches of wood and
female touches of marble and brighter colors of blues and greens as
we walked in an open spaced family living area. He showed me all
the rooms and I feigned delight by giving short words for each
thing he showed me; ‘Nice. Great. Beautiful. Charming.
Lovely.’

When we arrived at the master bedroom,
it was beyond my wildest dream. It was enormous, containing a full
seating area with a flat screen television. I walked through the
room, looking to see something of ‘her’, but I saw nothing in
particular. He pulled me to the bathroom. It was the size of my
studio with a large whirlpool tub and a walk in shower that was
double the size of his apartment shower. Everything was white
marble with slight gray undertones. I wandered out after Matt as he
walked toward the master closet. The closet holds enough clothing
for four adults. There were suits, shirts, jeans, sweaters and
shoes filling one side of the closet. The other side was empty,
which I assumed was her side and it seemed to hold more clothes for
a woman than for a man. I couldn’t help but feel insecure because I
only had enough clothes for a dresser and a tall, narrow armoire. I
restricted myself to mixing and matching clothes in order to
stretch out looks because I didn’t have the space to store more.
Most importantly, I couldn’t afford to fill the empty space in this
closet.

“
You have a lovely home,
Matt. How often do you stay here?”

“
Before you? Every
weekend. Since you, today has been the first time since I’ve walked
through the doors.”

“
Oh. I’m sorry.” I felt
terrible that I was taking him away from his regular
routine.

He must have sensed my disappointment
in my response. “No. I enjoy spending time with you. Because you
have to be in town for your jobs, it makes no sense for me to drive
up here on the weekends. I like spending time with you, wherever
that may be.” He pulled me close and kissed me. He walked me to the
bed. I felt the tingles that usually start in my belly spread
throughout my body.

“
We should get back to the
city. I have to get up early for work. And you’re not driving me.”
I poked his shoulder for emphasis.

“
We can stay here and
drive early in the morning.”

“
I’m not sure if I can
stay here.”

“
Why?” He searched my eyes
to see if I would tell the truth.

“
This is your marital
home. I feel awkward. I know it may sound irrational, but I feel
more at home in your apartment because that’s all I’ve known for
these several weeks.” I looked toward the bed as I spoke. He guided
my face to align with his and gave me a kiss.

“
Perla, this is my home.
Not my exes home. She lived here for a short time. I gave her all
of the furniture when we divorced so she could set up her own
place. I refurnished this place with the help of an interior
designer. I want you to feel comfortable here. Besides, you
promised me to make it worthwhile.” He held me tight.

“
Damn your great memory. I
also said that I’d do so when we get back, and I meant your
apartment.” I smiled.

“
Please, baby. I want
you.” He kissed me, and picked me up, which weakened my resolve.
“I’ve fantasized fucking you in this room. I’ve wanted to rip off
this dress all night. I actually wanted to fuck you in the gazebo.”
I laughed to control the shiver that threatened to course from head
to toe.

“
You’re killing me.” I
said.

He picked me up and we made love on
his bed.

In the early morning, Matt drove us to
his apartment where I changed for work. He refused to let me take
the T.

***

Matt made every effort to change his
schedule at the clinic, his staff rearranged appointments and
surgeries, transferred patients who wouldn’t or couldn’t reschedule
their appointments or surgeries to his partners. Ultimately, it
meant he would leave earlier and would stay a little longer in
Europe to accommodate some shifted schedules on the end of his
European patients and the sports teams that he planned to meet. I
was touched that he would make such a sacrifice, and that others
would make so many changes to accommodate my whims. All those
changes meant that he would leave on Thursday instead of Tuesday of
the following week. He’s not expected to return until late Friday
night, essentially make it in the nick of time. I couldn’t wait to
see him at the wedding.

As I stood at the altar beside Chelz, I thought
to the future with Matt. I pictured myself standing before him at
the altar. We would have our hands locked together, individually
saying our vows before a small group of family and friends. We
would only have the maid of honor and his best man. I would have
our nieces as the flower girls and my nephew as the ring bearer.
The wedding would be understated, as this would be our second
marriage. I was lost in my day dream when I heard everyone
laughing. Dougie was amusing everyone with his vows. I looked over
at Matt and found him smiling as he looked at the jubilant couple.
I gave him a soft smile when he turned his gaze to me. He looked so
handsome in his suit. I couldn’t help but be proud of being his
girl.

I fixed my eyes on the couple when I
heard Chelsea speak to Dougie. I didn’t want to miss a word she
said. I knew it took her a long time to formulate the words that
she would express as her solemn vow. I was grateful that Chelz
gifted us an embroidered handkerchief. I needed it to dab at my
eyes as she professed her love and devotion to Dougie. I looked
over at Matt and he looked misty eyed to. When he smiled at me, I’d
hoped to one day become his bride.

I was in a daze until Father Anthony
pronounced them man and wife. I beamed at Chelz when I handed over
her bouquet. She walked off, hand in hand, with Dougie. As
practiced, I linked arms with Jeff, Dougie’s brother and best man.
The procession of bride’s maids and groomsmen followed us to the
back of the Church where we were to be whisked off to the reception
in Quincy. I winked at Matt. He mouthed that I looked beautiful,
which made me feel more radiant.

We drove to the bay to take the bridal
party pictures. Thankfully, we would take the party pictures first
and be sent off to the Reception Hall. Then Chelz and Dougie would
stay for their pictures with their family and by themselves. I was
so happy with the plan because I was getting anxious to give Matt a
hug and a kiss. I wanted to hold him close, breath in his scent,
and feel the euphoria of his skin touching mine.