Society Wives (3 page)

Together, they exited the shower and toweled off. Only cordial words passed between them as they dressed. Nadalia took her time putting on her clothes, adding extra effort into trying to be sexy as she did so––arching her back and extending her toned legs. Sage didn't seem to notice. Quietly, they finished dressing and headed out the door.

Chapter 5

Pearson

Pearson and Niles' ride to the Beckingham Country Club was silent, save for the soft jazz emanating from the radio. She gave Niles the space he needed to shake off his irritation with her for starting the party early. She had finished the entire bottle of wine while she was getting dressed. Pearson didn't mean to make him mad. She never meant to, yet she always did.

“If it bothers you this much, I promise I'll take it easy tonight. I just need to take the edge off when we get together,” she said, referring to the wives.

Niles kept his eyes on the road, tucked in his bottom lip and nodded.

Halfway there, as a sign of a truce, Niles reached over and took her hand. He held it the rest of the way. Pearson looked out the passenger window wearing a small smile. At that moment they were fine, she couldn't speak for the rest of the night. All she knew was that he meant the world to her even if she didn't know how to show it.

Minutes later, they pulled into the circular drive at the members-only country club. The valet scurried over to Niles' side of the car, while another opened Pearson's side, extending his hand to help her exit.

“Mr. & Mrs. Day,” the valet on Niles' side greeted them with a nod. “How are you this evening?” the lanky young man asked.

“Great! And you?”

“Wonderful, Sir. Now don't worry about this beauty,” he said, patting the hood of the Porsche before hopping into the car. He fingered the steering wheel in admiration. “I'll take good care of her.”

As Niles and Pearson turned toward the elegant dining room in one of Beckingham's several restaurants, Pearson spotted Anderson and Ryan Lee pull up in his latest toy—a Maserati.

“Pearson,” Ryan called out in her small voice.

Pearson pretended not to hear her until Niles turned back. Still, Pearson didn't answer until Ryan called her a second time.

“Hi, Pearson,” Ryan cooed. “You look lovely.”

“Thanks.” Pearson looked Ryan over, assessing her petite frame in a shapeless black dress. With her hair pulled back into a chignon, she looked like a little boy in girl's clothing.

Anderson on the other hand, being the A-list man that he was, looked debonair, even in jeans, a t-shirt and a sports jacket. A diamond sparkled from his left lobe and his bald head shone under the light. Ryan held on to his hand as if she wanted everyone to know he belonged to her.

“My man!” Anderson greeted Niles with a handshake, man-hug and a winning smile. His teeth glowed. “Pearson.” Anderson nodded before kissing her hand.

Charm oozed from his aura. Anderson looked around, smiling and nodding at all the people gawking at him.

“Are we the first?” Anderson asked Niles.

“I'm not sure. We just got here.”

The men stood talking while Pearson tapped her foot. She couldn't wait to get inside and get a drink. Just then, Mike and Vonita pulled up. Pearson released a breath. At least she could have a conversation with Vonita. She had a personality, unlike Ryan, who Pearson thought had as much character as spaghetti without sauce.

“Hey, Pearson,” Vonita said as the women embraced while the men continued to chat.

“How's Noelle?”

“Great. She's home this weekend, but she's adjusting to boarding school very well. It's me who's having separation issues.” Vonita released a hearty laugh. Everything about her was full bodied.

“That's good. Don't worry. I went away to school my whole life. She'll be fine and so will you.”

“I sure hope so. Oh! Hey, Ryan,” Vonita said turning her attention. “I didn't even see you.” Vonita pulled her into an embrace. “How are you?”

“I'm great, Vonita. Thanks!”

Silence settled between the women as the men continued with laughter and easy banter.

Pearson was just about to suggest they go inside and get drinks when she heard Nadalia's whiny voice. They pulled up in a brand new Aston Martin. Pearson decided she wouldn't acknowledge the car, she'd see how long it would take for Nadalia to mention it.

“Hello everyone! Are we the last to arrive?” Nadalia asked as she exited the car in a lavender ruffled maxi dress and purple platforms. Her long jet black hair was parted in the middle and hung straight down the sides of her face.

The women said nothing.

Sage came around the car, kissed the women and fell right into the men's groove, shaking hands, offering hugs, and starting up with the jokes.

“Take care of my baby,” Nadalia said to the valet as he drove off. She turned back to the woman. “Can you believe Sage surprised me with that car on
his
birthday?” She shook her head, beaming with joy.

The other woman just smiled. Pearson waved dismissively.

“Well, ladies and gentlemen, let's get this party started,” Nadalia said, bouncing toward the entrance.

Pearson hung back with Vonita at her side. She looked at her watch, wondering how much longer she'd have to tolerate the crew.

The moment they were seated, Nadalia made sure the waiter knew it was her husband's birthday. Pearson immediately ordered a bottle of their finest Merlot and wondered what the others planned to drink.

The time passed easily for the men, while the conversation between the women didn't flow. Nadalia did most of the talking or bragging, as Pearson called it. With the Merlot flowing through her system, Pearson thought things were going well until Nadalia decided to toast her husband's birthday.

“Sage, sweetie! I just want to say how much I love my new car.”

Pearson rolled her eyes and took a sip of wine. Niles squeezed her free hand under the table.

“Get to the birthday part,” Pearson said.

Ryan lowered her head and snickered. Vonnie admonished her with a look, shook her head and chuckled. Nadalia twisted her lips before continuing.

“Sage, honey. Happy birthday and may we share many, many more together. This is for you.” Nadalia pulled out a box. There were smiles around the table, except on Pearson's face.

Sage took the box and tore off the paper, revealing a Louis Moinet watch. Sage's eyes stretched and he stood to kiss his wife.

The couples cheered.

“Come on, baby. Put it on!” Nadalia took his hand, but paused for a quick moment before she helped him take off the watch he was wearing. Her smile faded in that moment, but she recovered quickly.

Pearson caught Nadalia's subtle leer. She took a sip and peered at Vonnie over her glass, noticing that she'd caught the slight change as well.

Pearson eased her hand from Niles' hold. He'd kept her pinned down for as long as he could.

“Okay, my turn.” Pearson staggered to her feet. “Sage,” she started, but felt Niles pulling on her hand again. “Ouch! Let go!” She yanked her hand from his grasp. He stood beside her. “Anyway, Sage. I just want to say happy birthday and next time, buy yourself something. Nadalia's got enough shit of her own.”

“It's been a great evening.” Niles jumped in before Pearson could say another word. “But it's time for us to go.” He acknowledged the women with a nod. “Ladies,” he said, then turned to the men. “Gentlemen, I'll see you on the green in the morning. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

Niles practically pushed Pearson out of the restaurant and ordered the valet to bring his car. Pearson waited for him to scold her, but he kept quiet. She held on to her glass of wine until he snatched it and handed it to one of the other valets, causing the wine to tumble over the rim.

Niles side-stepped the spill, making sure it hadn't stained his shoes, and then shook his hand, trying to get rid of what had trickled on him. When the car arrived, Pearson flopped into the passenger seat. Niles slammed the door, slipped in on his side and sped off.

Pearson felt disoriented when Niles nudged her awake. She hardly remembered leaving the country club. Niles helped her out of the car and then held her weight as she leaned on him. Pearson giggled as she tripped up the three steps leading from the garage to the mud room, where she kicked off her shoes. One went flying into the kitchen. She heard Niles sigh.

“Come on. Let's get you to the room.”

Pearson wanted to look at him, but felt as if she'd lost the strength in her neck. It lolled in his direction. One thing she was sure of was the love she felt as he held her by her waist and led her to their bedroom. As sketchy as things were, his care and gentle touch penetrated her altered state. She appreciated him so much, but her tongue was too heavy to put those feelings into words.

She felt herself smiling as Niles peeled off her dress and unclipped her bra, leaving her in the matching lace panties. After removing his clothes, he folded himself against her back and held her.

When Pearson woke the next morning, she didn't remember leaving the bedroom. Nor did she understand why she was lying across the dining room table—naked. She looked around and climbed down, and then held her palms against her throbbing temples.

Pearson went into the kitchen and she popped two aspirin, washing them down with a sip of water. A stiff drink could make her numb again and she wouldn't feel so low. Resisting the impulse, she tip-toed upstairs, hoping that Niles was still sleeping. He was and she released a thankful sigh. Silently, she pulled a gown from the drawer, slipped it on and looked back at Niles to make sure she didn't wake him.

Pearson headed back down to the great room, flopped on the couch and hugged her knees into her chest. She rocked as tears rolled down her cheeks. She wished she had more control over herself in the presence of liquor, but it had become her oxygen. Living without it frightened her. How else would she breathe?

Chapter 6

Nadalia

Nadalia squeezed her eyes against the morning sun pouring through her bedroom window. She stretched and reached for Sage, but found his side of the bed empty. Sitting up, she trained her ears toward the bathroom to see if she heard him in there. Hearing nothing, Nadalia pulled the covers back and tipped downstairs to find him in the kitchen standing over the toaster, sipping a steaming cup of coffee.

Pushing her long dark strands away from her face, Nadalia hugged herself against the slight chill and sat down at the breakfast nook.

“Morning,” she said.

“Hey, babe. Morning. Want some coffee?”

“Sure.” Nadalia yawned, still tired from the previous night's festivities and the fact that it was just after dawn. “You're up pretty early.”

“The boys and I are hitting the green, remember?”

“Oh!” She nodded. “I forgot.”

“I was just making myself some toast. Want some?”

“No. I'll just have the coffee for now. I may even get back in the bed. What time do you think you'll be home?”

“Probably around noon.”

“Okay.” Nadalia paused, trying to think of how to position her next question. She wanted to know where the watch he wore to his birthday dinner came from, but she also didn't want him to think it was a big deal. “That was a nice watch you had on last night. Of course the one I bought you blew that one out of the water.” She chuckled attempting to take the edge off her question.

He placed a cup of coffee in front of her. Light and sweet, just the way she preferred. She took a sip before continuing. “I don't remember seeing that one before. Was it new?”

“Yeah. I'd been looking at that watch for a while. I picked it up yesterday as a present to myself. Had I known you were going to buy me a Moinet, I could have saved my money.”

“Yeah!” Nadalia felt a little relieved. “You never mentioned it. I could have gotten it for you.” There had been an awkward air between them for some reason and she wanted to make sure no other woman was trying to get between her and her husband by buying him expensive gifts. Not that he would admit it, but if she paid close enough attention to his response, it could clue her in on if another woman had been involved.

Sage had never given her reason to believe that he was cheating, but being undeniably handsome, a former NFL player who maintained his athletic build, and the owner of a successful sports marketing business, he was fair game to some, despite the platinum ring on his finger.

“So how's work?” Nadalia wanted to stir up more conversation.

“Busy, but promising.”

“I've missed you around here.”

“I know, babe. You know how busy things get every year around this time. Everyone wants to take advantage of getting in front of sports fans during basketball and football season. People spend more during this season than they do all year and that's why they come to us.”

“I know.” She dragged her words out and sighed. “Things are pretty busy for us, too. We have so many custom orders for the holidays. Now that I'm overseeing design, my schedule is even crazier than before. We're doing a beautiful mink and cashmere poncho for Coach Tate's wife. It's coming along beautifully. And,” Nadalia clapped her hands, “our new line of faux vests will be launching in boutiques across Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto and New York in time for the holidays. We're in negotiations to release the line in London right after the New Year!”

Sage finished his coffee and toast in silence, which gave Nadalia's mind space to wander. The holidays and the impending Super Bowl were always a trying time, but she didn't like the distance she felt growing between them.

Sage brushed the toast crumbs into the trash can, gulped his last sip of coffee and placed the mug in the sink before looking at his watch.

Nadalia slid down from the stool at the breakfast nook and stepped behind Sage, hugging him. Sage turned around and looked down into Nadalia's eyes. His looming frame dwarfed her five foot six inch body by nearly a foot.